In Mary Cooper’s classroom at St. Mary School in Richland Center, agriculture isn’t a separate subject — it’s part of how students learn about the world around them.
As a middle school science and STEM teacher, Cooper has found ways to weave farming, food and natural resources into everyday lessons, helping students connect science concepts to real‑life experiences. Her students explore topics like soil health, pollinators and food systems through hands‑on projects, often working together to solve practical problems using the engineering design process.
What sets Cooper’s classroom apart is how students take ownership of what they learn. Middle schoolers regularly design lessons for younger classmates, teaching everything from composting to plant science. In doing so, they build confidence and leadership skills while reinforcing their own understanding of agriculture’s role in daily life.
Cooper also leads annual all-school STEM challenges centered on agricultural literacy books, bringing together students from preschool through eighth grade to solve real-world problems using the engineering design process. Projects have included designing pollinator bee houses and exploring the science of food production.
“Mary exemplifies what agricultural literacy looks like when it becomes part of a school’s culture,” said Beth Schaefer, Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator. “Her ability to connect agriculture with science, leadership, and real-world learning experiences has had a meaningful impact on students and fellow educators alike.”
In addition to her classroom work, Cooper actively promotes agricultural literacy among colleagues by organizing professional development resources, presenting at educator conferences, and helping teachers incorporate agriculture across subject areas.
Cooper’s approach is rooted in her own background growing up on a dairy farm in southeast Wisconsin, where she learned early how closely food, land and community are connected. Today, she brings that perspective into her teaching, creating a school culture where agriculture isn’t just discussed ‒ it’s experienced, shared and passed on.
This article originally appeared on Wisconsin State Farmer: For Wisconsin teacher Mary Cooper, aAgriculture Is a way to teach — and lead
Reporting by Colleen Kottke, Wisconsin State Farmer / Wisconsin State Farmer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
