Les Bateson (centre)

FORSYTH, Ga.,  — The Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), in partnership with Huber Engineered Woods, is proud to recognize 15-year agriculture education veteran Les Bateson of Wheeler County High School in Alamo, Georgia, as the 2026 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year. The award honors a Georgia classroom educator who goes above and beyond to teach students why the state’s forests matter to the environment, the economy and Georgia’s heritage. This prestigious award honors a Georgia classroom educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication in teaching students about the importance of Georgia’s forests to our environment, economy and our heritage. …Bateson has built a forestry program at Wheeler County High School that gives students hands-on experience in tree identification, forest measurement, reforestation, prescribed burning and timber stand improvement by working with partners like the Georgia Forestry Commission.