Growing Knowledge of Agriculture in the Classroom
Personal
Hometown: I was born in Baltimore, MD and have lived in DeKalb, IL for 41 years.
Family: My husband Kevin & I have been married 39 years. We have 3 married children and 10 grandchildren: Stephen (Abby) with Cecilia, Eero and Joe; Jessica Lehan (Jim) with Ryann, Maya, Kaytie and Jack; Bryan (Amanda) with Layla, Halle & Aria.
College/Degree(s): NIU Bachelor’s, Elementary Education; NIU Master’s, Learning Disabilities; American College of Education Master’s, General Administration
What did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up I always wanted to be a mom and a teacher! I am so blessed to be living my dream and be Grandma, too.
Teaching
Teacher: Mrs. Allyson Holder
School: North Grove Elementary School
Grade: 4th grade
Subjects: All
Number of years teaching: 33 years – 9 years homeschool, 24 years public school
Farm Bureau/Ag Literacy connection: I have taken the Summer Ag Institute
4 times and learned a lot each time. My students also enjoy books donated from Farm Bureau and farm field trips. I also participate in Ag in the Classroom presentations.
What is your favorite unit to teach? The Illinois MAGic Kit from the DeKalb Farm Bureau has such a plethora of activities and fun; that has made Illinois my favorite unit.
Why is it important for students to learn about food and farming? Agriculture provides so many jobs and is an important part of our everyday life including food, clothing, economics, history, political science, and the compassion to feed the world.
Share one memorable teaching story. After I greeted one of my students in the morning, he told me that he didn’t do his homework with a huge smile on his face. I asked him why he was smiling about it. He replied, “You said there’s no stress in 4th grade.” I smiled and answered, “You’re right. But do your homework.”
What do you enjoy most about teaching? My favorite part of teaching is getting to know each student and enjoying their excitement for learning!
Favorites
Quote: “There are 1440 minutes in a day; make the most of them showing kindness to others and not letting anything ruin your day.”
Hobbies: Spending time with my family, singing with Threshold Choir at Oak Crest, Bible study, reading, writing, learning, doing puppet shows, swimming, and walking my dog.
Books: My favorite books are the one I’m writing, “Reflections of God’s Love
Through the Eyes of a Grandmother” & “You Are Special” by Max Lucado
Song: Sarah Hart Pearsons “Love Song for the King”
Movie: “One Night with The King”
Travel: Ocean City, MD; Fort Worth, TX; Grand Isle, NE