• Do you want to impact the world around you in a positive way?
• Do you like to grow or care for plants?
• Do you prefer being outside to inside?
• Do you want to cook dishes with food you grow?
• Do you want to learn more about agriculture careers?
• Do you prefer hands-on learning?
• Do you enjoy raising or caring for animals?

If you selected the majority of these, then you might be a great fit.

4th Grade 

My name is Sarah Ward. I was born and raised on a large farm outside of Salem, Mo. I graduated from College of the Ozarks in 2012 with a degree in Elementary Education. I began working for SPS in 2012.

I returned to school in 2014 to get my masters. I graduated from Missouri State in the spring of 2016 with a degree in Curriculum and Assessment and a secondary degree in Literacy. 

I am married to my college sweetheart, Justin, and we have two sons, Beckett (5) and Connor (2). We reside in Ozark, Mo. 

Ms. Kate Marble-I’m so excited to be a part of the AgAcademy team!  I have been teaching for 15 years, with most of those here at Springfield Public Schools.  I do not have a background in agriculture, but I love getting students outside and giving them hands-on, real-world experiences.  I want students who come to the AgAcademy to see that agriculture can happen anywhere and it’s more than just farming.  Besides teaching, I love being outdoors, baking, and hanging out with my Treeing Walker Coonhound, Madi. 

5th Grade

Shannon DeVries (pictured left) - After graduating with my master's degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University in 2003, I knew teaching would be a lifelong passion. I have been teaching in the SPS district ever since: learning, adapting, and growing as a teacher. Prior to working at the AgAcademy, my focus was 6th through 8th grade math and 6th grade science. I enjoy Sudoku and puzzles, hydroponic gardening, sewing, and mushroom hunting with my family. Most of all, I love spending time with my husband, Joe, and children Raymond and Adeleine. I look forward to learning agricultural best practices alongside my students, fostering commitment through our unique opportunities, and focusing on building a better tomorrow.

Alyssa Wicklund (pictured right)-  I love reading and helping students realize that books have the power to transport us to new worlds and ways of thinking. In 2003, I graduated from Missouri State University with my master's degree in Elementary Education and began teaching middle school math for SPS. Throughout my career, life-long learning has been an emphasis through obtaining eMINTS certification as well as a TESOL certification and ELL endorsement from MSU in May 2022. The AgAcademy combines my love of plant and animal science with hands-on and outdoor learning.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy photography, scrapbooking, and nature adventures with my family. My husband, Corey, and I are involved with the activities and interests of our three children: Hunter, Seth, and Zoe. We have enjoyed traveling to national parks, including some of my favorites, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Bryce Canyon. Every day is a new adventure and an opportunity to see the spark of curiosity as we grow and learn together.