By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) has announced the 2025-2026 Educator Ambassador Team, a group of seven dedicated educators who will play a vital role in expanding agricultural literacy across the state.
These ambassadors will share innovative teaching practices, support professional development, and advise on program resources to help Wisconsin teachers incorporate agriculture into their classrooms.
The team has grown this year to include educators from different content areas and regions, strengthening its impact. Three new members bring additional expertise in social studies, family and consumer sciences, and pre-service education:
- Sheila Kroseberg, Waupaca High School - Sheila enhances her culinary arts program with farm-to-table learning, creating hands-on labs and integrating agriculture through state and national grants and scholarships.
- Kevin Podeweltz, Riverside Elementary School, D.C. Everest - Kevin inspires elementary students by connecting food, fiber, and fuel to social studies and their family and community heritage.
- Brooke Wittrock, Pre-service Teacher, University of Wisconsin-River Falls - As a 2025 AITC intern, Brooke helped design the new Read and STEAM lesson plans and brings fresh ideas for weaving agriculture into core subjects.
Returning to the team are Emily Kamps of Fennimore Elementary, Joshua Gonzalez of River Trail School for Agricultural Sciences in Milwaukee, Mary Cooper of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Richland Center, and Travis Sprague of Medford High School.
Team members were chosen for their strong involvement with AITC, commitment to professional development, and passion for helping students explore agriculture in all subject areas.
"Our Educator Ambassadors create a community of teachers advancing agricultural literacy," said Beth Schaefer, Wisconsin AITC Coordinator. "We're excited to expand the program, incorporate more curriculum areas and provide teacher-led opportunities for sharing lessons and professional development."
The ambassadors began training in August, mapping out workshops, designing a new virtual professional development series, and reviewing lesson resources.
Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, they will host workshops, offer free online sessions, and meet quarterly to guide AITC initiatives.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s AITC program is supported by the USDA, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, agricultural partners, and a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels
Categories: Wisconsin, Education