awards
Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award
six teachers selected for the 2025 National Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award
The National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA), and Farm Credit partner each year to honor teachers in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PreK-12) from around the country for the innovative ways they use agricultural concepts to teach reading, writing, math, science, social studies, STEM, STEAM, and more.
"These outstanding teachers recognize that agriculture is tied to most disciplines and is an ideal foundation for teaching biology, chemistry, climatology, math and more, in ways that students of any age can understand and apply to daily life," said USDA NIFA Director Dr. Jaye Hamby. USDA NIFA is the federal partner for NAITC.
"When students make that real-life connection to the lessons and activities taught in the classroom, they gain literacy in and a connection to agriculture. They'll carry that understanding with them throughout their lives," Hamby said. "Innovative teachers like these are often responsible for awakening a student's love of learning, nature and science."
"National Agriculture in the Classroom is honored to recognize and celebrate these talented teachers for their innovative approach to teaching core academic concepts through the lens of food and agriculture," said Kevin Daugherty, president of NAITCO and director of Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. "Their effort to provide authentic learning experiences for students is critical to creating an agriculturally literate generation who understand and appreciate the source and value of agriculture in their daily lives."
"As the daughter of an educator and a farmer, I've come to see education as the seed from which agricultural innovation takes root and grows," said president and CEO of the Farm Credit Council, Christy Seyfert. "Farm Credit is proud to support and recognize these educators who are fostering agricultural literacy and empowering the next generation to innovate and lead one of the world's most vital industries."
2025 National Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award Recipients:
Susan Irwin, a teacher at Village East Elementary in Aurora, Colorado
Susan Irwin has educational practices that stand out for their interdisciplinary approach, blending STEM, sustainability, and real-world agricultural applications. Her programs, such as hydroponics and poultry care, engage students in critical thinking and problem-solving while aligning with the National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes.
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Erin Pringle, a teacher at Unity Grove Elementary, in Locust Grove, Georgia
Erin Pringle works through partnerships with local farmers, agribusinesses, and the Farm Bureau. Ms. Pringle has developed a robust agricultural education program that brings lessons to life. From cultivating gardens to teaching students about animal care, her efforts create meaningful experiences that foster critical thinking, curiosity, and collaboration.
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Chantelle Hataway, a teacher at Lafargue Elementary School in Effie, Louisiana
Chantelle Hataway completes a year-long integration of agriculture into the curriculum with three raised garden beds, a chicken coop with nine chickens as residents, a compost pile, a compost barrel, a cistern, a hydroponics Fork Farm Tower, and a functional greenhouse. This upcoming year, she will add a wheelchair accessible garden and vermiculture.
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Faye Richards, a teacher at A. Montoya Elementary School in Tijeras, New Mexico
Faye Richards transformed an unproductive area at her school into a vibrant outdoor learning space that benefits both her students and the wider community. She inspires her students to develop a deep respect for agriculture through initiatives such as the school garden, cafeteria composting, and vermicomposting programs.
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Sarah Stenson, a teacher at Attica Elementary in Attica, New York
Sarah Stenson builds academic engagement through the lens of agriculture. The “Growing Our Food with Fish” Aquaponics System has been a transformative project that offers a dynamic and hands-on approach to learning. This project introduces students to the world of aquaponics and serves as a perfect example of how science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics can be seamlessly integrated with real-world practices.
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Brittny Amott, a teacher at Mountainside Elementary, in Mendon Utah
Brittny Amott teaches students to develop a deep understanding of agriculture through the use of aquaponics, hydroponics, a community farm, and hands-on exploration. Through the use of hydroponic systems, students grow various plants including herbs and tomatoes which allow students to discover seeds, roots, leaves, flowers, and pollination.
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Each year the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Farm Credit, and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization recognize exceptional teachers by presenting the Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award. This competitive program recognizes state/territory-selected "Teacher of the Year" recipients for their successful efforts in teaching agricultural concepts in their curriculum. Learn more about the award winners below. Recipients of the distinguished award receive an honorarium of $500 and up to $1,500 for travel related expenses to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference. If you are interested in applying, please contact your state/territory AITC program leader. State/territory Program Leader signatures are required on the application. This is an opportunity to celebrate agricultural literacy enthusiasm and successful teaching about agriculture. Each state/territory is encouraged to submit a nomination.
For more information, contact Andy Guffey.