7/1/2009 10:58:00 AM Ag based elementary schools Teacher honored for integrating agricultural education
The Walton 21st Century Rural Life Center switched to an agriculture-based experiential learning model as part of a charter school grant to years ago.
By Chad Frey
Kathy Murphy, Newton Kansas has a reputation for being modest and for being an excellent teacher.
The Walton 21st Century Rural Life Center fifth-grade teacher and assistant Newton High School swimming coach was recognized for her work in the classroom this spring, named the 2009 Janet Sims Memorial Teacher of the Year by the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.
"She knows how to capture a kid's attention," Principal Natise Voth said. "She has done project-based learning with the students and been able to integrated that into the entire curriculum."
The KFAC Janet Sims Memorial Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who go the extra mile to instill a passion for learning about agriculture. The foundation honors one teacher annually who has successfully integrated agricultural education into the curriculum.
Two years ago, Walton switched to an agriculture-based experiential learning model as part of a charter school grant. Walton is one of two agriculutrally based elementary schools in the United States.
Murphy's class operates a salsa-making business out of the school greenhouse and is responsible for all aspects of the business from production to financing to marketing decisions. The class members also paint and sell birdhouses. Other agriculture-related learning activities the students have been involved in include fishing, taking care of the school's goats and chickens and planting grasses that absorb rainwater on the playground. On a local farm visit, the students watched a veterinarian check a pregnant cow. They also learn about alternative ways to produce energy as they observe and maintain the school's wind turbine.
"My students learn reading, problem solving skills and math through their projects," Murphy said in a news release. Hands-on-learning also appeals to students who wouldn't necessarily thrive in a traditional classroom. "By making it real and meaningful to them, students are much more likely to get involved," Murphy said. This makes agriculture the perfect fit.
According to a news release, one in five Kansas students will grow up to have a career in an agricultural-related field.
"We consider Kathy a model for teachers across Kansas who transfer their passion for agriculture and learning to their students," Musick said, adding this kind of work is instrumental to reaching KFAC's mission of connecting classrooms to Kansas agriculture.
The Janet Sims Memorial Teacher of the Year award is named in honor of Janet Sims, who passed away in June 2007 from Lou Gehrig's disease. Sims, an educator herself, had served on the KFAC board from November 2005 until her death.
"It's great recognition for the school, and for her," Voth said. "It is just great recognition for her."
