Salem educator, FFA leader named 2025 New York Agricultural Educator of the Year

Salem Central School agricultural teacher and FFA advisor Amy Maxwell has been honored as the 2025 Golden Owl Award® New York Agricultural Educator of the Year. Known for her passionate teaching style and unwavering dedication to her students, the Salem, New York, ag teacher has become a pivotal figure in her community and the wider ag education landscape.

In New York, the Golden Owl Award, presented by Nationwide in collaboration with New York FFA and New York Farm Bureau®, honors outstanding ag educators who inspire their students, foster leadership and advocate for agriculture. Maxwell is one of 13 educators named their state’s 2025 Ag Educator of the Year.

Celebrating a legacy of dedication in ag education

A 23-year ag education veteran, Maxwell was deeply inspired by her own high school agriculture teacher. Throughout her career, she has embraced innovative teaching methods while maintaining a steadfast focus on student engagement. It’s something she learned from her own teacher years ago.

"My approach in the classroom is to be willing to try new things and connect with students on things they are interested in," said Maxwell, who earned a $500 cash prize and a plaque as a finalist, plus $3,000 and the Golden Owl Award trophy as the grand prize winner. Nationwide also donated $5,000 to the New York FFA to support the development of future ag leaders.

A moment of honor and heartwarming recognition

For Maxwell, winning the Golden Owl Award is a personal achievement. The moment was made even more special because her daughter, 2024-2025 New York State FFA Secretary announced her mother’s honor at the 100th New York State FFA Convention.

“It is an honor to be selected to win the Golden Owl Award,” said Maxwell, who also leads her school’s FFA chapter. “But that convention will hold a special place in my heart for a long time.”

Salem FFA students shine under Maxwell’s leadership

Maxwell said she’s driven most by the success of her students. Over her career, she has coached numerous FFA teams. But one milestone stands out. Under her guidance, Salem FFA’s parliamentary procedure team recently earned first place at the state competition, an achievement Maxwell considers a career highlight. This marks the very first time a team of hers has qualified for the National FFA Convention.

“In Salem, we’ve had a parliamentary procedure team for many years, but the past two years have been extraordinary,” Maxwell explained. “Our students claimed first place for the first time in my career. Watching them excel at such a high level is incredibly rewarding.”

Looking ahead as the 2025 Golden Owl Award winner

Maxwell now carries the title of Golden Owl Award winner and New York Agricultural Educator of the Year. But she says her approach to teaching will remain unchanged.

“My classroom and advisor experience will not change as the Golden Owl,” she affirmed. “I enjoy teaching students about agriculture and providing experiences for them outside of the classroom, and I will continue to do this for the rest of my career.”

Nominate your ag educator for the Golden Owl Award

Parents, students and community members are encouraged to recognize exceptional agricultural educators who make a difference. The nomination period for the 2026 Golden Owl Award begins in New York September 1, 2025. Visit www.nysffa.org/ny-ffa-golden-owl-award to learn more and submit your nomination.