The School-to-Careers Partnership of Broome and Tioga Counties has named Windsor Central High School agriculture teacher Tina Miner-James its 2022 Outstanding Educator of the Year. The group praised Mrs. Miner-James for ensuring her students are prepared to embark on a career path that reflects their academics, interests, and abilities.

“Without the support of the administration, staff, students, and community, what we are creating here in the ag program and FFA (Future Farmers of America) wouldn’t be possible,” said Mrs. James.

During the 2021-22 school year, the WCHS agriculture program achieved CTE (Career and Technical Education) certification from the state. This means Windsor is the only school district in the area that will be able to offer students the ability to earn a Technical Endorsement in Agriculture on their diploma. This endorsement is a sign to potential employers and colleges that a student has successfully received a comprehensive level of education and training in that field.

Windsor’s ag program also hosted the FFA District 4 leadership development events, had three students qualify for substate FFA competition and one advance to state competition. The program also received two grants to establish a beekeeping station at the land lab. Students are currently planting at the program’s 6.7-acre land lab, creating an orchard and blueberry field.

“None of this would be possible without the help in every avenue from Jessica Swingle, who is the Licensed Teaching Assistant in the Ag program. We make a pretty powerful team.”

The Schools-to-Careers Partnership will honor Mrs. Miner-James at its 25th Annual Partnership for Excellence Recognition Event on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.