CCS teacher makes connections at ‘Ag in Classroom’ conference

    Eight Nebraska teachers and volunteers took part in the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference “Field of Dreams,” June 28 to July 1 in Des Moines, Iowa.
    Arlys Cupp, who teaches second grade at Chase County Schools, was among the eight Nebraska teachers at the conference.
     Educators from across the country attended and explored how to use agriculture to enhance classroom learning.
    The conference included keynotes, workshops and tours of ag operations and businesses.
    Cupp was the 2020 Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year recipient, but due to COVID-19, last year’s conference in Utah was cancelled.
    However, her trip this year was paid for as last year’s winner, she said.
     Becky Streff, a fifth-grade teacher at North Bend Central Elementary in Dodge County, was the 2021 Nebraska Ag Teacher of the Year.
    Cupp confirmed it was well worth the trip to Des Moines, having met teachers from all over the U.S. More than 400 were registered.
    “It was also great to meet the Nebraska teachers. We’ll be able to communicate and come up with ideas,” she said.
    Cupp said her favorite workshop was “Agriculture All Year is as Simple as A, B, C.” It explained how ag educators can be used in all areas of the curriculum, from language arts to STEM.
    Attendees also had their choice of field trips one afternoon.
    One of Cupp’s choices was the “Goats to Go” family operation, which owns a herd of 400 goats. Groups of goats are rented out to landowners to clean out noxious weeks.
    She also traveled to a vineyard, where she learned how grapes are grown and enjoyed some of the product.
    After her first experience at this year’s conference, Cupp said she would definitely go again if she has the opportunity.
     “Teachers who recognize the benefits of incorporating agriculture are such important partners in the our mission,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation.
    The National Agriculture in the Classroom annual conference is held in a new location each year, giving attendees an opportunity to see and experience agriculture all over the country.
    The 2022 conference will take place in Saratoga Springs, New York.