Bonnie Johnson
May 28, 2025
Media ArticleNathan Lund of Glacial Hills Elementary in Starbuck, Minnesota, has been named the 2025 Outstanding Teacher of the Year by Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC). This award celebrates educators who successfully integrate agriculture into K-12 education in creative and meaningful ways.
Since 2021, Lund has taught 5th and 6th grade students, focusing on engaging them in real-world agricultural and environmental learning. His classroom has become a hub for hands-on experiences such as building and maintaining a schoolyard garden, using hydroponic systems, and restoring native habitats on the school grounds.
Lund’s efforts also include practical life experiences like canning tomatoes and organizing food-making contests that connect students to where their food comes from. He launched a school-wide composting program where students actively lead the initiative each year, promoting responsibility and teamwork.
“We were so impressed by the many ways Mr. Lund and his students are working with their community—whether it’s building outdoor learning spaces or participating in local environmental initiatives,” said Sue Knott, Education Specialist with MAITC, a program of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). “It’s clear he is creating a lasting impact in both the classroom and throughout the broader community.”
Reflecting on his teaching journey, Lund shared, “It has reinforced my belief in the power of experiential learning to inspire real-world change and has motivated me to continue integrating environmental education and agriculture into our curriculum.”
He also credits organizations like Ag in the Classroom, Lettuce Grow, Action for Healthy Kids, and Farm to School for helping him bring agricultural experiences to life. As Lund puts it, “Through all of these different experiences, it is my goal to give students many opportunities to build life skills and a love of life-long learning and growing.”
Lund’s story highlights how agricultural education can empower young minds and create strong connections between the classroom and the community.
Photo by: content.govdelivery.com
