A Harrison Middle School teacher was recently named the 2024 Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Outstanding Teacher of the Year.
Stephanie Benton, an English Language Arts teacher at Harrison Middle School, was recognized on April 11 during a special presentation at the school by Arkansas Farm Bureau.
Farm Bureau established the award in 2006 to recognize teachers with exemplary programs integrating agricultural concepts into curricula.
Benton prioritizes integrating agriculture into her curriculum by dedicating her lessons to studying where our food comes from. Students analyze arguments about how food is grown and processed, problems farmers and ranchers face and consumers’ choices in what they consume. This analysis helps students develop their ability to research, weigh different aspects of complex problems and formulate opinions supported by evidence as they explore the topic of food choices.
Students are encouraged to develop projects to educate younger students and community members about agriculture. These opportunities allow students to start school gardens, host cooking classes, create home gardening kits, develop community garden plots, plan farm days and partner with local food banks.
Benton earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas Tech University in 2004 and a Master of Reading from the University of Central Arkansas in 2006. She taught fourth grade for eight years before being appointed K-4 Literacy Coach at Bergman Elementary. In 2016, she became the eighth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Harrison Middle School.
As the recipient of the AITC award, Benton received $1,000, an iPad Air tablet and a scholarship to the 2024 National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Salt Lake City.
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