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