The Iowa FFA Foundation is teaming with Nationwide Insurance to introduce a new award program honoring outstanding agriculture teachers each year. The new initiative was announced at the 2018 Iowa State Fair.

A total of seven outstanding ag teachers will be named annually, each receiving a $500 prize and entrance into the final selection process. One honoree will be chosen for the grand prize, the Golden Owl Award (Iowa Ag Educator of the Year) and a $3,000 prize. The prizes will reward ag educators for their dedication and help support their continued educational efforts.

Commitment to future generations
“We created this award to bring attention to the growing need for ag teachers not just in Iowa, but in the nation,” says Brad Liggett, president of agribusiness for Nationwide. “Providing teachers with additional resources will help develop their programs and provide students with an optimal learning experience. Our goal is to spread this award to more states in coming years to highlight all the talented ag teachers across the country.”

Iowa and Ohio are the first two states to have this new award program. Recent trends show a growing need for more ag educators, notes Liggett. An increase in the popularity of ag education has created a demand for the recruitment of new teachers and the retention of knowledgeable mentors.

Nominations are now open, as the first award winners will be named in April. Teachers eligible for nomination include middle school and high school ag educators, as well as college instructors teaching ag courses. Students, faculty and community members can nominate their ag instructors now through Nov. 16 at goldenowlaward.com.

Source: Iowa FFA Foundation