Megan Royer Hits a Home Run with Agricultural and Extension Education

Growing up in a house that frequently hosted professional baseball players, it is no surprise that Ms. Megan Royer is a HUGE baseball fan. So, after her experience with agricultural education in high school, FFA, and 4-H, Megan knew that in pursuing a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education at Penn State she would be hitting a home run for her career.

As a student at State College Area High School, Mr. Paul Heasley introduced Megan to a multitude of topics in agriculture. Alongside her academic interests in the industry, Megan also took advantage of developing as a leader through the State College Little Lions FFA Chapter. She served as her chapter's Parliamentarian and Vice President, participated in various local, state, and national events, and was awarded her American degree. Megan participated in the Capstone Program and completed two Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) as well. Her first SAE involved working at her local USDA-ARS station on Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass research. Alongside this project, she also completed an entrepreneurship SAE by raising pigs to be sold at the Center County Grange Fair. Megan also brought her community into her high school Agricultural Education experience by putting on an Ag Science Fair. In the end, it was the collective work of Mr. Paul Heasley, Mrs. Myken Poorman, and her great grandparents Randall and Charlotte Albright who inspired her to pursue a career in teaching. "They all taught me what agriculture and education meant to them as well as the impact you can leave on the world through agriculture". 

When it came time for Megan to apply to colleges, she had been sold on the idea of pursuing her degree anywhere but at Penn State. "I have lived in State College my entire life so... I wanted to explore, get out of my home town and see what else the world had to offer". After some persuasion from her family however, Megan realized that while she had not chosen Penn State, Penn State chose her. Though she was hesitant to dive into the program at first, she was welcomed with open arms by her peers and the faculty of the Agricultural and Extension Education major. The atmosphere at Penn State made her feel like she was a part of something so much bigger than her home town and she delighted at the opportunity to travel and meet people from all over the world as a Teach Ag Avenger and member of L.E.A.D. Society. "I also had the opportunity to participate in some pretty amazing internships some involving research, others focusing on extension and educator development. I learned so much from these experiences from content knowledge, organizational skills, technology skills, as well as building relationships I plan to carry with me throughout my Ag Ed Journey." 

When the COVID-19 pandemic came along and disrupted her junior and senior year, Megan found that she was challenged in some interesting, but not necessarily negative ways. While she was no longer able to participate in in-person classes and events, her cohort tried to make the best of their situation by   channeling their inner Shania Twain when one of them needed to be reminded of how great they are. "Most importantly, we became creative in our thinking, lesson planning, and unit planning. Finding ways to engage with our cohort member during lab both in person and online as well as getting the most out of our activities and interest approaches. From creating an online game of Guess Who, participating in online observations of pets, or simply navigating what working in partners looks like over the computer. It forced us to find new ways to reach our students but it also created a spring board of ideas that we constantly were bouncing off of each other." 

In addition to challenging Megan to grow through the situation she found herself in during the pandemic, COVID- 19 also allowed her to become more familiar with Zoom. She was able to facilitate 4-H camp virtually this past summer and says, "This challenged me to think about what I could do with the resources typically found at home that members ages 8-18 would also have access to. There were lots of days of trial and error, many giggles, and a whole lot of fun. This experience I would say has had a huge part in my preparation for student teaching and I am grateful that Christine and Huntingdon County 4-H were willing to give me the opportunity." Getting familiar with different ways to reach students has allowed her to become confident in using technology in the classroom, which is one less task she needs to be anxious about when Student Teaching. 

Despite COVID-19's best efforts to bench Megan and the rest of the #psuaged21 cohort, she is Student Teaching at Athens Area High School with Mrs. Sarabeth Alderfer and Mr. David Steinfelt. "I picked this cooperating center for many reasons, but what I believed to me the most important was their focus on their students. In the crazy world we live in both Mr. Steinfelt and Mrs. Alderfer are incredibly focused on meeting the students’ needs, making sure they are properly prepared for life after high school whether that looks like a 2-year program, 4 year program, or entering directly into the workforce". In addition to being excited about the dedication they give to their students, Megan is looking forward to helping her cooperating center participate in different events through FFA, teaching her Shark Tank Unit in Ag Mechanics 2, and her veterinary science course. All of these things will push Megan out of her comfort zone, but she is up for the challenge and ready to learn. Looking forward to her internship, Megan admitted that she was most nervous for her first day as a Student Teacher because she wants to be respected by her students, but understands it takes time to earn the kind of respect that Mr. Steinfelt and Mrs. Alderfer receive. Overall, Megan hopes, "to learn classroom management and engagement skills with my students. Each student is different and navigating their needs is important to me so I hope, through this experience, I can better gain an understanding of what to do when various situations arise".

Going into her Student Teaching Experience, Megan recognizes that online teaching is difficult, because it’s hard to know where your students are at. However, she knows that online teaching will not be forever and her virtual experiences have only made her desire to be in the classroom stronger.  About her experiences with online teaching Megan states, "Ultimately, it reminded me of the big picture which is showing my students how much they can do with a little bit of knowledge".

When asked what her plans are after graduation, Megan jokes, "Hopefully a job". Though she is unsure of whether she would like to pursue a formal or non-formal position, since she has experience with both, she knows that she wants to look out of state for a job and take advantage of an opportunity to travel. Megan, your Ag Ed family is cheering you on as you run around the bases of your agricultural education experience. We know that your drive and dedication to your students will have you hitting home runs no matter where your takes you! Remember to take time to breath and enjoy your favorite quarantine snack, Middleswarth Barbeque Potato Chips. Be sure to stay up to date with Megan's Student Teaching Experience at Athens Area High School through her blog Megan's Crowning Moments https://meganforaday.blogspot.com/.

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022

February 2021 AEE Student of the Month: Morgan Bear

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize a rock star student as the February Student of the Month for the Agricultural and Extension Education, Morgan Bear. Morgan is a sophomore here at Penn State and a graduate of the Big Spring High School in Newville, Pennsylvania.  She plans to major in Agricultural and Extension Education.

Morgan is no stranger to the agricultural industry.  She is a former 4-H member and FFA Alumni.  She was very active as a high school student in the Big Spring FFA chapter later serving as the 2018-2019 Pennsylvania FFA State Secretary.  After exploring her passion through several 4-H and FFA projects her passion led her to choosing to purse Agricultural and Extension Education.

When asked why she chose to attend Penn State Morgan stated, she is a first generation college student and was unsure of where she wanted to attend. After visiting a few schools, Morgan knew there was just something special about Penn State, BUT never visited the campus until she had served as a state officer! Through the connections made as a state officer with the Agricultural and Extension Education staff she made the decision to trade in the blue and gold for the blue and white! Morgan states: “Now, I could not imagine myself anywhere else!” We are surely glad she decided to join the #TeachAgPSU family!

One of the greatest qualities Morgan possesses is she is extremely active. While studying at Penn State she is active in the LEAD Society and Penn State Block and Brindle clubs, serves as a Teach Ag Avenger and works in the Center for Professional Personnel Development as a student worker. Morgan continues to be active outside of Penn State as she has accepted an internship with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau this summer!

Some fun facts about Morgan is she loves to eat at Little Szechuan downtown and The Waffle Shop! She was a competitive gymnast for 15 years and her favorite class at Penn State is AEE 204N, Agricultural Science Literacy and Policy. Upon graduation Morgan plans to pursue a career as a high school agricultural teacher! Morgan’s favorite quote is: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Theodore Roosevelt.

Morgan we know no matter where you go, you will always do the best you can with what you have! We cannot wait to see you to continue to grow and impact future agriculturalist in your classroom! To keep up with Morgan on her Ag Ed Journey follow her on Twitter and Instagram @morganbear_.

Killiann George
CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2023

Madelyn Bentz Climbs Mountains for Agricultural Education

When the pandemic gave her a mountain to climb, this "little adventure every day" senior in Agricultural and Extension Education was glad she was no stranger to hiking. Where others may have stumbled on the uncertain path that COVID-19 carved out of her senior year, Madelyn (Maddie) Bentz made herself a cup of whipped coffee, laced up her hiking shoes, and started toward the top, preparing herself for her Student Teaching Experience and career after graduation. 

Maddie's journey in Agricultural Education began with her enrollment in Seacoast School of Technology in Exeter, New Hampshire. In this two-year program, Maddie learned everything plant and animal science from her Agricultural Educator Ms. Anne Demarco. She explains, "I came into Ag Ed and FFA not knowing much about agriculture, but through her, I was exposed to a whole new world that I fell in love with instantly". Alongside her classroom instruction, Maddie was an active member of her FFA chapter and competed in twelve different Career Development Events and Leadership Development Events. She also held five state titles in Agriculture Sales, Agriculture Communications, Horse Evaluation, Agriculture Issues, and Employment Skills. In addition to competing in events, Maddie was on the leadership team for her chapter, then served as Chapter President, was recognized as the Outstanding Chapter Officer her senior year, and was in the top four for Supervised Agriculture Experience placement for Equine Science. 

After a strong recommendation from Ms. Anne Demarco, Maddie decided to pursue an undergraduate degree at Penn State to become an Agricultural Educator. While at Penn State, she took part in three specific experiences that she feels greatly benefitted her as a future teacher. First, Maddie's role as a Shaver's Creek Outdoors School Counselor helped to revitalize her passion for experiential learning. Along with fifteen other counselors, she helped to educate fifth graders about the natural world. The second experience that helped to prepare her for her career was working as an Orientation Leader and Student Staff Coordinator for Penn State. Maddie says, "These two jobs have changed me for the absolute best and have reinforced my passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, honed in my group facilitation skills, and refined my soft skills with communication and working with people in general". Lastly, Maddie was able to spend a week in Belize as an Agricultural and Extension Education student. This gave her the opportunity to understand indigenous, small holder farmer, large scale production, and global agriculture, equipping her with a unique perspective on the scale of the industry. With these three experiences to guide her, Maddie is ready to scale the next part of her journey in Agricultural Education; her Student Teaching Experience.

This spring alongside Ms. SaraBeth Fulton and Ms. Sherisa Nailor, Maddie will be Student Teaching at Big Spring High School. "I chose Big Spring because I was looking for a program that is strong in PA FFA so that I could understand FFA at the state and chapter levels, seeing as I am someone from out of state". While completing this experience, Maddie is looking forward to expressing her love of nature and natural systems by teaching a Fish and Wildlife class as well as getting hands on experience working with the Big Spring FFA chapter. After completing her Student Teaching Experience, Maddie hopes to get a teaching job somewhere in Pennsylvania. 

While COVID-19 has proved a challenge for Maddie by adding to her stress as a student and cancelling the trips seniors in the AEE major usually take, this social landslide has not kept her from taking advantage of extra time to create lesson plans. Additionally, she has been collecting virtual resources to use in the classroom. If anything, the pandemic has allowed Maddie to prepare for sudden changes to her Student Teaching Experience as she explains, "While I work on lessons I also find myself thinking about how I could adapt and change lessons to fit an online format and I jot down those thoughts on a separate document". Of course, despite being ready to adjust her trek up the mountain COVID-19 has put in her path, Maddie is looking forward to getting back to normal so she can hug her friends and family again. 

Above all, Maddie's Penn State Teach Ag! Family believes that her energy and heart will help her to conquer any mountains that she has to climb in her Agricultural Education journey. "The disparities that COVID-19 has brought to certain groups of people and communities has amplified my commitment to create inclusive space in the classroom for my students". Maddie, WE ARE proud of your commitment to inclusion, a trait that will help you to connect with students and make an impact in your school community. To follow the rest of Maddie's journey in Agricultural and Extension Education, tune into her blog "Bentz-er Days, Through Bentz-er Ways" at https://maddiebentz.blogspot.com/.

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022

Elise Laudenslager Has Found Her Home In Agricultural Education

Heading out of quarantine full of ice pops, cooking practice, and a passion for agriculture, this senior in Agricultural and Extension Education at Penn State has dodged quite a few COVID-19 curve balls and is ready to begin her Student Teaching Internship in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. 

Elise Laudenslager grew up in Pitman, Pennsylvania on a small, family-owned dairy. When she was eight years old, she joined 4-H and began a show rabbit project. After a few years, she also began raising and showing Dairy Beef at her local fair. Elise explains, "4-H taught me about the importance of record keeping, proper animal care, and became my first experience teaching others about agriculture". She participated in the Tri-Valley High School agriculture program and enjoyed being able to apply the real life experiences she was taking part in at home to the knowledge she was gaining in the classroom. Elise joined FFA and furthered her experience with Dairy Beef by completing an Entrepreneurship Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE). Through FFA she was also able to participate in many conferences, competitions, and a chapter officer position that helped her to grow as a leader and taught her about community.

After graduating high school, Elise decided to pursue a career as an Agricultural Educator. "I have always had a passion for agriculture. My family played a huge role in my understanding of the importance of agriculture to our everyday lives. Additionally, as I got older I realized I have a love for education, and I want to make an impact by being a role model to students and showing them their potential. Agricultural Education seemed to be the perfect way to merge both of my passions". In order to make this ambition a reality, Elise enrolled in Penn State's Agricultural and Extension Education program. "I chose Penn State for two main reasons. First, they offer fantastic Agricultural Education opportunities and have an extensive array of ag programs that could be tapped into along my journey. Secondly, from the first time I stepped onto Penn State’s campus I felt an overwhelming sense of community, and I knew this is a place I could call home for 4 years". During her time at Penn State, Elise has gotten to take part in a multitude of opportunities that have helped her along in her journey to teach. In addition to participating in an array of courses that helped to broaden her agricultural knowledge and better prepare her for classroom instruction, she has also had the opportunity to study abroad in Belize and Chile. "Those experiences have allowed me to see first-hand Agricultural and environmental practices and issues around the world". Through L.E.A.D. Society, Elise has been able to build lasting relationships with other pre-service Agricultural Educators and learn more about Agricultural Education in the United States through Domestic Study Away (DSA) in Montana and New England.

While she plans to continue her studies and complete her Master's Degree, Elise hopes to graduate and teach for a few years as a high school Agricultural Educator. In order to better prepare herself for life after college, she chose to complete her Student Teaching Internship with Mrs. Janae McMichael at Lampeter Strasburg High School. "I choose this program because they offer extensive Ag Mechanics courses and I really wanted to take time during my internship to strengthen those skills under an experienced teacher. I also felt that Mrs. McMichael would be a teacher that I would be able to work well with. She is very upbeat and supportive, but isn’t afraid to offer constructive criticism when it is needed". 

Just like many of the other individuals in her cohort, Elise is excited but nervous of how the current COVID-19 pandemic could negatively effect her Student Teaching experience. Despite these worries, Elise was able to learn how to adapt and persevere through the fall semester's social distancing and quarantine requirements. While she found it hard to maintain motivation in an ever changing environment online, Elise learned how to dodge the curveballs that the pandemic has thrown her way. "Being able to overcome challenges without being discouraged is a skill I will need going into my Student Teaching Internship and eventually a career in Agricultural Education". In addition to adapting to the current climate of society, Elise has been able to think about how to quickly change lessons to fit an online environment and has been collecting online education tools to help her students learn virtually.

While this past year has been challenging, Elise is more excited than ever to dodge those curveballs and dive into Student Teaching. Elise, WE ARE excited to see your growth this spring and are proud of the resilience you have shown this semester. Your ability to adapt and dedication to your future profession will bring you success no matter what comes your way. Be sure to keep up with her story in her blog "Elise's Educational Expedition" at eaged2021.blogspot.com.  

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022