In celebration of Alberta agriculture and highlighting the dedication of educators in advancing agriculture education, James Fowler High School's Roopa Patel has been selected to receive this year's Ag for Life Outstanding Agriculture Teacher Award.
Roopa believes it is important for culinary arts students from urban settings to learn about the farm to fork aspects of food and getting students to consider the numerous occupations in agriculture.
"Virtual farm tours and the gardening club are examples of valuable Agriculture for Life resources that have augmented learning experiences for my students," says Roopa. "These virtual experiences bring culinary arts classes to life - whether its learning how tomatoes are grown in BC, working cattle ranches in Alberta or an apple orchard on the East coast of Canada."
Roopa's students have also been learning how to grow food in the school's courtyard by participating in the Agriculture for Life's gardening club, helping students to think critically about sustainability as it relates to fresh food.
"For me personally, as someone who has always lived in urban environments, Agriculture for Life has enriched my knowledge of food by taking me right to its sources enabling me to learn with my students," says Roopa. "Adding to my learning repertoire and being honoured with this award continues to kindle a spark for my teaching!"
