By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Teachers’ efforts to plant seeds of knowledge about agriculture can earn them recognition from the state’s largest farm and ranch organization.

Each year, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) awards one teacher the Agriculture in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher Award.

This award is presented to the teacher for their innovative, multi-disciplined and continued efforts to teach students about the importance of agriculture.

“Cultivating a passion for agriculture can start in any classroom,” said Jordan Bartels, TFB associate director of Organization Division, Educational Outreach. “Farm Bureau wants to recognize and reward teachers for the creative and innovative ways they incorporate agricultural concepts into their curriculum.”

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, the environment, national security and the economy. Innovative and interdisciplinary programs are encouraged.

Previous winners of the award are not eligible.

Teachers who have been previously nominated but weren’t selected may be nominated again.

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

“Teachers’ efforts are critical to grow an understanding of and appreciation for agriculture with the next generation of students,” Bartels said.

Applications are due Sept. 16 and must be submitted via 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 $600 cash award, as well as an expense-paid trip to attend the 2024 TFB Annual Meeting in Round Rock Dec. 7-9 and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference next summer. The nominating county Farm Bureau also will 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.