Louisville, KY (May 17, 2012) – Although the school year is rapidly coming to a close, the hard work that teachers put into classroom preparation and improving their instructional techniques continues on through the summer. To aid those efforts, Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) invites educators from across the state to attend one of its four free professional development workshops held in early June.

 

The day-long workshops are designed to addressKentucky’s core educational competencies while showcasing a variety of state and national agricultural curricula. Workshops will also emphasize the value of incorporating gardening into all areas of curriculum through easy-to-replicate interdisciplinary lessons. These thematic lessons and materials incorporate mathematics, social studies, English and science through real-life application in indoor and outdoor training sessions.

 

“The primary objective of these professional development opportunities is to better enable educators to incorporate agricultural concepts in the classroom,” said Scott Christmas, KFB’s Director of Women and Agricultural Education. “This thematic style of education can increase children’s interest in learning and enables them to retain subject matter more readily.”

 

In addition to the training and resources made available through these workshops, the 400-450 teachers anticipated to attend may earn six hours of professional development hours. Effective Instructional Leadership Act (EILA) credits will be given to principals, guidance counselors and other instructional leaders who participate.

 

Workshop Location and Dates:

• LakeBarkleyResort Lodge,Cadiz– June 4
• BarrenRiverLakeResort Lodge, Lucas – June 5
• YewDellBotanical Gardens, Crestwood – June 6
• Spindletop Hall,Lexington– June 7

 

The workshop registration fee has been waived for all Kentuckyeducators, compliments of Kentucky Farm Bureau, but registration is required for attendance. Deadline for registration is Friday, June 1.

 

Registration forms, workshop agendas and additional details about conference speakers and activities are available at kyfb.com/federation. Additional questions regarding these educational opportunities can be directed to Scott Christmas, Director of Women and Agricultural Education, at (502) 495-5000, ext. 7221.