Amanda Forstater #psuaged15 Nationally Recognized

Congratulations Amanda Forstater! A Penn State Agriculture and Extension Education alum (#psuaged15) is to receive a National Teacher Turn the Key Award from the National Association of Agriculture Educators (NAAE). She will be recognized at the NAAE Convention in San Antonio, TX in November.

Amanda is currently an agriscience teacher at Taylor M.S/H.S in Perry, Florida. She completed her student teaching internship at Tri-Valley High School with Gretchen Dingman #psuaged92. She had attended high school at W.B. Saul in Philadelphia, PA.

Amanda has kept her eyes on this award since she began teaching. She tries to take advantage of every professional development opportunity she can, and this award is an exact fit. "As agricultural educators not only does our content constantly change to keep up with technological advances but so are the strategies we need to reach our students." Along with this award, Amanda was also chosen to be in the 2018-2019 class of Florida Commissioner of Agriculture's Agricultural Education Leadership Program (AELP). She explains, "Through both of these opportunities this year I hope to expand both my agricultural and teaching method knowledge to become a more well-rounded teacher and flush out all three circles of the Taylor Agricultural Education Program." 

Her favorite experience as an agricultural educator is watching the lightbulb moments that students have. "Those lightbulb experiences also add to the bonding moments with students outside the classroom. Examples such as taking students on a week-long National Convention & Ag Industry Tour and watching kids light up when they see maple production for the first time, or milk a cow, or watch them speak to prospective colleges and employers makes those bonding experiences even more meaningful." Over the past three years her experience in teaching has helped her calm down and become more organized in her program. She is more comfortable seeking assistance and resources to better her classroom, and also offering her own thoughts and strategies. 

Her advice to those entering into the agricultural education profession find your "marigold" and take chances. "I was told both and I remind myself of this advice constantly. Finding your “marigold” refers to seeking out the person(s) who will be your positive flower...Taking chances is also important. You don’t know if it will work/if you’ll like it until you try. If something doesn’t work you can always try again or try a different method. Don’t be afraid to try; if you have built relationships with your students and community, even if it blows up they’ll understand." 

Amanda we are proud of your success so far, and we are excited to see how you continue to make a positive difference in the lives of students! Congratulations!

Luke Kerstetter

Communications Team Member

Twitter Handle: @Luke_Kerstetter

2020 Agriculture Education Student Teacher