Charlotte County, Fla. – Charlotte County Public Schools announced that Deanna Thompson, agriculture teacher and advisor of the Charlotte Sr. FFA Chapter, has been named a 2025-26 National Teacher Ambassador by the National FFA Organization. Thompson is one of only 65 educators nationwide selected for the role, representing 28 states.
Thompson has cultivated Charlotte High School’s agriculture program into a thriving hub for leadership, innovation and hands-on agricultural learning that connects the classroom to the field and beyond. Her vision brought to life the Tarpon Feed & Supply store, a fully student-run business where members gain real-world experience in entrepreneurship, inventory management and customer service. The learning environment not only teaches agricultural practices but also builds the communication, problem-solving and leadership skills outlined in the district’s Portrait of a Graduate.
“Mrs. Thompson has created a program that embodies everything our Portrait of a Graduate stands for,” Superintendent Mark Vianello said. “She equips students with the knowledge and confidence to lead, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the skills to thrive in any pathway — whether they decide to further their education, gain employment or serve our great nation.”
FFA’s mission of preparing students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success is at the core of Thompson’s teaching philosophy. By blending classroom instruction with experiential learning, she helps students discover their strengths while fueling the district’s commitment to growing a strong local talent pipeline. As a National Teacher Ambassador, Thompson will mentor fellow agricultural educators nationwide, lead professional development and provide feedback to the National FFA Organization — all while continuing to inspire her students in Charlotte County.
“What I love most about being a National FFA Teacher Ambassador is the opportunity to connect with and learn from amazing agriculture teachers across the country,” Thompson said. “I can then share those valuable insights, along with the materials offered by the National FFA, with teachers in my state.”
“Mrs. Thompson’s passion for agricultural education is clear in everything she does,” said John Leclair, School Board Chair. “She has built a program that not only teaches students about agriculture but also inspires them to lead, innovate, and pursue their goals with confidence.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
