LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Kate Skirvin, agricultural educator at North Putnam High School in Indiana, is one of six agricultural educators nationwide who received the 2022 National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher award, presented during the 2022 NAAE Convention, November 29 through December 3, in Las Vegas.
The NAAE Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher award recognizes leaders in civic, community, agriculture/agribusiness and professional activities. Outstanding agricultural educators are innovators and catalysts for student success in agricultural education. The recipients are selected amongst a nationwide pool of candidates, based upon their involvement in and dedication to the agricultural education profession. The award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.
Skirvin is one of three agricultural educators at North Putnam High School, and she teaches advanced animal science, advanced food science, plant and soil science, and food science. Her agricultural education program offers complete agriculture experiences for students with both production and non-traditional agriculture backgrounds. Kate has been active in the Indiana Association of Agricultural Educators and is certified in four CASE courses. After 24 years of teaching, Skirvin believes in meeting students where they are, both emotionally and academically, so that she can educate each student for maximum growth in the short amount of time they have together. Skirvin ‘s agricultural education program offers a “home” to all students at her school. She believes that her program is a platform where all students can be successful and accepted.
NAAE is the professional organization for agricultural educators with over 8,000 members nationwide. The organization advocates for agricultural education, provides advancement through professional development for agricultural educators, and works to recruit and retain agricultural educators in the profession. NAAE offers a variety of programs and services to support this three-pronged mission. The mission of NAAE is “professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advocacy and service.” NAAE is headquartered in Lexington, Ky.