By Jennifer Dorsett
Field Editor

Teachers from Mansfield ISD’s Tarver-Rendon Elementary learned new lessons in agriculture this week, thanks to Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).

During a day of teacher in-service before the spring semester began, TFB Associate Director of Field Operations Bryce Moore, Director of Educational Outreach Jordan Walker and Area Coordinators for Field Operations Roger Hall and Dan Reed teamed up to provide an overview on ways the state organization can assist teachers in the classroom and help grow their knowledge of agriculture.

But this is no ordinary classroom, according to Mansfield ISD Innovation Specialist Shaye Anne Atwood.

“Our brand and our focus is agricultural leadership,” Atwood said. “Our students receive one-and-a-quarter hours of dedicated agricultural instruction each week, but our teachers incorporate agriculture into every subject.”

TFB was the perfect resource for professional development at the school. Teachers new to the district, as well as experienced educators looking to update lessons, gained invaluable resources and ideas from the experience, according to Atwood.

Moore discussed the history and background of TFB, while Walker spoke about the organization’s educational outreach efforts and resources available to educators.

Reed and Hall covered local resources, connections and community events that may be beneficial to teachers and students as they continue to increase their agricultural knowledge and education, including local farmers and ranchers willing to work with the school for hands-on activities and field trips.

Hall also led a grilling lesson—adaptable to any grade level—and discussed the different cuts of beef and nutritional aspects throughout the demonstration.

“Our group was so excited after hearing from the presenters. It gave them some great takeaways on how agriculture touches every part of our lives,” Atwood said.

The event was co-sponsored by Tarrant and Johnson County Farm Bureaus (CFB). Johnson CFB also provided lunch at the conclusion of the workshop.

“The next day, I already had a committee of six teachers planning a farm-to-table community night in the spring with area farmers and ranchers they connected with through Texas Farm Bureau,” Atwood said. “We’re excited to show the community the importance of agriculture and help everyone understand where our food comes from.”