Home > Programs > Agriculture Education > Educating the Educator

Educating the Educator
Professional Development Workshops

Approved by the Department of Education, the workshop curriculum complements Maui’s already flourishing Ag in the Classroom program. The workshop is designed to give teachers a broader understanding of the importance, implications, career opportunities, and economic potential of agriculture on Maui.

 Upon completion, teachers can choose between two Professional Development Credits or a designated stipend per day.

Lending Library
Through a partnership with the Maui County Farm Bureau, WIT is able to offer resource materials and technology devices for use in the classrooms. 
 
- 10 laptops
- 20 microscopes with slides
- 20 Global Positioning System (GPS) units 

“There were all sort of slides prepared to give the experience of science. The frog’s blood was the most popular of the slides,” Young said.

Fieldtrips
Participating teachers are encouraged to provide a real world experience for their students – providing an opportunity for the students to learn about the science and technology required to run a successful farm.

Over 360 students and teachers have participated in our exciting agricultural fieldtrips on Maui. Participating partners include Monsanto, Kupa’a Farms, Maui Community College

Ag program, Kula Ali’i Lavender Farm, Native Nursery, and Waipoli  Hydroponic Greens Pacific Produce.

Agricultural Internships
Both teachers and students are encouraged to take part in a WIT-sponsored Agricultural Internship program . Through a paid internship, students along with their teacher advisors will learn about the process of running a successful farm. The goal is to plant a seed of awareness about agriculture, and the many possibilities of an exciting career in the Ag industry.

Participants rave
“The workshop was invaluable, a real eye-opener. New technologies, new jobs, efforts to bring native plants back, what the issues are. We had no idea. We have got to support agriculture.  We are excited! And when teachers are excited, students get excited.”

 -- Jennifer & Andrew Wolski, King Kekaulike High


“In my professional teaching career, spanning the past fifteen years, I cannot remember a more engaging, interesting and beneficial professional development class. The high level of interest I felt during this course, inspired me in ways that will impact my teaching strategies for years to come.”

-- Mark Cunningham, Iao Intermediate


“The workshop was useful in helping me to connect practical applications to what I teach in the classroom. Both, the fieldtrips and presenters broadened my knowledge about Agriculture on Maui. I have been able to weave this newly found knowledge into my classes on many occasions.”

-- Adrienne Gaedeke, Kalama Intermediate