2024 Outstanding Educator of the Year

Congratulations Mr. Gonzalez, 2024 Outstanding Teacher Award Winner!

Joshua Gonzalez, a dedicated second-grade teacher and Agriculture Committee Chairman at River Trail School of Agricultural Science in Milwaukee Public Schools, has been honored as the 2024 Wisconsin Outstanding Teacher by Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom. This prestigious accolade highlights Gonzalez's innovative efforts to embed agricultural literacy into his classroom and schoolwide curriculum.

Gonzalez's passion for agricultural education stems from his personal experiences and a vision to revolutionize urban learning. Reflecting on the pandemic's impact on food access, Gonzalez recalled his grandparents' fruit trees in Puerto Rico, where neighbors came together to share harvests and support one another. Inspired by this memory, he now empowers his students to combat food deserts and create sustainable, healthy communities through urban agriculture.

"Many of my students may not come from wealth, but with education, they can learn how to become urban farmers, stretch their resources, and support their community," Gonzalez shared. "Teaching agricultural literacy empowers them to be more self-sufficient and embrace healthier lifestyles."

Under Gonzalez's leadership, River Trail School became Milwaukee Public Schools' first specialty agriculture school, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Each grade level participates in distinct agricultural activities, such as maintaining pollinator gardens, managing hydroponics towers, caring for chickens, and operating a composting program. One of the school's standout initiatives is its "food forest" project—a two-acre sustainable orchard producing Asian pears, chestnuts, and hazelnuts—which has garnered significant attention.

"Our students learn not just about growing food, but about sustainable systems," Gonzalez explained. "The food forest mimics nature, capturing water runoff with swales and berms to nurture perennial plants. Soon, sheep and chickens will contribute to natural fertilization."

In addition to schoolwide projects, Gonzalez integrates cross-curricular learning in his classroom through initiatives like the George Washington Carver Peanut Butter Contest. This project connects Black History Month with agriculture, literacy, and science, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. His efforts have cultivated a culture where students enthusiastically harvest crops, cook with fresh ingredients, and share their newfound knowledge with family and peers.

Gonzalez also collaborates with the district's agriculture high school to establish a seamless K-12 program, inspiring students to pursue degrees and careers in agriculture. His dedication to agricultural education has earned him invitations to present at conferences and recognition from peers and leaders alike.

Colleagues describe Gonzalez as "the heart" of River Trail's agriculture program, praising his relentless commitment to securing funding, building resources, and motivating others. "I love that my science lessons don't always need a textbook," Gonzalez said. "Seeing students grow, literally and figuratively, reminds me why I became a teacher."

Mr. Gonzalez’s class received accurate agriculture books, squishy trees and ice cream as part of the award celebration on December 16.