Teacher Mentor

John Blankenship North Knox Career & Tech Center, Tennessee 2009 Teacher Mentor Region V

John Blankenship has served as an agricultural educator at North Knox Career and Technical Education Center in Tennessee for the last 20 years. During his time in Knox County, he has mentored numerous teachers ranging from college students to seasoned veterans. Blankenship has served as a cooperating teacher for nine student teachers, each of whom have graduated from the program and gone on to contribute to various sectors of agriculture. He uses techniques like observation, presentation, small group meetings, and individual communication to mentor young teachers. 

Blankenship’s background in horticulture allows him to share his knowledge with those he mentors. He teaches mentees about effective classroom management, identification of plant material, and effective laboratory instruction techniques. To stay current himself, Blankenship regularly attends conferences and workshops and is certified in numerous areas related to his field. In addition, he works closely with community members to increase understanding and awareness about local agriculture.

“Mr. Blankenship is and always has been an active participant in community-related activities,” said H.B. Jenkins, assistant principal at North Knox Technology Center. “He is a strong advocate of student involvement in community, service and beautification projects.”

Blankenship was selected as one of the six top teacher mentors in the United States in 2009 by NAAE.  Each of the six 2009 Teacher Mentor winners received a plaque, travel stipend, and registration to the annual NAAE conference in Nashville, Tenn.  CEV Multimedia sponsors the Teacher Mentor Award.  For more information about the NAAE Teacher Mentor award and all NAAE awards programs, visit www.naae.org/awards/applications

For more information about Blankenship’s mentoring style, or any other questions, you can contact him at blankenshipM@k12tn.net.