By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Texas teachers will gain more knowledge on agriculture and learn how to incorporate agricultural concepts in their classroom through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Summer Ag Institute (SAI).

“The goal of SAI is to provide an immersive, hands-on learning opportunity for teachers to become familiar with modern agriculture and how it can be incorporated into the classroom,” said Jordan Bartels, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Educational Outreach.

The professional development event is set for June 12-15 in Waco.

Throughout the week, agricultural experts and educational professionals will demonstrate agricultural concepts for participants.

“Teachers who attend participate in hands-on workshops, hear from educational and agricultural experts and see agriculture in action through a variety of site visits,” Bartels said. “They take home ideas for lessons and activities and receive resources that help them better incorporate agriculture into their classrooms.”

SAI also allows teachers to get hands-on experiences while building a network with other teachers who are passionate about incorporating agriculture into their lessons and curriculum.

They will visit area farms, ranches and other agricultural businesses. Additional fun, interactive demonstrations will help connect agriculture to classroom curriculum.

“The week is full of unique learning opportunities that look very different than many other professional development opportunities that teachers might have attended in the past,” she said. “Our hope is that teachers are encouraged to attend by their passion or interest in including agriculture into their classrooms—whether they are new to it or have been including agriculture for many years.”

Upon completion, teachers bring home activity ideas, lesson plans and a wealth of resources and experiences. Teachers also receive 36 hours of continuing professional education credits as authorized by the Texas Education Agency.

SAI is open to any certified, active K-12 teachers of any subject area who teach in a public school or K-12 teachers teaching in an accredited non-public elementary and secondary educational institution, as well as Education Service Center or other district educators.

Bartels noted the content will have a focus in science.

“The knowledge gained from the week and the experiences that SAI provides truly positions teachers to successfully add agricultural topics to so much of what they already teach and recognize that agriculture isn’t something ‘extra,’” Bartels said.

The cost is $375 per person, which includes lodging and most meals, but sponsorships from the local county Farm Bureau are often available.

Teachers will be notified of their sponsorship status after registration is complete.

Registration closes May 19.

For more information and to register, visit texasfarmbureau.org/aitc or contact TFB’s Educational Outreach team at 254.751.2569 or edoutreach@txfb.org.

Additional information on other educational opportunities can also be found at texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.