National Association of Agricultural Educators 300 Garrigus Building, Lexington, KY 40546-0215 Voice: (859) 257-2224 or (800) 509-0204 Fax: (859) 323-3919 E-mail: naae@uky.edu www.naae.org News Release For more information: Julie Fritsch, NAAE Communications/Marketing Director Phone: (859) 257-2224 Email: jfritsch.naae@uky.edu FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 19, 2015 Deltona High School Agriculture Teacher Selected for Educator Award NEW ORLEANS – Farrah Johnson, agricultural educator at Deltona High School in Deltona, Fla., is one of only six individuals nationwide who received the National Association of Agricultural Educators Teacher Mentor award, given at the NAAE annual convention in New Orleans on November 19 Johnson has been the agriculture teacher at Deltona High School for fourteen years Her program includes classes in agriscience foundations, agriculture technology, and food science During her teaching career, she has mentored three student teachers, twelve new teachers in her county, and three former students who are currently agricultural educators One method Johnson has used that has seen continued success is the sharing of materials between teachers Johnson shares all of her materials with new teachers and interns as a starting point for their own portfolio These materials include lessons, activities, classroom management strategies, and study materials This is increasingly helpful as alternatively certified teachers come in to programs with little agriculture background Johnson emphasizes rigor, relevance, and relationships with her mentees In suburban Florida, some students don’t see the relevance of having an independent project, which is a critical component of agricultural education programs Johnson mentors other teachers to stretch beyond common agriculture projects like livestock or crop production to find a relevant learning experience for every student This allows students to find something in which they are interested and create a relationship with their teacher through that connection “Ms Johnson has provided a number of clinical education experiences for several interns progressing through the Agriculture Education and Communication program at the University of Florida,” said Daniel Cox, specialist in Career and Technical Education at Volusia County Schools “Each of these interns remains in the education field today In addition, Ms Johnson has developed and offered numerous professional development opportunities directed at new teachers, including but not limited to workshops at new teacher conferences, working with teachers at the state and national levels, as well as providing support to six new agriscience teachers in our school district this year alone.” Each of the six regional Teacher Mentor Award winners was recognized at the NAAE convention in New Orleans CEV Multimedia sponsors the Teacher Mentor Award NAAE is the professional association for agricultural educators Its mission is “professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advocacy and service.” The NAAE office is located in Lexington, Ky ### ... regional Teacher Mentor Award winners was recognized at the NAAE convention in New Orleans CEV Multimedia sponsors the Teacher Mentor Award NAAE is the professional association for agricultural educators... limited to workshops at new teacher conferences, working with teachers at the state and national levels, as well as providing support to six new agriscience teachers in our school district this year...“Ms Johnson has provided a number of clinical education experiences for several interns progressing through the Agriculture Education and Communication program at the University of Florida,”