OXFORD, Ohio – Chyann Kendel, agricultural education teacher at Talawanda High School, has been selected as the 2026 Teachers Turn the Key Award recipient from the Ohio Association of Agricultural Educators (OAAE).

The Teachers Turn the Key professional development program supports early career agricultural educators as they grow in the profession. This summer, Kendel will represent OAAE at the Region IV level, which includes Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri.

“This award is available to teachers in their second, third or fourth year of teaching,” Kendel said. “Essentially, each state gets to recognize one teacher for that award. I will get to be part of a program at the national level, so the National Association of Agricultural Educators, NAAE.”

The program is designed to retain quality ag educators, Kendel said. The profession continues to see teachers leave the classroom. In Ohio, over 50 percent of ag teachers are in their first five years of teaching. The program exists to reach out to teachers early in their career and to encourage them to continue as ag teachers.

“I submitted my application to the national level, and there are some awards available,” Kendel explained. “But at least I get to participate in this professional development program in New Orleans in the beginning of December. I will get the chance to collaborate with other like-minded teachers from across the state. This will give us new ideas, renewed energy, and build our network of people that are doing similar things across the country, and allow those relationships to continue.”

There is a nomination process for the award, and while the nominees are not told who nominated them, Kendel knew that Kari Beckner Roberts, also an agricultural education instructor at Talawanda, had nominated her. Kendel then applied for the award and requested supplementary materials, filled them out, and turned them in to the state.

“I got to showcase what I am proud of as a teacher within that application. It was exciting to see that reflected in winning,” she explained. “What I enjoy is watching students take ownership of their learning inside and outside of the classroom. This week has been exciting. as we were also recognized as a top 10 FFA Chapter in Ohio.”

Cali Clayton, a senior at Talawanda and president of the Talawanda/Butler Tech FFA, said Kendel is one of a kind. Her passion for the FFA, agriculture and her students is exemplified every day by her work ethic and the dedication that she has to the program at Talawanda.

“I have only had her as a teacher this year, but she has been my adviser for all four years of high school,” Clayton said. “She started teaching at Talawanda when I was a freshman in 2022. I hold the experiences that she has mentored me through dearly. I know that I am not the only one who feels this way. I couldn’t think of a better candidate or a teacher more deserving of this award. I am happy to be one of her students.”

Kendel has an incredible ability to connect with students while maintaining high expectations, Beckner Roberts said. Her initiative, leadership and strong network within agricultural education have brought tremendous value to the program. She consistently steps up to take on challenges, support new opportunities and strengthen the program for the students and community.

“Chyann has a remarkable ability to take a vision for our chapter and turn it into something tangible through grant work. Her efforts continue to open doors for our students,” Beckner Roberts said.