Arkansas Ag in the Classroom Outstanding Teacher Award
The Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program will honor an Arkansas teacher that integrates the concepts of agriculture into non-agricultural curricula. Agriculture is an important part of everyone’s life, and is the largest industry in Arkansas. The concepts and issues of agriculture can support the teaching of many academic disciplines. This award was created to recognize and honor an educator in Arkansas for efforts and achievements in teaching students the importance of agriculture. The winning teacher will be awarded an expense paid trip to the National Ag in the Classroom Conference and a $500.00 cash prize.
Who is eligible?
Any certified teacher currently engaged in classroom instruction at the Pre-K through 12 levels who is integrating agricultural concepts into non-agricultural curricula is encouraged to apply.
What are the criteria for selection?
Teachers must utilize agricultural information and/or materials within the classroom curriculum in an effort to assist students in learning the importance of agriculture. Learning activities may include, but are not limited to, understanding agriculture’s impact on personal lives, the environment, the economy, our national heritage, and national security. Innovative and interdisciplinary programs are encouraged.
What are the criteria for evaluation?
- Creativity and Utilization of Agricultural Information (25 Points)
The degree to which sound agricultural concepts have been infused into the classroom curriculum. Reference should be made to the creative methods utilized in advancing student learning.
- Interdisciplinary Approach (25 Points)
The degree to which agricultural concepts have been included in a variety of subjects and disciplines. Values will be placed on the approach which teaches agriculture across the curriculum.
- Advancement of Educational Standards (25 Points)
The degree to which the nominee aligns agricultural learning activities with state and/or national education standards.
- Student Impact (25 Points)
Evidence of teacher’s impact on student attitudes and overall learning.
How will applications be evaluated?
A panel of judges familiar with agriculture, education, and Ag in the Classroom will evaluate all nominations.
How can applications be submitted?
Self-nominations as well as nominations from school faculty, community leaders, or parents are invited. Applications must be submitted by certified mail postmarked March 21, 2008 to the address listed below:
Andy Guffey
AITC Coordinator
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation
P. O. Box 31
Little Rock, AR 72203-0031
What should be included with the application?
- Two letters of support should be included, one from a fellow educator, mentor, and/or curriculum coordinator, and one from a school administrator familiar with these efforts.
- Written permission to use submitted materials at future AITC functions, on the website, or other appropriate public forums.
- A completed application form.
- Program description statements.
- Any additional supporting information deemed essential to clarifying a nomination may be included in an appendix. The appendix should not be used to provide additional program descriptions, but only supporting information such as pictures or student generated projects.
Program Description
- Describe your approaches to advancing agricultural literacy in your classroom.
- Include a lesson, unit, or project that was used to incorporate agricultural concepts. List original sources used or adapted to develop the lesson, unit, or project.
- Describe the correlation to the Arkansas Standards.
- Describe the impact these programs/methods have on student attitudes and overall learning. Explain how these activities helped students better understand agriculture’s impact.
Download Nomination Form in PDF format
Download Nomination Form in Word format