STATE CONTACT
Wendy Stivers
Extension Specialist for 4-H Youth Development
212 Scovell Hall, U.K.
Lexington, KY 40546-0064
phone: (859) 257-5961x248
fax: (859) 257-7180
e-mail: wstivers@uky.edu

Rayetta Boone
KAEC
P.O. Box 814
Frankfort, KY 40602-0814
Phone: (502) 564-4696
e-mail: rayetta.boone@kyagr.com

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Kentucky Ag and the Environment in the Classroom (KAEC) is the name of an in-service training program for classroom teachers in grades K-12. KAEC, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to promote an understanding and appreciation of the system that provides us with the food we eat. It also emphasizes the importance of the environment to our agriculture production. Its mission is to integrate agriculture and the environment as a theme to be utilized in classrooms across the Commonwealth. KAEC operates out of the Department of Agriculture under the direction of Rayetta Boone. 4-H (and the College of Agriculture) is one of the 13 partnering organizations represented on the KAEC Board.

During the training, teachers receive a packet of 4-H Youth Development related materials and are encouraged to contact their local County Extension Agents to discuss resources available in their specific county. Once teachers have completed the training, they are usually very excited to begin ag and environment related activities in their classrooms. (That's one volunteer you don't have to recruit!)

KAEC workshops are held at least 4 times per year, usually Friday through Sunday. Teachers normally receive information on training through the school system, however, agents may also encourage teachers to apply. As part of the commitment, teachers return to the classroom to do a project related to agriculture and the environment with their students. Many also serve as workshop presenters at the local, state, and national levels.

Teachers who complete the workshop are eligible to schedule the KAEC mobile science activity center bus to visit their schools. All teachers at the school may use the resources--everything from story books to CD ROMs to soil and water testing kits. If you would like the bus to visit your school(s), we can provide you with teacher contacts who have been through the program.

Objectives:

• Teachers learn how to incorporate ag and environment themes in the classroom.
• Teachers learn who are the "movers and shakers" in the agriculture community.
• Teachers involve students in learning-by-doing activities related to agriculture and the environment.

SUGGESTED AUDIENCE
Teachers of grades K through 12.

DEADLINES
Because of the popularity of the training, teachers need to apply well in advance of the time they would like to participate in training. (The workshop has a reputation for being fun and very hands-on.)

FORMS AVAILABLE/REQUIRED
Teachers who wish to apply may contact Rayetta Boone.

PROGRAM FEE
No fee. Travel, lodging and meals during the training are provided or reimbursed by KAEC. Each teacher is paid a $150 stipend for attending the training and an additional $100 to purchase instructional materials to use in their classroom. Teachers who create a teaching unit receive an additional $100. Schools may request to be reimbursed for substitute teacher payment while the teacher attends a KAEC workshop.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF AGENT

• Contact teachers who have participated in Ag and Environment in the Classroom. A listing is available from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
• Provide resources and assist teachers as requested and according to the county's plan of work.
• Write bullets which show impact on teachers and youth. Be sure to include the term "Kentucky ag and environment in the classroom" in the text of the statement.

Last Revised: 7/30/03
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