GrowNextGen Names 2025 Teacher Leader of the Year

Worthington science teacher Erica Hitzhusen recognized for statewide impact through peer leadership and accessible classroom resources

GrowNextGen and the Ohio Soybean Council have named Erica Hitzhusen, an 8th-grade science teacher at Worthingway Middle School in Worthington City Schools, as the 2025 Teacher Leader of the Year.

The award honors educators who strengthen science teaching across Ohio through advocacy, peer collaboration, and classroom leadership that connects curriculum to modern agriculture.

Hitzhusen uses GrowNextGen’s standards-aligned lessons with her students, then shares what works with colleagues across the state. She has presented hands-on sessions at education conferences, participated in media interviews, and mentored teachers implementing agriculture-based science lessons. Her work connects suburban classrooms to Ohio researchers, industry partners, and real agricultural contexts.

In one example, Hitzhusen guided students through growing soybeans in their windowless classroom. When students noticed some plants flowering while others didn’t, their questions deepened. Hitzhusen connected them with plant scientists at Ohio State University, turning curiosity into investigation. Students tested hypotheses, logged data, and experienced the inquiry cycle that drives both science and modern farming.

“Erica Hitzhusen exemplifies teacher leadership through infectious curiosity, open-handed generosity, and actionable enthusiasm,” said Jane Hunt, GrowNextGen program director. “She shows how agriculture can be a practical, teachable context for science in any Ohio classroom.”

“Ohio’s soybean farmers are proud to support teacher leaders whose work strengthens classrooms, communities, and our state’s workforce,” said Tom Fontana, Director of Research and Education at the Ohio Soybean Council.

Hitzhusen will be recognized at the Ohio Soybean Council’s annual dinner on December 15, 2025.