Congratulations George Dietrich, #psuaged18 member Hired!

George Dietrich, another member of the #psuaged18 cohort, has recently been hired by Oley Valley School District in Oley, PA as a long-term substitute for their current agricultural teacher.

George excelled in Penn State's Agricultural and Extension Education program, where during his time in school he was involved in many aspects of the College of Agricultural Sciences. He was a member of Delta Theta Sigma and of the Alpha Tau Alpha honorary fraternity, as well as involved in the Teach Ag! Society, Collegiate 4-H, and the Dairy Science Club.

During his final year of college, George completed his student teaching at Cumberland Valley High School under the mentorship of Ms. Darla Romberger. After his student teaching, George became well-versed in Intro to Ag, Food Science, Biotechnology, and Ag Construction, all of which were classes that he taught. The experience he brings to Oley Valley reaches beyond just content, and into the community. During student teaching George was able to lead students in designing chicken coops to donate money to Pens for Hens, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit that provides pens, training, education, and laying hens for residents in Haiti.

In his new role as long-term substitute for Oley Valley's agricultural program, Mr. Dietrich will get to use his experience to teach Intro to Ag, Advanced Animal Science, Plant Science, Ag Leadership, and International Agriculture. During his time with the school, he even gets to lead two teams of FFA members that are going to National Convention to compete in October!

We asked Mr. Dietrich if he has any advice for those looking to go Ag Ed, and he said, "It's a lot of worthwhile fun. It is a fun major with great professors and great cohort members to work with you along the way. Get involved with clubs and don't be afraid to be involved on Ag Hill. Lastly, going to sports events is a great thing to do during the summer."

If you would like to see more about George and his #psuaged journey, check out his blog here:
https://fromgreenblazers2bluecorduroysaged.blogspot.com/

Congratulations George! We're excited to see where this job takes you, and to hear more success stories from our #psuaged members!

 

Hunter Kauffman

Team Leader, @TeachAgPSU Communications

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

College of Agricultural Sciences

#psuaged18 Final Presentations Schedule

What an exciting time of the year! As the fall semester winds down and comes to an end, it's time for the final presentations from our outstanding #psuaged18 members! 

You're welcome to join in watch their presentations via Zoom connection as they show what they learned through their past three and a half years at Penn State!

Our 11 members of #psuaged18 standing at the Nittany Lion Shrine.

What are the presentations about?

The presentations are meant to be a holistic overview of total preparation expiring, but they also represent the final for the following 13 credits of courses:

·        AEE 295 (3) – Early Field Experiences in Agricultural Education

·        AEE 350 (3) – Teaching Methods in Agricultural Education Laboratories

·        AEE 412 (4) – Teaching Methods in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

·        AEE 413 (3) – Program Planning in Agricultural Education

Each candidate is allocated 1 hour. Of that one hour, 30 minutes is provided for public presentation and the 30 minutes is utilized for individual consultation/discussion with the agricultural teacher education panel. Time will be provided for questions and answers as part of the public presentation. Questions are accepted from both the face-to-face audience as well as the virtual audience.

The candidates have been asked to answer the following three essential questions as part of their public presentation:

Question I – Who do I aspire to be as a teacher? 

Description: The teacher candidate will present an overview of the type of teacher they aspire to be. Teacher candidate will share their fundamental beliefs and philosophy as well as evidencing their comprehension and integration of a total agricultural education program.

Question II – What experiential education opportunities have I engaged in to become a better agricultural educator?

Description: The teacher candidate will present relative coursework, internships, study abroad experiences, and life experiences that helped prepare them to be an agricultural educator. The key for the candidate to draw the connections from the experiences to how it will help them succeed in the agricultural education profession.

Question III- How am I prepared to maximize my student teaching internship opportunity?

Description The teacher candidate will show evidence of planning completed to be prepared to best serve the secondary students of the cooperating center.

#psuaged18 Final Presentation Schedule

Wednesday, December 13th

9:00am         Rose Cowan, @Cowan_Rosalind

Professional Blog: Grace & Growth 

Internship Location:            Penn Manor HS (Millersville, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:          Neil Fellenbaum, @NeilFell

Zoom Connection:              https://psu.zoom.us/j/406185396 [+1 669 900 6833 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 406 185 396]

10:15am       Angela Becker, @BeckerAngelaM

Professional Blog: Inches to Acres: Teaching to Grow 

Internship Location:            Manheim Central HS (Manheim, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:          Deb Seibert

Zoom Connection:              https://psu.zoom.us/j/278828215 [+1 646 876 9923 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 278 828 215]

11:30am       Karlie Wright, @Wright_KarlieM

Professional Blog: Karlie Writes

Internship Location:            Fort Cherry HS (McDonald, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:         Jodie Hoover, @HGParkinsonFFA

Zoom Connection:              https://psu.zoom.us/j/294109116 [+1 669 900 6833 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 294 109 116]

1:15pm         Macy Fisher, @Macy_Fisher

Professional Blog: Macy's Moments

Internship Location:            Selinsgrove HS (Selinsgrove, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:          Valerie Fry, @ValSFry

Zoom Connection:               https://psu.zoom.us/j/603171146 [+1 408 638 0968 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 603 171 146]

2:30pm         Allyson Balmer, @Allyson_Balmer

Professional Blog: The Agrication Station

Internship Location:            Tri-Valley HS (Hegins, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:         Gretchen Dingman

Zoom Connection:              https://psu.zoom.us/j/733802451; [+1 669 900 6833 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 733 802 451]

3:45pm         Michala Kuhlman, @Kuhlman_M40

Professional Blog: The Chronicles of Becoming an Ag Teacher

Internship Location:           Central Columbia HS (Danville, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:         Curt Turner

Zoom Connection:             https://psu.zoom.us/j/350629115 [+1 408 638 0968 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 350 629 115]

Thursday, December 14^th

9:00am         Heather Wasson, @heatwasson

Professional Blog:  From the Plow to the Owl

Internship Location:            Cowanesque Valley HS (Westfield, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:          Marty Heyler

Zoom Connection:              https://psu.zoom.us/j/979627927 [+1 646 876 9923 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 979 627 927]

10:15am       Halee Wasson, @Wasson_Halee

Professional Blog:  Rooted in Agriculture

Internship Location:             Derry Area HS (Derry, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:           Roy Campbell

Zoom Connection:               https://psu.zoom.us/j/497123380 [+1 646 876 9923 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 497 123 380]

11:30am       Katie Smith, @KatieLady1995

Professional Blog: Emu's in Pre-K! My Ag Ed Adventure

Internship Location:            Northwest HS (Shickshinny, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:          Anthony Honeycutt, @thehoneyowl

Zoom Connection:              https://psu.zoom.us/j/434509673 [+1 408 638 0968 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 434 509 673]

1:15pm         Cheyenne Myers, @MyersCheyenneN

Professional Blog: Galloping Into Ag Ed

Internship Location:            Kennard Dale HS (Fawn Grove, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:          Abigail Cornett, @AbigailSSmith

Zoom Connection:              https://psu.zoom.us/j/189541741   [+1 646 876 9923 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 189 541 741]

3:45pm         George Dietrich, @TheGeorge4H

Professional Blog: From Green Blazers To Blue Corduroys

Internship Location:            Cumberland Valley HS (Mechanicsburg, PA);

Cooperating Teacher:          Darla Romberger, @DJR_131

Zoom Connection:              https://psu.zoom.us/j/864454949 [+1 408 638 0968 (US Toll); Meeting ID: 864 454 949]

Hunter Kauffman, Student Blogger

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

College of Agricultural Sciences

Email: hlk5120@psu.edu

Instagram: kauffman_hunter

Guest Blog: 5th Annual Domestic Study Away Day Eight: " Success from State to State"

Editor's Note: What is a Domestic Study Away? A Domestic Study Away (DSA) is a non-credit experience that is 100% Student-Developed and Student-led. The Penn State Teach Ag! Society runs where a group of students travel to a State to explore the following:

1. What does #AgEdu look like in other states? How is the total model of school-based agricultural education (Classroom Instruction, Youth Leadership Development <FFA> and Work-based learning <SAE>) uniquely provided? 
2. Who are the #AgEdu Stakeholders in the state? Specifically, what agricultural industry is being served? 
3. A unique yearly selected professional development topic! For #psuaged2WI, it is "Gender in the Agriculture Industry, Agricultural Classroom and Agricultural Education Profession. 

You can virtually-engage with this experience by reading and commenting on the daily blogs and following the experience on Twitter and Facebook with our hashtag #PSUAgEd2WI. We could not complete this transformative learning experience with out the incredible support of our partners including: The Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators, The Wisconsin Team Ag Ed, The Penn State Center for Professional and Personnel Development and the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Student Activities Fund.

Below is a reflection by George Dietrich (@TheGeorge4H), a member of the #psuaged18 cohort. George is a dual major in Agricultural and Extension Education and Food Science at Penn State, and he will be completing his student teaching internship with Ms. Darla Romberger (@DJR_131) of the Cumberland Valley Agriscience Program (@CV_Agrisciences) in Mechanicsburg, PA. The reflection focus is the eighth and final official day of the Domestic Study Away.

Our morning started bright and early in the state of Wisconsin where we loaded the van and headed to visit Big Foot High School in Walworth, Wisconsin. Here we had a chance to visit with #PSUAgEd14 Alumni Jeanne Case (@J_Case) and the rest of Big Foot's Agricultural Education team! Immediately we paired up with students in her class, went out to the green house, and learned about their current lab. Each student was able to choose what and how they would conduct their research project, as long as it met certain criteria. Talk about student ownership!

We also had the chance to talk with Ms. Case and Ms. Konke about their experiences teaching. The Big Foot Agriscience program is very strong and teaches students a variety of technical science skills along with critical thinking skills that comes from inquiry based learning. It was impressive that these students were already gaining experience with micropipettes and electrophoresis units. Non traditional SAE projects were also prevalent at Big Foot. In fact, one student was researching a way to bind certain proteins in peanuts so people with peanut allergies can eat them!

After saying goodbye to Jeanne at Big Foot High School, we headed on down the road to Pontiac Township High School in Illinois to visit Mr. Parker Bane (@ParkerBane) and Mr. Jesse Faber (@therealjfaber). We had a very productive discussion on plans after high school with his senior landscaping class, and then led some fun leadership activities with his Intro to Ag class. The entire school was having an assembly that day, so we got to go and watch student be recognized for all of their had work and accomplishments. It was really nice to see, wouldn't it be great if all schools took the time to thank their students?

Following the assembly and a tasty ice cream treat, we had the chance to talk to Parker and Jesse about the joys and struggles of being a multi teacher program. We discussed a plethora of topics and it was really nice to have an open, honest conversation. To be a good teacher, it's all about the relationships you build with your students (can someone say van ride memories?).

Jesse took us out to Mackinson Dairy Farm to meet with his wife, Mary. Mary is a Controller of a local cooperative and also manages her family farm's social media presence. We learned about how important it is to maintain a professional presence as an agricultural advocate on social media. Mary did a great job connecting her knowledge of social media back to how we can implement and manage a social media presence for an Agricultural Education program!

TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR #PSUAGED2WI ADVENTURES, SEE:

• Day 1 - We are going on an #AgEdu Adventure by @TheGeorge4H 
• Day 2 - Student Ownership by @BeckerAngelaM
• Day 3 - Classrooms, Cranberries and Connections by @BoltzLisa
• Day 4 - Cultivating Knowledge, Connections and Inclusion by @allyson_balmer
• 5th Annual Domestic Study Away Day Four: "Cultivating Knowledge, Connections, and Inclusion" by @allyson_balmer
• 5th Annual Domestic Study Away Day Five: "Community is Key to Success" by @Kuhlman_m40 (Michala Kuhlman)
• 5th Annual Domestic Study Away Day Six: "Seeking through Service" by @Macy_Fisher
• 5th Annual Domestic Study Away Day Seven: "Meet the Millers" by @KatieLady1995 (Katie Smith)

Guest Blog: 5th Annual Domestic Study Away: Day One- "We are Going on an #AgEdu Adventure"

Editor's Note:
What is a Domestic Study Away? A Domestic Study Away (DSA) is a non-credit experience that is 100% Student-Developed and Student-led. The Penn State Teach Ag! Society runs where a group of students travel to a State to explore the following:

1. What does #AgEdu look like in other states? How is the total model of school-based agricultural education (Classroom Instruction, Youth Leadership Development <FFA> and Work-based learning <SAE>) uniquely provided? 
2. Who are the #AgEdu Stakeholders in the state? Specifically, what agricultural industry is being served? 
3. A unique yearly selected professional development topic! For #psuaged2WI, it is "Gender in the Agriculture Industry, Agricultural Classroom and Agricultural Education Profession. 

You can virtually-engage with this experience by reading and commenting on the daily blogs and following the experience on Twitter and Facebook with our hashtag #PSUAgEd2WI. We could not complete this transformative learning experience with out the incredible support of our partners including: The Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators, The Wisconsin Team Ag Ed, The Penn State Center for Professional and Personnel Development and the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Student Activities Fund.

Below is the first day reflection of George Dietrich (@TheGeorge4H), a member of the #psuaged18 and a dual major in  Agricultural and Extension Education and Food Science at Penn State.  George will be completing his student teaching internship with Ms. Darla Romberger (@DJR_131) of the Cumberland Valley Agriscience Program (@CV_Agrisciences) in Mechanicsburg, PA. The reflection focus is the first official day of DSA in Cleveland, Ohio at East Technical High School.

Our first stop: East Tech High School home of the

East Tech Scarabs and East Tech FFA Chapter.

Hey Yall! Its your friendly DSA 2017 Crew finally finishing their first day of DSA. Last night we all drove together to the nice city of Cleveland Ohio late last night. In the morning we got up and got ready to visit our first school on the official first day of DSA 2017.

We visited Eastern Technical High School in Cleveland Ohio home to East Tech Scarabs and the East Tech FFA Chapter.  This chapter is led by Mr. Jeremy Grove an Ohio State (The Ohio State as Mr. Gove called it) alumni and former student under Dr. Foster. 

Mr. Grove, five years teaching #AgEdu and his

third year teaching at East Tech High

There we interacted with four different classes. The first we observed him leading the students in an activity. The second was a class with a lot of students with special needs and so we helped him work with the students to complete the activity.  The third class was his senior class and we go to have some “Real Talk” on urban agricultural education.  The last class we had the opportunity to work with them leading some team building activities. 

The biggest impact this experience at East Tech High that will last with me is the urban culture. This visit made me wonder how do we get students to want to be part of FFA? How do we make wearing a blue corduroy cool for them? How do we make Ag Ed inclusive for all? I know as of now I don't have good answers to this but these are the questions I asked as we left East Tech High School.

The DSA 2017 Crew interacting with the students of East Tech High School Ag Ed Program.

We had a wonderful lunch unpacking the experience with Mr. Grove where he gave us even more real talk about what it is like living in a city, teaching in a city, and what it is like being a young teacher.  We had a great discussion about Agricultural Education in Ohio and some of the struggles with starting a new urban chapter such as the difficulty they have with getting students engaged  with the youth organization of FFA. 

Lunch with Mr. Grove 

Lunch at the American Classic Steak 'n Shake

Now that we are done with our visit with Mr. Grove and East Tech High School we are on the road again. Next Stop . . . Wisconsin!We want to say a shout out to @EastTechFFA for being such a great host and a great experience kick  starting this year’s Domestic Study Away.

Check out this link below to see our video for the first day of DSA 2017. The video was created by #psuaged18 member, Michala Kuhlman (@Kuhlman_M40). Michala will be completing her student teaching internship with Mr. Curt Turner at Central Columbia HS in Bloomsburg, PA.:

George Dietrich

2018 Student Teacher

@TheGeorge4H

March 2017 Student of the Month: George Dietrich (@TheGeorge4H)

Every month, we like to highlight students that have gone above and beyond in the Agriculture Education department! We are excited to announce that George Dietrich was selected as the March Student of the Month! Lets learn about his story and accomplishments so far.

George is currently a junior dual majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education and Food Science. He plans to graduate in the spring of 2018. Geroge is very passionate about his two majors for interesting reasons. His passion for food science came from his love for food and exploring how it is made. He also enjoys the aspects of making food safe, wholesome, and affordable for consumers. He had noted, "When I learned that I could have a major focused on food, as well as eat and make it I was convinced of the major." His passion for agricultural education is not any less important than his passion for food science. When  George participated in Shaver's Creek Outdoor School, and held an internship with Cooperative Extension he developed a passion for working with students. "I realized that I wanted to teach students agriculture in a high school setting after I had a couple of experiences teaching with older peers," he acknowledged. His main goal after college is to go out and teach in a high school to empower students and show them opportunities for future careers in the agriculture industry. To keep himself motivated towards this goal he is talking with teachers and other people that are in the education system about what they love about their job. He also is getting opportunities to do micro lessons with students, and each of these experiences help remind him why he loves his major.

George is also busy outside of the classroom being involved in clubs and organizations as well. He is a member of Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity, Dairy Science Club, Teach Ag Society, Coaly Society, and Alpha Tau Alpha.

Interesting fun facts about George:
Hometown: Sinking Spring, PA
Favorite PSU Class: FDSC 201, AEE 349
Birthday: September 12th 
Favorite Place to Eat at PSU: The Creamery. One word Milkshakes. #MilkshakeDiet

To learn more about George Dietrich follow him on twitter @TheGeorge4H 

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

Luke Kerstetter

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

FAST Reflection: Victoria Herr @Victoria_Herr

September 20-22, George Dietrich and I had the opportunity to travel to the Future Agriscience Teacher Symposium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This event was hosted by National Teach Ag to welcome 23 future agricultural educators from 14 states. During these few days we were able to network and learn through workshops, before coming together to celebrate National Teach Ag Day! Some of these workshops focused on inquiry learning, teaching strategies, CASE curriculum, resume writing, and more. However, we still had time to explore! On Wednesday we had the opportunity to tour a POET ethanol plant and speak with their employees about agricultural education. This was an interesting experience, especially for those of us who did not know much about the biofuels industry. 

George and I showing appreciation during the live Broadcast!

After an exciting few days of experiencing some great professional development, we had the opportunity to engage in the live national broadcast for the National Teach Ag Day celebration! The program included a question and answer session with both agricultural educators and supporters of agricultural education, connections with agricultural education programs across the country, and more. It was so cool to experience behind the scenes efforts that it takes to create an inspiring broadcast! At the end of the day, it was announced that the 2017 FAST Symposium and National Teach Ag Day will be held in Chicago, Illinois and hosted by the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences! I would highly recommend that Penn State AEE students apply for this wonderful opportunity next year!

Although this week was packed with amazing experiences, I would say the workshop that meant the most to me was a question and answer session that we had with two agricultural educators. One of the teachers we talked with had been teaching in Nebraska for 15 years and the other had been in South Dakota for 3. Hearing the different perspectives of these teachers and having them answer our questions was so insightful and encouraging. While I did learn a lot and enjoyed our other workshops, I really appreciated being able to connect with these educators and I appreciated their openness and the inspiration they provided. 

Overall, the Future Agriscience Teacher Symposium was the greatest event I have attended in terms of professional development as a future agricultural educator. I know that George and I are both so thankful for the opportunity to have attended. We would like to thank the CHS Foundation, DuPont Pioneer, and Growth Energy for sponsoring this event, the National Teach Ag Campaign for hosting, and the Penn State Center for Professional Personnel Development for making it possible for us to attend. 

All 23 future agriculture science teachers thanking our sponsors!

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

Victoria Herr

Guest Blogger

Twitter Handle: @Victoria_Herr

2019 Student Teacher Candidate 

Two Penn State Students Chosen to Attend National Conference

Twenty-three future agriscience teachers, who are studying at universities across the United States, will spend three days in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the 2016 Future Agriscience Teacher (FAST) symposium that is held in conjunction with the National Teach Ag Day celebrations September 20th-22nd. Of the twenty-three individuals selected, two are members of the Penn State Teach Ag! Society, and Agricultural Education Student Teacher Candidates. Congratulations to George Dietrich and Victoria Herr for being selected to participate in the FAST symposium!

About FAST Symposium-

The FAST symposium consist of professional development training, including instruction on CASE curriculum, and more instructional learning. In addition to professional development, attendees will have the opportunity to explore South Dakota through off-site tours. The FAST symposium is part of the National Teach Ag Campaign, to help raise awareness about the need to recruit and retain quality and diverse agriculture teachers, and to celebrate the positive contributions that agriculture teachers make in their schools and communities

About the Participates-

George Dietrich is junior at the Pennsylvania State University double-majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education and Food Science. He will be a Student Teacher Candidate in 2018, and is currently serving as the Penn State Teach Ag! Society Treasurer. From George’s experience as serving on the Pennsylvania 4-H officer team, he recognizes the need from agriculture and education to provide opportunities for the youth. He applied to attend the FAST symposium because, “To be in a room learning how to be a better agricultural educator sounded appealing and worthwhile.”

Victoria Herr is a sophomore at the Pennsylvania State University majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education. She will be a Student Teacher Candidate in 2019, and is currently serving as the Penn State Teach Ag! Society Secretary. After serving on the Pennsylvania FFA State Officer team, Victoria has been someone who takes advantage of opportunities to grow as an educator. When she heard about the FAST Symposium she knew she wanted to apply to attend. Her reason for attending: “Since there are not many opportunities for students in agricultural education to network in person, this is a great opportunity to get to know other preservice teachers from around the country, and learn more about agricultural education outside of Pennsylvania.” 

This is an amazing opportunity for George and Victoria. They will gain a tremendous amount of knowledge, and experience from their participation in this profession development experience! To learn about George’s and Victoria’s experience from attending the FAST symposium, stay connected.

To learn more about starting on the path to having a career that makes a positive impact on the lives of students across the globe by becoming an agricultural educator, please contact the agricultural teacher education program at teachag@psu.edu. Follow us on Twitter at TeachAgPSU, on Facebook, or on our blog.

 Halee Wasson

Student Blogger

 Twitter Handle: @wasson_halee

 2018 Agriculture Education Student Teacher