PAAE Teacher Turn the Key Award Recipient Ms. Allyson Balmer

As the national shortage for Agricultural Educators continues to grow, now more than ever it is important to encourage those young educators who are working hard to support growing programs. In order to do so, each year the Pennsylvania Association for Agricultural Educators (PAAE) names one individual to be recognized with the Teacher Turn the Key Award for their dedication to their programs and professional development. The 2020 PAAE Teacher Turn the Key Award recipient is Ms. Allyson Balmer.

Ms. Balmer's decision to become an Agricultural Educator was threefold, "First, my love and learning of education. Second, my fierce passion for the agricultural industry. Third, my gratitude to the National FFA Organization". Throughout her academic career, Ms. Balmer had countless educators that inspired her daily, leading to her wanting to become an educator herself. She also has a love of learning as it opens endless opportunities for curiosity, self discovery, and career exploration. Ms. Balmer believes in the value of the agricultural industry, recognizing that society relies on it everyday, at least three times a day, and because of their dependency on the industry, it is imperative that students understand it to become informed consumers and advocates for agriculture. Finally, Ms. Balmer would not be who she is today without her high school agriculture program and FFA chapter. While these opportunities allowed her to travel, experience new cultures, and be a part of something bigger than herself, belonging to her own FFA Family was the most rewarding part of her high school experience.

"It is my goal, as FFA Advisor, to make the Tulpehocken FFA an inclusive organization where students can feel purpose and belonging". Tulpehocken's agricultural program strives to use inquiry-based, experiential learning opportunities to help students become familiar with the agricultural industry. By working to incorporate more Curriculum for Agriculture Science Education (CASE) into her classroom, Ms. Balmer's students are encouraged to use curiosity, discovery, and higher-order thinking skills to learn. Students that are a part of the Tulpehocken agriculture program are also able to engage in internships, career exploration, and skill attainment through their own Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE's). The program also utilizes greenhouses, metal and wood shops, and the laboratory for research, projects, and hands-on learning to enhance the student's real world skills and material retention.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Balmer's program is, "Blessed to have incredible community support from businesses, parents, school board, and administration". In order to give back to their community, the Tulpehocken Agricultural Education Program supervises a variety of events. During National FFA Week, they host a community appreciation breakfast for business representatives, parents, administration, and faculty of the community. They also hold a food drive to benefit the Bethel-Tulpehocken Food Pantry around the same time. Another event the program hosts is the Elementary Agriculture Adventure Day where they take all of the third graders in the district to a local robotic dairy farm to learn about how the business cares for the animals, environment, and land in addition to hearing from some guest speakers from NRCS, Master Gardeners, Berks County Extension Office, Center for Dairy Excellence, and Agricultural Veterinary Associates.

Ms. Balmer's advice to other new Agricultural Educators would be, "As a new agricultural teacher, you have so many different responsibilities and wear so many 'hats' each day. Never forget that it is okay to ask for help! There are dozens of Agricultural Educators across the state who are ready to help you, but you have to ask. Also, always know that if you are doing your best, that is enough. You do not have to be perfect or have a flawless teaching practice. If you are passionate and care about your profession and kiddos, you are already a rockstar!"

Congratulations again to Ms. Balmer on being awarded the 2020 PAAE Teacher Turn the Key Award. Thank you for serving as an inspiration to your students and other budding Agricultural Educators.

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022