Metro science instructor Debbie Juracich and Brooke Stewart of Indiana have been named coaches for Class VII of Nourish the Future’s Teacher Leader Community.
Both educators are alumni of the year-long leadership program. Debbie and Brooke were selected from Nourish the Future’s national network of more than 170 educators to mentor the 10 teachers joining this year’s cohort.
As coaches, they will answer questions, co-teach curriculum lessons, support laboratory experiences, and help participants apply what they learn in their own classrooms. They will guide the new teacher leaders through curriculum implementation, differentiation, and conversations about the misconceptions students may bring to lessons about agriculture.
Debbie (Mrs. J) has taught agriscience at Metro Middle School since 2018 and now leads the school’s Agriscience Futures Academy. She has developed self-paced, problem-based science curriculum for sixth-grade students, coordinated the school’s Design Challenge, and served on Ohio’s Supplemental STEM Curriculum review committee.
Her experience with Nourish the Future changed how she viewed agriculture in the curriculum. Rather than treating it as a separate or specialized subject, she began using agriculture as a context for teaching climate, sustainability, food systems, and scientific inquiry. As a coach, she hopes to help other educators develop the confidence to make those connections in their own classrooms.
“Brooke and Debbie understand what it takes to move from understanding a lesson to using it successfully with students,” said Heather Bryan, Nourish the Future’s lead education facilitator. “They can answer the practical questions, help teachers adapt the curriculum for different learners, and offer the encouragement that comes from having worked through the process themselves. That ongoing mentorship is what helps a professional learning experience take root in the classroom.”
Throughout the year-long fellowship, Debbie and Brooke will help the 10 members of Class VII build their knowledge, test Nourish the Future curriculum, and grow into teacher leaders who can support other educators.
Teachers interested in following a similar path can learn more about Nourish the Future workshops and the Teacher Leader Community application at nourishthefuture.org.
ABOUT NOURISH THE FUTURE
Nourish the Future is a national education initiative developed by science teachers for science teachers, connecting students to modern agriculture. Participants receive free curriculum and supplies, join a national network of science educators, and connect with farmers, food scientists, agronomists, and other agricultural professionals.
For more information, visit nourishthefuture.org.