Mindy Sandifer receives the award plaque from Jeff Maierhofer, 2005 President
of the National Association of Agricultural Educators.
SANDIFER RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD
COLUMBIA, SC…Mindy Sandifer, Agricultural Education Teacher at the Barnwell County Career Center, was recently presented the National TEACHERS TURN THE KEY Award by the National Association of Agricultural Educators at a conference in Kansas City, Missouri, according to John W. Parris, state director of public affairs with the SC Agricultural Educators Association.
The prestigious award is designed to encourage young agricultural education teachers to remain in the profession and recognize their accomplishments as a successful teacher.
“In the past three years, Mrs. Sandifer has taken a program that had been inactive for 20 years and turned it into an exciting learning experience for students at the center,” Parris said. “Enrollment in her classes has increased substantially each year because she has developed a program that caters to a wide range of interests including courses in animal science, horticulture, wildlife management and small engine repair,” he added.
She has expanded her teaching beyond the classroom by establishing partnerships in the community that offer real life, hands-on learning experiences for students. Under her leadership, FFA members at the center are participating in a number of local, state and national activities.
Mrs. Sandifer was awarded an expense-paid trip to the National Agricultural Educators Conference by the Dodge Division of DaimlerChrysler Corporation. In addition to receiving the award, she participated in a number of interesting and inspiring workshops while at the conference.