Wimmer earns award from NAAE
Gaea Wimmer, an instructor at Centre High School, is one of 43 individuals who received the Teachers Turn the Key Award Dec. 10 at the National Association of Agricultural Educators' (NAAE) annual conference in Kansas City, Mo.
After student teaching at Centre, Wimmer became a regular instructor in the fall of 2003.
As part of a two-teacher program at Centre High School, Wimmer has had much success in a well-established program.
With her ideas, commitment, and motivation, CHS's agricultural education program has expanded to meet the diverse needs of students.
Currently Wimmer teaches courses in horticulture, food science, small animal care, agricultural communications, and leadership.
"I believe in giving students opportunities to set and work toward goals," Wimmer said. "I provide the opportunities, but it is dependent on the individual student's willingness to take advantage of the opportunities."
Since Wimmer began teaching at CHS, FFA membership has grown from 32 students to 56.
In addition, more and more students are participating and receiving honors at chapter, state, and national levels.
The key to her success is that she encourages her students to step out of their comfort zone and experience new things.
Besides her busy schedule as a teacher and FFA advisor, Wimmer is working on a master's degree from Kansas State University. She also is active in a variety of professional agricultural education associations.
Wimmer received a plaque and travel scholarship for an all-expense paid trip to the NAAE conference.
Dodge division and Daimler Chrysler Corporation sponsor the Teachers Turn the Key Award program.
