The Nebraska Golden Owl Award recognizes agricultural educators across Nebraska for their tremendous contributions to helping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Out of many nominations, six finalists were selected. Finalist, Brandon Jacobitz, from the Adams Central FFA chapter, finds joy in his daily work, helping his students find their place in agriculture.
Mr. Jacobitz didn’t start his professional career in agricultural education. In fact, he completed his undergraduate degree in secondary science education and spent his first years teaching chemistry, physics, and biology. However, four years into his teaching career, Adams Central advertised that they were starting a new ag program in their school and that they were looking for someone with a science background. Mr. Jacobitz, having been raised on a production agricultural operation and feeling ready for a challenge, applied for the position and has now been teaching ag for 12 years.
Due to his background, the ag courses offered at Adams Central feature strong science-based and lab content. This design provides students with many opportunities for hands-on, memorable learning. “Always finding time to make sure that the students who walk into my classroom are prepared and cared for is a big emphasis for me,” said Jacobitz.
Under Mr. Jacobitz’s leadership, the Adams Central FFA Chapter has experienced a lot of growth after beginning with nothing. Originally, ag classes were only offered for half of the day, and program resources were limited. Now, the program offers a full slate of classes, has built a greenhouse, and has started a chapter test plot just down the road from the school.
Mr. Jacobitz is inspired to continue his work in agricultural education by his students. He finds great joy in helping them foster an appreciation for both agriculture and their community. This appreciation is mutual; his students hold him in high regard. One nominator shared, “Mr. Jacobitz is more than just an agriculture teacher; he is a mentor, a role model, and an advocate for his students.”
Mr. Jacobitz’s advice for new ag teachers is to find the success and value in what you do daily with every single student in the classroom. “It’s really easy in this profession to get caught up in the wins from contests and awards,” said Jacobitz, “Those are all great things, but I always encourage anyone in this profession to find the value in the day-to-day things too and the successes there.”
Outside the classroom, Mr. Jacobitz enjoys spending time with his family and helping with various jobs on his family’s farm.
He would like to extend a special thank you to all the people in the Nebraska agricultural education community who have supported and motivated him, especially during his early years.
The Nebraska Golden Owl Award is sponsored by the Nebraska Agriculture Educators Association, the Nebraska FFA Foundation, and Nationwide.
