Kalispell Public Schools vocational agriculture teacher Justin Heupel recently was recognized for his leadership and success in the classroom and the community.

Heupel was the 2013 Montana recipient of the National Association of Agricultural Educators’ Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher award.

The award recognizes educators who oversee high-quality agricultural education programs and show leadership in civic, community and professional activities.

Heupel is entering his 10th year teaching Glacier and Flathead High School students at the Henry E. Robinson Agricultural Center.

“It’s really a great recognition,” Heupel said. “It’s a culmination of a lot of different things: a supportive community, supportive administration and supportive students who want to be involved in, and engaged, in agriculture.”

The National Association of Agricultural Educators is a professional organization providing more than 8,000 members with professional networking and development opportunities.

The competition was open to secondary and post-secondary teachers. To be considered for the award, Heupel submitted three letters of reference and filled out an application that included an extensive essay of his teaching philosophy, professional growth, examples of effective teaching, student success and community partnerships.

Heupel has taught vocational agriculture for 18 years.

“I guess I went into teaching to just help students learn about agriculture — how it works, where our food comes from and the tons of career opportunities,” Heupel said. “It’s not limited to farming and ranching — that’s not where it ends, but where it begins.”

The district’s vocational agriculture program includes education in areas such as animal husbandry, plant and animal science, forestry, precision farming using GPS technology, fish and wildlife management and machine and wood shop.

Vocational agriculture taught in the district goes far beyond the hands-on classroom experience to community outreach and events, leadership training through FFA and numerous competitions for students to test their knowledge and skills.

“Agriculture and kids, that’s what I’m passionate about,” Heupel said.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.