What is Ag in the Classroom?

Ag in the Classroom is a non-profit educational foundation sponsored by South Carolina Farm Bureau, which was created to promote awareness and recognition of the importance of the sources of our food and fiber.  Agriculture and related agribusinesses are the number one industry in the United States, and the number two industry in South Carolina.  The program is comprised of three parts, including lesson plans and related materials, professional development workshops for teachers, and county Farm Bureau support. 

Who is eligible for this award?

We are seeking applications from South Carolina certified teachers of grades Kindergarten through eight who are integrating exemplary agricultural education programs into their school curriculum.  Teachers may nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else.  The nominee must have designated and implemented a lesson/unit/project about the food and fiber industry within the last school year (August – June).  There is no membership requirement to apply.  South Carolina Farm Bureau State Women’s Committee awards the winner a cash prize and an expense-paid trip to the South Carolina Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Myrtle Beach, SC, which is held the first weekend in December.

What are the criteria for selection?

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. Value 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 or other established education standards.

Student Impact — 25 Points

Evidence of nominee’s impact on student attitudes and overall learning.  

How do I apply?

Complete the nomination outline and narrative responses and return by April 30 to the following address:

South Carolina Farm Bureau
State Women’s Committee
P.O. Box 754
Columbia, SC 29202

A panel of judges will review the applications and notify winning applicants by August 31. 

For additional information, contact:
Maria Samot, Director
SC Ag in the Classroom
P.O. Box 754
Columbia, SC  29202

South Carolina Farm Bureau
State Women’s Committee
Betty J. Dewitt Outstanding Educator Application
Deadline – April 30

NOMINATION GUIDELINES:

1. Complete the nomination outline.

2. Provide a narrative response to the following three items (a, b, & c) listed below: When writing narrative, please consider the evaluation criteria.

NOTE: The narrative portion is limited to two (2) pages for each item.

Each page (maximum of 2 per item) should be labeled with appropriate heading, as noted below:

a. Describe the unique and innovative approaches to advancing agricultural literacy in the classroom.

b. Identify the teaching methods employed (i.e; experiential, case study, etc.). Specify agricultural concepts taught and which academic areas of study were utilized. What was the depth and duration of the activity? Explain how these learning experiences helped advance State and/or National education standards.

c. Explain how these activities helped students better understand the impact American agriculture has had on personal lives, our national heritage, the environment, the national security, and the economy.

3. The following supporting documentation must be included:

Endorsement by an Administrator —A letter (signed and dated) by a school administrator substantiating the nominee’s excellence in and dedication to the teaching role.

Endorsement by a Co-worker —A letter (signed and dated) by a co-worker substantiating the nominee’s excellence in and dedication to the teaching role.

4. Supplemental Information:

Any additional information deemed essential for the nomination, such as additional letters of support, color photographs, additional awards/ recognition, etc., may be included in an Appendix. The Appendix should not be used to expand the two page limitation of the narrative sections. Furthermore, the Appendix shall not be presented in a bound form such as a scrapbook, notebook, or folder and shall be limited to items printed/copied on 8 1/2 x 11 paper.

For a nomination application, click here.