Ms. Krista Pontius named 2020 National Teach Ag Champion!

Each year as part of the National Teach Ag Day celebration, the National Association of

Agricultural Educators recognizes individuals and organizations who are vital to Agricultural Education as Teach Ag Champions. Each day these individuals work to create empowered leaders, knowledgeable consumers, and passionate advocates of the agricultural industry in their classrooms. These individuals are chosen for their passion and dedication for their profession, industry, and students and work tirelessly to improve Agricultural Education. Ms. Krista Pontius, an Agricultural Educator at Greenwood High School in Millerstown, Pennsylvania, was named a 2020 Teach Ag Champion.

Ms. Pontius has been a valuable asset to Agricultural Education even before she became an Educator. “Ever since the ninth grade, I knew I wanted to be an ag teacher." In high school she was an active member of Greenwood FFA, drawing inspiration for her future teaching career from her very own Agricultural Educator, Dr. MeeCee Baker. She was also involved in 4-H, showing steer and sheep. Since her parents had a beef and hog farm, Ms. Pontius has had the opportunity to be involved in animal agriculture for most of her life, which only added to her passion for the industry. After receiving her diploma in 1993, Ms. Pontius pursued her passion at Penn State by majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education. Diligent and driven, she acquired her Bachelor's Degree in 1997 and then went back for more, acquiring a Master's Degree in 2007. She first began teaching as a substitute for Greenwood High School, later taking a position at Cumberland-Perry Area Vo-Tech School and then at Big Spring School District as an Agricultural Educator. When a new position at Greenwood High School opened up, Ms. Pontius returned to her home town, hoping to be a champion for students just as Dr. MeeCee Baker was a champion for her. 

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Pontius is actively involved in the Agricultural Education community. She serves as Region VI Vice President for the National Association of Agricultural Educators, facilitates the professional development of her fellow Educators, and is actively involved in the Pennsylvania Association for Agricultural Educators. At home, she and her husband run a 111 acre dairy and crop farm, contributing to Pennsylvania agriculture through both production and advocacy.

Ms. Pontius could not imagine doing anything other than teaching agriculture. She is motivated by her students and loves each opportunity she gets to watch them learn and grow. For all the love she has for her students, she is equally as beloved by them as they truly value her compassionate, respectful, and uplifting teaching style. As an Agricultural Educator, Ms. Pontius's passion and dedication is driven by her belief that every student deserves a champion. "If I can be that champion for just one person, my career will be a success.  Each day, I am teaching the future. As teachers, we never know who is sitting in front of us… future decision makers, veterinarians, mechanics, maybe even the person who will cure cancer.  We have the ability to have a profound effect on the future, so I want to work hard each day for every one of my students, because they deserve it!" 

While truly humbled by her recognition as a 2020 Teach Ag Champion among other incredible professionals, Ms. Pontius's passion for her career and students attests to how deserving she is of this honor. She is not only a champion for her students and industry, but a champion for everyone in the Agricultural Education community. "The Penn State Teach Ag! Program is amazing.  Pennsylvania teachers are so fortunate to have the support and guidance of the Penn State Team….they make us all champions!" While Ms. Pontius continually points out the champion in all of us, WE ARE certain that she is one of the most influential champions for Pennsylvania Agricultural Education. Congratulations to our 2020 Teach Ag Champion, Ms. Krista Pontius!

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022