2012 National Ag in the Classroom Conference

The strength of Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) comes from its grassroots organization and the fact that educators are very much a part of the movement. Giant strides have been made since AITC was established in 1981. AITC is a standard-bearing educational program designed to supplement and enhance the teacher's existing curriculum.

Each year a National AITC Conference is held to share ideas and resources. Those attending and benefiting from the conference are: • Educators of all grade levels • State AITC Contacts • Administrators • Agricultural Science Teachers • Curriculum Developers • Extension Educators • Career Guidance Counselors • AITC Board Members • Teacher Aides • Agricultural Industry Representatives • Substitute Teachers    • STEM Educators • AITC Volunteers • University Staff & Instructors

In Colorado, the AITC program has been managed by the Colorado Foundation for Agriculture since 1991. This is the first time the national conference has been held in Colorado. We are combining the best efforts of agriculture, business and education to present a national conference. There is an AITC presence in every state and territory. Each state organization addresses agriculture education in a way best suited to its own needs. This is an opportunity to learn the methods and innovative ideas generated by educators throughout the nation.

We have a limited number of scholarships available for Colorado educators to cover the registration cost of this conference. People will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please click on the button below.

Schedule at a Glance:
Tuesday June 19th
Optional Pre-Conference Tours
     (1) Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park/Estes Park;
     (2) Guided hike: flora & fauna of the forest;
     (3) Teachers only: work on a farm or ranch (limited space)
  3:00 pm-6:00 pm: Silent Auction set-up
  3:00 pm-8:00 pm: Registration / Exhibitor move-in
  5:30 pm-6:30 pm: Newcomer Orientation (reception with National AITC members)
Wednesday June 20th
  6:30 am: Registration
  7:30 am: General Session – Welcome to Colorado – Commissioner of Agriculture John Salazar; Keynote speaker
  9:30 am: Workshops
11:20 am: Mini-Workshops
12:15 pm: National Teacher Awards
Luncheon
2:15 pm: Mini-Workshops
3:20 pm: Workshops
5:30 pm: Awards Reception (invitation only)
6:45 pm: Welcome to the West dinner
- Country-western band - Native American dancers - Line dancing - Live auction
Thursday June 21st
  7:45 am-8:45 am: Board buses for Workshop on Wheels tours
(Among the topical tours are opportunities to learn about water in the West; animal agriculture; the green industries including greenhouses and specialty crops; area research facilities and projects; dairies, milk and cheese; vegetable growers; ag tourism; animal care and veterinary trends.) Tours conclude at the hotel. Enjoy an evening on your own.
Friday June 22nd
  7:00 am-8:45 am: State Awards and State Tables Breakfast
  9:15 am-11:55 am: Water Festivals
10:35 am: Silent Auction closes
12:15 pm: Farewell Luncheon
1:45 pm: 2012 NAITC Conference adjourns

For more information and sponsorship opportunities contact:

Bette Blinde 970 881-2902 or bblinde@growingyourfuture.com