Harrison Middle School English teacher Stephanie Benton was honored to be named this year's recipient of Arkansas Ag in the Classroom's (AITC) Teacher of the Year. This award, sponsored by Arkansas Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom program, honors one Arkansas teacher each year who skillfully integrates the concepts of agriculture into a non-agriculture curriculum. Agriculture is the largest industry in the state of Arkansas, and this award was created to recognize and honor outstanding educators for their efforts and achievements in teaching students the importance of this vital field.
Throughout the school year, Stephanie Benton's 7th and 8th grade English students learn about ways agriculture impacts people's lives, the environment, the economy, our national heritage, and our national security. As a culminating activity, each student writes an argumentative essay recommending a suggestion their local community could utilize to make better choices relating to food nutrition and safety. Students then present their ideas to a panel of community members, sharing and defending their recommendations.
As a recipient of the AITC award, Stephanie Benton will receive a $1,000 award, an iPad Air tablet, and a scholarship (including conference, travel, meals, and lodging expenses) to attend the 2024 National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
On hand to present the award were Nick Simon, Boone County Farm Bureau Association President; Donette Spann, Arkansas Director of Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom; Nita Cooper, Boone County Farm Bureau Association Vice President; and Jeremy Miller, Northwest Arkansas Farm Bureau District Director.