By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Texas educators returned home with new ideas, resources and connections after attending the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference last month in Providence, Rhode Island.

The conference featured hands-on workshops, farm tours and sessions designed to help educators incorporate agriculture into a variety of subjects and grade levels.

“The National Ag in the Classroom Conference gives teachers the opportunity to learn directly from agricultural and educational leaders while connecting with fellow teachers from across the country,” said Carson Read, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) education coordinator. “The ideas and resources they gain help them bring agricultural concepts into their classrooms in fun and engaging ways. We’re proud to support Texas teachers who are dedicated to helping students better understand where their food, fiber and fuel come from.”

For Tami Bhadai, a science teacher at Dr. William Long Elementary School in Pharr, the conference provided fresh ideas to expand existing agricultural programs and introduce students to new opportunities.

“I have a Junior Master Gardener program, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to see what the conference had to offer so that I could expand my programs and teach others what I’ve learned,” Bhadai said.

She said one of the most valuable aspects of the conference was discovering practical tools she can immediately implement in her classroom.

“As a curriculum writer, it’s going to help me develop lessons that really engage students,” Bhadai said. “I learned about ways to hook students into scientific concepts and found new resources that connect agriculture to what they’re already learning in the classroom.”

She believes introducing students to agriculture at an early age helps them discover potential career paths and better understand the industry that supports their daily lives.

“Kids are sponges. They’re going to absorb everything you give them,” Bhadai said. “Why wait? Introduce them to agriculture now so they can begin exploring those interests before they reach middle school and high school.”

The conference gave Mackenzie Haverland, an English teacher at Windthorst High School, new ways to incorporate agriculture into literature and classroom discussions.

“I’m always looking for ways to incorporate agriculture in my English lessons,” she said.

Haverland has a background in poultry and beef cattle and often incorporates agricultural themes into novels and historical lessons. The conference expanded her knowledge of different sectors within agriculture beyond those familiar to herself and her students.

“I believe that you, as a teacher, you have to broaden your horizons so that you can broaden your students’ horizons. I have learned so much this week that I’m really excited to bring home to my students and teach them about,” Haverland said.

Bhadai and Haverland were both awarded a TFB scholarship to attend the conference. The scholarships helped cover conference registration fees, airfare, hotel and expenses.

Additional educators who received TFB scholarships included Jennifer Jasper, Marla Sonsel and Amber Talsma.

Michaelle Coker, a science teacher at Central Heights High School and 2025 Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher Award winner, attended the trip and presented at the conference.

Alison Davis and Nathan Melson also gave presentations at the conference.

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