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Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom

MAC Team

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Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom was founded in 1983 and incorporated as a non-profit 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization in 1984. We continue to be part of a national effort committed to promoting agricultural education and literacy.

The organization is led by an all volunteer and highly committed Board of Directors consisting of teachers, farmers, partners, and agriculture education advocates.

The Board of Directors consists of 10-15 members representing Massachusetts educators, farmers, and community groups.

The Board meets twelve times per year and actively supports and guides the mission, vision and programs of Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom.

If you would like to learn more about the board, or to join our monthly virtual meetings, send email to massaginclassroom@gmail.com.

Officers

  • Roberta Oles, President
  • Christopher Szkutak and Maria Berrios, Vice-Presidents
  • Heather Holgate, Treasurer
  • Sharon Nist, Secretary
 

Board of Directors

 
  • Ann Prest, Mass State Grange Representative
  • Benadette Manning, Educator, Classroom Hives
  • Christine Robbins, Auburn Public Schools Educator
  • Ellen Nylen, Food Services Director, Codman Academy Charter Public School
  • JoAnn Mossman, Retired Educator
  • Russell Anderson, Retired Science and Technology Teacher
  • Rita Brennan Olson, Mass Partnership for Food Safety Education
  • Sharon Nist, Retired Educator
  • Teresa Strong, Boston Public Schools

Education Advisors

  • Amber Cardwell, Agricultural Educator
  • Denise Porcello, Educator, Dracut Public Schools
  • Kate O'Brien, Peabody Schools, Special Needs
  • Michelle Cooke, Educator, Dracut Public Schools
  • Shawn O'Neill, Robinson Elementary, Marshfield

Advisors

  • Cynthia Jensen, Retired Science Teacher
  • Denise Courtney, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
  • Dr. James Alicata, Fitchburg State University
  • Katelyn Rozenas Hanson, MDAR
  • Mary McCaffrey, Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association
  • Rick LeBlanc, Mass Dept. of Agricultural Resources
  • Mary Jordan, Mass Dept. of Agricultural Resources
  • Marian Hazzard, Teacher and School Gardener

Honorary

  • Ed Bourgeois, Pioneer Valley Sheep Breeders Association
  • June Johnson , Treasurer until 2019