By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation has recognized 22 agricultural education teachers with the Dr. Allen G. and Kay L. Blezek Teacher Retention Award to strengthen agricultural learning and FFA programs across the state.
“The Dr. Allen G. and Kay L. Blezek Teacher Retention Award is an investment in the future of Nebraska agriculture,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “We are very proud to support these teachers as they get established in their classrooms and communities.
Since agriculture is Nebraska’s leading industry, we know that investing in agricultural education and its teachers will continue to produce returns for years to come.”
The award focuses on teachers within their first five years of service and offers increasing financial support as they advance in their careers. By rewarding dedication in the classroom, FFA chapters, and local communities, the program helps educators build lasting careers while inspiring students to explore agricultural opportunities.
This long-standing recognition program was renamed to honor Dr. Allen Blezek, a respected agricultural education teacher, founding board member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, and the first director of the Nebraska LEAD program. His estate gift ensures continued support for those entering the profession he championed.
The recipients represent a broad range of Nebraska counties and schools, reflecting the statewide impact of agricultural education. Each award provides resources to strengthen lesson plans, enhance FFA activities, and encourage student engagement in Nebraska’s leading industry.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to engage youth, educators, and the public in understanding the importance of agriculture in everyday life. Through initiatives like the Blezek Award, the foundation helps sustain a skilled and motivated teaching force to guide the next generation of agricultural leaders.
For more information about the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation and its programs, visit www.nefbfoundation.org.
Photo Credit:nebraska-farm-bureau
Categories: Nebraska, Education