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Educators recognized for agricultural curriculum

Michigan Farm Bureau has recognized Joseph Ankley as the Agriscience Educator of the Year and Michele Butler as the K-12 Educator of the Year. Tonia Ritter, Manager of Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Department, says both teachers have been nominated by their local county farm bureaus for their dedication to teach young people about the importance of agriculture.

“We have some educators that just do a supreme job of bringing agriculture into their classroom,” says Ritter. “Each year our organization, Michigan Farm Bureau, recognizes an Educator of the Year and an Agriscience Educator of the Year.”

Joseph Ankley started his teaching career just three years ago as the Agriscience Educator for North Huron Schools in Kinde. In that time frame he turned around a struggling FFA program, increased student participation by 300 percent and provides hands-on agricultural learning experiences.

Michelle Butler is a second grade teacher at Paw Paw Early Elementary School in Paw Paw. Throughout the year she incorporates agriculture by experimenting with different plant life cycles and having her students hatch eggs. She also partners with local community members for agricultural lessons and field trips.

AUDIO: Interview with Tonia Ritter (2:29 mp3)