MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A Milwaukee teacher is receiving national recognition for bringing agriculture into the classroom in innovative ways.

Joshua Gonzalez, a teacher at River Trail School of Agricultural Science, has been named one of six recipients nationwide of the National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award.

Gonzalez helped transform River Trail from a traditional elementary school into an agriculture-focused specialty school, where every grade level now incorporates agriculture into its curriculum through hands-on, project-based learning.

In addition to serving as the school's agriculture committee chairman, Gonzalez has helped develop numerous learning spaces, including hoop houses, hydroponic towers, compost bins, raised gardens, a pollinator garden, a pumpkin patch, a chicken tractor and chicken run, a perennial food forest with more than 120 fruit and nut trees, and other outdoor learning areas.

“Across the country, these dedicated educators are using agriculture to help students explore the world around them through hands-on, experiential learning,” said Dr. Jaye L. Hamby, director of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The annual award recognizes PreK-12 educators who use agricultural concepts to teach subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, social studies and STEM. It is presented through a partnership between the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization, the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Farm Credit.

“National Agriculture in the Classroom is honored to recognize and celebrate these talented teachers for their innovative approach to teaching core academic concepts through the lens of food and agriculture,” said Kevin Daugherty, president of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization.