GrowNextGen teacher leader

Whitney Short

Education Program Specialist at Ohio Department of Education

What is the benefit of collaboration between industry and education?

The purpose of education is to prepare students for life after grades K-12. How could we ever prepare students properly if we did not collaborate with industry? Industry is instrumental in keeping education real and applicable. Teachers and students can also learn so much about life outside of the classroom by hearing from industry representatives.

What value/assistance can you and your company provide to teachers and classrooms as they connect with you?

I am happy to help teachers find the resources and learn more about how to bring agriculture into their classroom on a regular basis. I get excited about teachers joining agriculture and science while teaching.

Why should teachers connect with you through GrowNextGen?

I love to help teachers! One of the reasons I am so excited about my new role at ODE is because I will be able to work more with teachers and help them find the resources and gain the confidence to be the most effective teachers possible.