BEMIDJI, Minn. — Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation announces team transition. Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) works toward the mission of, “Increasing agricultural literacy through K-12 education.” Regional Curriculum Specialists work with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture MAITC Education Specialists to train and support educators across Minnesota in the use of MAITC standards-based lessons, hands-on activities and provide professional development across Minnesota. Regional Curriculum Specialist, Wanda Patsche has transitioned out of her staff role with MAITC to devote more time to her family business and enjoy the rewards of her favorite title, Grandma. Wanda’s passion for agriculture is contagious, “There is no greater educational gratification and societal benefit than to teach our students where their food and fiber comes from.” Wanda will continue to consult and engage with MAITC as her passion for agriculture and education is undeniable. Wanda’s contributions have helped MAITC reach the goal of infusing MAITC Resources in classrooms in every county in Minnesota.
MAITC welcomes to the team, new Regional Curriculum Specialist, Emily Ponwith. Emily and her husband Ryan are fifth generation farmers, raising three young children, in south central Minnesota. They grow corn and soybeans and have a small herd of angus cattle for direct-to-consumer beef sales. Emily is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.S. in Teaching and Learning from Minnesota State University-Mankato. She was fifth grade teacher for eight years. Emily has great enthusiasm. “During my time in the classroom, I enjoyed using Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom resources. Over the years, my students have loved learning about agriculture and asking questions about our farm! I am eager to collaborate with fellow educators to implement agriculture literacy in their classrooms. I am excited to be able to combine my passion for education with my passion for agriculture.” Emily will showcase her family farm and conservation tillage practices on the “Soil Fuels Success” virtual teacher tour, July 20th, as part of the MAITC Summer Teacher Tour series, Ag-spiration!
To learn more about MAITC and the Summer Teacher Tour series visit www.minnesota.agclassroom.org or visit Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom on Facebook. To support MAITC, contact Ann Marie Ward at MAITCExecutiveDirector@gmail.com or 218-556-1436.
— Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation
For more news from Minnesota, click here.
