NY teachers soar at Ag conference

By Blake Jackson

Twenty-eight New York teachers embarked on a unique learning adventure thanks to scholarships from New York Agriculture in the Classroom. This program funded their attendance at the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The conference offered a wealth of experiences:

• Networking with over 540 educators from across the US
• Participating in hands-on workshops
• Visiting Utah farms and agribusinesses
• Discovering new resources for integrating agriculture and food systems into their classrooms

The conference theme, "Agriculture Elevated," was reflected in the diverse speakers and workshops showcasing Utah's agricultural scene. Each scholarship covered registration, travel, lodging, and up to 28 hours of continuing education credit – a valuable $2,200 package.

The scholarship recipients represented a wide range – elementary through high school, various subjects, and diverse teaching experience. Adding to the New York pride, several educators received further recognition:

• Monica Chamberlain (Hamilton Central School) won the prestigious 2024 USDA-NIFA National Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award, sharing her inspiring approach to food and agriculture education on a national stage.
• Seven New York educators presented workshops to the over 500 attendees, hailing from diverse locations like Madison County, Niagara County, Long Island, and New York City. Their presence highlighted the innovative agricultural education happening across the state.

New York Agriculture in the Classroom, a partnership of esteemed organizations, encourages you to learn more about their scholarship program. Visit the website (https://newyork.agclassroom.org/) for details. This program empowers educators to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for our food and fiber system in future generations.

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