Oakdale Joint Unified continues to maintain a presence throughout the state with its ever growing Agriculture program.

Oakdale High School Agriculture teacher Isaac Robles was recently named a Teacher of Excellence by the California Agriculture Teachers Association (CATA). Robles was one of 10 teacher recipients from throughout the state honored with the Teacher of Excellence Award. A banquet honoring the winners was hosted by CATA in San Luis Obispo.

“It actually means quite a bit to me,” Robles said of the honor and being selected.

Robles’ father spent 20 years as the farm manager at Modesto Junior College, which surrounded the young Robles with well-respected Ag teachers.

“To be considered as good as many who taught me, it is humbling and makes me feel proud of all I have sacrificed and accomplished in my career,” he said.

The requirements for consideration of the award included: a minimum of 10 years teaching, service as a CATA section or region officer for a period of four years, as well as consideration by the majority of teachers from the region.

Robles has been a teacher with Oakdale High School for four years of his teaching tenure. His involvement with the Agriculture program, however, goes well beyond the classroom. Currently he spends much of his time aiding students as they prepare for showing at the Stanislaus County Fair.

“I love teaching at Oakdale,” Robles said. “I don’t say that lightly either.”

The Ag teacher shared his gratitude for exceptional students and parents, as well as the community.

“But what sets Oakdale apart,” he continued, “is the fact that we are supported so greatly by our administration. There is always a feeling that no matter what we need as a staff, we will have it to be successful for our students.”

Robles recognizes the support of the administration as instrumental for his as well as his students’ growing success, with much more to come.