Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Board Member!
Welcome to the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (MAITC) Board Member Orientation! This page is designed to help you learn more about our mission, programs, and what it means to be a part of our board. Your role as a board member will help us shape agricultural education in Minnesota, ensuring that students, educators, and communities have access to high-quality agricultural literacy resources.
Mission
The Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom program increases agricultural literacy through K-12 education.
Vision
Agriculture is valued by ALL.
Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation (MAITC) works to increase agricultural literacy through education, helping K-12 students understand where their food comes from, the importance of agriculture in their communities, and variety of careers in the agricultural industry. Through innovative programs like Farm Camp, professional development for teachers, and virtual field trips, we strive to make agricultural education both engaging and accessible.
Core Programs and Initiatives
As a board member, you’ll become familiar with our core programs, which you can explore further through blogs, videos, and success stories.
Board Member Expectations and Responsibilities
As a board member, you will be an integral part of helping us shape and implement our programs. Here’s what you can expect:
- Term Length: Board members serve two-year terms, with the possibility of serving up to three consecutive terms (six years).
- Meetings: The MAITC Foundation Board meets virtually on a quarterly basis to review progress, explore new initiatives, and plan strategically for the future. Our Annual Meeting is also held virtually each September. In addition, we aim to host at least one in-person gathering or event each year to foster connection and collaboration.
- Active Involvement: We ask board members to engage actively in promoting the mission of MAITC by attending meetings, supporting events, and assisting with outreach. Your voice and input will be crucial in guiding the direction of the foundation.
- Communication: Board members will also help with spreading awareness of MAITC’s work within their networks, whether through word-of-mouth, social media, or other outreach methods.
Miles Kuschel, Former MAITC, Inc. Foundation Board Chair, shares with us:
As each generation gets further and further from the farm the need for reliable and accurate information continues to grow and Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom continues to provide great hands-on resources to educators across Minnesota from Apples to Zebra Mussels.
Our Team
The success of MAITC is due to the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Here are some of the key team members:
Current Board Members:
Our current board members bring diverse expertise and a shared passion for agricultural literacy. They play a vital role in guiding the Foundation’s mission, providing strategic direction, and strengthening connections with partners and supporters to expand the impact of MAITC across Minnesota.
> Meet the Board Members.
Ann Marie
As Executive Director of the MAITC Foundation, Ann Marie Ward brings strong leadership and a deep commitment to agricultural literacy. She works closely with partners, investors, and board members to strengthen relationships, expand opportunities, and ensure the Foundation’s mission is fulfilled through strategic growth and impactful programming.
> Meet the Foundation Executive Director.
Brandi:
Our Program Director for Farm Camp, Brandi brings her passion for agriculture and education to every event. She ensures that each camp is tailored to the needs of the students and provides hands-on, engaging learning experiences.
> Meet the Farm Camp Director.
Sue and Keri:
As the only full-time staff funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Curriculum Specialists Sue and Keri play a vital role in advancing the MAITC mission. They lead the development and review of curriculum resources, ensuring each lesson aligns with state standards and engages students in meaningful learning about agriculture.
> Meet the Curriculum Specialists.
Emily, Jessica and Sarah:
Our Resource Specialists work on developing community engagement and outreach, ensuring that schools across Minnesota have access to our resources and programs. They have been instrumental in promoting virtual field trips and expanding professional development opportunities for teachers.
> Meet the Resource Specialists.
VantagePoint Marketing
Our strategic partner who supports the foundation's outreach through clear, creative communication. They help with AgMag development, website content, and other marketing efforts that share your impact and connect with our audiences.
> Meet the VantagePoint Team.
Key Resources and Impact
As a board member, you will have access to a wealth of resources, including detailed reports, strategic plans, and annual reports. These will keep you informed about MAITC’s ongoing work and impact.
Annual Report: Our annual report highlights our impact, showing how many students and teachers we’ve reached, the success of our programs, and the financial stewardship of the organization. You can view the full report to understand how your contributions and efforts directly impact agricultural literacy in Minnesota.
Board Kits for Special Initiatives: Board members receive promotional kits throughout the year to support key outreach efforts, such as encouraging sign-ups during the fall AgMag promotion. These ready-to-use materials make it easy to share MAITC’s message within your networks and help expand our reach to more educators and students across Minnesota.
Curriculum Matrix: MAITC provides over 500 lessons that are tied to Minnesota state standards, offering a comprehensive approach to teaching agricultural literacy. As a board member, you’ll be able to see how these lessons align with national and state educational frameworks.
Grant Opportunities: We offer grants to educators who need resources for their classrooms, as well as for first-year teachers who are just getting started. Board members play an essential role in reviewing and supporting these grant programs.
Strategic Plan: MAITC’s Strategic Plan outlines clear goals to increase agricultural literacy through innovation, educator support, and strong partnerships. As a board member, you’ll help guide efforts to engage students, support teachers, and measure impact through data-driven strategies and performance indicators.
Get Involved and Share the Story
As a board member, you will have numerous opportunities to share MAITC’s mission with others and help expand our network of supporters. There are several ways you can get involved:
Become a Board Member:
Interested in joining us? Learn more about the application process and submit your application.
> Apply
Advocate:
Be an advocate by helping students discover where their food comes from and why agriculture matters in their everyday lives. By sharing agriculture’s story, you can inspire the next generation to appreciate and support the people and practices behind our food system.
> Advocate
Donate:
Support MAITC’s programs and initiatives by making a financial contribution. Every dollar helps us provide more resources and opportunities for students and educators.
> Donate
Volunteer:
Board members are encouraged to assist in organizing events, leading fundraising efforts, and connecting with schools and communities.
Contact and Support
If you have questions or need more information, our team is here to help. For board-related inquiries, contact Executive Director Ann Marie Ward. For program-specific questions, feel free to reach out to any of our team members listed above.
Thank you for your interest in the MAITC Board! By joining us, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of agricultural education in Minnesota. We look forward to working together to inspire the next generation of ag leaders.