Finalists recognized for their contributions and awarded funding to advance agricultural education programs.
Atwater, CA (March 11, 2026) — Educators devote countless time, and often their own resources, to help students pursue their passions. The California FFA Foundation, California Farm Bureau and Nationwide have named Shelby Fishman, an agricultural teacher at Atwater High School, as a finalist for the 2025-2026 Ag Educator of the Year honor through Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award.
From September 1 through January 16, nominations were collected for top agricultural teachers from local students, parents, fellow teachers and community members across California, with more than 400 nominations submitted statewide. Among the standout nominees, Fishman was praised for helping students build confidence and grow their resilience.
One student shared, “Mrs. Fishman showed me how to be confident in anything I do and to give my best at everything I try. She tells us that if you don’t put 100 percent into something, you won’t get 100 percent back.”
A recipient of the 2025 Harbor Freight Prize for Teaching Excellence, Fishman has expanded opportunities in agricultural mechanics at Atwater High School. She has increased female participation in the Small Engines career pathway from 4 percent to 16 percent and ensures every student in her program earns at least one industry certification. Many earn six or more industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA-10, Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC), and Briggs & Stratton certifications. These credentials help students graduate with the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in the workforce.
Highlighting the profound influence of the FFA, California Farm Bureau president, FFA alumna, and current California FFA Foundation board member Shannon Douglass emphasized the significant impact it has on shaping leaders in agriculture. “Farm Bureau sees firsthand the tremendous impact FFA advisors have on local programs across our state and nation,” Douglass reflected. “Many of today’s leaders in Farm Bureau and throughout the agriculture industry began their journeys in FFA. We deeply appreciate the dedication of agricultural educators who build a strong foundation for FFA members and help shape the next generation of leaders in our industry.”
Fishman will be presented with a plaque and a $500 check in front of fellow teachers, students, and supporters at the 2026 State FFA Leadership Conference, March 21-24, in Ontario. All six finalists will be considered for California’s Ag Educator of the Year Award, earning an additional $3,000 and the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy. The winner will be announced on stage at the conference.
“California FFA is proud to partner with Nationwide and the California Farm Bureau to recognize exceptional agricultural educators and FFA advisors,” said Jill Sperling, State FFA Advisor. “Agricultural educators are servant leaders who invest far beyond the classroom, often sacrificing their own time to support, mentor, and advocate for their students. These six state finalists embody the heart of agricultural education, helping their students grow as leaders prepared to make a difference.”
Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award to honor the contributions of teachers and support their programs with additional resources to assist their continued educational efforts. This year, the award program honors outstanding ag educators in 13 states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.
“As the need grows for more ag educators across the nation, we are proud to thank and honor these hardworking agricultural teachers for their dedication,” said Brad Liggett, president of Agribusiness at Nationwide. “These educators play a crucial role in preparing students for successful careers in the industry.”
In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is contributing $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation, enhancing support for the personal and professional development of both students and advisors.
