Agricultural educators honor Plumsted woman

Erin Noble

PLUMSTED — Erin Noble, state FFA specialist for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, has been named an Outstanding Young Member by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE).

Noble, 26, of New Egypt, was one of six people in the nation awarded the Outstanding Young Member honor, receiving the award in NAAE's Region VI, which includes all of New England and the Mid-Atlantic - a total of 13 states. She will be presented with her award at the 2008 NAAE Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Dec. 2-6.

"Erin has a track record of educational excellence that she exhibits in every aspect of her job at the Department of Agriculture," said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Charles M. Kuperus. "From her classroom experience, which led to her receiving this award, to her own FFA student background, she has a long list of tangible accomplishments that make her instrumental to the success of the department's Agricultural Education Program."

Prior to coming to the Department of Agriculture, Noble taught agricultural education at Allentown High School, including courses in plant science, greenhouse management/floral design, nursery/landscape, environmental science, and advanced agriculture science. She served as adviser for the school's FFA chapter, encouraging her students to participate in career development events, supervised agricultural experiences, and community outreach efforts.

Noble graduated cum laude from Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, Pa., with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education, agriculture.

Noble has served as New Jersey Agricultural Education Association treasurer and webmaster and belongs to a number of professional organizations. A lifelong learner, she also has participated in many professional conferences.

She has been recognized for excellence in the past, receiving the American FFA Degree from the National FFA Organization in 2002; Ideas Unlimited, New Jersey Agricultural Education Association in 2007; and Teachers Turn the Key, National Association of Agricultural Educators in 2006.

FFA is a national youth organization that brings the leadership component to agricultural science education to develop students' potential and help them discover their talent. There are 37 chapters with 1,964 members in New Jersey.

The NAAE is an organization for professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through leadership, advocacy and service.