Nick Dreesmann, Ag Department instructor at GHS, was named Teacher of Excellence

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley High School Ag department has the distinction of being staffed by numerous award-winning educators, so it is not a surprise that another teacher has been the recipient of yet another prestigious title.

Recently, Nick Dreesmann, Ag Department instructor at GHS, was named Teacher of Excellence for the Superior Region/North Valley Section of the California Agricultural Teachers Association. Applicants for the award must have a minimum of 10 years teaching in a secondary school or community college level program, have 10 years or more logged as a member of the CATA and have held at least one office with the CATA.

GHS Principal Justin Kern says Mr. Dreesmann’s award is befitting of the educator’s dedication to his students and craft. Amid the pandemic, the Ag department and FFA have risen to the challenge of continuing the program’s very “hands-on” style of training in a safe, socially distanced manner while also weaving virtual learning and virtual competition into the curriculum. Principal Kern says that Mr. Dreesmann has played a pivotal role in their success. “Nick has kept the shop open since March for students to be able to continue building their skills and improve in the craft. Nick is from our community and understands that the investment in our Career Technical Education (CTE) program is an investment in our community. His program …meets the needs of students going to college or directly into the workforce,” says Kern. Dreesmann represents the type of educator that understands the needs of his students and what they require to be successful outside of school.  “Nick has been guiding students at Gridley for over 15 years and his recognition is well deserved,” says Principal Kern.

Mr. Dreesmann was quite humble when asked about his “Teacher of Excellence” status. He says, “I am not much of an award guy. Love to give them out to others. Any and all awards I have received are a direct result of the great students, Teachers in our Ag Dept, Administration, and our local families that help make a difference in our students’ lives in our little community.”