Summer School: Teachers Learn To Add Ag To Their Classrooms
Teachers toured RL&M Cattle Co. in Chambers County during Ag In The Classroom Summer Institute farm visits. On the tour, farmer Jack Robertson explained production methods used at the cattle operation.
By Josie Chance urriculum focused on cattle, C row crops and wildlife resources filled the class schedule for nearly
80 educators at Alabama Ag In The Classroom (AITC) Summer Institute June 1-3 in Opelika. It was Beauregard Elementary School teacher Emily Jennings’ first time at AITC Summer Institute. She said she is excited to take lessons learned back to her students. “There is a big push right now for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education, and that is what ag is,” Jennings said. “Ag is the solution to every standard I need to fulfill, and it is being offered here as a free resource. I can’t say ‘no’ to that.” Teachers, Alabama Cooperative Extension System agents and Alabama Association of Conservation Districts coordinators visited farms and related
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Left: State Rep. Prince Chestnut, D-Selma, discussed education, funding and its impact on students with Emily Jennings from Beauregard Elementary School. Above: LeAnn Jones from Autauga Academy received a box of teaching supplies from Federation Area 7 Organization Director Guy Hall.
industries to learn from experts. Stops included the Southeastern Raptor Center, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dixon Farms in Lee County and RL&M Cattle Co. in Chambers County. At RL&M Cattle Co., Jack Robertson thanked teachers for
their work. “We rely on y’all to raise these kids,” he said, addressing the teachers who toured his cattle operation. “We want to do whatever we can to help y’all do what you do best. If you need us, call us. We’re here for y’all.” In addition to farm visits, teachers learned how to integrate agriculture into their curriculum and subject standards through hands-on activities. They also received continuing education credits and took home more than $450 in supplies, including books, magazines, July 2022
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