AMES, Iowa – Ryan Anderson, Iowa State University assistant professor in agricultural education and studies, received two awards this summer.
Anderson was selected as a 2013 Iowa regional and national winner of the Ideas Unlimited award from the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE). He also was named Outstanding Career and Technical Educator of the year by the Iowa Association for Career and Technical Education.
The Ideas Unlimited award is designed to give NAAE members an opportunity to exchange useful and innovative teaching ideas. Submissions are judged on their originality, practicality, adaptability and instructional value.
Anderson partnered with Zach Morris, an agricultural education high school teacher from West Liberty, on ways to grow and sell produce to a local Mexican restaurant.
“We worked to develop positive images of agriculture by engaging local business leaders. We also had his students develop tabletop information for the restaurant to provide ‘did you know facts’ about the agricultural industry,” Anderson said.
Anderson and Morris will receive funding to attend the 2013 NAAE convention in Las Vegas in December to receive national recognition.
The Iowa Outstanding Career and Technical Educator Award Anderson received recognizes individuals who are full-time career and technical teacher educators, administrators, career and technical guidance counselors, program specialists and other individuals.