By Blake Jackson
In Kentucky, recognizing and supporting agriculture teachers is a top priority. As the 2024-2025 school year began, it was concerning to find that five agricultural education programs were without qualified teachers. Without these teachers, FFA chapters cannot thrive, making it clear that recruiting and retaining skilled educators is essential for the future of agriculture.
The Golden Owl Award celebrates the outstanding contributions of Kentucky's ag educators who prepare young people for successful agricultural careers. This fall, students, alumni, and community members were invited to nominate deserving teachers by sharing their stories of how these educators help grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture.
The program, supported by Nationwide Insurance, has grown over seven years, initially recognizing ag educators in Iowa and Ohio. Now, the Golden Owl Award spans 13 states. In Kentucky's first year as a partner, 322 nominations were submitted for 88 agriculture teachers. Finalists receive $500 and a plaque, with the chance to compete for the state award in June. The state winner will receive an additional $3,000 and the prestigious Ag Educator of the Year trophy. Nationwide also donates $5,000 to the Kentucky FFA Foundation.
The heartfelt nominations highlight the incredible impact of agriculture teachers. One nomination shared how a teacher, Mr. Franklin, never gave up on a student who was ready to quit, offering unwavering support. Others spoke of teachers like Ms. Davis, who taught valuable life skills like financial management and food processing, and Ms. Bingham, who inspired students through volunteer work at local nonprofits.
These stories emphasize how agriculture teachers change lives, guiding students not just in academics, but in personal growth and career development. Supporting the Kentucky FFA Foundation is key to retaining and recruiting top agricultural educators, ensuring the future of FFA chapters and the agricultural industry. Everyone’s involvement is needed to sustain this important work.
Photo Credit: kentucky-ffa
Categories: Kentucky, Education