The Educator’s Ag Institute, hosted by the PA Friends of Agriculture Foundation, is an annual event designed to help Pre-K through 12 teachers integrate agriculture into their classrooms. Held on Penn State University’s campus, the weeklong program blends immersive field experiences with practical workshops. Originating in the early 1990s and led by the PA Friends of Ag for over ten years, the Institute was built on the idea that when you teach a teacher, the impact multiplies.
“If you can teach a teacher how to teach agriculture, it’s an investment that goes far beyond that one person,” shared Charlene Espenshade, executive director of PA Friends of Ag. “It reaches every student they work with.”
The Institute offers two tracks: 1.0 for first-time participants and 2.0 for returning educators. Both are designed to meet teachers where they are in their agricultural literacy journey. Participants explore everything from plant and animal production to agricultural research, while also connecting these topics to their own subjects.
What makes the experience stand out is its hands-on approach. Teachers might find themselves in a fruit orchard, learning directly from a farmer about grafting techniques and wildlife management, or touring dairy facilities to better understand how research informs modern farming practices.
“A lot of the benefits…is the idea that you’re able to go on a farm; see, smell, touch, and ask important questions,” Charlene explained. “It also provides teachers the ability to learn from others-to interact, talk, and brainstorm ideas they can take home.”
Alongside these experiences, participants receive ready-to-use (and adaptable) lesson plans, classroom resources, and Act 48 credits as well. In addition to these resources, this year the program is adding a mentorship opportunity to support teachers as they leave the institute and return to their classrooms.
When asked about memorable projects from past attendees, Charlene shared about an educator who developed a full food truck unit for their students. This involved bringing in local food truck operators and farmers to explore topics like sourcing ingredients, business planning, and food systems. The project celebrated its success with a school-wide food truck day, bridging agriculture and education in a fun and tangible way for students.
The 2026 Educator’s Ag Institute will take place June 21–25 (1.0) and June 24–26 (2.0) at Penn State’s main campus. Organizers are excited about new programming, including a beef genetics unit developed in partnership with the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, as well as increased collaboration between the two tracks.
At large, the institute and agricultural education in general are about generating curiosity and equipping students with the knowledge to understand the systems that sustain their everyday lives.