Illinois teacher named Ag Educator of the Year

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As the need grows for more ag educators across the nation, the ag teachers who go above and beyond in educating America’s youth and future leaders are more important than ever.

In Illinois, five exceptional ag teachers were recently named as finalists of the 2025-2026 Golden Owl Award for their positive impact in the classroom and communities they serve.

Of the finalists, Joe Steffen, an agricultural teacher at Newark Community High School, was named Illinois’ grand prize winner and 2025-2026 Ag Educator of the Year.

Nationwide, in partnership with the Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Illinois Association FFA, Farm Credit Illinois and Compeer Financial, recognized Steffen as the Golden Owl Award grand prize winner during the 2026 IAVAT Conference.

In addition to the title of Illinois’ Ag Educator of the Year, Steffen will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and a $3,000 Nationwide-funded donation to further Newark’s agricultural education efforts.

Steffen has dedicated more than three decades to agricultural education, making a lasting impact on countless students throughout his 33-year teaching career. Known for his unwavering commitment and tireless work ethic, he consistently goes above and beyond the school day to support student success.

From mentoring outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience projects and coaching successful Career Development Event teams to organizing community events and mentoring future educators through student teacher placements, his influence extends far beyond the classroom.

His dedication, passion and service have helped build a thriving agricultural education program and have positively shaped the lives of generations of students, making him a deserving recipient of this recognition.

Nationwide established the Golden Owl Award with its state partners to shed light on the contributions of Illinois’ leading agricultural teachers and provide additional resources to support their programs.

“Nationwide is proud to recognize the dedicated teachers who are educating and inspiring students to pursue careers in agriculture,” said Brad Liggett, president of agribusiness at Nationwide.

“We’re honored to have the opportunity to appreciate their contributions, highlight the growing need for their services and supply additional resources to help provide their students with optimal learning experiences.”

Nationwide supports the future of the ag community through meaningful sponsorships of national and local organizations.

In conjunction with the Golden Owl Award, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to each participating state, including the IAVAT, to further support the personal and professional growth of students, teachers and advisers alike.

For more information, visit goldenowlaward.com.