#TeachAgDSA18 - Tying it all Together

One for the Books

Well, we can wrap this Domestic Study Away trip up as one for the books. We sent 15 people out to represent @TeachAgPSU at schools and industries across the New England states (except Maine). What was especially unique about this trip is that no participants on this trip have ever been on a DSA trip before. Additionally, we have come together from commonwealth campuses, main campus, and a graduate to embark on this journey.

We started our trip out in Connecticut with a #PSUAgEd14 alum - Mr. Tyler Cremeans (@TCMeanAgEd14). We continued up the coast - stopping at the beach for those who had never seen the ocean. We went to Massachusetts and had some cultural immersion in Boston! We spent Wednesday continuing with our theme of #PSUAgEd14 with another alum - Mr. Michael Petrun (@PetrunMichaelG) in New Hampshire. Finally, we toured the wonderful state of Vermont - taking in its beauty as we completed our industry tours and last program tour. Check out our other blogs for the week for more details.

The differences in agriculture in the New England really surprised a lot - in addition to how they incorporate that into school-based agriculture programs. Most of the programs we saw focused on helping students to become ready for both industry and college. They work hard to make sure students truly own their programs, are held responsible, and develop employability skills that are sought out. We also had the chance to talk to employers during our industry tours about what they think students are lacking when they come to work for him. To sum it up, he said that they are lacking basic life skills and being able to "get dirty". 

Once we get back, we are excited to use the information we learned this week as part of the rest of our education, student teaching, and in our future classrooms. Students from this trip will be returning for more conferences, internships, job (or looking for jobs), and summer classes. Holding true this entire trip, the agriculture field is a family. Whether it is a high school, a family business, or a family business turned large corporation, or the #TeachAgDSA18 participants, it does not take long to work together and act as if we have always known each other.

Be sure to check out our last video recap of Day Four!

We could not complete this transformative learning experience without the incredible support of our partners including The Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators, The Penn State Center for Professional and Personnel Development, and the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. 

Karlie Wright
@Wright_KarlieM
#psuaged18

Guest Blogger for the 6th Annual Domestic Study Away - #TeachAgDSA18