Michael Clark, an agriculture teacher at Greenwood High School, has been named the National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Agriculture Education Teacher of the Year, earning one of the highest honors in the profession.
Clark received the national award Dec. 10 in Nashville, Tenn., following earlier recognition as Pennsylvania’s Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher. Both distinctions also coincided with Greenwood FFA being named the 2025 Outstanding Agricultural Education Program, placing the district in the national spotlight for agricultural education excellence.
The National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Agriculture Teacher Award recognizes educators who demonstrate innovation in program development, a commitment to lifelong learning and a dedication to shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Applicants must be members of the association for at least five consecutive years or since the start of their teaching careers.
Clark said receiving the national award came as a surprise. He got notification in late July and described the honor as humbling.
“Personally, the award serves as a reminder of how blessed I am to be surrounded by such good people — my students, colleagues from the local to the national level, administration, board members and a community that invests in and cares for one another,” Clark said.
Professionally, Clark said the recognition represents a significant milestone in an agricultural educator’s career and affirms his commitment to continued growth.
“For me, the award serves as an affirmation to continue working hard toward and investing in the continued enhancement of agriculture knowledge and experiences for our students that will better prepare them to be service-minded and sincere contributors to our community.”
Clark credits much of his success to continual investment in students and teaching innovation over his 25-year career. Since 2000, he has co-authored multiple grants totaling more than $315,000, securing new tools, laboratory equipment, curriculum development and technology for the classroom.
He also developed a resource, The Connection: Standards, Anchors and Career Development Events, which received regional recognition through the NAAE Ideas Unlimited program. The work links Career Development Events to Pennsylvania academic standards and has been used by teachers and administrators across the state for program justification, audits and instructional alignment.
Clark said a defining moment in his career came during his first year at Greenwood School District, when he noticed middle school students spending time in study hall and sought permission to offer an exploratory agriculture experience.
“I developed a curriculum that allows students to ask questions, wonder why and personally experience agriculture. A student wanted to shear a sheep, so we sheared a sheep. A student wondered how chickens lay eggs, so we did an embryology lesson.”
The program grew and now is a scheduled course serving 40 to 50 students each year.
Clark has also taught post-secondary courses, including Agribusiness in Animal Sciences and Agribusiness in Plant Sciences, incorporating scientific inquiry and extensive field experiences. He said those approaches reshaped student engagement and strengthened his curriculum at the middle and high school levels.
His teaching philosophy centers on accountability, engagement and care for students.
“I believe accountability enables students to gain focus on the task at hand and remain cognitively responsible for their performances, responses and results. I dare not forget the most effective recruitment tool and classroom management technique — a caring heart for each of my students.
“The students are the program and provide me with the opportunity to teach and care for others. Our Perry County community speaks for itself, always involved, contributing and enhancing the place we live, work and serve.”
