By Blake Jackson
Joshua Gonzalez, a second-grade teacher and Agriculture Committee Chairman at River Trail School of Agricultural Science in Milwaukee, has been honored as the 2024 Wisconsin Outstanding Teacher by Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom. This prestigious award recognizes Gonzalez for his innovative integration of agricultural literacy into his classroom and school curriculum.
Gonzalez’s passion for agricultural education is rooted in his personal experiences and a vision to transform urban education. He draws inspiration from his childhood memories of his grandparents’ backyard fruit trees in Puerto Rico, where neighbors shared their harvests during tough times. Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact on food access, Gonzalez now works to equip his students with the knowledge to address food deserts and build sustainable communities through urban agriculture.
“Many of my students may not come from wealth, but with education, they can learn how to become urban farmers, stretch their resources and support their community,” said Gonzalez. “Teaching agricultural literacy empowers them to be more self-sufficient and embrace healthier lifestyles.”
Under Gonzalez’s leadership, River Trail School became Milwaukee Public Schools’ first specialty agriculture school, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Each grade level participates in hands-on agricultural activities, such as managing pollinator gardens, growing plants in hydroponic towers, caring for chickens, and running composting programs. One of the school’s most notable projects is its “food forest,” a two-acre orchard producing Asian pears, chestnuts, and hazelnuts, which has attracted significant attention.
“Our students learn not just about growing food, but about sustainable systems,” said Gonzalez. “The food forest mimics nature, capturing water runoff with swales and berms to nurture perennial plants, and soon, sheep and chickens will help with natural fertilization.”
Gonzalez collaborates with local agriculture high schools to create a seamless K-12 program that inspires students to pursue careers in agriculture. His colleagues describe him as “the heart” of River Trail’s agriculture program, admired for his relentless efforts to secure funding, build resources, and inspire others.
The Wisconsin Outstanding Teacher Award celebrates educators who promote agricultural literacy and create meaningful learning experiences. Gonzalez’s dedication exemplifies the impact of agricultural education on students and communities.
Photo Credit: shutterstock-alex-brylov
Categories: Wisconsin, Education