Congratulations Ryan Rupert, #psuaged19 member hired!

Ryan Rupert comes from Beech Creek, PA, and recently

graduated from Penn State University in May.

We love to see our student's hard work and motivation pay off - especially when they land their first jobs! Yet another member of the 2019 AEE cohort, Mr. Ryan Rupert, was recently hired by Bermudian Springs High School in York Springs, Pennsylvania. We reached out to Ryan to speak with him about this exciting new chapter in his life and see what he had to say! 

Ryan Rupert grew up on a small hobby farm in Beech Creek, Pennsylvania, where he was constantly able to learn by doing, whether it be chopping wood, bailing hay, or taking care of plants and animals at the local pet and feed store. Throughout high school, he was active in his home FFA chapter up to Ryan's graduation this past May, he's taken numerous opportunities to get involved both inside and outside of Penn State, including serving as the secretary and historian of Penn State Altoona's Ag Club and as a lion ambassador, working as the first TA for ANSC 201, and being an active member in LEAD Society. Ryan holds professional affiliations with Alpha Tau Alpha, the National Association of Agricultural Educators, the Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators, and the Association of Career and Technical Educators. 

Ryan Rupert (Middle) with several students from 

Greenwood High School.

In his new position as an Agricultural Education Teacher and FFA Advisor at Bermudian Springs High School, Ryan will have the opportunity to teach alongside Ms. Dianna Jarema. "I think it's cool that Dianna and I both student-taught at Greenwood." We asked Ryan about something that he's excited for within Bermudian Springs' agricultural program, and he shared that he was excited to be teaching at a place that he thinks he'll fit in so well: "To be honest, I didn't know much about the program. I just knew Mrs. Jarema and felt she would be a perfect fit! I hope to teach some awesome students and support the community as I grow to learn more about Bermudian Springs' Ag Ed." Ryan will get the opportunity to teach several courses, including Plant Science, Agribusiness, and the one he's looking forward to the most: Greenhouse Management. 

Ryan shares that his Penn State degree has prepared him well for his new position. "Penn State's AEE program has really been amazing at building a family-like network for Ag teachers." He continues, saying that he's thankful to have such a great support system to head into as he takes on his first job, and that the connections he's been able to make will be invaluable in the years to come. 

From L to R: Mr. Michael Clark, Ryan Rupert, 

and Ms. Krista Pontius.

We asked if he has anyone that he would like to recognize, and Ryan says, "[I'm thankful for] Michael Clark and Krista Pontius, my cooperating teachers, and the faculty and staff of Penn State Teach Ag." Mr. Clark and Ms. Pontius have coached Ryan through his student teaching experience at Greenwood High School this past spring semester. He is also thankful for the support provided by his family and friends over the past several years as he completed his degree. 

We wish Ryan the best of luck, and we share his enthusiasm as he gets settled into his new job at Bermudian Springs High School and prepares for the arrival of his new students in August!



Want to read more about Ryan?

• NAAE National Award Winner

Hunter Kauffman

Team Leader, @TeachAgPSU Communications

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

College of Agricultural Sciences