Corning teacher a finalist for Ag Educator of Year
Emily Brown will be honored at state leadership conference Saturday
Topping a list of more than 800 nominees, Corning High School agriculture teacher Emily Brown is a finalist for the 2022-23 Ag Educator of the Year. She’s set to be recognized at the 95th annual California Future Farmers of America Leadership Conference in Ontario at 9 a.m. Saturday.
The California FFA, California Farm Bureau and Nationwide Insurance — co-sponsor of the honor — collected nominations for
California’s top ag teachers from students, parents and community members throughout the state. Brown earned a spot as one of six finalists and now vies for the “Golden Owl Award,” which Nationwide sponsors.
Brown has already earned a $500 cash prize for claiming one of the finalist spots. By winning the grand prize, Brown would earn an additional $3,000 for use in developing the Corning High School FFA program.
Jamie Johansson, president of the California Farm Bureau, is an Oroville olive and citrus farmer and owner of Lodestar Farms. Regarding Brown earning a spot as a finalist, he said: “We see the positive impact the FFA program has had for many of our members, who have gone on to become leaders in Farm Bureau and in the agriculture community.
“Our farm and ranch members recognize the efforts of local teachers to support the next generation of agriculturalists.”
Corning principal Jason Armstrong said Brown is only a third-year teacher, which makes her nomination even more impressive.
“She’s newer to the profession, but she’s a gogetter, phenomenal and highly impactful,” Armstrong said. “She and others are working to shape the Corning FFA program and make it one of the best in the state.
“The fact that she’s getting this honor as a thirdyear teacher is just a testament to her ability, desire and education.”