West Des Moines, Iowa – January 7, 2025 – Kerri Bell, a second-grade teacher at Mid-Prairie East Elementary School in Kalona, Iowa, has been named the recipient of the Iowa Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture award. Presented by the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF), the award celebrates educators who effectively incorporate agricultural literacy into their classrooms, helping students connect with Iowa’s rich farming heritage. Bell emerged as the top candidate among elementary, middle school, and high school teachers from across Iowa. She was honored during a ceremony at the IALF board of directors’ meeting held December 19, 2024, in Ankeny, Iowa. 

Bell, now in her 30th year of teaching, began her career at St. James School in Washington before joining Kalona Schools in 1997. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa and Master of Arts in Language Arts from MaryCrest University. 

“Kerri exemplifies how agriculture can be seamlessly integrated into classroom learning,” said Kelly Foss, IALF Executive Director. “Her ability to connect students with real-world agricultural experiences not only helps them understand the importance of farming but also its role in their daily lives. She has created meaningful opportunities for her students to learn and grow, both inside and outside the classroom, enhancing their future career prospects. By addressing real-world challenges, Kerri helps students grasp global issues and see how small solutions can make a big difference.” 

“My goal is to inspire my students to view agriculture as an essential part of their lives while fostering an appreciation for the systems and people that sustain our communities,” said Bell. “To stay current on agricultural education trends, I actively participate in the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation professional development workshops and value the resources they provide.” 

Bell incorporates the National Agricultural Literacy Outcomes (NALOS) into various areas of her classroom curriculum. Through Agriculture and the Environment, she helps students understand the relationship between farming and the environment by incorporating activities that highlight sustainable farming practices. Students discuss how farmers manage natural resources like water for crops and livestock. Through a unit on Plants and Animals, she uses programs like Adopt-a-Farmer where students gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from. They explore the roles of livestock such as cows in providing food and other products. Weaving these NALOS themes into everyday lessons, she helps students build meaningful connections between agriculture, the environment, and their daily lives. 

The Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award also emphasizes the significance of community outreach and involvement, honoring educators who actively collaborate with local farms and agricultural organizations to showcase their dedication to agriculture within their communities and throughout Iowa. Bell has cultivated strong partnerships with local farmers and agricultural organizations such as Washington County 4-H, Washington County ISU Extension, Mid-Prairie FFA, Kalona Historical Village, and the Iowa Corn Growers Association, creating unique opportunities for her students to engage with agricultural leaders and local resources. 

Bell will receive a $500 stipend to support her continued efforts of integrating agriculture into her classroom curriculum. She will also attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom conference to be held in Minneapolis, Minn. in June 2025. 

“Kerri’s dedication to agricultural education exemplifies the mission of IALF to empower future generations with the knowledge and appreciation for agriculture’s vital role in their lives,” Foss added. 

# # # 

Media Photo for Download


About the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation
IALF serves as a central resource for educators and volunteers who teach Iowa’s students about agriculture. The mission is to educate Iowans, with a focus on youth, regarding the breadth and global significance of agriculture. Iowa is a leading producer of agricultural products that are essential to feed a growing world population, estimated to reach more than 9 billion by 2050. IALF believes it is important for all Iowans to understand the essential role agriculture has in their lives. Through Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) efforts, IALF serves as the state representative for the National AITC Organization and collaborates with the Iowa AITC network including County AITC programs engaging with teachers and students across Iowa’s 99 counties.  

IALF is supported by agricultural stakeholders, including the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Corteva Agriscience, GROWMARK, the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the Midwest Dairy Association. For more information visit IALF online at www.IowaAgLiteracy.org, on Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).