Jennie Goffe poses with her students. [Photo courtesy FDOE/Lake Okeechobee News]

CLEWISTON- Clewiston High School’s Jennie Goffe has been named a finalist for 2024 Florida Teacher of the Year.

The Florida Department of Education announced the five finalists on May 12. The five state finalists were chosen from 74 district teachers of the year. The Florida Teacher of the Year will be announced during a ceremony on July 20 in Orlando.

“My congratulations to these educators for their selection as the five finalists for the 2024 Florida Teacher of the Year award,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr after nooucing the finalists. “These educators have made a significant impact on their students, schools and communities.”

Jennie Goffe has been an agricultural teacher at Clewiston High School in Hendry County for the past ten years. Goffe champions Career and Technical Education, which provides students industry skills while preparing them for the workforce.

Her students earn an average of 150 workforce certificates annually. Through her agricultural program, Goffe and her students manage a 480-acre farm, which includes taking care of over 60 animals, maintaining a greenhouse, harvesting crops, caring for pastures and growing sugarcane.

After Hurricane Ian, Goffe initiated a joint effort for Clewiston High School students and community members of Hendry County to assist those in need in Fort Myers Beach. The effort included cleaning up hard hit areas following the devastation caused by the natural disaster. Goffe holds a Master and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Communications from the University of Florida.