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Our Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) team is celebrating the 2025-26 school year by featuring an awesome teacher who uses agriculture as a context for teaching and learning each month. Our February featured teacher is Ms. Melissa Brueske.
Melissa Brueske is the principal at Jefferson Elementary School in Mankato, MN, who believes that learning should be hands-on, relevant, and full of curiosity.
A few of Melissa's favorite lessons include:
To learn more about Ms. Brueske, visit our Featured Teachers webpage.
 Celebrate Farm and Food Book Month this February with MAITC!
Plan to join us on Zoom throughout the month of February, National I Love to Read Month, for agriculture-themed book readings by special guest readers. Students have the chance to interact virtually with the guest readers by asking questions and learning more about the guest readers’ connections to agriculture, and their profession and interests. Visit our Farm and Food Book Month webpage for guest reader date and time options. Guest Readers include:
- Andi Anderson, Educator Program Coordinator at Gale Woods Farm
- Malorie Thorson, Princess Kay of the Milky Way
- Cameron Addington, Minnesota FFA President
- Thom Petersen, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Register today!
2026 Minnesota School Garden Conference
When: March 13, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
School gardens offer a unique, practical way for students to achieve academic goals, engage with community partners, explore agriculture and healthy eating, and connect with the environment. Whether you're new to school gardens or experienced, come join us in March to learn strategies for building, maintaining, and engaging learners in a successful school garden.
What to expect:
- 45 minute Breakout Sessions
- 10-15 minute Lightning Talks
- Hands-on sessions at Farm at the Arb
- A delicious catered lunch
- School Garden Week Announcement
Who should attend?
- Teachers and educators
- Administrators or other school staff
- School garden volunteers
- Anyone interested in youth gardening programs
Register by February 25, 2026!
 Save the date! The first-ever Growing Minds Conference will be held July 27-28 at St. Paul College! Join us for a dynamic professional development experience, where K-12 educators like you will explore innovative ways to bring plants and animals, food, and agriculture into your classroom. Organized by the Minnesota and Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Programs
We are currently seeking presenters to share information, lead experiences, and connect with attendees during 50-minute breakout sessions and 20-minute mini-sessions.
If you are interested in presenting at the 2026 Growing Minds Conference, please complete the Presenter Proposal Form by February 20, 2026.
Teachers, we want to hear from YOU! Please consider applying to be part of our MAITC Educator Advisory Team! Selected team members will meet quarterly to provide insight into curricular tools and resources that fit the needs of Minnesota K-12 educators. Stipends and travel funds are provided to advisory team members.
All K-12 educators are encouraged to apply. Priority consideration will be given to 2nd-5th grader teachers in greater Minnesota.
Applications are due March 2.
February Trivia Question: Chocolate is a popular gift to give and receive on February 14, Valentine's Day. According to the National Confectioners Association, how many cocoa beans does it take to make a pound of chocolate?
Send your answer to sue.knott@state.mn.us. The first two people to respond with the correct answer will win a MAITC reusable bag.
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