Monica Massei Named 2022 Georgia Farm Bureau Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Monica Massei from Kennedy Elementary School who was surprised with the 2022 Georgia Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year award! Mrs. Massei is a Gifted Teacher at KES and says, "As the gifted resource teacher, I always look for unique ways to teach curriculum and integrate all areas of study to make it challenging for all my students. Teaching agriculture naturally lends itself to doing just that."

This state award recognizes a Georgia educator for the excellent job of integrating agriculture into non-vocational classrooms.

Superintendent Dr. Chris McMichael says, "It is a pleasure to celebrate Ms. Massei and her innovative teaching by incorporating agriculture in reading, problem solving, history, art and dance with her students. These real world experiences in AG involve researching, planning, and caring for the Kennedy Elementary’s gardens, goats and chickens. Incorporating AG across the curriculum has allowed the students to appreciate where their food comes from, the history of it, and the value of food along with the importance of being responsible for the care of KES animals and gardens. These indoor and outdoor classroom experiences are also stepping stones to a possible future career in AG or an AG-related field. Congratulations to Ms. Massei for her Barrow BOLD teaching."

Among the many lessons learned, Mrs. Massei taught her students to grow a garden and harvested 88 pounds of sweet potatoes! They also learned about caring for livestock with their adopted cow the chickens and goats they have on the school grounds. "Having these precious goats has allowed me to teach all the students in the school what I have learned, how to care for, and what commodities we receive from goats. Our students adore our baby goats."

Barrow County Farm Bureau Program Coordinator Staci Waters says, "Mrs. Massei is AGmazing! Working with her for the past 5 years, and watching her incorporate agriculture into her curriculum, has been an absolute pleasure. From working in the garden with her students, to raising KES goats and chickens, the passion she has for agriculture is infectious and passed on to her students. Barrow County is fortunate to have Ms. Massei as one of their finest!"