Top of His Field

By Alex Kabat '24, February 10, 2023

Lecturer Jeff Perry is recognized by the New York Association of Agriculture Education.

Jeff Perry was recognized for his dedication as an educator.

(Photo Submitted)

Last fall, Jeff Perry, lecturer in Ithaca College’s department of education, received the New York Association of Agriculture Education Outstanding Post-Secondary Award.

The win was based on what Perry submitted about what he—and the department—had been doing in its master's degree in agriculture education program, a 36-credit master's degree that offers students a K–12 teaching certification through hands-on learning and training in the field.

“This [award] highlighted the amount of growth the Ithaca College program has had in terms of creating and developing certified teachers,” he said. “I act as a connecting bridge to prepare the students for their delivery as teachers. I give them the skill sets and push them just a bit to become better at the craft of teaching. I’ve got a strong enough connection back to the industry that I can prepare them for a smooth on-ramp.”

Perry, who teaches the pedagogy and practice for the courses in science and agriculture, also supports youth organizations and leadership development and is involved in program planning. He feels that being recognized for this student-to-faculty connection is one of the most redeeming parts of the honor.

“That’s part of Ithaca College as a whole—crafting a well-supported, well-trained student. When I go to conferences, I look around and see 50 or 60 of my current and former students. It’s fun to go to the events and recognize that I am well connected. I’ve been able to learn from them and have an impact on them.”

Jeff Perry, lecturer in the department of education

“That’s part of Ithaca College as a whole—crafting a well-supported, well-trained student,” he said. “When I go to conferences, I look around and see 50 or 60 of my current and former students. It’s fun to go to the events and recognize that I am well connected. I’ve been able to learn from them and have an impact on them.”

Another highlight for Perry was getting outside recognition for all the work being done at IC within the program.

“It’s nice when colleagues acknowledge that Ithaca College has a really strong program. It’s giving recognition to the entire team in the graduate program for the work they’re doing,” he said. “The faculty in the department are creating rich, robust teachers. They all have their own experience and do a great job of sharing that. That was part of the award—it’s for what the whole program does.”

Although he’s honored to have received this award, Perry assures everyone that the program hasn’t stopped making progress. In fact, he believes it will continue on an upward trajectory.

“That’s what’s fun about agriculture—we’re exploding, and training so many teachers,” he said. “Everybody in the field is so supportive and positive that, once a student plugs in to that network, they’ve got mentors and people they can work with.”