Minnesota Farmers Union

ST. PAUL (July 31, 2012) – The Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE) honored Lee Thompson of Goodhue Public School with their Outstanding Agricultural Teacher Award, sponsored by Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU).

Mr. Thompson’s teaching philosophy revolves around the concept that students learn best when they can apply their learning to situations in which with they are familiar and comfortable.  He believes in hands on learning techniques, and that students respond best when they know that their teacher cares. He has been the Agriculture Instructor for the past 33 years, and has developed a strong curriculum which includes: Agri-Business & Marketing, Ag Mechanics, Ag Economics, 7th grade Ag Explorations, Ag Career Exploration, Ag Leadership and a Work Based Learning / Supervised Agricultural Experience.  The program includes a "Life Learning" class where Mr. Thompson partners with the Consumer Science and Industrial Technology departments.  Eight of Mr. Thompson’s former students have become agriculture teachers.  

“It is an honor for Minnesota Farmers Union to be able to sponsor this award and show gratitude to a teacher like Mr. Thompson who helps the agriculture community remain  strong by keeping students interested and engaged in agriculture,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “I commend Mr. Thompson on his impressive curriculum, congratulate him on this well-deserved and distinguished award, and thank him for his dedication to agriculture.”