Jonathan Walden, the Allen FFA instructor, was recently named the Region 2 winner of the Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher award. This honor is given by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE). Walden was chosen as Oklahoma’s Outstanding Ag Teacher in April, pitting his application against those of Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Colorado.

Mr. Walden was chosen to compete at the state level from amongst his peers in the Holdenville Region. Walden had to describe his teaching philosophy, the instructional material he used or developed, supervised agricultural experiences and how it affected his students, leadership development among students, marketing, and professional growth during his lengthy application encompassing his 15 year teaching career.

Mr. Walden previously served as the Southeast Area Vice President of the Oklahoma Agricultural Education Teachers Association (OAETA) for two years and is now serving as the Treasurer and Executive Board Member of the state association. Mr. Walden has overseen the FFA program at Allen since the fall of 2017.

When asked about the award, Walden stated, “I appreciate to be mentioned for the award and that it takes great students to win awards like these. I would like to thank my wife Nicki Walden for being so supportive of a career where I’m always on the road.”

Walden and the other five regional winners will be recognized at the National NAAE Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada in December. During this time, Mr. Walden will participate in several professional development programs led by Ag Ed leaders from across the country.