Founding Story
The Global Teach Ag Network began when co-founders Daniel Foster and Melanie Miller Foster realized that development solutions do not often include key community members: educators.
Educators are often left out of the conversations of food system transformation. When education is mentioned as a key component, the conversation often focuses on developing curriculum or building schools. While the cross-cutting theme of youth is often present, there is often no mention of the educators that will make curriculum and classrooms come alive for youth. Educators are members of the community, well networked to community assets, and work with youth, parents and community members on a daily basis.
Daniel and Melanie created the Global Teach Ag Network in response to this gap in the conversation, and to lift up educators as key actors in global food systems transformation.
Our Vision
To cultivate an empowered generation of leaders ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. We envision a future where individuals are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and determination to make a tangible difference in the world.
Our Mission
To empower educators to ignite curiosity and foster understanding among learners about the critical issues surrounding global agriculture and food insecurity. Through meaningful connections and insightful learning experiences, we strive to inspire a new wave of community changemakers who are committed to guiding their learners to create a more sustainable and equitable world.
Our Approach
Our approach centers on empowering educators through research-based professional development opportunities focused on global agriculture and food insecurity. By providing access to high-quality resources, training, and support, we aim to equip educators with the tools they need to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of leaders.
Why focus on educators?
Educators are essential in preparing the next generation to address the world’s most pressing issues and facilitating the transition to a more sustainable society. Educators are at the heart of education systems as they directly interact with learners and community members on a daily basis. They are familiar with community challenges as well as community assets. Educators can work with learners to shape the communities that learners want to live in, and influence mindsets toward a more sustainable future.
Expertise and Experience
The Global Teach Ag Network offers a wealth of expertise and experience in the realms of teacher education, global agriculture, and international development. With a network of over twenty-five partner organizations, we bring together knowledge, resources, and best practices to empower educators worldwide. Through collaboration and shared expertise, we are committed to driving positive change through existing educational platforms.
HOW THE GTAN DIGITAL LEARNING COMMUNITY STARTED
In 2014, Global Teach Ag co-founders Daniel and Melanie had a grant-funded project drawing to a close. The culminating workshop focused on how educators could leverage their international experiences for the benefit of their students. The workshop was intended for the dozen educators who participated in the grant project, but once word on the topic got out over fifty educators traveled to Happy Valley (State College, PA) for the weekend event. Recognizing the need for this type of conversation, the annual Global Learning in Agriculture (GLAG) Conference was born. Eventually, we felt the need from educators to provide a space for connection throughout the year – as the GLAG Conference transformed into our now current iteration of the Global Teach Ag Network Digital Learning Community.
We invite you to join the community here
Fun fact: 2014 was the only year that the a GTAN/GLAG conference was in person. All subsequent GLAG conferences, and now the GTAN Community, have been hosted online.
