Nourish the Future Teacher leaders Dinean Batchelder (NJ) and Christine Girtain (NJ) presented a session at the New Jersey Science Convention! They helped teachers learn about agriculture-based curriculum that fosters critical thinking and inspires students to solve real-world problems. Reaching students is critical to filling the job gap in agriculture-related careers.
The twenty attendees ranged from middle and high school teachers to school administrators. "The response was incredibly positive," Batchelder said. "Many stayed to engage in further questions, and one attendee plans to apply to become a NTF teacher leader. She was so excited!"
Christine Girtain, a NTF teacher leader and coach, was named the 2022-23 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year. Girtain, who serves as director of authentic science research at Toms River High School North and High School South, is a 27-year teaching veteran and High School North graduate.
Girtain has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Nourish the Future program. In her role as coach, she has encouraged and supported other teachers as they learn more about connecting their science programs to agriculture. We are fortunate to have her on our team.