John Poulson, a local agriculture teacher at Pettisville High School in Fulton County, Ohio, was recently honored as the 2018-19 Ohio Ag Educator of the Year and presented with Nationwide’s inaugural Golden Owl Award. Nationwide honored Poulson’s substantial contributions to future industry leaders of agriculture education.

John Poulson

Poulson has mentored fellow agriculture professionals and made lifelong impacts on his students during his 38 years in the profession. An Ohio State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and a master’s degree in agricultural education, Poulson challenges his students to try something new — which has guided some to become agriculture educators themselves. He was also recognized this year by the Ohio Association of Agricultural Educators with the Teacher Mentor Award.

“This award represents the entire Pettisville community, because it takes a team effort to teach our students,” says Poulson. “It’s very positive for our future that Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau recognize the efforts of all the agriculture teachers across Ohio.”

New award honors agriculture teachers

Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor teachers and support them with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts. Poulson will receive a trophy and $3,000 to further develop programs to provide optimal student learning.

“We’re proud to recognize and support outstanding teachers like John Poulson for their dedication to agriculture education,” says Brad Liggett, Nationwide president, agribusiness. “Throughout his career, John has inspired the next generation of agricultural leaders, and we are honored to reward his nearly four decades of service.”

The Golden Owl Award helps shed light on the importance of agricultural education and the tremendous contributions of teachers. A leading U.S. farm insurer, Nationwide aims to bring attention to the growing need for agricultural educators. This effort is the result of a partnership among Nationwide, Ohio FFA and Ohio Farm Bureau.

The Iowa Golden Owl Award winner was announced in April.

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