The U.S. Department of Agriculture today reminded teachers that it is accepting applications until April 28 for the Foreign Agricultural Service’s TEACH Program to promote awareness of agricultural and environmental sciences in U.S. schools. Under the program, teachers travel to foreign countries to work on a variety of agricultural, environmental, food and nutritional issues.

"The international study tour provides teachers an intense, enriching experience in agricultural development and illustrates the important role of science and technology in agriculture," said FAS Administrator A. Ellen Terpstra. "Teachers gain experience that they can bring back to encourage their students to pursue exciting career opportunities in agricultural sciences and natural resources management."

The TEACH (Teaching Educators Agriculture and Conservation Holistically) Program, builds on President Bush’s "No Child Left Behind" initiative, as it targets teachers who serve low-to moderate-income students who tend to be under-represented in agricultural science and research professions.

Selected applicants will participate in the Summer 2005 International Agricultural Expedition where they will travel to Costa Rica July 9-24 to observe and work with farmers, educators and researchers.

To be eligible, applicants must be middle or high school agricultural or science educators with more than one year of experience. Applicants also must submit a synopsis of how they plan to integrate agricultural science into their school curricula and a summary of their professional background describing any special talents and experience. Written approval from their school principal or superintendent is required.

All expenses, including travel, lodging and most meals will be provided for the selected participants of the TEACH Summer 2005 International Agricultural Expedition to Costa Rica. However, participants will be responsible for personal travel documents, shots, insurance, medical, personal and incidental expenses.

In addition to sponsorship by FAS, the program is supported by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service (CSREES), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Forest Service (FS) and the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE).

Applications must be received by April 28, 2005, and should be sent to TEACH, USDA/FAS/OA/CRO/VThompson, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 6508, Washington, D.C., 20250-10008. For details and a copy of the application, go to http://www.fas.usda.gov/admin/teach/2005application.htm