What Is Agriculture in the Classroom

Agriculture Advocate A National Award Program National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) I. Our Mission: Increasing Agricultural Literacy through K-12 Education

II. Our Vision: Agriculture is Valued by ALL

III. What is the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization’s Definition of Agricultural Literacy? An agriculturally literate person understands and can communicate the source and value of agriculture as it affects quality of life.

IV. What is the Agriculture Advocate Award? Who is eligible? National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) would like to recognize a volunteer who goes above and beyond their regular job duties in a volunteer capacity to promote experiences in and through agriculture by:  promoting agricultural literacy for students in Pre K-12th grade  integrating information about the food and agricultural system and  assisting students in understanding the pivotal role of agriculture in the local, national and world economy.

Eligible Applicants:  Educators in the context of programs/efforts outside the formal classroom setting  Volunteers involved in agricultural literacy efforts  Agricultural literacy staff outside of their job description

The winner will receive a $500 honorarium and up to $1,500 in approved expenses to attend the National AITC Conference, where he or she will be recognized at an awards ceremony. The approved expenses to be reimbursed are only available to the award winner, and cannot be used for family members or others traveling with the winner. States can submit only one nominee each year. Only states in good standing (NAITCO dues paid and state report filed) are eligible to nominate a volunteer for this award. State contacts must submit nominations and reimbursement requests with receipts. V. How are the nominations selected? Judges will select an individual who utilizes agricultural information and materials with their program(s) in an effort to promote agricultural literacy and the importance of agriculture. Activity focus may include, but is not limited to, an understanding of agriculture’s impact on personal lives, national heritage, the environment and economy. Innovative and interdisciplinary programs are encouraged.

VI. How are nominations evaluated? All nominations will be evaluated by a panel of judges familiar with agriculture, education, and Agriculture in the Classroom. The NAITCO Alumni Committee will select judges (from different regions) to evaluate the applications. Note: AITC State Contacts who submit nominations may not serve as judges.

Evaluation Criteria (100-point scale with each category being worth 25 points)  Creation and Utilization of Agricultural Information – Developed a program or activity that effectively increased agricultural literacy and taught students about the importance of agriculture. Organized groups of volunteers and combined efforts with other groups, etc.  Student Impact – The number of students and/or teachers impacted by this program/activity, and the number of times students and/or teachers have been impacted.  Program/Activity – The degree that this program/activity supported the AITC mission and use of AITC materials and resources.  Innovation – The level of creativity of the program/activity, and the degree to which the program can be replicated.

VII. Deadline for Submitting Application

The application must be received by 11:59 p.m. on March 1, 2016.

VIII. Where to Submit: State Contacts must submit this nomination online at http://agclassroom.org/teacher/award.htm (log-in required).

Questions: Contact Willie Grenier (NAITCO Awards & Recognition Co-Chair) [email protected] Phone: 207.287.5522

Winning nominees will be notified by April1, 2016. National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization 2016 Agriculture Advocate Award Nomination Form