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EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD 2005
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 Ferol Empen's classroom at Centennial Elementary School is a virtual
agricultural museum which constantly changes with the seasons. Students
see farm crop plants: corn, soybeans, oats, and wheat. Students
also observe varieties of apples, blueberries, cranberries, peanuts,
popcorn, and pumpkins. A cotton unit has students growing a cotton
plant.
The cross-curricular integration of agriculture is Mrs. Empen's
specialty, providing an assortment of experiential learning for
her students across all subject areas. As the K-8 Language Arts
Enrichment teacher, she disseminates her enthusiasm for agriculture
to over half of the elementary population. Learning centers serve
as an integral part of her classroom environment where students
explore model farm building. Miniature machinery and realistic farm
animals through role playing. Recycling displays and activities
are shared during Earth Week, Family Reading Night and the Spring
Book Fair to foster awareness of environmental issues. She was responsible
for the integration of Agricultural Literacy materials through a
county loan program. Mrs. Empen's teachings emphasize the "people
cannot have a day without agriculture influencing their lives."
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