Henderson County High School agriculture teacher J.T. Payne has been selected as the 2022 Kentucky Teachers Turn the Key recipient by the Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators.
The Teachers Turn the Key scholarship is given annually to an early-career agriculture teacher in Kentucky who has demonstrated leadership within the profession. Recipients attend the National Association of Agricultural Educators conference and participate in a special professional development with a cohort of other early-career agriculture teachers from across the United States.
Henderson County High School is Payne’s alma mater, and he participated in agriculture classes all four years he attended. Only three years into his teaching career, he has already established himself as a valued member of the teaching staff.
Payne teaches a variety of agriculture classes, the commonality of which are his hands-on, experiential lessons. Students in his classes have the opportunity to actively engage, which Payne believes helps them retain the material.
He has also been active in supporting his colleagues within Henderson County High School, and in building partnerships within the community that support the agriculture program.
He serves on the school’s Site-Based Council, Education Foundation Committee, and the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, the Henderson County Fair Board Livestock Committee, Henderson Community College Agriculture Advisory Board, City of Henderson Vision Committee, and is in the current class of the Henderson Leadership Initiative.
Payne’s involvement in all these groups helps him provide opportunities for his students, such as employment while they are in school, career mentors, and even extra help from subject matter experts in preparing for FFA contests.
“In my years of being involved with education, I can honestly say I have never seen a young educator have more of an impact on students than J.T.,” said Amanda Lacer, the Principal of Career and Technical Education at Henderson County High School.
Payne resides in Henderson with his wife, Rachel.
The Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators is the professional organization for individuals involved in school-based agricultural education at any level. To support its members, KAAE advocates for agricultural education, provides professional development opportunities, and works to recruit and retain educators in the profession. KAAE is part of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, which has more than 9,000 members nationwide.
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