Future Farmers of America has announced 88 agriculture teachers from 37 states will serve as National Teacher Ambassadors for the upcoming school year, helping support more than 13,000 advisers.
Vickie Lake, agriculture and welding teacher at Shiprock High School, was one of two educators in New Mexico to be selected as part of the 2026 cohort that includes more than 20 additional ambassadors from last year.
National Teacher Ambassadors are agricultural educators who are trained to provide training and resources to other teachers, and as subject matter experts.
For Lake, that training has built up a network of teachers who share what makes their programs so unique.
With the support of a student, Lake said Shiprock FFA introduced a new form of official dress in 2019 with the inclusion of ribbon skirts.
“We can show that AG education is diverse and that’s what we’re wanting to push is every student feels welcome,” she said.
Cultural backgrounds are a central focus at Shiprock, Lake said, who has integrated Navajo, Hispanic and Filipino traditions into her curriculum. According to Lake, multiple FFA programs have been growing in other places like Japan and the Virgin Islands.
“It also gives our students the opportunity to know they are part of something bigger than our community,” she said.
With the geographic setting of the reservation, Lake said she was not knowledgeable on greenhouse operations.
“I am a farmer. Put me in a little room and tell me to grow plants, that is not me,” she said. “Being an ambassador, there was a teacher talking about how she integrates greenhouse into her classrooms.”
From there students at SHS were able to learn about hydroponics, composting and vermiculture, Lake said.
“I believe it changes student’s lives,” Lake said about agriculture education. “We help them become confident leaders, skilled professionals, and engaged members in their communities.”
Under her teaching there has been four students who have been named as state officers, an accomplishment held in high regard for Lake.
Seeing students grow from uncertain to confident is the biggest reward for Lake, who has witnessed moments like a qualifying state science fair project and a successful chapter house meeting presentation.
“Every year is different because every student is different – just being able to watch them discover that confidence and leadership skills and achieving goals that maybe they never even thought they had – that keeps me motivated,” she said. “That’s what makes this profession rewarding.”