2/17 Free Virtual Workshop: Teaching Microeconomy Through School Gardens

[Vera Simon-Nobes]

Hi Everyone - 

Join the Farm-Based Education Network, guest educator, Joe Karr and two seventh grade students for:

Utilizing the School Garden or Farm to Support Microeconomies in the Adolescent Years

February 17, 2026 | 2 pm EST / 11 AM PT 

Register now!

A school garden has many benefits including supporting student run businesses. In this workshop, middle school teacher, Joe Karr, will share a year-round microeconomy curriculum, in which students make all decisions, track profits, engage with the community, and problem solve on a daily basis, while learning about nutrition, local agriculture, and the value of meaningful work. We’ll discuss the garden products students make, how this venture teaches many soft and hard skills and some common challenges and best practices that all educators can put into practice. We’ll also plan to hear from two seventh graders!

About the Presenter: Joe Karr has been an educator and gardener for over 15 years and combines these passions to carry out what Thomas Berry calls the “Great Work”. He greatly enjoys creating curriculum based on local agriculture, real-world problems, and building connections with the natural world. This has manifested in public and private schools, non-profits, and a variety of professional development experiences including The Trustees of Reservations, The Wade Institute for Science Education, and Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom. His current position at Cornerstone Montessori School centers around the school farm and building businesses based on products created. He loves backpacking, playing the drums, and having fun with his two daughters, Nora and Zoe, and his dog, River.