Education Revolution: Woody Worthington Of ‘Green Our Planet’ On Innovative Approaches That Are Transforming Education
An interview with Eden Gold
Understanding Stakeholder Needs: It’s essential to deeply understand and address the diverse needs and perspectives of all stakeholders involved to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of your programs.
The landscape of education is undergoing a profound transformation, propelled by technological advancements, pedagogical innovations, and a deepened understanding of learning diversities. Traditional classrooms are evolving, and new modes of teaching and learning are emerging to better prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. This series will take a look at the groundbreaking work being done across the globe to redefine education. As a part of this interview series, we had the pleasure to interview Woody Worthington.
After a successful career in agriculture and education, Woody Worthington continues to pave the way in the industry as a Director of National Partnerships and Special Envoy of Northern & Rural Nevada at Green Our Planet. As a Career and Technical Education board member for Douglas High School and Carson High School, Woody ensures that students have access to quality educational programs that enhance their education. Since starting his role at Green Our Planet, Woody has spearheaded the Northern Nevada Giant Student Farmers Market in May and continues to advocate for alleviating food insecurity, while also helping students learn STEM-based skills through an agricultural approach.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share the “backstory” behind what brought you to this particular career path?
Thank you for allowing me to share! My journey into this career path started with my love for the outdoors and my passion for teaching and helping others. I’ve always been drawn to activities like fishing and traveling with my family, but over time, I found my real joy came from teaching kids how to be smart, active, and healthy. This led me to work with Green Our Planet, where I get to merge my love for education with sustainability. Being able to inspire the next generation to take care of our planet and themselves feels like the perfect fit for me.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I once visited a school in rural Nevada and found myself in a beautiful garden where 5th and 6th graders were hard at work, raking, weeding, and completing various tasks. I was curious about how they were assigned their jobs, so I asked one student who was handing out tools how she got her job. She said, ‘I picked it because I completed my homework and did well on a test.’ ‘Cool!’ I replied, then asked another student, who was raking, the same question. She said, ‘Well, I did almost all of my homework and did okay on my test, but I’ll try harder next week to pick a better job.’ Just then, another student pulling weeds overheard and chimed in, ‘You don’t even want to know about my homework or how I did on my test, but I’ll definitely work harder to get a better job next week! The mix of honesty and humor from the students makes this story both funny and heartwarming, but, what really struck me was the lesson in accountability and hard work. These students understood that their effort directly impacted their opportunities. It was a powerful reminder that when we take ownership of our responsibilities and put in the effort, we set ourselves up for greater opportunities — both in the garden and in life.
Can you briefly share with our readers why you are an authority in the education field?
I’ve been immersed in agriculture my entire life, growing up on a fully sustainable ranch in Rogue River, Oregon. That hands-on experience shaped my deep understanding of sustainable farming and food production. In addition to my upbringing, I’ve served as a national advisor in agricultural education and worked on several research studies, traveling globally to assist countries with their agricultural practices. My passion for sustainability and education has always driven me, and saving the planet has been a priority of mine since day one. This unique blend of personal experience, global insight, and professional leadership allows me to bring a well-rounded and dedicated perspective to the field of agricultural education.
Can you identify some areas of the US education system that are going really great?
The U.S. education system is seeing notable success in several key areas. There’s a strong emphasis on improving STEM education, with schools offering specialized programs and hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in technology and engineering. Social-emotional learning (SEL) (character building) is gaining traction, helping students build critical skills such as empathy and responsible decision-making. This success is largely due to tapping into new areas of learning through hands-on experiences, particularly with an agricultural focus. Technology integration is also making a significant impact, providing personalized learning experiences and greater access to resources. Additionally, agricultural and sustainability programs, like those supported by Green Our Planet, are teaching students practical skills in food production and environmental stewardship.
Can you identify the key areas of the US education system that should be prioritized for improvement? Can you explain why those are so critical?
Two key areas we need to focus on in the U.S. education system are supporting our teachers and ensuring equity. First off, giving teachers the resources and professional development they need is a game-changer. When teachers are well-supported, they can truly connect with and inspire their students, which makes a huge difference. Equally important is making sure every student, no matter their background or where they’re from, gets access to top-notch education. We need to tackle the disparities in funding and resources to close the achievement gap. By zeroing in on these areas, we can build a more effective and fair education system for everyone.
Please tell us all about the innovative educational approaches that you are using. What is the specific problem that you aim to solve, and how have you addressed it?
In my work with Green Our Planet, we’re merging garden-based learning with hydroponics to enhance education. Our STEM curriculum connects students to real-world applications, empowering them to become environmentalists, farmers, scientists, farmpreneurs, etc… By offering hands-on experiences, we make learning more engaging and relevant, helping students understand their role in the universe. We partner with schools and communities to ensure these programs are accessible, enriching education and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
In what ways do you think your approach might shape the future of education? What evidence supports this?
My approach, which blends garden-based learning with hydroponics, could change the future of education by making it more hands-on and relevant. By giving students practical experiences, we make learning more engaging and meaningful. Research shows that students learn better and stay more motivated with hands-on projects. Plus, learning about hydroponics and sustainability equips students with skills that are super relevant to today’s world and future careers. We’re also working to ensure these programs reach a diverse range of students, helping to close achievement gaps and provide equal opportunities. This method supports a trend towards experiential learning and skills development, making education more impactful and preparing students for what’s next.
How do you measure the impact of your innovative educational practices on students’ learning and well-being?
- Student Feedback and Surveys: Collect feedback from students to gauge their engagement, learning outcomes, and overall well-being.
- Academic Performance: Track changes in grades and test scores in relevant subjects to assess the impact on academic achievement.
- Behavioral Observations: Observe improvements in student participation, enthusiasm, and interactions with peers and teachers.
- Long-Term Tracking: Monitor students over time to see how skills and knowledge from the programs influence their future academic and career choices.
- Well-Being Assessments: Use surveys and tools to measure stress levels, self-esteem, and social-emotional development to evaluate impacts on mental health.
What challenges have you faced in implementing your educational innovations, and how have you overcome them?
Securing resources for garden-based and hydroponic programs has been a major hurdle, so we’ve tackled this by partnering with local businesses, community organizations, and applying for grants. Thanks to the large support from the Engelstad Foundation, Nevada State, FORMULA 1 LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX, the Obama Foundation, and the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, we’ve been able to secure funding and resources to integrate these programs into existing curricula. This required close collaboration with teachers to align with educational standards and provide the necessary training for successful implementation. Maintaining student engagement has been a challenge, but we address this by keeping activities fresh and involving students in the planning process. Ensuring educators are well-trained in new methods has been another obstacle, which we overcome by offering comprehensive professional development and ongoing support. Finally, scaling these programs to more schools involves logistical and financial challenges, which we address by building strong partnerships and creating adaptable models for various school environments.
Keeping in mind the “Law of Unintended Consequences” can you see any potential drawbacks of this innovation that people should think more deeply about?
One issue is the increased workload for teachers, which could lead to burnout if adequate support and training aren’t provided. Additionally, some students might find the added responsibilities of garden-based and hydroponic programs overwhelming or distracting from their core academic subjects. Long-term sustainability is also a concern, as maintaining these programs requires ongoing funding and support, and any financial or logistical challenges could jeopardize their effectiveness. Finally, there’s a risk of equity concerns if the programs aren’t implemented uniformly, potentially widening disparities in educational opportunities. Addressing these potential drawbacks through careful planning and support can help ensure innovation remains beneficial and effective.
What are your “5 Things I Wish I Knew When I First Started”?
1 . The Long Road to Impact: Significant changes and innovations in education often take longer to show results than expected. Patience and persistence are key.
2 . The Power of Building Relationships: Cultivating strong connections with partners, schools, and communities is crucial for the success and growth of educational programs.
3 . Navigating Bureaucracy: Understanding and effectively navigating the complexities of school systems, funding channels, and administrative processes can be more challenging than anticipated.
4 . The Power of Adaptability: Being flexible and open to modifying your approach based on what’s working and what’s not is crucial for long-term success.
5 . Understanding Stakeholder Needs: It’s essential to deeply understand and address the diverse needs and perspectives of all stakeholders involved to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of your programs.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker (The Father of Management)
This quote is especially relevant to my work in agricultural education. It emphasizes the importance of proactively shaping the direction of educational practices rather than waiting for changes to occur. In my role, I’ve focused on innovating agricultural education by integrating hands-on learning and sustainable practices into the curriculum. By creating and implementing these forward-thinking programs, I aim to prepare students for future challenges and opportunities in agriculture. This proactive approach not only addresses current educational needs but also helps build a more informed and capable next generation of agricultural leaders.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can further follow my work online in two ways that can be found below.
Green Our Planet Website: https://www.greenourplanet.org/
Instagram: @greenourplanet
Thank you so much for these insights! This was so inspiring!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold
Education Revolution: Woody Worthington Of ‘Green Our Planet’ On Innovative Approaches That Are… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.