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Jerry Agan, agricultural education teacher at Elizabethton High School, has been named the Tennessee Association for Career and Technical Education (TNACTE) Teacher of the Year. The award honors exceptional CTE educators for excellence in instruction, innovation and impact on students and the broader education community.

With more than 11 years of teaching experience, Agan leads one of the region’s most dynamic agriculture programs, focusing on horticulture and agricultural mechanics. Under his leadership, Elizabethton’s greenhouse and ag mechanics shop have become hubs for hands-on, inquiry-based learning. His students gain real-world skills that prepare them for college and careers.

Since joining EHS five years ago, Agan has helped grow the agriculture program by 173 percent—from 98 to 267 students. He has also secured more than $350,000 in private grant funding to support CTE instruction. His work has been recognized by organizations such as the American Welding Association and the Tennessee Valley Authority. In 2024, Agan was a national finalist for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Award.

Agan also serves as a National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Teacher Ambassador, sharing innovative curriculum with educators nationwide. He regularly presents at conferences and is currently working with the University of Tennessee on research exploring the role of virtual reality in agricultural education.

He frequently collaborates across departments—including STEM, auto mechanics, culinary arts, biology and chemistry—to design cross-curricular projects that enhance learning and career readiness.

Agan is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University and holds a master’s degree in family and youth counseling. He is currently pursuing his Ed.S. degree to earn an administrator’s license. He lives in Elizabethton with his wife and three children and serves as a family pastor at his local church.

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition,” Agan said. “This award is a reflection of the amazing students I get to work with every day, the support of a strong administrative team and the dedication of my fellow teachers who believe in the power of CTE. This honor belongs to all of us.”