The National Association of Agricultural Educators, Inc.
300 Garrigus Building Lexington, KY 40546-0215
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –December 2012
Walton Central School Agriculture Teacher Selected for Educator Award
ATLANTA –Tina Miner-Jamesof Walton, N.Y.,is one of only six individuals nationwide who received the National Association of Agricultural Educators Teacher Mentor Award onNovember 28 at the NAAE annual convention in Atlanta.
Miner-James has been an agriculture teacher for 16 years.She not only has been a mentor for all of her agriscience students, but three student teachers and three new agriculture teachers from across the state as well.Miner-James also helps teachers looking to make their agriculture programs Career and Technical Education certified in the state of New York. One of these teachers is Crystal Aukema, who nominated Miner-James for the Teacher Mentor award. Miner-James has spent countless hours and answered many “S.O.S phone calls,” providing Aukema with support for her new program.
“Tina has helped me grow professionally and personally in so many ways,” said Aukema
Upon Aukema’s hire at the Oxford Academy and Central School, Miner-James guided and assistedher in overhauling the agriculture program by updating curriculum and reorganizing the agriculture science facilities. Under Miner-James’ seasoned leadership, Aukema now has a CTE certified program in horticulture, zoology, natural resource management, and agriculture science. Miner-James also helped Aukema write and apply for grants, specifically the Live to Serve and Food For All grants. This year both Aukema and Miner-James have received $5,500 each in grant funding for community projects.
“Tina’s enthusiasm and dedication to agricultural education and the profession is second to none,” said Shari Lighthall, the Senior Professional Development Specialist at the New York State Agricultural Outreach and Education.“Through Tina’s leadership and service she will continue to have a profound effect on her students, colleagues, and agricultural community.”
Each of the six regional Teacher Mentor award winners receiveda plaque and stipend to attend the NAAE convention in Atlanta.CEV Multimedia sponsors theTeacher Mentor Award.NAAE isthe 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.
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