Immersive Professional Development
for HS Educators

Let's Grow Together in Chicago

About/What to Expect

Seed Your Future is seeking 30 high school educators in STEM-related subject areas (math, reading, arts, technology) for an expenses-paid immersive professional development experience, a value over $1,900.00!  Horticulture, floriculture and other segments of the green industries offer fascinating, engaging, and relevant contexts for teaching and learning. Embark on an immersive professional development journey that equips educators to master cross-curricular teaching tools, uncover dynamic ways to inspire authentic, real-world connections for students, and forge meaningful, lasting professional networks with peers from across the nation—all while elevating your craft to new heights. Expand your professional network by connecting with industry leaders and passionate educators, exchanging expertise that inspires innovation in your classroom.

 

 

 

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Blended-development experience- Blended format including asynchronous learning, webinars, and an in-person event

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Hands-on experiential learning with experts in plant science, horticulture and/or floriculture

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Information about life skills and careers available to students in the green industries

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Guidance and support from a team of expert facilitators

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Collaboration & community with a diverse cohort of 30 high school educators from across the nation

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$750.00 Travel stipend and up to 40 CEU credits for program completion

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Showcase Your Expertise: Co-design a one-day lesson plan that connects your subject area to horticulture, student development, and impactful teaching strategies. —  featured on the Seed Your Future website to inspire educators nationwide

 

 



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Details

Program Length: April – July 2025

Key Dates & Locations

 

 

Meet the Facilitators

Sarah Nerswick

Sarah earned a BS in Agricultural Education and a Master’s in Agricultural Leadership from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!). She spent 10 years teaching high school agriculture before transitioning to a non-traditional education role as a Learning Designer for Vivayic. In 2018, Sarah founded Green & Growing Education, a business dedicated to providing professional development for agriculture teachers nationwide. The organization has hosted 11 national virtual conferences, produced a podcast, published monthly blogs for teachers and entrepreneurs, and facilitated both virtual and in-person gatherings that offer educators space to connect, grow, and recharge with peers.

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Hannah Wedger

Hannah is a Learning Designer and Project Owner at Vivayic, specializing in NGSS curriculum development and facilitating engaging professional development for educators. With a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota (Ski U Mah!) and a Master’s in Career and Technical Education from Concordia University in Portland, Hannah combines a strong academic foundation with over 13 years of experience in education.

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Angela Gulotta

Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Angela attended DePaul University, in Chicago, receiving a BS in Biology and Secondary Education. She received her MA in Curriculum and Instruction through the University of Scranton. She and her husband reside in Beloit, WI, with their daughter and 2 dogs. For 17 years, she was a classroom teacher and worked to develop unique projects, curriculum, training, and professional development that makes a difference for students, teachers, and other educational partners. 

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Erin Nessmith

Erin Nessmith is a seasoned formal and non-formal educator with a diverse background in the field of agriculture and education.  A double graduate from the University of Florida, Erin has dedicated her career to cultivating knowledge and fostering a love for learning. As a former agriculture teacher, she brought the subject to life through experiential learning, firmly believing that hands-on experiences enhance understanding and learning. Erin also spent three-years as a teacher educator at the university level, encouraging classroom teaching strategy diversification.

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APPLY NOW

 

Application Window: February 3- March 7, 2025

Participants and their school system will be notified of their selection in early March.

 

Do you have questions? We’ll be glad to answer them! Just send us a message at: [email protected].

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

>  I don’t have experience with horticulture/floriculture. Does that mean I won’t qualify to participate? 

Previous knowledge or experience in the plant science, horticulture and/or floriculture industries is not required. Interest, curiosity, and enthusiasm for all things plants is what we’re looking for!

>  What exactly do you mean by “expenses paid”?

For the in-person immersive event, each participant can expect Hotel accommodations for 4 nights (single occupancy), meals during the event, transportation during the event in Chicago, and the provision of professional-development related supplies and resources. 

Each participant can also expect to receive a $750 reimbursement for approved travel expenses to the immersive event. Approved travel expenses include flight, mileage, car rental, and public transportation. Additional details will be provided to selected applicants. 

>  What is expected of me if I am selected as a participant?

In all, selected participants will spend about 40 hours in training and professional development by: 

  • Completing asynchronous training and exercises 
  • Participating in the program kickoff and two, 1.5-hour webinars
  • Traveling to and attending the 4-day, 3-night on-site immersive event in Chicago, Illinois. 

As a result of the experience, each participant will co-design a Give-To-Grow lesson; a one-day subject specific lesson that will showcase the expertise of the educator and connection to horticulture.

>  How is this program different from traditional workshops or conferences?

Direct Access to Industry Experts: Participants engage directly with professionals from the field, gaining insights into real-world applications and current industry trends that they can bring back to their classrooms, making their lessons more relevant and future-focused.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities: Unlike lecture-based workshops, immersive experiences emphasize active participation, allowing educators to practice skills, experiment with concepts, and engage in experiential activities that deepen understanding and retention.