Dylan Clark Selected as the 2020 AEE December Student of the Month!

    Each month the Center for Professional Personnel Development recognizes a student who shows outstanding involvement at Penn State, dedication to the Agricultural & Extension Education major, and leadership in organizations. For the month of December, we are proud to announce Dylan Clark as the Agricultural & Extension Education Student of the Month. Dylan is from Enon Valley, Pennsylvania where he grew up working on his families beef farm and attended Mohawk Jr.-Sr. High School. Dylan shares that he has been working in a butcher shop since he was 16. He explored his passions in agriculture through being involved in the Lawerance County 4-H Animal House Club for 11 years where Dylan showed his animals and was a member of Teen Council. In addition to his 4-H experiences, Dylan was actively a member of the Mohawk FFA where he attended National FFA Convention, exhibited at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, and assisted with the county event "Ag Encounter". Dylan said "this event was for all the 3rd graders in Lawrence county to get up close with agricultural practices that happens in our county.

    Dylan also attended Penn State Beaver for 3 semesters before arriving at University Park campus. When asking Dylan why he chose Penn State he responded, "I wanted to be at a college that was deeply rooted in Agriculture." Penn State was a great fit for Dylan as he can pursue his interest in agriculture and teaching as he plans to graduate with a bachelors degree in Agricultural & Extension Education in Spring 2022. His favorite Penn State course so far was International Agriculture (INTAG) 100 with Dr. Noel Habashy. You can find Dylan is his favorite place on campus to hang-out in the ASI Lobby, or at his favorite place to eat in State College, Uncle Chen's Chinese. If you did not know this about Dylan, his favorite sports team is the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Dylan stays busy at Penn State working in the Meats Laboratory, he is also the Vice-President of LEAD Society, and is a member of Delta Theta Sigma.

Dylan has a unique passion for agriculture that has brought him success throughout his Penn State journey and as he continues to live out his goals he shares, "I want to be able to share my knowledge of agriculture with the next generation of agriculture leaders as well as continue to learn more about the agriculture industry myself. Being a part of 4-H and FFA was an amazing experience for me and made me who I am today, and I want to be able to continue to excite students about Agriculture for years to come." As you can tell, Dylan is determined to be a great Agriculture Educator and with this mindset and his experiences at Penn State he is preparing himself well.

    One of Dylan's favorite quotes is by Kenny Chesney "I live to love and laugh a lot and that's all I need". Congratulations again Dylan on being recognized as the December Student of the Month, keep up the great work! To keep up with Dylan follow him on his social media (Instagram: @mr_showcow63 or Twitter: @mrshowcow). 

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural & Extension Education

Class of 2023

January 2020 Student of the Month: Mary Wurzbach (@WurzbachMary)

January 2020 Student of the Month: Mary Wurzbach (@WurzbachMary)

Every month a student is recognized within the Agricultural and Extension Education program. A student is chosen who has demonstrated hard work and dedication to their education, major, and passions. The Penn State Agricultural and Extension Education Student of January was chosen to be Mary Wurzbach of Brogue, Pennsylvania.

Mary came to us from Millersville University and has continued to earn many accomplishments. She was involved in the Mid-Atlantic and American Highland Cattle Associations through Junior Associations and livestock shows across the Mid-Atlantic. Mary carried her interest and experiences from cattle to us at Penn State, and now as she begins her student teaching at Oley Valley High School in Oley, Pennsylvania.

Marys’s favorite place to hang out on campus is the Creamery patio, and her favorite sports team is Penn State Football. Her overall favorite Penn State course is Animal Science 201. Another one of her favorites is the restaurant “Sauly Boy’s”.

Following Spring 2020, Mary finishes up her student teaching experiences, and will be earning her degree in Agricultural and Extension Education. After graduation, she is most looking forward to working with farmers and educating others in the agricultural industry. Her favorite quote is, “When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things”, by Joe Namath. Mary continues to live by this quote as she gains new experiences teaching Agricultural Education with students at Oley Valley High School. We are so excited for what the future holds for Mary! Congratulations again on being Penn State’s Agricultural and Extension Education student of January!

Morgan Bear

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2023

November 2019 Student of the Month: Brandon Witmer (@BWitmer)

Every month a student is recognized within the Agricultural and Extension Education program. A student is chosen who has demonstrated hard work and dedication to their education, major, and passions. Penn State Agricultural and Extension Education Student of November was chosen to be Brandon Witmer, of State College, Pennsylvania.

Brandon is a senior here at Penn State planning to graduate spring of 2020. When he graduates, Brandon will have an Associate of Science in Wildlife Technology, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education and, a minor in Forestry. Brandon transferred from the DuBois Campus and has enjoyed his time here at University Park, with his favorite sports team being Penn State Football! In fact, his favorite place to hang out on campus is in Ferguson Room 115. Brandon’s favorite Penn State class is FOR 204 (Dendrology) with Dr. Steiner. Another one of Brandon’s favorites is The Waffle Shop in State College. 

Interestingly, Brandon did not participate in 4-H or FFA in high school, but that did not hold him back, what fascinated Brandon to join Agriculture Education was the connection he could make with his passion for Environmental Education. After graduating Brandon plans to continue his education into a master’s program where he said, “I want to look at how we as agricultural educators can bring environmental education into the classroom.” 

This speaks loudly and we are looking forward to what Brandon will continue to accomplish in the future. Best of luck in student teaching next semester Brandon! Check out more with Brandon by following his Instagram and Twitter handle @BWitmer20.

Morgan Bear

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2023

October 2019 Student of the Month: Justin Kurtz (@justin_kurtz_)

Each month a student is recognized within the Agricultural and Extension Education program as Student of the Month for their hard work and dedication to their education, major, and passions. This October, sophomore Mr. Justin Kurtz has been selected as Student of the Month for his outstanding accomplishments inside and outside of the classroom.

 Justin grew up in Spring Mills, Pennsylvania where his experience working on farms with his stepfather in the area gave him a background in agriculture and encouraged him to pursue a degree in the Agricultural Sciences. While he was at first interested in Plant Science, his experience in agricultural education at State College Area High School led him to become a part of the Agricultural and Extension Education program at The Pennsylvania State University. On campus, Justin is an active member of LEAD Society and serves on the executive board for Ag Student Council. Off campus, he continues to grow and supplement his faith at Cedar Heights church. When asked about what he likes most about the University Park campus he responded, "all my friends are here and we have PHENOMENAL faculty and staff in the Agricultural and Extension Education department".

In the future, Justin's career goal is to teach agriculture. While he believes that most people feel motivated by their own agricultural educators to pursue a career in Agricultural and Extension Education, and agrees this is part of his motivation to teach agriculture, he is mostly motivated to "facilitate the development of youth through agricultural education, just as it has done for me".


Some more about Justin includes:

Birthday: April 3rd, 1999
Favorite food: "Mashed taters for the win".
Favorite PSU Class: HORT 150N (Plants in Society) with Dr. Decoteau and Dr. Hoover
Favorite Hangout on Campus: Ferguson 115
Favorite Place to Eat in State College: The Waffle Shop
Favorite Quote: "It is well with my soul".
4H/FFA Background: Justin was active in the State College Little Lions FFA chapter, served as a State Officer from 2017-2018, and has been chosen to represent the state of Pennsylvania at the 92nd National FFA Convention and Expo as the National Officer Candidate.

Congratulations again to Justin for being selected as the 2019 October Student of Month. His humor, compassion, and genuine personality will continue to serve him as he finishes his degree and runs to be a National Officer for the National FFA Organization.

Taylor Halbleib

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022

September 2019 Student of the Month: Jessica Barnhart (@jessiebarny7)

It is a custom every month to recognize one of our outstanding students within the Agricultural and Extension Education program, who has made a positive impact on their mentors, peers, and program as Student of the Month. This September, Ms. Jessica Barnhart's passion and drive has played a role in her selection as September Student of the Month.

Jess resides in Blairsville, Pennsylvania and began her journey in Agricultural Education at Derry Area High School where her Ag Teachers "planted the seed" for her to pursue Agricultural Education as a career. She spent the first two years of her college career at Penn State Altoona studying Plant Science before a position as an Education Intern at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources spurred her excitement for educating youth, leading her to find a home in the AEE program. At Penn State Altoona, Jess was involved in CFFA and was President of Ag Club. Currently at the University Park campus, she is involved in LEAD Society is a TeachAg! Avenger.

As a senior in the program, Jess will graduate with a Bachelors Degree in May of 2020 after completing her student teaching semester at Brockway Area. Her motivation to become an Agricultural Educator is student excitement. Jess says, "I feed off of their energy". When working with students, she helps them to express energy by sparking an interest and excitement for learning inside of them. In the future, Jess plans to put this motivation to use by becoming either an Agricultural Educator or an Environmental Education Specialist. She reasons, "I would be happy in each of these career fields as long as I get to teach about my passions".

Some more about Jess includes:

Birthday: August 31st
Favorite PSU Class: Biology 220W where she particularly enjoyed a stream study on macroinvertebrates.
Favorite Insect: The dobsonfly. 
Favorite Hangout on Campus: The Entomology (5th) Floor of the ASI Building.
Favorite Place to Eat in State College: McDonalds. "McNuggets are always my #1!"
Favorite Quote: "What's meant to be will always find a way".
4H/FFA Background: Jess was actively involved in the Derry FFA Chapter, serving as President and Reporter, and received her American Degree last October.

Congratulations to Jessica Barnhart for being selected as September Student of the Month! Her joyful and passionate personality are an incredible addition to the Agricultural and Extension Education program at Penn State University.

Taylor Halbleib

Student Blogger

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022

April 2019 Student of the Month: Kaitlin Liszka (@KaitlinLiszka)

Every month we recognize a student within the Agricultural and Extension Education program who has gone above and beyond as our Student of the Month. Junior, Kaitlin Liska has been selected as the April Student of the Month! Let’s dive into why we have chosen Kaitlin to be the Student of the Month! 

Kaitlin proudly comes to us at Penn State from Jamestown, Pennsylvania. Kaitlin is a member of the #PSUAgEd20 cohort with a unique start to her college education. Kaitlin was inspired to pursue Agriculture Education while attending the Ohio State University studying animal science. When asked about her inspiration she responds, “I spent a lot of time helping my friends and classmates understand what was being taught in class. I also would get to bring the knowledge I was learning back home and get to share it with others. It was in these moments that I realized that I really enjoyed informing and teaching others about the agricultural industry, even more than I did working directly in industry. My friends also began to recognize this and pushed me to pursue agricultural education instead of animal science, so when I transferred into Penn State it was an easy decision to change my major.” We are truly glad to have Kaitlin here supporting her fellow classmates. 

Outside of the classroom, Kaitlin serves in the United States Army, is an active member of the Leadership, Education, and Agricultural Development (LEAD) Society, and a Global Teach Ag! Intern. 

If you want to learn more about Katlin, you can follow her on her Twitter @KaitlinLiszka or Instagram @KaitlinLiszka. Congratulations again Kaitlin, keep rocking it out! 

A peek of Kaitlin: 
Hometown: Jamestown, PA 
Graduation: May 2020 
Birthday: Dec 8, 1995 
Favorite PSU Class: AEE 349 
Favorite Sports Team: Pittsburgh Steelers 
Favorite Hang-Out on Campus: Ferguson 213 
Favorite Place to Eat in State College: State Burger (Bellefonte) 
4-H/FFA Background: 4H - Market animals 
Favorite Quote: "People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel." ~Maya Angelou 

Killiann George 

Guest Blogger 

Twitter Handle: @KilliannGeorge 

2022 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

March 2019 Student of the Month: Killian George: @KillianGeorge

Every month we recognize a student within the Agricultural and Extension Education program who has gone above and beyond as our Student of the Month. A freshman, Killiann George has been chosen as our March Student of the Month! Let's learn a little more about Killian and why we've decided to choose her as Student of the Month.

Killiann is currently a freshman in the Agricultural and Extension Education program, but don't let her semester standing fool you. She is the Social Committee chair for LEAD Society, a student worker for the Center for Professional Personnel Development, and a TeachAg! Avenger. She was inspired to become an Agricultural Educator after watching her high school teachers. "I saw how they encouraged students to become their best and helped them reach their end goals while advocating for an industry they are passionate about." Killiann is excited to inspire and encourage students to reach their fullest potential.

Some fun facts about Killiann are:

Hometown: Harrisburg PA

Graduation: 2022 #psuaged22

Birthday: January 25, 2000

Favorite PSU Class: AEE 499: Teach AEE/INTAG 499: Indigenous Knowledge and Agricultural Education 

Favorite Sports Team: Penn State Football

Favorite Hang-Out on Campus: Penn State Creamery 

Favorite Place to Eat in State College: Au Bon Pain

4-H/FFA Background: Was apart of the Perry County 4H Livestock Club, also a member of the Greenwood FFA Chapter and graduated from the Cumberland Valley FFA Chapter.  I also competed in several CDEs and LDEs with Extemporaneous being my favorite to compete in. 

Favorite Quote: "Challenge is nothing more than a seed of opportunity."

To learn more about Killiann follow her on Twitter @KilliannGeorge and Instagram @killiann3.

Congratulations Killiann on your amazing achievement being named March's Student of the Month!

Luke Kerstetter

Communication Team

Twitter Handle: @Luke_Kerstetter

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

September and October 2017 Students of the Month: Allyson Balmer (@allyson_balmer) and Macy Fisher (@macy_fisher)

Every month, we like to highlight students that have gone above and beyond in the Agriculture Education department! We are excited to announce that Allyson Balmer (@allyson_balmer) was selected as the student of the month for September, and Macy Fisher (@macy_fisher) was selected for the month of October. Let's learn about their accomplishments so far:

Allyson Balmer (@allyson_balmer)

Allyson is currently a senior majoring in Agriculture and Extension Education. She plans to graduate in the spring of 2018. Her interest came from growing up on her family's dairy farm, where she says she has been instilled with the desire to teach others about agriculture. Being an agricultural educator is a great passion of hers. "Today's society is so far removed from the farm and it is my responsibility, as a future educator, to develop well-informed consumers." 

Allyson is pretty busy outside of the classroom, being the reporter for Collegiate FFA, as well as a member of Teach Ag! Society, the Dairy Chairman and Livestock Committee member of the Manheim Community Farm Show, and a 4-H Leader for the Lebanon County Cedar Crest 4-H Dairy Club. 

Fun Facts about Allyson:
Hometown: Manheim, PA
Birthday: July 10th
Favorite PSU Class: AEE Classes and AGECO 154
Favorite Place to Eat in State College: Hands-down, Panda Express and Chick-fil-A
Favorite Athletic Team/Sport: Penn State and the New England Patriots
Favorite Thing about PSU: "The one aspect about Penn State that I really like and think is unique is how much EVERY student shows pride in the university. Whether there is a home football game or the middle of the week, Penn State students create a great atmosphere of camaraderie and school spirit."  

Macy Fisher (@macy_fisher)

Macy Fisher is currently a senior majoring in Agriculture and Extension Education, also graduating in the spring of 2018. Her passion for agriculture stemmed from her upbringing on her family's dairy farm. By the time she entered high school, she instantly became dedicated to her agriculture program and the FFA. Ms. Fisher says that she was inspired by her agriculture teacher, and she motivated her to want to teach agriculture. "Knowing that I not only wanted to be an Ag teacher, but to be the best Ag teacher I could be, I knew that I had to come to Penn State." She also speaks of Penn State's AEE department, saying, "I knew that they would prepare me in the best ways possible to go out and cultivate the young minds of future leaders." 

Outside of classes, Macy is currently the Jr. Adviser of Collegiate FFA, a member of Teach Ag! Society and Dairy Science Club, as well as an assistant leader for Beyond the Barn 4-H Club and Coach for the Captain Jack FFA Square Dance. 

Fun Facts about Macy:
Hometown: McVeytown, PA
Birthday: February 14th
Favorite PSU Class: AEE 350 and ANSC 225
Favorite Place to Eat in State College: Wings Over and Texas Roadhouse
Favorite Thing about PSU: "I love how the staff and professors in our department are so dedicated to student success.  Not only are they helping us to strive academically but they are also always there to help us with stress, worries, concerns; they really listen to us!"

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

Hunter Kauffman, Student Blogger

Wildlife and Fisheries Science 

The Pennsylvania State University

Email: hlk5120@psu.edu
Instagram: kauffman_hunter

How does Agricultural Education Benefit Students?

One of the biggest questions that seems to come up is what are the benefits to agricultural education in high schools. Often times we respond with the opportunities that students have within the classroom as well as outside the classroom with the National FFA Organization. However, if you want to find out the real benefits you must go to the source of the question. Asking, a current student enrolled in an agricultural education classroom, a current college student who was enrolled during their years in high school, and a past student that is currently working in the industry, what are the benefits of the agricultural education program in high schools is where you will find the best answer. Featured in this blog is exactly that situation.

Mariah Stuck is a current student enrolled in agricultural education at Midd-West High School, and her response shows the meaning to why agriculture education is so important. When she began high school she though that agricultural education for her would be a one year, one class situation, and never stepping back into the classroom again. However, she felt welcomed into the classroom and into the program where she later found her true passion in that classroom. She stated, "Agriculture education programs provide a sense of identity to those students who find themselves loving FFA and everything their school ag program has to offer them. Ag ed programs around the nation are providing real life situations that provide life lessons and so much more for students throughout high school. Agriculture education has taught me how important it is for me to tell my story and pursue my dreams." She currently is a junior at Midd-West High School, and was recently elected to Midd-West FFA Chapter President for this next year. Her story in agricultural education has proved the benefits of this amazing program is worth the time and energy. When she talked about the lessons that she has learned through the program her words were indescribable, "If I had to pick the most important life lesson I have learned from agriculture over the past three years it would be," she explained, "you can never be to prepared, be a sponge, soak up your surroundings everywhere you venture to, and never stop learning."

Lily Guthrie is a current college student studying at Conner's State University in Oklahoma. Her outlook on agricultural education in high schools also has a positive effect on students. She believes that agriculture education is vital to students across the county because agriculture is how we live each day. Lily spoke from the heart when she said,  "From my experience within the West Perry FFA Chapter, I can quite confidently say the agricultural education program there changed my life in more ways than I can even comprehend. From walking into the ag classroom on the first day as a shy, timid freshman, afraid to speak out, looking for a place to fit in to leaving as a confident, well prepared advocate for the industry in which I fell in love with there has been hundreds of positive impacts on my life as a result of my experience within my hometown FFA program." She had served as Pennsylvania FFA State President in 2015-2016, and her journey through the program as well as a state officer has benefited her for her future endeavors. "Across the nation, from our largest cities to the smallest rural communities it is equally imperative to inform each and every student. Thousands of careers are available within agriculture and whether an individual prefers a hands on work environment or more lab related duties, they can surely find it all," she had explained.

Caleb Wright is currently working in the industry as a lobbyist for Versant Strategies, but before he was an agriculture educator. His idea and vision of agricultural education in high school is what you would expect from a previous educator of the program. "While the optimist in me wants to believe that every student to walk into an ag classroom will directly work in the agricultural/environmental industries, that isn’t the case based on statistical data. But agriculture education, with a fully implemented three-pronged approach of classroom/laboratory instruction, experiential learning, and leadership development is a shining star of how a school system can prepare students to be successful post-graduation." His response displays the crucial evidence that agriculture education is by far offers the best opportunities and structured classroom for a student to be in. "When we expose students to opportunities that challenge them, and ones that are diverse and incorporate a different set of skills, we teach students how to operate in a dynamic work place." Mr. Wright's idea of agricultural education proves value to all students that enter the classroom.


These three responses of a current student, current college student who was previously in the program, and an industry worker that went through the program provide great examples of how agricultural education benefits students not only in high school but also their futures. Agricultural education provides real life situations, lessons learned, and values that can not be taught by any other class in a high school. 

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

Luke Kerstetter

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

April 2017 Student of the Month: Luke Kerstetter @lmkerstetter96

Every month, we like to highlight students that have gone above and beyond in the Agriculture Education department! We are excited to announce that Luke Kerstetter was selected as the April Student of the Month! Lets learn about his story and accomplishments so far.

Luke is currently a freshman at Penn State Altoona majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education planning to double minor in Horticulture and Forest Ecology. He plans to graduate in the spring of 2020. Luke's experience in the FFA, and the encouragement of his high school agricultural educators helped him find his passion to Teach Ag. After serving as a Pennsylvania State FFA Officer in 2015-2016 he realized that becoming an agricultural educator is what he aspired to do. 

Luke stated, "Seeing students have those 'ah-ha' moments during chapter visits made me understand how much I love teaching students." Luke keeps himself motivated towards his major by continuing to help out the Pennsylvania FFA in facilitating workshops, and finding ways to help students on the Penn State Altoona campus. "I have found a career that is not beneficial for just myself, but also directly influences young individuals that need a positive role model," he had said. His main goal after college is to become an agricultural educator hopefully in the state of Pennsylvania to encourage those students who are not sure what they want to do in the future.  Luke also wants to inspire students to become young leaders that will influence the future of agriculture not only in the United States but rather the world. 

Luke is also busy outside of the classroom being involved with Penn State Altoona's Ag Club/CFFA as well as being the PSU Teach Ag student blogger.

Interesting fun facts about Luke:
Hometown: Mount Pleasant Mills, PA
Favorite PSU Class: Biology 220W
Birthday: December 17, 1996
Favorite Place to Hang out on campus: Devorris Downtown Center

Congratulations, Luke! We are ecstatic to see where your agricultural education journey will take you!

To learn more about Luke Kerstetter follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook  @lmkerstetter96 for both Twitter and Instagram.

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

Luke Kerstetter

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

March 2017 Student of the Month: George Dietrich (@TheGeorge4H)

Every month, we like to highlight students that have gone above and beyond in the Agriculture Education department! We are excited to announce that George Dietrich was selected as the March Student of the Month! Lets learn about his story and accomplishments so far.

George is currently a junior dual majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education and Food Science. He plans to graduate in the spring of 2018. Geroge is very passionate about his two majors for interesting reasons. His passion for food science came from his love for food and exploring how it is made. He also enjoys the aspects of making food safe, wholesome, and affordable for consumers. He had noted, "When I learned that I could have a major focused on food, as well as eat and make it I was convinced of the major." His passion for agricultural education is not any less important than his passion for food science. When  George participated in Shaver's Creek Outdoor School, and held an internship with Cooperative Extension he developed a passion for working with students. "I realized that I wanted to teach students agriculture in a high school setting after I had a couple of experiences teaching with older peers," he acknowledged. His main goal after college is to go out and teach in a high school to empower students and show them opportunities for future careers in the agriculture industry. To keep himself motivated towards this goal he is talking with teachers and other people that are in the education system about what they love about their job. He also is getting opportunities to do micro lessons with students, and each of these experiences help remind him why he loves his major.

George is also busy outside of the classroom being involved in clubs and organizations as well. He is a member of Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity, Dairy Science Club, Teach Ag Society, Coaly Society, and Alpha Tau Alpha.

Interesting fun facts about George:
Hometown: Sinking Spring, PA
Favorite PSU Class: FDSC 201, AEE 349
Birthday: September 12th 
Favorite Place to Eat at PSU: The Creamery. One word Milkshakes. #MilkshakeDiet

To learn more about George Dietrich follow him on twitter @TheGeorge4H 

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

Luke Kerstetter

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

February 2017 Student of the Month: Angela Becker (@BeckerAngelaM)

Every month, we like to highlight students that have gone above and beyond in the Agriculture Education department! We are proud to announce that Angela Becker was selected as the February Student of the Month! Lets learn about her story and accomplishments so far.

Angela is a Junior in the Agriculture and Extension Education major. She plans to minor in Animal Science as well. Her goal after she graduates in the spring of 2018 is to immediately attend graduate school to work towards her master's degree in Agriculture and Extension Education. Angela became passionate about majoring in Agriculture and Extension Education because her lifelong passion for agriculture. She is excited to share that passion with her future students. When ask how she keeps herself motivated towards school and major requirements, Angela answered, "I use my love for education and agriculture to motivate me. I also know that if it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you so I am glad that this is a challenge. It means that it is worth it!"

Outside the classroom Angela is also active in several organizations on Penn State's campus. Her roles in each are as follows: Vice President of Collegiate Cattlemen, member of Block and Bridle, the professional chair for Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity, and a member of TeachAg! Society.

Want to learn more about Angela here are some fun facts!
Hometown: East Millsboro, PA
Birthday: July 6th
Favorite Place to Hang out on campus: Berkey Creamery
Favorite PSU Class: Animal Science 426
Favorite Place to Eat: Happy Valley Brewery (Especially when her parents come to town)

Congratulations, Angela! We sure are excited to see where you will complete your student teaching experience and following along through your journey!

If you would like to learn more about Angela Becker follow her on twitter @BeckerAngelaM

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

Luke Kerstetter

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

"Magnificent 7" Student Showcase #studentsuccess

The "Magnificent 7" Student Showcase has finally arrived! We are so proud of our 2017 candidates!

Within the Student Showcase, you can learn more about what makes each student teacher candidate unique.  There are endorsements from administrators, Penn State Agriculture and Extension Education graduates, students in high school agriculture education classes, and from Team Ag Ed.

Lets meet our 2017 Student Teacher Candidates! #psuaged17

Luke Kerstetter

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

January 2017 Student of the Month: Hunter Kauffman (@kaufhu)

Every month, we like to highlight students that have gone above and beyond in the Agriculture Education department! We are proud to announce that Hunter Kauffman was selected as the January Student of the Month! Lets learn about his story and accomplishments so far.

Hunter is a Sophomore majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. Hunter became passionate about wildlife from his job at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park; a zoo in central Pennsylvania. He has worked for Lake Tobias for the past 5 years as a tour guide, as well as a member of their reptile and exotic wildlife shows. Being a part of the these shows is what helped Hunter develop an interest in education. After he graduates from Penn State he plans to become a non-formal educator, "I want to give back to this world more than I take, and through non-formal education, I found a way to do that. I can combine my love for wild and exotic animals, and nature, with the power of education. I want to give people the knowledge and the skills necessary to help preserve this Earth for future generations and work towards making it sustainable."

Hunter has also dedicated his time to several organizations over the past year and half he has been at Penn State University. He is a member of Penn State Collegiate FFA, TeachAg! Society, Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation, and Service Vice President of Penn State Habitat for Humanity.

Want to know more about Hunter here are some fun facts about him!
Hometown: Berrysburg, PA
Birthday: July 16, 1997
Favorite PSU Class: Biology 220W
Favorite place to eat: Baby's Burgers and Shakes
Favorite place to hang out on campus: The Forest Resources Building
Other Fun Facts:  Hunter is a triplet. His brother attends Bloomsburg University and his sister went to Empire.

If you would like to read more about Hunter follow him on Twitter @kaufhu and Instagram Kauffman_hunter

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

Luke Kerstetter

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

Student Success Across Pennsylvania Recognized

On January 9th at the 101st Pennsylvania Farm Show, Pennsylvania FFA held their 88th Mid-Winter Convention. During this convention there were guest speakers which included Pennsylvania Governor Tom wolf, Secretary of Agriculture Russel Reading, Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera, and a presentation from Now Holland Vice President Bret Lieberman.

The next order of business at convention was the awarding of State Stars which come from the four categories of Agribuisness, Agriscience, Ag Placement, and Ag Production. To be selected as a State Star these students had to become the Regional Star in their category, and then go throw interviews during the morning before Mid-Winter Convention. This years State Stars were Nate Guldin from Oley Valley in the area of Agribuisness, Kassandra Nulton from West Perry in the area Agriscience, Alyssa Yoder from Central Columbia in the area of Ag Placement, and William Horning from Grassland FFA in the area of Ag Production. These students have worked hard throughout their years in the FFA Organization, and were well deserving of this award. Congratulations to each one that competed.

The highest award Pennsylvania FFA can bestow upon its members is the golden Keystone Degree symbolizing their achievements, hard work, and dedication to the FFA Organization made throughout their FFA career in high school. This year there were 357 Keystone Degrees awarded. This degree opens up the doors for each of them to apply for the coveted golden key of the American Degree, which is the highest award a member can receive from the National FFA Organization for all of their hard work and dedication to the FFA organization and agriculture.

Pennsylvania FFA State President Libby Baker-Mikesell was asked about her opinions on Mid-Winter Convention and she had said, "Mid-Winter is very humbling and makes me cherish the full circle of the FFA experience. Seeing so many members put on their jackets for the first time, and also so many seniors receive their Keystone Degree who may have gotten their jackets a few years ago brings around the full circle of hard work and determination. That to me is indescribable." 

Pennsylvania FFA State Treasurer was asked the same question and she replied, "When I stepped out on that stage to a crowd of 5,000 people it hit me that this is my purpose. I am here to honor and recognize our members for all their hard work, and I am so incredibly proud of them and all the great things they are accomplishing."

Without Agriculture Educators across this great Nation we could not provide these great opportunities to students not just in Pennsylvania, but across the United States of America. Penn State Teach Ag provides not only quality educators and professional personal development, but also the mentors, the inspirations to students, and the opportunity to change lives of many students across the United States.

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

Luke Kerstetter

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agriculture Education Student Teacher