Local Harrison Middle School Teacher, Stephanie Benton, Honored as Arkansas's AITC Teacher of the Year

Stephanie Benton, a Harrison Middle School English teacher, has been awarded the Arkansas Ag in the Classroom's (AITC) Teacher of the Year. This award is given annually by the Arkansas Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom program. It honors one Arkansas teacher who effectively integrates agricultural concepts into non-agricultural subjects. The aim is to recognize teachers who educate students about the importance of agriculture, the state's largest industry.

Benton teaches her 7th and 8th grade students about agriculture's impact on various aspects of life. These include people's lives, the environment, the economy, national heritage, and national security. The students' learning culminates in an argumentative essay. In this essay, they propose ways to enhance food nutrition and safety in their local community. They then present and defend their ideas before a community panel.

Benton's award as the AITC Teacher of the Year includes a $1,000 prize, an iPad Air tablet, and a scholarship. The scholarship will cover her attendance at the 2024 National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. This includes conference, travel, meals, and lodging expenses.

Nick Simon, Boone County Farm Bureau Association President, presented the award. Donette Spann, Arkansas Director of Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom; Nita Cooper, Boone County Farm Bureau Association Vice President; and Jeremy Miller, Northwest Arkansas Farm Bureau District Director, were also present.

This award highlights the value of incorporating agriculture into education. It also shows the crucial role teachers like Benton play in helping students understand and appreciate agriculture.

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