Growing Minds: Exploring Agricultural Literacy and Resources for Educators Webinar

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Title:

Growing Minds: Exploring Agricultural Literacy and Resources for Educators

Description:

This presentation will explore the importance of agricultural literacy in education and provide educators with valuable resources and programs to integrate agriculture into their classrooms. Attendees will learn about Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom, discover agriculturally accurate booklists and resources, and be introduced to the AgBadging program designed for teachers and informal educators. Additionally, we’ll highlight the AgLiteracy Online Certification Program, an opportunity for teachers to deepen their knowledge of agriculture with a certification (for a fee). Join us to grow your understanding of agriculture and enrich your students' learning experience!

Outline:

1. What is Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom

2. What is agricultural literacy?

3. Share Agriculturally Accurate Booklists and Resources

4. Introduce the AgBadging program available to teachers and informal programs.

5. Introduce AgLiteracy Online Certification Program (There is a fee for this program)

About the Presenter:

Michelle Blodgett is the Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom Manager at Michigan Farm Bureau, where she has been part of the team since December 2017. With 20 years of experience in public education, Michelle has contributed to curriculum planning and development at both the school and district levels. In her current role, she oversees the Michigan Ag in the Classroom and FARM Science programming, focusing on education and outreach for teachers and educators.

Michelle holds a degree in Elementary and Special Education from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master of Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

In recognition of her dedication to agricultural education, Michelle was awarded the Michigan Informal Educator of the Year award by the Michigan Science Teachers Association in 2022 and received an Honorary State Degree from FFA. In 2023 and 2024, Michigan’s FARM Crate and FARM Science Van program won the Innovation Award from NAITCO. Michelle’s leadership also played a pivotal role in the 2025 New Horizon Award from the American Farm Bureau for the FARM Science Van program.