Atwater High School agricultural teacher Shelby Fishman has built a reputation for pushing students to discover their strengths, step into leadership, and pursue hands-on skills that open real-world doors. This year, her work is being celebrated across California. Fishman has been named a finalist for the 2025–2026 Ag Educator of the Year through Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award®, one of the state’s highest honors for agricultural educators.
The recognition follows a statewide nomination period that drew more than 400 submissions from students, parents, colleagues, and community members. Fishman’s stood out for her ability to help students build confidence and resilience—qualities that shape them long after they leave her classroom. One student summed up her influence: “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.”
Fishman’s impact is especially visible in Atwater High’s agricultural mechanics program, where she has expanded opportunities and raised expectations. A 2025 Harbor Freight Prize for Teaching Excellence recipient, she has increased female participation in the Small Engines career pathway from 4 percent to 16 percent, helping more young women see themselves in technical and mechanical careers. She also ensures every student earns at least one industry certification—many graduate with six or more, including OSHA-10, EETC, and Briggs & Stratton credentials. These certifications give students a competitive edge as they enter the workforce, often with skills that translate directly into high-demand jobs.
Her work reflects the broader mission of agricultural education: preparing students not only for careers, but for leadership. California Farm Bureau president and FFA alumna Shannon Douglass emphasized the lasting influence of FFA advisors, noting that many leaders in agriculture began their journeys in FFA classrooms just like Fishman’s. “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,” she said.
Fishman was honored at the 2026 State FFA Leadership Conference, held in March in Ontario, where she received a plaque and a $500 check.
State FFA Advisor Jill Sperling praised the finalists as educators who “invest far beyond the classroom,” often sacrificing personal time to mentor and advocate for their students. “These six state finalists embody the heart of agricultural education,” she said. “They help their students grow as leaders prepared to make a difference.”
Nationwide created the Golden Owl Award to spotlight the essential role agricultural educators play in preparing students for a rapidly evolving industry. This year’s program honors outstanding teachers in 13 states. In conjunction with the award, Nationwide is contributing $5,000 to the California FFA Foundation, strengthening support for student and advisor development statewide.
For Fishman, the recognition is meaningful—but the true reward is watching her students discover their potential, earn credentials that open doors, and step confidently into their futures. Her classroom is more than a workshop; it’s a place where students learn to trust their abilities, take risks, and build the foundation for careers in agriculture and beyond.
