ACKERMAN, MS – Lee James, a 30 year agricultural education veteran and current president of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, was recognized the 2007 Outstanding Member of the Mississippi Association for Career and Technical Education (MSACTE) at the association’s annual meeting on March 12.

“I have been involved in my professional organizations since I began my teaching career,” said James. “I believe it is important to be a member and be involved in the organizations. This award means so much to me and hopefully has resulted from my being able to give back to organizations that have given so much to me as a teacher.”

The MSACTE Outstanding Member Award takes into consideration a member’s contributions to career and technical education, as well as leadership positions held within the profession, and works published in an effort to promote and further the profession.

“Lee James is one of only 164 agriculture teachers who are nationally certified by the National Board on Professional Teaching Standards and he is one of ten certified in Mississippi,” said Don Connerly, MSACTE’s Outstanding Member Awards chairman. “As a career/technical educator, Lee ensures that his students are well prepared for higher education and for high demand, high wage careers.”

The mission of NAAE is “professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advocacy and service.” NAAE has more than 8,000 members nationwide.