AGriculture in the Classroom
Indiana's Contact:
Isabella Chism, Farming the Classroom
Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc.
P.O. Box 1290
Indianapolis, IN 46206
P: (317) 692-7830
F: (317) 692-7854
E: ichism@infarmbureau.org
Each state organization addresses agriculture education in a way
best suited to its own needs. In some cases, an all-volunteer
network is responsible for teacher education and materials
distribution. States have formed educational nonprofit
organizations which have the benefit of a tax-deductible status.
In some states leadership is provided through the departments of
education, agriculture or other government agencies; in other
states through agriculture organizations or commodity groups;
some through universities or colleges; and in some cases through
the dedicated efforts of one or two individuals.
Some state organizations have employed full and/or part-time
persons to support Agriculture in the Classroom. A few states
have reassigned government agency personnel to lead the AITC
efforts. There is no one best method to administer Agriculture
in the Classroom but the combined efforts of volunteers and
professional staff are vital ingredients for success.
Regardless of the structure, Agriculture in the Classroom has
advanced because of a cooperative spirit among the participants.
There is an AITC presence in every state and territory.
Representatives from Canada have attended many USDA sponsored
AITC national conferences and have now hosted two national
conferences in Canada. Requests for information about Ag in the
Classroom come from many countries around the world and from
other organizations wanting to learn how to deliver their
programs with equal success.
The strength of Agriculture in the Classroom comes from its
grassroots organization and the fact that educators are very
much a part of the movement. Giant strides have been made since
1981. Agriculture in the Classroom is regarded as a refreshing
and flexible educational program designed to supplement and
enhance the teacher's existing curriculum.
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