How Volunteers Can Inspire Ag Learning

What do you, agriculture, and science have in common? Join us as we discuss why science education is valuable to agriculture, the ag industry's future, and how you can get involved.

Speakers:

James Brameyer

James Brameyer has been in the education field for 23 years, 18 years as a public school teacher and the last 5 in his current role as an instructional specialist of science for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.  In his role as an instructional specialist, he  develops curriculum and professional development resources for all secondary science courses, promotes effective instructional practices and student achievement through the support of all stakeholders, and provides instructional support to schools on a regular basis.  His current work includes the incorporation of agriculture and related fields of study into our science curriculum to expose students to this important field of study.

Rick Henningfield

Rick brings a strong background in science and agriculture and over 20 years of facilitation, training, and speaking experience to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture as the Education Director. Rick spent 10 years as a high school Agricultural and Science educator and his teaching department developed a mission for their students: Production Agriculture Practices + Scientific Principles & Methodology = Students Prepared for Future Careers in Agricultural Industries. Rick brought the mission to life for students as he and his department redesigned all 16 of their class offerings to be more rigorous, inquiry-based, and rooted in science. During Rick’s 10 years of teaching and serving as an FFA advisor in Wisconsin, he built an impressive program with deep roots in the community focusing on activities that were purposeful and relevant.

Julia Recko

Julia Recko serves as the Managing Director for the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

Julia Recko started as a Program Assistant with the Foundation in 2008, was promoted to a Program Coordinator in 2012, Assistant Director in 2014, Director of Education Outreach in 2016 and Managing Director in 2024. Julia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the Catholic University of America. She also earned her Masters of Education from George Mason University.  In her current role with the Foundation Julia manages marketing, educational resource development, and the Book of the Year program.  Julia currently lives in Fairfax, Virginia with her husband Nick and their two daughters.