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Michigan agriculture educators of the year named

Photo courtesy of Michigan FFA

Two West Michigan educators have been recognized for their work bringing agriculture into the classroom.

Michigan Farm Bureau has named Tony McCaul of Careerline Tech Center in Holland the Agriscience Educator of the Year and Heather Klimsza of Reeths Puffer Pennsylvania Elementary in Muskegon the K-12 Educator of the Year.

McCaul tells Brownfield he established the county’s second agriscience program eight years ago which today brings together students from 17 different high schools as part of the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District.  “We actually have a theme called ‘Diversity Leads to Opportunity’ in our program and so all year we focus on what does that mean? Ottawa County is really diverse and Michigan being the second most diverse in the nation really helps.  We talk about being from different programs to being from different schools, different backgrounds, what diversity means and all the career options out there.”  McCaul says classroom learning includes hands-on experiences and visits to local farms or agricultural entities as well guest speakers to highlight the multifaceted career choices in the ag industry.

Klimsza includes nature themes of the Common Core Kindergarten curriculum into her classroom daily. Her students learn about plant growth from seed to harvest and utilize the school’s garden, greenhouse and hoop-house to learn more about food production.  She has also led a districtwide composting student effort to reduce waste and recycle at local schools.

Michigan Farm Bureau made the announcement as part of National Agriculture Week and teachers will receive a cash prize to continue their agricultural education efforts.

AUDIO: Interview with Tony McCaul

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