Plymouth agricultural teacher Laura Ringler was selected for Teachers Turn the Key Award (TTTK) by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE). The TTTK award is a national scholarship program that gives agricultural teachers the ability to participate in the annual NAAE convention. Ringler will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada during the first week of December to participate in the program.
“It’s going to be an exciting experience because as agricultural teachers, we don’t always get that one on one interaction with other teachers and this will allow that opportunity,” said Ringler.
Ringler had to go through multiple processes in order to be chosen. “I had to fill out an application that highlighted the overview of the school, community, teaching philosophy, sample lessons, student organization and growth and other areas. The top two are chosen from the state,” said Ringler. Ringler is completing her fifth year as an educator, but is starting her fourth year with Plymouth. She is originally from Willard, Ohio.
Ringler displays her passion with her involvement in agricultural education. “Being an agricultural teacher is very well-rounded. I never know what is going to happen that day and I am always getting interaction with the students. I don’t always get to interact with other teachers of agricultural, so it will be great to be around others involved in the agricultural profession,” said Ringler.
Each TTTK winner will be noted as young leaders in that profession during the session. RAM trucks sponsors the TTTK award. With Ringler being selected for the TTTK award, she will be able to collaborate with other educators who are on the similar levels in their careers.
Not only is Ringler being selected for the TTTK award, she is also looking ahead for the school year. “In a couple weeks, we will be traveling to London, Ohio for the Farm Science Review. We will also have our State Leadership Night and there are usually five or six local schools that participate in it. We will be participating in the National FFA Convention in October, too. During the spring, we will have our banquet. There are usually about 350 community members that come and participate in this event,” said Ringler.
Ringler gives high praise to the community for the involvement with the Plymouth FFA. “The community has been incredibly supportive of the FFA. They always want to help out and be involved with fundraisers. It’s great to see the involvement. We have tremendous alumni, too. The alumni may be small, but they are mighty,” said Ringler.
