WAITC fosters students’ passion for ag, asks for local support

By Jessie Dafoe

We are so grateful for the support from everyone who turns the pages of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup each week. It is comforting to see success stories and encourage each other. 

Here at Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAITC), we are busy working with educators across Wyoming to put the Wyoming Stewardship Project (WSP) into action. The WSP lessons focus on critical thinking skills around natural resources and economic drivers while meeting required education standards. 

Teachers involved up to this point are loving it, but we need your help to ensure more educators know about it and feel ready to teach these important topics. 

One of our newest team members, Dea Kobbe, loved the WSP work so much she left the classroom to come aboard to help us reach teachers. She has taught the lessons within multiple grades – both in physical classrooms and virtually.

Dea says it best in her own words, “I’m grateful to be sharing the WSP with educators around the state. It is an amazing opportunity to share my passion for Wyoming and the importance of students understanding the state’s industries. This program provides teachers with an efficient and effective way to educate students and parents about the natural resources we have in Wyoming.”

 “The WSP is a critical piece that teachers haven’t always had,” Dea continues. “I can tell you firsthand it makes a difference for the students. Students become aware of the impact they can make on their communities. They develop an appreciation for the careers that provide for families and develop curiosity, along with a love of and pride in Wyoming.”

We hope you will consider a gift to Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom today. Your support, no matter the size, keeps Dea and the team traveling the state to support teachers and impact student lives. We want our youth to feel entrusted with the future of Wyoming – to stay here, work here and fight for our state. 

We hope to hear from you soon.

Jessie Dafoe is the executive director of Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom. For more information, visit wyaitc.org.