For more information:
Kirsten Hollansworth, Public Engagement Specialist
kirsten.hollansworth@ag.ok.gov | 405.862.8496
March 25, 2025
Jacey Duncan Named 2025 Teacher of the Year
OKLAHOMA CITY — Jacey Duncan, a sixth-grade science and middle school STEM teacher at Oklahoma Union Public Schools, has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year by Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom.
“Mrs. Duncan, since beginning her teaching career, has taken advantage of every opportunity with Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom,” said State AITC Coordinator, Emily Ague. “She is an incredible advocate for agriculture in her classroom and shares her knowledge and experience with other teachers at our State AITC Summer Conference and National AITC Conference.”
Duncan focuses on implementing agriculture into her classroom regularly and receives numerous grants to provide opportunities for her students, including learning the use and operation of drones in agriculture.
“By combining hands-on activities, technological integration and real-world applications, I aim to equip my students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the evolving field of agriculture,” Duncan said. “These lessons foster a deeper understanding of agricultural literacy and inspire students to explore careers in agricultural technology, innovation and sustainability.”
Through agricultural literacy, Duncan teaches about high-tech farming, robots and automation in agriculture, and innovation and sustainability.
“Since my teaching career began in 2019, I have been surrounded by passionate educators that utilize Oklahoma AITC resources within their classroom and celebrate the collaboration from interacting with other educators and stakeholders on the importance of agriculture literacy in the classroom,” Duncan said. “My Ag in the Classroom story is one of collaboration, innovation and utilizing technology inside the classroom to enhance student understanding of the origins of our food, fiber and fuel.”
Duncan brings in community members involved in industry to share with her students an accurate representation of agriculture and its direct impact on our daily lives.
“One of Jacey’s most remarkable qualities is her commitment to fostering curiosity and critical thinking in her students,” said Oklahoma Union Public Schools Principal, Levi Robbins. “She does not just teach the basics of horticulture; she encourages her students to ask questions, explore different viewpoints and understand the global impact of agriculture. Whether she’s guiding students in planting their first garden or speaking at the National Ag in the Classroom Conference, Jacey’s dedication to enriching her students’ understanding of the agricultural world is evident in all she does.”
Duncan is to be honored by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry as part of the state’s annual Ag Day at the Capitol celebration on Tuesday, April 22. Oklahoma AITC Teacher of the Year Sponsors include the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee and the Oklahoma Soybean Board.
To learn more about Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom, contact Emily Ague at 405-885-1851 or emily.ague@ag.ok.gov.
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