By Scout Nelson
Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom has named Marie Kruse of Lake City as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Teacher Award. The award recognizes Minnesota educators who successfully bring agriculture education into K-12 classrooms through creative and engaging lessons.
Kruse has spent more than 20 years helping students understand the importance of agriculture in everyday life. Her teaching combines classroom learning with real-world experiences that help students connect farming, food, and community life.
She has introduced several agriculture-focused activities for students, including participation in the Midwest Dairy Adopt-a-Calf program. Kruse also organized a Farm Machinery Parade as part of her school’s agriculture themed “I Love to Read” Month celebration. These activities have helped students learn about agriculture in fun and meaningful ways.
Reflecting on her work, Kruse says “Watching students connect farm life to their own lives and develop an understanding of where their food comes from is both professionally meaningful and deeply rewarding.”
According to Sue Knott, Kruse has had a strong impact on agricultural literacy. “Marie Kruse is an outstanding advocate for agricultural literacy and recognizes the impact that learning about agriculture has on her students,” Knott said. “She goes above and beyond to create hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to the real world. Her passion is contagious, and it shows in the way her students engage with and understand agriculture.”
In addition to the state award, Kruse also received national recognition from the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization. She was selected as one of six winners of the Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award.
As part of the honor, Kruse will receive a $500 stipend and travel support to attend the 2026 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Providence this June.
MAITC is a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the MAITC Foundation. The organization works to improve agricultural literacy among students through educational programs and classroom resources across Minnesota schools.
Photo Credit: minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Education, General