By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Six Texas teachers attended the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference last month in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The conference equips teachers on how to incorporate agricultural concepts into their classrooms, as well as tour farms, ranches and agricultural businesses.

“The National Ag in the Classroom Conference is the premier ag in the classroom professional development for educators. The conference gives educators an opportunity to network with fellow teachers and educational and agricultural experts from around the country,” said Jordan Bartels, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) associate director of Organization Division, Education Outreach. “Texas was well represented with six teachers in attendance who are passionate about incorporating agriculture into their classrooms and learning new and unique ways to do so.”

During the conference, teachers also participated in experiential learning workshops and brought home resources with the latest technology, methods and tools to integrate agriculture and food systems into their classrooms.

It was an insightful experience for Nathan Melson, who teaches biology, physics, robotics, forensics and some agricultural classes at Dodd City High School.

Melson discovered new ways to incorporate agriculture in his classroom and enjoyed networking with other teachers.

“The conference is an amazing experience for any teacher to go to. I would encourage any teacher to attend at least once or twice in their career,” Melson said. “We have the same goal in mind. We’re trying to help our students grow and learn about agriculture.”

Melson was awarded a TFB scholarship to attend the conference. The scholarships helped cover conference registration fees and up to $700 in airfare or travel to the conference. Lodging and meals were reimbursed from the trip, as well.

Additional educators who received TFB scholarships included Bobby Barron, Kelley Elementary; Emily Williams, Bess Brannen Elementary;  and Michelle Sandley, Three Way Elementary.

Michealle Coker, a science teacher at Central Heights High School presented at the conference.

Melissa Houchin, a teacher at McGregor Primary School and 2023 AITC Outstanding Teacher Award winner, also attended the trip.

For more information on TFB’s Ag in the Classroom program, visit texasfarmbureau.org/aitc.