GFB News Magazine
Ag in the Classroom Update Spring 2025
by Lauren Goble
Posted on March 9, 2025 5:41 PM
GFB accepting nominations for 2025 Teacher Award
The Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Teacher of the Year award recognizes educators who excel at incorporating agriculture into their lessons while meeting Georgia curriculum standards. Agricultural concepts provide valuable connections to science, technology, engineering, math (STEM); science, technology, engineering, art, math (STEAM); and science, technology, emotional learning, art, and math (STREAM).
This award highlights the importance of teaching students how agriculture impacts their daily lives. County Farm Bureaus are invited to nominate teachers who do an exceptional job in bringing agriculture to life. GFB will recognize one of these teachers as the 2025 Georgia Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year.
Erin Pringle, the 2024 award winner, received $500 sponsored by Georgia EMC and $2,000 to attend the 2025 National Ag in the Classroom Conference, courtesy of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau. She is an instructional effectiveness coach at Henry County’s Unity Grove Elementary School. To learn more about Pringle’s innovative approach to agricultural education visit www.gfb.ag/pringle24aitcteacher .
Henry County educator Erin Pringle, second from right, was recognized as Georgia Farm Bureau’s 2024 Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year at the GFB Convention in December. GFB President Tom McCall, right, presented the award to Pringle along with, from left, Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Executive Director Lily Baucom and Georgia EMC Public Relations Representative Andy Paul. /Photo by Jennifer Whittaker
“As an educator serving nearly 900 elementary students, it has been a privilege and a challenge to build an agriculture education program from scratch, driven entirely by passion and supported by community donations. This program is now an integral part of our school’s curriculum,” Pringle said.
Pringle’s program flourishes through strong community partnerships, especially with the Henry County Farm Bureau (HCFB). HCFB volunteers assist with hands-on activities, garden projects, and reading books to classrooms. She also collaborates with local high school FFA students to create lessons and activities for grades K-5.
• May 16 is deadline to submit applications. The winner receives $500 & a paid trip to the 2026 National Ag in the Classroom Conference.
• High school/middle school/elementary school ag teachers are not eligible for this award.
• Teacher should have a close partnership with their local Farm Bureau.
• If interested in applying, contact your local Farm Bureau office. Visit www.gfb.ag/contact to find your county Farm Bureau’s contact information.
• Applications must be submitted online. Visit www.gfb.ag/teacheraward for more information & to apply.
2025 National AITC Conference
• June 23-26/ Minneapolis, MN
• Visit www.agclassroom.org/conference/ for more information & to register.
Georgia Farm Bureau Educational Program Coordinator Lauren Goble may be reached at ldgoble@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5135. Visit www.gfb.ag/AITC for the latest AITC news & for resources to teach children how their food is grown.