In this issue of our BCAITC Teacher Champion series, we profile BC teacher Monique French. Discover her passion for educating students about BC agriculture, food, and the environment.

Q: What school do you teach? A: I teach at Hudson Road Elementary School in West Kelowna.

Q: What grade(s) do you teach? A: I currently teach Grade 2.

Q: How and when did you first learn about BCAITC? A: I  first learned about BCAITC from another teacher colleague who attended an AG Adventures Tour at Helen's Acres.

Q: How long have you been teaching students about BC agriculture and food? A: I have been teaching about BC agriculture and food for the past 5 years through hands-on and inquiry-based learning. 

Q: What are the most important things that you want your students to learn about BC agriculture and food? A: I want my students to understand the deep connection between agriculture, community, and sustainability. It’s important for students to recognize the value of supporting local farmers and food producers, and how these choices help build stronger, more connected communities.

I also want them to develop an awareness & respect for pollinators and our local ecosystems, which are being drastically affected by human activity and our warming planet. By learning about the role of pollinators and the impact of sustainable practices, students can better understand the importance of caring for the land, protecting biodiversity, and making informed choices that support a healthier future for all.

Q: BCAITC has over 500 free downloadable resources including lesson plans, activities, videos, recipes, and more! What is your favourite BCAITC resource and why? A: There are so many fantastic resources on the BCAITC website that it’s hard to choose just one! I particularly enjoy the Fresh Stories because it brings agriculture to life in a way that’s engaging and relatable for young learners. For example, the Fresh Story: Blueberries resource is a wonderful way to connect students with a local crop they may see growing in their own communities. It helps students understand where their food comes from while also incorporating literacy, science, and environmental awareness in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.

Q: What is your favourite BCAITC program and why?  A: AG Adventures at Helen’s Acres Community Farm is my favourite BCAITC program because it offers a truly inspiring and hands-on learning experience that connects students with the land, their community, and the importance of sustainable food systems. It provides a wonderful opportunity for children to see a non-profit farm donating fresh produce to local citizens in need.

The 12 interactive learning stations give students a chance to dive into topics like soil health, pollinators, photosynthesis, and irrigation in a fun, engaging and meaningful way. Touring the greenhouses and produce-cooler helps students understand the full journey of food and how this work directly supports local families through food bank partnerships. I highly recommend AG Adventures for any age group!

Q: Describe an agriculture or food-based project/program you have implemented in your classroom/school recently. A: A few years ago, I had the opportunity to reach out to local community businesses to support us in creating our very own garden at the school. With incredible support from the community, we received large harvest boxes from a local orchard to use as garden beds and generous donations of soil, garden tools, & seeds from Byland’s Nursery.

Students were thrilled to roll up their sleeves and get their hands in the dirt. Together, we planted pollinator-friendly flowers and a variety of fruits and vegetables that they could nurture, watch grow, and eventually harvest. It’s been a powerful way to connect them with where food comes from, encourage responsibility, and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the role we play in caring for it.

Q: Do you have any advice for other educators on how to integrate agriculture and food education into their curriculum?  A: Start small build from there! It could be something as simple as planting seeds in your classroom to maintain in a nearby window, or going to one of the many local agricultural farms and businesses in your area to help facilitate children's learning. 

Look for opportunities to connect with local farms, farmers’ markets, or agri-businesses in your community to bring learning to life outside the classroom. Agriculture education doesn’t require a huge budget or space—it just takes a bit of creativity and a willingness to explore real-world connections with your students.

About the Teacher Champion Series: This monthly BCAITC series features BC teachers and school staff who are passionate about providing agriculture and food education to K-12 students. For more information, contact BCAITC Communications Coordinator, communications@aitc.ca.