An agriculture education teacher was awarded over $1,200 through the Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts to introduce stained glass soldering and landscape design into her curriculum at Poplar Bluff High School.

Darla Nunn’s grant was among six of 23 awarded to teachers in Southern Missouri during GOCSD’s 10^th annual Innovation Summit in Branson held over the summer, according to Jenifer Richardson, GOCSD professional learning co-coordinator for the R-I district.

Nunn returned to teaching agriculture last school year after most recently taking a detour from the field to lead the Jobs for America’s Graduates program at Mark Twain School, and is now looking to build up her classroom resources again, particularly for students not drawn to the more conventional aspects of the career path, she stated.

“The primary objective of this innovative project is to expand traditional horticulture and agricultural science by integrating hands-on, interdisciplinary skills that connect plant science with creative design,” Nunn wrote in her successful proposal. “By introducing landscape design, students will develop practical skills in site planning, plant selection, sustainability practices and environmental stewardship, preparing them for real-world applications in both residential and commercial settings.”

With the funds, she is in the process of acquiring drafting supplies such as rulers, boards, books, garden templates and grid paper to complement her greenhouse course. She is additionally purchasing glass grinders, soldering stations and glass sheets for her agriculture students to create stained glass art.

“Incorporating stained glass soldering to Ag Science II curriculum adds a complementary artistic and technical dimension, allowing students to design and construct garden features such as decorative panels, greenhouse accents and outdoor art installations,” Nunn explained. “This fosters creativity, precision and problem-solving while reinforcing concepts like measurement, design balance and material properties.”

The GOInnovate grant program is a partnership between the GOCSD not-for-profit educational service agency and grant underwriter, Missouri Capital Asset Advantage Treasury, a financial management resource for educational institutions and municipalities.

###

Cutline: (Left to right) Dr. Rondi Vaughn, R-I assistant superintendent of curriculum; Darla Nunn, agriculture education teacher; and Dr. Valerie Ivy, PBHS principal, are presented with a check by granting officials on Thursday, July 30, in Branson.