Our 2009 Institute took place from July 27th - July 31st at the University of Maine (Orono campus)
The focus this year was on School and other Gardens, Aquaculture, Entomology, Dairy, Beef, Horses, Crops, and more! Tours included the Center for Cooperative Aquaculture Research, JF Witter Teaching and Research Center, Rogers Farm Gardens and more. Presentations included Sustainable Agriculture, Using My Pyramid and integrating agriculture across the elementary curriculum.
At this Educator’s workshop, participants received 42 contact hours
for re-certification credits.
Thanks to grants issued by the ME Potato Board, The ME Department of
Agriculture and other sponsors the cost of the training was $200 per participant
before June 30th (a $400 value), and $225 after that date, which included
lodging, travel and meals for up to 25 educators for the 5 days.
All participants received the 55-lesson Food, Land and People Resources for Learning, The Maine Teacher Resource Guide, Growing Potatoes in Northern Maine, Caretakers All and Choose Well (curricula from the National Cattleman’s Assn.) and The Wild Blueberry Curriculum as well as training in these hands-on materials and exposure to Maine Agriculture and Local Foods. All participants received a free copy of the USDA interactive CD “Growing a Nation - The Story of American Agriculture” and “Celebrate America” a social studies video and lessons using food to teach students about cultures.
For information about future trainings, please contact: Ms. Willie Sawyer
Grenier, MAITC Council, Maine Department of Agriculture, 28 State House
Station, Augusta, ME 04333, Tel: (207) 287-5522 Email:
maitca@maine.gov