(Vevay, Ind.) - A Switzerland County teacher has been named the Rural Teacher of the Year in Indiana.

The Indiana Farm Bureau made the announcement Monday about Bonnie Fancher’s dedication to students.

She has been teaching physics, chemistry, and environmental science at Switzerland County High School for 30 of her 32 years in education.

Fancher will be honored at the Indiana Farm Bureau state convention in Indianapolis this Friday.

“Indiana Farm Bureau’s support of the Rural Teacher of the Year is a clear sign of our commitment to quality public education,” said Katrina Hall, IFB tax specialist and member of the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association board. “Bonnie Fancher’s extension of her classroom into the Switzerland County community makes her the ideal choice for this award.”

The bureau says recommendations for Fancher consistently cited her dedication to student achievement and inspiring students to seek careers in science.

In addition to teaching classes, Fancher coaches the Science Academic Team, participates in the Indiana Creek Watershed Project with her advanced placement environment science class and was instrumental in providing her classes the opportunity to pilot a floating classroom on the Ohio River.

For the honor, Fancher will receive a $1,000 prize sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau.

She was recognized as second runner up in the National Rural Teacher of the Year competition, held Oct. 15-17.