For 60 New York educators the topics of aquaculture, school gardens, oxen, distilleries, sustainability and biodiversity were just some lessons covered at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Portland, Maine., June 26-29.
For the first time, New York Agriculture in the Classroom (NYAITC) dedicated scholarship funding to provide New York teachers the opportunity to attend the professional development conference with a focus on teaching through a lens of food and agriculture.
NYAITC is an outreach program of Cornell University to increase the agricultural literacy of students so they can understand and communicate the value of agriculture as it affects their daily lives. New York teachers networked with educators from across the country, participated in experiential learning workshops and brought home resources with the latest technology, methods and tools to integrate agriculture and food systems in their classrooms.
NYAITC also recognized Amy Gosier as one of eight recipients of the National Award for Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Gosier, a first-grade teacher at Milton Terrace Elementary in Saratoga County, created a cross-curricular experience to teach her students about corn production.
Gosier and her students took part in regular video chats with an Iowa corn and soybean producer throughout the harvest season and helped solve real problems on the farm. Gosier plans to use the information and resources she learned at the conference to incorporate a “Friday Feature” in her classroom each week where she highlights a different agricultural concept.
Scholarships for the conference were awarded to 51 teachers, 8 Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and a post-secondary administrator. The teachers spanned grade levels from Pre-K through grade 12 in all subject areas, and ranged in teaching experience from new educators to those who have been teaching for 32 years. The scholarships, with a value of $1,2000, covered National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference registration, transportation, lodging and 28 hours of professional development credits.
Katie Carpenter, director of NYAITC, expressed pride that attendees represented each region of New York state. Teachers came from districts north of the Adirondack Mountains in Franklin County, west to Buffalo, throughout the heart of Central New York, districts surrounding the capital district, Long Island, and a contingent from four of New York City’s boroughs.
While at the conference, teachers were introduced to new ways to integrate agriculture into their curriculum. The teachers learned how to educate themselves and their students on important topics affecting the world, according to Carpenter. Along with the educational opportunities, New York explored the Old Port and enjoyed fresh Maine lobster.
Rae Schraver, a teacher from Cambridge Central School in Washington County, said at first he was most excited about the opportunity to travel to Maine. “What I didn’t know was how truly amazing it was to be surrounded by people from all over the country who have the same love and passion for agriculture and education as I do,” he said.
Bethany Perry, a 6th grade science teacher in Malone Central Schools in Franklin County, said “This was one of the best conferences I have ever attended. I am coming home with a treasure trove of ideas and resources. The energy of the shared passion and enthusiasm was amazing. Thank you for this incredible opportunity, I cannot wait to share with my students, colleagues and district.”
New York Agriculture in the Classroom thanked the New York Farm Bureau State Promotion and Education Committee for assistance in reviewing applications and providing recommendations in this competitive process.
A full list of recipients can be found on the New York Agriculture in the Classroom website.
