Marcellus CSD Hosts NYS Master Teachers for Agriculture Education Workshop

The Marcellus Central School District welcomed educators from across the region for a hands-on professional learning workshop as part of the New York State Master Teachers Program. The session took place at the district’s Career Exploration and Agricultural Sciences Center, highlighting innovative ways to integrate agriculture into classrooms.

The workshop provided participants with an in-depth look at Marcellus’s state-of-the-art Ag Center, located at 2 Mustang Hill, and created space for collaboration, idea-sharing and cross-disciplinary learning.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for New York State Master Teachers to tour our facility and provide a space to learn from each other,” said Jennifer Stratton, Science and Agriculture Teacher at Marcellus High School. “Our goal was to share opportunities and resources to bring Ag into any classroom at any scale.”

Participants rotated through three interactive learning stations designed to showcase different aspects of the district’s agriculture program.

Wood Shop & Milling Station: Educators toured the wood shop and kiln while exploring how math and science concepts are embedded into hands-on learning. Led by teacher Joe Killian, the session included demonstrations of real-world applications and an opportunity for participants to mill lumber using a WoodMizer horizontal bandsaw.

Sugar House Station: In the sugar house, Jennifer Stratton guided participants through a scavenger hunt activity aligned with New York State Science Learning Standards Cross-Cutting Concepts. The experience also included a maple taste test, connecting scientific principles with agricultural production.

Greenhouse Station: Participants toured the greenhouse facility, where Teacher Caitlin Eaton shared how the Marcellus agriculture program fosters collaboration across grade levels and engages community partners to enhance student learning.

Students of the district’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) club were on hand throughout the evening, helping facilitate activities and offering valuable student perspectives on the program.

Marcellus Central School District offers a comprehensive Agriculture Education program beginning in grades 7 and 8 within technology classes. At the high school level, students can explore a wide range of electives, including Sustainability Science, Building Trades, Small Engines, Basic Cooking, Career and Financial Management, Welding, Carpentry and Fine Woodworking and a capstone Project Management course.

FFA serves as a co-curricular extension of the program, focusing on leadership development and career readiness. Students who complete a sequence of agriculture and technical courses may earn a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Technical Endorsement, demonstrating mastery of industry-relevant skills.