MAYETTA — Marmaton Valley High School’s Jacque Gabbert was named the Kansas Association of Career and Technical Education (K-ACTE) teacher of the year on Saturday.
Gabbert teaches vocational agriculture classes at Marmaton Valley. The Kansas Association of Agricultural Educators Ag Ed Symposium was held in Mayetta.
“Mrs. Gabbert possesses a natural ability to develop a relationship with whomever she meets,” Principal Brian Campbell said in a press release. “This ability has been very beneficial for her role at Marmaton Valley. She is a constant professional, being firm when she needs to be and lenient when the situation dictates. Mrs. Gabbert is someone that I can rely on.”
Superintendent of Schools Kim Ensminger added, “She knows these relationships are crucial in order for her to help students reach their potential in her program. She also knows these relationships lead to students trusting her when she asks them to do an activity or competition outside of their comfort zone.
Gabbert added, “The purpose of education is to prepare all students for the ‘real world,’ no matter whether they choose military, career, or college. When they leave my classroom, they should leave with the skills to be a productive part of society. As a teacher, I realize I play a large role in this goal. I have the belief that every student has the ability to learn. It is my duty to encourage growth academically, socially, and emotionally, to get students ready for their life after high school. Students must leave my classroom with the transferable skills of teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem solving. These skills will help them be successful, no matter which path they choose.”
The Kansas Association of Agricultural Educators is an organization of teachers of agriculture at the high school, postsecondary, and adult levels who seek to advance agricultural education.
