By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Texas teachers who help students make connections to agriculture through classroom learning can be recognized through Texas Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher Award.

This award is presented each year to an educator for their creative efforts to teach students about the importance of agriculture.

“Agriculture is part of our daily lives, and this award recognizes teachers who go above and beyond to help students make those connections,” said Jordan Bartels, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Education and Outreach. “Whether it’s through science, history, reading or hands-on activities, these teachers are finding engaging and impactful ways to bring agriculture into the classroom.”

A county Farm Bureau must nominate the teacher.

Certified teachers who actively teach about agriculture in PK-12 grade classrooms are eligible for the award. They can teach any subject or content area, with the exception of vocational agriculture.

Learning activities may include, but are not limited to, an understanding of agriculture’s impact on personal lives, national heritage, the environment, national security and the economy.

Teachers who have been previously nominated but weren’t selected may be nominated again. Previous winners of the award are not eligible.

Interested teachers who qualify can contact their county Farm Bureau office to learn more about being nominated.

“There are many teachers across Texas doing incredible work to teach students about agriculture, and we want to celebrate those efforts,” Bartels said.

Applications are due Sept. 14 and must be submitted by email to edoutreach@txfb.org.

All nominations will be evaluated by a panel of judges familiar with agriculture, education and the Ag in the Classroom initiative.

The winning teacher will receive a $1,500 cash award, as well as an expense-paid trip to attend the 2026 TFB Annual Meeting in Waco Dec. 4-6 and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference next summer. The nominating county Farm Bureau will also receive a $400 cash award.

Download the application here.

Visit texasfarmbureau.org/aitc for more information about Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher Award. Contact Bartels at edoutreach@txfb.org or 254-751-2569 with questions.