MACKAY, Idaho — An agriscience instructor and FFA advisor, Trent Van Leuven, has been honored as the 2024 CapEd Credit Union Idaho Teacher of the Year.

He was selected from 69 nominees statewide and has taught at Mackay Junior-Senior High School in central Idaho since 2014.

Next year, he will serve as spokesperson and representative for Idaho educators at state and local events.

He was selected for his innovative lessons and projects that are relevant outside the classroom.

The fourth ‘R’

“He teaches the fourth ‘R’ — reality — and prepares students for whatever career path they choose,” said Linda Clark, president of the Idaho State Board of Education, during a public presentation in the school auditorium. “We have no teachers who do it better than you.”

Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said, “Your classes provide skill development and support local businesses. We want to let you know that we value and support what you do.”

They presented Van Leuven with a $10,000 check and commemorative plaque.

“He embodies all the qualities that make an outstanding teacher and mentor,” said Gov. Brad Little via video. “Trent is making a real difference in the lives of our students.”

Van Leuven said his goals are to teach students to be lifelong learners, collaborate, and have empathy for others. He thanked local volunteers for their continual support.

“It takes a community to make things happen,” Van Leuven said. “Whenever I need help, someone is there. Thanks so much.”

Local residents worked four years with students to build a 1,400-square-foot state-of-the-art aquaculture lab that opened in October 2022. They also help plant seedlings at the greenhouse, purchase metal signs from students who fabricate them in the welding program, and buy plants and vegetables grown at the greenhouse.

In a video, local colleagues, students, and Principal Stephanie Green described Van Leuven as energetic, dedicated, innovative and persistent.

“He provides all kinds of opportunities to be involved in projects and keeps us informed about scholarships and new programs,” said high school senior Austyn Wasylow. “Because of my experiences here, I’m planning to become a vo-ag teacher.”

‘A tremendous impact’

Bart Gamett, a local U.S. Forest Service fisheries biologist who has worked with Van Leuven on a variety of projects, said, “He’s a dedicated teacher who has had a tremendous impact on students and the community. He connects science to real-world issues.”

Van Leuven said he has always considered the world to be his classroom and strives to make lessons relevant outside school.

Through his innovative lessons, students:

• Became certified to do artificial insemination in cattle through the state Department of Agriculture.

• Assist biologists trapping mule deer to study population trends.

• Establish a golden trout fishery in Lower Cedar Creek near town.

• Grow tropical fruits in their greenhouse including passionfruit, papaya, figs and sugar cane.

• Earn college credit during high school when Van Leuven taught dual enrollment classes through the College of Southern Idaho.

Previous honors

Van Leuven has earned previous honors for his teaching. In 2016, he was one of six educators nationwide who received the National Agri-science Teacher of the Year Award from the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

He represented Region 1, an area encompassing nine western states.

In 2012, the association honored him with an Ideas Unlimited Award for using a mobile cow skeleton he made to teach anatomy and cuts of meat.

He also volunteers as president of the Mackay Education Association, chairman of the State and Federal Lands Committee of the Idaho Farm Bureau, and was secretary for the Idaho Agriculture Teachers Association.

A Rigby, Idaho native, Van Leuven graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in agriculture education.