End-of-Year Ag Teacher Awards: Superlatives That Say ‘We See You’
I was just watching (I mean re-watching for the fourth time) Ted Lasso. His charisma, positivity and down right hilarious quips keep me coming back for more.
One of my favorite moments in the seasons is when he sees that one of his players isn’t performing the best and finds out that he has really been missing his home and has a birthday coming up.
He works with the other coaches and team to surprise him with presents from home and a cake. It reminds me that celebration is an underused strategy to encourage and support others.
We don’t need to wait for a certain moment or day in the year to celebrate.
So, today we are celebrating you. If you’re reading this in real time, we are entering into the end of the school year (and yes teacher appreciation week) and it is time to celebrate.
Why don’t we do a little superlatives to celebrate! As you read I have a feeling some of you will be saying “wow, that is me!” And we know because we are right there with you. To be honest I am feeling very 1, 7 and 11 this year.
Most Likely to Hit a Curb in the Mini Bus
It may not have been a smooth ride, but you got everyone there in one piece (and probably had snacks, music, and a pep talk along the way). You’re the kind of leader who keeps it moving, curbs and all.
Most Likely to Have a Greenhouse That Feels Like a Second Home
Your students know it, your coworkers know it, your community knows it and the plants definitely know it. You’ve created a space where growth is more than just botanical—it's personal, too.
Most Likely to Know Everyone's Favorite Snack at CDE Practice
You’ve memorized the snack orders, pep talk routines, and who needs a joke before reasons. It’s not just food, it’s how you fuel your teams for connection.
Most Likely to Make the Shop Smell Like Sawdust and Success
Every project starts with chaos and ends with “Whoa, we built that?” You're showing students what it means to create something real with their own two hands.
Most Likely to Be a Legend at the County Fair
You can find the duct tape, wrangle three kids, fix a display, and still manage to smile for the group photo. Fair season would fall apart without you.
Most Likely to Have the Best Animal Selfies on Their Camera Roll
Goats, pigs, chickens—and somehow they’re all smiling. You bring the barn to life and capture the joy along the way.
Most Likely to Turn Any Moment into a Teachable One
Rain delays, broken tools, CDE team chaos and last-minute schedule changes don’t stop the learning. You see every moment as an opportunity to help kids grow.
Most Likely to Keep it Real with a Side of Sass
You say what needs to be said, with a smirk and a spark. You bring honesty, humor, and high expectations and we know your students are better for it.
Most Likely to Inspire the Next Generation of Ag Teachers
You’re the reason a student looked up and said, “I want to do this someday.” That’s impact, and it lasts longer than any lesson plan.
Most Likely to Cry at Graduation (and That’s Okay)
You’ve been in the trenches with these students, watched them grow, fail, and find their way for four years. When they walk across that stage, your heart walks right with them.
Most Likely to Take a Real Break This Summer
This year asked a lot, and you showed up anyway. Now it’s your turn to rest, recharge, and remember that doing nothing is doing something.
Most Likely to Grow Their Teaching Skills This Summer
You’re the kind of educator who’s always learning, always leveling up. Whether it’s your first Germinate Conference or your fifth, you show up ready to grow—and we’re cheering you on.
No matter which superlative made you smile (or made you say, “Yep, that’s me”), we hope you feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
Whether this year was your best yet or one you’re just proud to have survived, we’re so dang proud of you. You’ve made a difference, even on the hard days actually, especially on the hard days.
To keep that momentum going, we’ve pulled together some free resources to help you wrap up the year with intention, ease, and maybe even a little joy. Because you deserve support just as much as you give it.
Let’s finish strong—and then take that well-earned break.
Got a day to fill? Why not try a Wonder Day. Inspired by John Spencer’s Wonder Week. This resource gives you a Google Slide template for your students to dive deep into a topic of your choosing for the day.
Just last month we dropped a mega end of the year blog to help you get the most out of your students when they are still there! Check out the various free resources to gather feedback from your students to make next year the best yet.
The end of the year usually means it is time to see what those students have done on their SAEs this semester. Check out this short blog and accompany podcast on how to spice it up this year with an SAE Expo.
Paper plate awards are a fun, low prep way to recognize students in your classes or chapter members. This blog gives you a few suggestions and reasons why celebrating your students might be fun at the end of the year.
At the end of the year, the last things kids want is another Kahoot or Quizlet Live. Lori Sanderson (a Germinate Speaker LEGEND) gave you the Holy Grail of Review Activities in this Hall of Fame Germinate Session. With a TON of ready to use ideas and google drive resources to help you out before those final exams.
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