Twenty teachers from across the country recently had the opportunity to experience hands-on science learning and much more in New Orleans! These teachers are in an elite group, chosen on the basis of their experience, location, and educational setting. Nourish the Future (NTF) is an educational program sponsored by National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the United Soybean Board (USB).
The group had met once before in a webinar, but this was their first time together in person. A reception Wednesday evening provided a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other.
The workshop began on Thursday with a greeting from educationprojects.org's CEO Jeanne Gogolski, who explained the importance of reaching teachers with this information, as they are the ones influencing the next generation of talent for the growing field of careers related to agriculture. Nathan Fields, vice president of production and sustainability for NCGA, spoke about his organization’s commitment to supporting teachers and reaching students.
Educationprojects.org's education specialist and grower Heather Bryan presented facts about agriculture today, then led the group through a variety of labs and activities that connected science standards and ag topics such as plant growth, soil and sustainability, and water quality. Small groups were asked to create peer presentations connected with Next Generation Science Standards and a unit storyline to show other participants what they’d learned.
Commodity Class is a huge annual trade show that showcases the latest innovation and technology in agriculture. At a panel discussion at the NCGA booth on the show floor, several NTF coaches, along with NCGA’s Sustainable Ag Research Action Team vice-chair Dana Allen-Tully and Ohio Soybean Council’s Director of Research and Education Tom Fontana, shared with an audience about the connection between industry and education.
“We are good at farming, so we do that,” Tully said. “Fewer people are involved in ag on a regular basis. This program is a way to inspire teachers to help people understand where food comes from, what’s in it, and how to incorporate ag in the classroom.”
Fontana mentioned the plethora of jobs related to agriculture. “Our industry needs bright young people. There are so many things you can do—planting, research, marketing, logistics, data, food production, and more!” 30% of these jobs go unfilled each year due to lack of qualified applicants.
Next, the teachers explored the trade show floor on a scavenger hunt. Afternoon science labs demonstrated lessons on energy and biofuels. An educationprojects.org evening reception allowed teachers to meet and mingle with industry leaders.
In Friday morning’s general session, the group heard United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and other commodity leaders talk about current agricultural issues. After more time to talk to industry reps on the trade show floor, teachers gathered for labs on biotechnology and populations.
The Nourish the Future Teacher Community Conference wrapped up Saturday morning with a leadership session and curriculum work. Teachers will work individually or in small groups to create new curriculum to supplement the lessons on the Nourish the Future website.
Ohio teacher Cait Maloy summed up her experience: “Thank you so very much for this amazing opportunity to see and talk to people in the Ag industry from all across the nation! It was heart-warming and reassuring that so many people in the industry were excited and optimistic about a group of teachers attending the conference. It was an inspiring opportunity and reinvigorated my passion for teaching, especially with the knowledge I gained that I can take back to the classroom.”
Applications are now being accepted for the Nourish the Future Teacher Leader Community Class IV. Apply here.