August 2016 Student of the Month: Lisa Boltz (@memyselfandlkb)

Every month we like to highlight students that have gone above and beyond in the Agriculture Education department! In August, we are proud to share the stories and accomplishments of Ms. Lisa Boltz!

A graduate of Northern Lebanon High School, Lisa began her agricultural education journey in an unexpected fashion.  Lisa joined the FFA organization her freshman year because all freshman at Northern Lebanon complete a meat rabbit production SAE (supervised agricultural experience).  If deemed a successful breeder, the student is then permitted to take home one bunny.  This incentive drove Lisa to dawn the blue and gold, but it was the encouragement of older students to attend events that would eventually spark her passion for agriculture.   

Lisa served as the Parliamentary Procedure specialist for the Penn State Teach Ag! Program from fall 2015 through spring semester 2016.  When asked what she enjoyed most about here position, Lisa mentioned, "I loved being able to help students across the state learn about Parliamentary Procedure, as it is a topic I have come to love and hate at the same time.  I enjoyed being a peer figure students could turn to for advice."  

As an agricultural education major, Lisa looks forward to student teaching in 2019.  Lisa decided to become an agriculture educator midway through her freshman year, making a dramatic change from her aspirations to be a fashion designer!  Her decision was confirmed during her year serving as an FFA State Officer.  "I want to be an FFA advisor for the rest of my life.  I face challenges everyday with a non-traditional agricultural background, but I am relying on college courses, internships and resources to gain new knowledge.


Lisa is a member of the Berks agricultural and environmental club, and PSU Teach Ag! Society.  Lisa has also used her leadership capabilities to serve as a first year mentor on campus, as well as an orientation leader.  

Want to know some fun facts about Lisa? Check them out below!

Hometown: Lickdale, PA

Favorite PSU Class: Ed Psych

Favorite place to eat in State College: The Green Bowl

Favorite Creamery Ice Cream: Depends on my mood: Peachy Paterno or Death by Chocolate

Favorite Hangout on Campus: Commuter lounge at Thun Library

If you could be any animal, what would you be & why?  Definitely a bird so I could fly, have beautiful colored plumage, and so I could actually sing.

If you would like to read more about Lisa, connect with her via 
Twitter: @memyselfandlkb
Instagram: @lkb411


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.

Kayla Hack 

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @hackkayla

2017 Agriculture Education Student Teacher

August 2016 Program of the Month: Tyrone Area High School

In Pennsylvania we have over 150 FFA chapters that represent the Blue and Gold at its finest. There is one chapter that has stood above the rest this month to become our August program of the month. The Tyrone FFA Chapter at Tyrone Area High School!

Vocational agriculture classes were first established in 1938 at the Warriors Mark-Franklin High School. This same year, a charter was instituted for the Tyrone Area Future Farmers of America Chapter. Twenty area men were the original members of the Tyrone Area FFA, first called the Warriors Mark FFA. Agricultural Education teacher, Tiffany Hoy states "Tyrone is an amazing school district to work in! The administration, community, and staff are very supportive of the program. Students are from all walks of life and learn they have a purpose and value within the program and our community." There are 97 students in the Agriculture Program. When Ms. Hoy first met about the program, there were about 20 students. Within one year, the student roster grew to 48 students. In the spring of 2017, Tyrone Area High School is also a cooperating center for our very own teacher candidate Mr. Matthew Rider.

The Tyrone agricultural program prides itself on being "student centered, student driven."  Student drive is apparent, simply by the list of recent accolades:

1. 2 State Proficiency Winners - Agriscience and Diversified Livestock
2. 5 Keystone Degree recipients
3. 1 Area Star Farmer reco[ient
4. Agriscience Team competing at the 2016 National FFA Convention
5. State FFA Officer Candidate
6. Three Star National Chapter Ranking 

All students in the Tyrone agricultural program complete an AgriScience project for an SAE program.  Students also have a wealth of classes from which to choose:

 Current Classes Offered: 

Ag Power and Technology (CASE)
Agricultural Animal Science (CASE)
Agricultural Careers & Industry
Botany/Horticulture
Food and Natural Resources (CASE)
Food Science
Introduction to Agriculture
Leadership & Communication I & II
Natural Resources & Ecology (CASE)

As Ms. Hoy states, "Agriculture impacts every part of our lives; and through agricultural education, one can truly integrate all segments of education.  Should not every student be given the chance to be educated about the corner stone of our lives - Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources?"

We couldn't agree more!  The growth and commitment to preparing the next generation of students for careers in agriculture, food and natural resources at the Tyrone Area High School and Tyrone FFA is an example for all of us to look to. Congratulations on being named our August Program of the Month! 

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.

Kayla Hack

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @hackkayla

2017 Agriculture Education Student Teacher

Hired! Teacher Candidate Hannah Harris hired at Troy Area High School #psuaged16

In some places tradition is rich, and is woven into the fabric of a place.  In Troy, PA, tradition of an agriculture program dates back to before the FFA Organization began.  The tradition at Troy Area High School will continue with 2015 Teacher Candidate Ms. Hannah Harris.  Congratulations Hannah!

Hannah will bring her Penn State tradition and pride to her classroom next year.  She was actively involved in Teach Ag! Society and was a teaching assistant for Ag Ed 311, where she assisted many other Agriculture & Extension Education majors find their passion for Ag Ed. 

The community of Troy is extremely supportive of the agriculture program. “I have only had time to visit with a few individuals so far and everyone has said how much they love our FFA and our program.”   The agriculture facilities are actually separate from the school in another building. The program runs on a block schedule with classes being one semester each. Hannah will teach a variety of classes each semester consisting of: Welding, Animal Production, Plant Production, Forestry, Power and Machine Technology, Biomechanics and Introduction to Agriculture. Hannah is really excited about the incredible welding facility she will be able to teach in. There are oxy-fuel, MIG, TIG, and stick welders all available. “The time I spent in the shop with students during student teaching is one huge thing I will bring to my classroom. Learning how to delegate, teach and keep everyone safe in the shop is no easy task!”  Troy also has a unique SAE class that meets during an activity period.  

“I was "tagged" by my own high school advisor Sarah Sparks, who now works for the PA FFA Foundation. During my high school experience she was one of the best teachers I had.” Most of the students at Troy have not attended National FFA Convention, and Hannah looks forward to taking them there some day.  “I know it would be an eye- opening experience for them. When my school traveled to Indiana it was an amazing experience that was a huge milestone in my high school career.”   Beyond welding skills and plant and animal facts Hannah hopes to leave her students with the mindset: “You can do anything if you have enough grit.” Best Wishes Hannah!

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.

Kayla Hack

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @hackkayla

2017 Agriculture Education Student Teacher

Hired! Teacher Candidate Katie Andrews hired at North Harford High School #psuaged16

“From day one of college I knew that I wanted to be an agriculture teacher.”  And that she is.  Ms. Katie Andrews, 2016 Teacher Candidate will be teaching at North Harford High School in Pylesville, Maryland.  She was “Tagged To Teach Ag” at a young age helping on her families farm along with being involved in 4-H and FFA.  She has been surrounded by great coaches and mentors including her high school ag teacher,  Ryan King and her cooperating teachers, Sherisa Nailor and Sarabeth Fulton. 

Katie and one of her cooperating teachers.

Katie was extremely involved as a student at Penn State, where she served as a Teach Ag Avenger, was active in Collegiate FFA and Teach Ag Society and a student athlete, where she excelled as a women’s field hockey player.   Her continuous involvement in her academics and in campus activities has prepared her well to teach at North Harford. 

The agriculture program at North Harford High School is a magnet program where Katie will teach with 4 teaches and a director. Students entering ninth grade living in Harford County can apply to be accepted into the Magnet program and attend North Harford High School.  At the school they can choose one of three paths in agriculture: Environmental and Natural Resources, Plant Science, and Animal Science, or the signature general agriculture program.  Katie will be the magnet teacher for Animal Science path, in addition to teaching a freshmen class in the signature program called Agriculture 1. “ I will be teaching Foundations (Freshmen), animal management (Sophomore) , anatomy and physiology (junior), and Research Capstone (Senior). North Harford is home to barn facilities housing pigs, a cow, horse and even an alpaca.  All students involved in the agriculture magnet program  can choose to be in FFA. 

Katie has already set up her seating arrangements, made bulletin board designs, and started her unit planning and school has not even started!  In thinking about some of her goals and desires for her new classroom and program Katie looks forward to what is next.

One aspect from student teaching I look forward to developing are the relationships with the community, colleagues, administrators, and students that my cooperating teachers showed me are vital for success yet important to enjoy your job everyday.”    As she moves across the desk she says “I want them to leave my class each day knowing I believe in them, care for them, and will support them for the rest of their lives.”  Congratulations Katie, and best of luck in Maryland!

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.

Kayla Hack

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @hackkayla

2017 Agriculture Education Student Teacher

Hired! Teacher Candidate Mason Tate hired at Athens Middle School #psuaged16

Originally from the small town of Athens, Pennsylvania, Mr. Mason Tate, 2016 Agricultural & Extension Education graduate will be returning to his home town to teach middle school science at Athens.  Congratulations! Mason looks forward teaching middle school students.  “I will be instructing 6th and 7th graders.  I find this age group fascinating, and they have an enormous amount of energy. Just like me!” 

Mason competing with Teach Ag! Society at
National Convention

Before landing his job at Athens, Mason student taught in Lancaster County at Lampeter Strasburg High School with Holy Oberholtzer. Mason was involved in the Agronomy Club, Teach Ag! Society and was a brother of the Delta Theta Sigma fraternity during his time at Penn State.   He hopes to take his agronomy club experiences to assist with the Athens FFA agronomy team, and coach them to go to Nationals within the next 5 years!

Mason will be teaching 5 sections of life sciences as one of 4 science teachers at the middle school.  His agricultural background and knowledge will bring science concepts to life for his students.  His curriculum will include the classification of living organisms from the most basic forms of life all the way to mammals. Additional content includes plants, trees, and forms of reproduction.  And of course, like any good science classroom Mr. Tate’s class will have dissections.  Worms, crayfish, and frogs are on the list for this year.  

Mr. Tate taught agricultural mechanics at
 Lampeter Strasburg 

Building relationships and being approachable are some of the most important things to Mason as he thinks about the students he will be working with.  As he teaches science at Athens, we know he will show students the many connections between science and agriculture daily and continue to offer his students an endless array of opportunities and skills in and outside of the classroom.  “If I could leave only one thing with my students it would be this... Mr. Tate was a man who was always approachable.  He made connections to real life principles whenever possible.  And he went the extra mile to see the success of everyone of his students.”  Mr. Tate we wish you all the best, and endless amounts of energy as you step into the classroom at Athens Middle 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.

Kayla Hack

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @hackkayla

2017 Agriculture Education Student Teacher