Educator’s Ag Institute
Registration is Now Open!
The PA Friends of Ag Educator’s Ag Institute provides a unique learning experience for PreK-12th grade formal educators, pre-service teachers and informal community educators. The Institute provides educational tours at Penn State University as well as local family-run farms where you will learn valuable information from those involved in agriculture including farmers, university professors and agricultural leaders. The learning experience also includes hands-on classroom sessions that cover topics such as plant and animal production, agricultural research, PA state education standards, ag history, and current/future farming trends in the agricultural industry.
There are two tracks available: 1.0 (for first-time attendees) and 2.0 (for returning attendees). Both tracks will feature a combination of classroom sessions and in-person tours which can last up to two hours. Attendees should be prepared to stand and walk often and for long periods. If you have concerns about accessibility, please contact us.
Ag Institute 1.0 - June 22-26, 2025
The PA Friends of Ag Foundation’s Educator’s Ag Institute 1.0 will be held on the main campus of Penn State University in State College June 22-26, 2024. The Institute provides a unique learning experience for PreK-12th formal educators, pre-service teachers and informal community educators.
The Institute provides educational tours to Penn State University’s main campus and local family-run farms where you will learn valuable information from those involved in agriculture including farmers, university professors and agricultural leaders. The learning experience also includes hands-on classroom sessions that cover such topics as plant and animal production ag, agricultural research, PA State Education Standards, ag history, and current/future farming trends in the agricultural industry. Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Once teachers have registered for the Institute, the Foundation will find a sponsor to cover most of the cost. Teachers are responsible for a $125.00 non-refundable registration fee and 1 lunch on their own. In addition to tours and presentations, teachers will receive educational resources and the opportunity to earn approximately 25-28 ACT 48 hours.
For questions or additional information, please feel free to contact Cassidy Schaeffer at crschaeffer@pfb.com.
Ag Institute 2.0 - June 25-27, 2025
The PA Friends of Ag Foundation also offers an Educator’s Ag Institute 2.0 on the main campus of Penn State University in State College June 25-27, 2024. This session is limited to 25 teachers who previously attended the first level Institute.
Participants are welcome to attend 2.0 multiple years. Topics for this session will be different from last year and may include visiting the Penn State Student Farm, Frost Entomological Museum, workshops with Master Gardeners, and more. Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
The session at the Student Farm in particular will include substantial physical activity. Please contact us if you have concerns about accessibility so we can help make arrangements.
Teachers are responsible for a $125.00 non-refundable registration fee. In addition to tours and presentations, teachers will receive educational resources and the opportunity to earn approximately 13-15 ACT 48 hours.
For questions or additional information, please feel free to contact Cassidy Schaeffer at crschaeffer@pfb.com.
Educator’s Ag Institute will prepare you to bring agriculture to life in your classroom and across your curriculum. It is a standards-based program that makes real connections. Teachers use the information they’ve received to integrate agriculture and information about the earth’s natural resources into their curriculum. Many educators form lasting bonds with other educators, which extends the idea sharing as they go forth to bring ag into their classrooms!
Some benefits include:
- An increased knowledge of agriculture
- First-hand experiences with agriculture on field trips to local farms and agricultural industries
- Lesson plan ideas and activities that are applicable to many subject areas you are teaching on a daily basis in your classroom
- Resources and a network of people to assist you in bringing agriculture to your classroom
- 25–27 Act 48 credits (will need a valid PA PPID)