Ag Instructor Honored for 40 Year Career

Barb Lemmer of the Linn-Mar High School Agricultural Education department was recognized for successfully completing 40 years of teaching agricultural education, 18 years at Linn-Mar. The award was presented at the Iowa Agricultural Education Summer Conference held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

The purpose of the conference was to provide professional development and foster sharing of ideas from agriculture programs across the state. The conference was organized and facilitated by the Iowa Association of Agricultural Educators (IAAE).

This year’s theme was “Best Practices”. Speakers, programming, and activities focused on fostering professionalism and communication among agricultural educators. Mini workshops were held on topics including Agricultural Advocacy, Skills and Leadership CDEs, All In for Ag Education, and Professional Certifications. Learning activities included Brief CASE Training, new teacher mentoring and training, and time to interact with agricultural education professionals from all corners of the state.

The above photo includes Sonny Deke, a longtime supporter of Iowa agricultural educators. He was recognized as a Forever Blue member of the Iowa FFA Foundation and for his generous gift endowing the Clock Awards Program. It recognizes agricultural educators completing 25 years in the agricultural education profession. In the photo are (left to right) Joshua Remington, Executive Director, Iowa FFA Foundation and a graduate of LMHS; Sonny Deke, Linn-Mar FFA Alumni member, Olivia Sippy, graduate of LMHS, and Barb Lemmer, current agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at LMHS.