By Scout Nelson
Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) has named Glacial Hills Elementary School teacher as the 2025 Outstanding Teacher of the Year. This honor celebrates educators across Minnesota who include agriculture concepts in their teaching to boost student learning and awareness.
Since 2021, the teacher has led 5th and 6th grade students through unique agricultural and environmental learning experiences. These include starting a schoolyard garden, installing classroom hydroponic systems, restoring native habitats, and organizing food-making contests. The students also help lead a school-wide composting program, learning how to manage food waste responsibly.
These efforts have made a visible difference. Students grow and grow tomatoes, build outdoor learning spaces, and partner with their community on green projects. Their hands-on activities support key learning outcomes while encouraging environmental responsibility.
“We were so impressed by the many ways Mr. Lund and his students are working with their community—whether it’s building outdoor learning spaces or participating in local environmental initiatives,” said Sue Knott, Education Specialist with MAITC. “It’s clear he is creating a lasting impact in both the classroom and throughout the broader community.”
The teacher noted that seeing students become environmental stewards has been deeply rewarding. "It has reinforced my belief in the power of experiential learning to inspire real-world change and has motivated me to continue integrating environmental education and agriculture into our curriculum," he said.
Programs like Ag in the Classroom, Lettuce Grow, Action for Healthy Kids, and Farm to School have supported his efforts to make agriculture part of daily learning.
As part of this award, the teacher will receive $500 and travel support to attend the National Ag in the Classroom Conference in Minneapolis this June.
MAITC is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the MAITC Foundation that works to improve agricultural literacy in K-12 education across the state.
Photo Credit:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Education