Sedan teacher Kelsy Sproul named KFAC Teacher of the Year

MANHATTAN, KANSAS, March 3, 2024 – Kelsy Sproul, a Kindergarten teacher at Sedan Elementary School, was recently named the 2026 Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC) Teacher of the Year. KFAC's Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers who instill a passion for learning about agriculture within their students. KFAC honors one teacher annually who has successfully integrated agricultural education into their pre-existing curriculum.

Sproul, who has been teaching for three years, brings agriculture to life for her students by seamlessly incorporating it across all subjects, including science, math, English language arts, and social studies. With firsthand experience as a rancher, she uses real-world examples to make learning more engaging and meaningful.

"My husband and I are ranchers, and I see every day how agricultural experiences benefit our own children. Many of my students come from families involved in agriculture, and I want to connect what they learn in school to the real-world practices happening in their own communities," said Sproul. "Agriculture isn’t just a subject—it’s a way of life, and I want my students to understand and appreciate it."

Sproul’s innovative teaching includes hands-on projects like soil studies, seed germination, and a popular chick-hatching project, which engages students in journaling, counting, measuring, and scientific observation. Her efforts extend beyond her kindergarten classroom—she volunteers an hour each day to teach agriculture lessons to first through fifth-grade students, ensuring that agricultural education remains a consistent and growing part of the school’s curriculum.

"Kelsy Sproul exemplifies the mission of KFAC by making agriculture an integral part of student learning," said Nancy Zenger-Beneda, KFAC Executive Director. "Her commitment to hands-on, interdisciplinary agricultural literacy education enhances classroom instruction and fosters a lifelong appreciation for agriculture among her students. We are thrilled to recognize her dedication with this award."

One of the standout aspects of Sproul’s program is her partnership with the local high school FFA chapter. Each week, FFA members visit her classroom to mentor and assist students with agricultural projects, helping to bridge the gap between early childhood education and future agricultural careers. These experiences create a sense of pride, curiosity, and connection to the broader agricultural community.

Sproul will receive an all-expense paid trip to the 2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and an all-expense paid trip to the 2026 Conference. Sproul will also be considered for the 2026 National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award, presented by National Agriculture in the Classroom.