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Summary 2023 — Oregon

State Contact

Ms. Jade Davidson
Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation
200 Strand Agriculture Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331
P: 541.737.8629
E: jade.davidson@oregonstate.edu
Website

Innovative Programming

Oregon AITC has continued to offer a popular subscription box program to 3-5th grade teachers. This program is available exclusively to teachers new to Oregon AITC network as an introduction to the program and integration of agricultural literacy themes in their classroom. Each month, participants are provided with all supplies needed for seasonal grade-level appropriate lessons. With funding from a Specialty Crop Block Grant, we plan to continue this program for at least three more years.

Oregon AITC has continued to offer subject-based professional development to in-service educators. Oregon AITC partners with subject matter experts to facilitate both virtual and in-person workshop offerings and offers a higher value item or supplies corresponding with the topic discussed. Topics included Classroom Greenhouse (participants provided with a small classroom greenhouse), Hatching Science (participants provided an incubator), Food Science (participants provided various supplies for conducting taste tests), Cheesemaking (participants provided mozzarella cheesemaking kit).

Major Program Impacts or Outcomes

  • 96% of teachers participating in trainings this year plan to incorporate AITC resources into their classroom.
  • 82% of surveyed pre-service teachers plan to use AITC resources when they begin their careers.

Program Leader Biosketch

Jade Davidson graduated in December of 2023 from the University of Georgia with her PhD in Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. She also holds a Master's in Agricultural and Extension Education from UGA as well as her Bachelor's of Science in Coordinated Dietetics from Texas Christian University. Jade has experience farming and gardening in several states - Minnesota, Texas, Alabama, and Georgia - and is excited to start her garden in Oregon. Jade started as Executive Director of Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation in January of 2024 and is excited to learn more about OAITC and NAITC over the year.