Congratulations Lisa Boltz #psuaged19 member hired!

Congratulations Lisa Boltz! Lisa has been hired at Camden County High School in Kingsland, Georgia. Lisa is a 2019 graduate from the Agricultural and Extension Education program at Penn State. Throughout her time spent at Penn State she has been involved in Collegiate FFA at University Park as well as founded the organization at Penn State Berks, TeachAg Society, and LEAD Society.

In her senior year, Lisa had student taught at Dover Area High School in Dover, PA. She taught Large Animal Science, Small Animal Science, and Ag Engine Care. One of Lisa's exciting moments teaching was making and facilitating her first BreakOut EDU box lesson plan for her one animal science course during student teaching. Over the course of her internship she has grown in her skills and dispositions!

Getting back to her recent success, Lisa has been hired to teach Small Animal Science, Vet Tech, and Basic Agriculture Course. She will not be the sole teacher at this program as there are two others that are currently teaching at Camden County High School. A unique characteristic about the school in which she was hired is that southern school systems are frequently county school districts. Camden County High School is the only school in that county and is considered more financially efficient. She is excited to begin her new journey as she states, "I excited to engage with amazing students on my new adventure in the next chapter of my life, although I am also pretty stoked about trading in snow for the beach!"

Her advice to those currently in the Agricultural and Extension Education program and to those who are looking into it is, "Your future will be greatly shaped by your experiences during student teaching, if you have an amazing experience you are more likely to continue that experience into the next chapter of your life. Make sure you student teach with cooperating teachers that you mesh well with and can learn a lot from. Also, trust the process of Penn State Agricultural and Extension Education, they 100% have your back and your best interest in mind."

Luke Kerstetter 

Communication Team

Twitter Handle: @Luke_Kerstetter

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

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

Congratulations Manny Catala, #psuaged19 member hired!

As we congratulate the graduates of the Class of 2019, now is the time of the year where we look forward to seeing where our #psuaged19 members go from here! We would like to congratulate Mr. Manny Catala on taking the next steps of his career by getting ready to serve in the Peace Corps for the next 27 months, where he will be working as an Urban Agriculture Extension Agent in Senegal.

Manny shares that he's wanted to join the Peace Corps ever since he was in 10th grade. He was able to learn about the international organization in his U.S. History class and was hooked. "I joined because I want to make a difference. I've been so fortunate in education and want to share that education to those who haven't had the same opportunity as me." Manny says that the Peace Corps as an outlet for him to give back in his own meaningful way.

Olivia Murphy-Sweet, a fellow Penn State Ag Ed alum graduating in 2016, served in the Peace Corps in Senegal previously. After speaking with Murphy-Sweet and doing his research, Manny knew that Senegal was the place that he wanted to be. "I chose [Senegal] because of the hospitality of the Senegalese people and Peace Corps Senegal's ongoing mission to bring empowerment to women."

We asked Manny what exactly he will be doing during his 27 months abroad as an Urban Agriculture Extension Agent. He says he will be working with community members, youth in schools, and small hold farmers to improve agricultural production and efficiency; anything from improving crop production methods and harvest management, to improving nutrition and helping household members cook and improving women's access to extension services necessary for agriculture. Objectives for the Peace Corps' Agricultural Extension Agent position include increasing farmers' capacity to sustainably cultivate improved crop cultivars and to sustainably produce more crops that contribute to family income and access to food at home.

He shares that he's ready to make his mark on an important community. "I'm excited to... ...know I've made a positive difference, no matter how small or big it is. I'm excited to learn about another culture and to share the American culture." At the same time, Manny says that he is a little nervous, since there isn't the rigorous structure in this position that one may expect - service is different for everyone. This, however, affords a lot of opportunity for Manny to be able to grow and learn what he loves about his position, as well as give in his own unique way.

Despite the uncertainty, Manny believe that his time at Penn State has prepared him well. "I believe my time student teaching and being at Penn State will serve me will in my service. My knowledge of agriculture is pretty wide from the courses I've taken, and student teaching has helped further develop my teaching abilities to reach different groups of people." This experience, he believes, will also prepare him to be flexible in tough situations and more sensitive to other cultures when he moves on to the next step of his career after these 27 months. Manny currently doesn't have any plans set after his Peace Corps service - 27 months is a long time after all - but he shares that only time can tell where he will end up.

Manny is serving in an unique capacity, where he has the power to change many people's lives over the next 27 months, and we are all incredibly proud of him. Manny wants to thank everyone who has been a part of Penn State Teach Ag for their guidance and support throughout his Teach Ag journey. We're excited to keep up with his journey in the Peace Corps and see how he uses his Penn State story to inspire others and contribute to growing communities abroad! Congratulations, Manny!


Want to read more about Manny? 

• 2019 Student Teacher Check-In with Manny Catala
• 2018 Student of the Month - Manny Catala 

Hunter Kauffman

Team Leader, @TeachAgPSU Communications

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

College of Agricultural Sciences

Congratulations Cheyenne Wivell, #psuaged18 member Hired!

Another #psuaged18 member has been hired! We'd like to congratulate our very own Cheyenne Wivell, who was recently hired by Gettysburg Area High School in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Cheyenne is originally from Wellsville, Pennsylvania, and a former member of the Gifford Pinchot FFA Chapter. She completed her student teaching internship in the spring of 2018 at Kennard-Dale High School in Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania and graduated from Penn State in the spring of 2018.

During her time at Penn State, Cheyenne has had many great experiences in The College of Agricultural Sciences. Here's just a short list of what she's been involved in:

• Collegiate Horseman Association

• Collegiate Penn State Horse Judging Team

• Photography Chair for the Annual Penn State Quarter Horse Sale

• Employee of the Penn State Horse Barns

Cheyenne was officially hired by Gettysburg Area High School on November 5th, and steps into the position from her previous job as a West Nile Field Assistant with Pennsylvania's West Nile Virus Control Program in York County, where she has been traveling around the County sampling and treating for mosquitoes and testing for West Nile Virus. "Did you know that there are over 60 types of mosquitoes in Pennsylvania? York County found 31 varieties this summer." This position provided her with a very unique experience and a much different view of agriculture that intercepts both animal and human health.

In September Cheyenne was offered a full-time position with the County, but said that she was ready to get back into teaching, so she applied at Gettysburg High School. She was hired for the teaching position on November 5th, and began teaching this past Monday on November 19th, just as one of the current teachers, Ms. Laura Kennedy, left for maternity leave. She joins the agricultural program at Gettysburg with a fellow Nittany Lion, Ms. Jenna Timmons, a #psuaged16 member who was just hired by the district in the spring of 2016 and also completed her student teaching at Kennard-Dale High School!  

As she steps into her position at Gettysburg, Cheyenne will get the opportunity to teach a variety of subjects, including Intro to Agriscience, Ag Leadership, Animal Vet Science 1 & 2, and Equine Science. If you know Cheyenne, you'll know her passion for horses, so she's very excited to teach the Equine Science class, but she says, "each one of these classes brings a special interest to me and I'm super excited." She's ready to get into teaching again, and see the profession from the angle of a full-time teacher after getting the experience of a student teacher. Cheyenne was sure to point out that Penn State's Agriculture and Extension Education program has prepared her to teach by providing her with lessons, patience, practice, and understanding. She says that she's anxious to step back into teaching, but it feels like she's coming home. "I am super excited because everyone is super supportive, excited, and glad I am here; that makes the transition even easier! I love this district and the individuals here." 

We asked Cheyenne if she has any advice for anyone who's thinking about Agricultural Education. She says that if you're thinking about it, just to do it. The opportunity to teach someone else and to be a positive agent of change is an important and influential one. She shared that, "You could be the only reason that student smiled today, the only reason that student felt important. Wouldn't you want to do that for someone?"

We wish Cheyenne the best of luck as she steps into her new position at Gettysburg Area High School, and we can't wait to see her success! She leaves us with one last thing to say: 

"I am very thankful for all of the support that I have received and still receive from the crew at PSU! I greatly appreciate you all and hope you have a great Thanksgiving!"

- Cheyenne Wivell, #psuaged18

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.

 

Hunter Kauffman

Team Leader, @TeachAgPSU Communications

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

College of Agricultural Sciences

Contratulations Allyson Balmer, #psuaged18 member Hired!

Ms. Allyson Balmer, recently hired by Kutztown Area High School.

Another one of our recent graduates of the Agricultural and Extension Education major at Penn State, Ms. Allyson Balmer, was recently hired by Kutztown Area High School to begin on August 27th as a long-term agricultural science substitute teacher.

During Ms. Balmer's time at Penn State, she kept herself busy in many areas of the College of Agricultural Sciences and developed a diverse skill set along the way. She took on membership in Teach Ag Society!, Collegiate FFA, and Dairy Science Club, and was even a Camp Counselor for Shaver's Creek Outdoor School, a four-day outdoor education program for elementary school students held at Shaver's Creek, Penn State's nature center. Her list of accomplishments and accolades at Penn State goes on and on, meaning Allyson is well-prepared for her new role in Kutztown.

In Allyson's new position, she will be responsible for teaching horticulture, a horticulture class for life skills students, floriculture, large animal science, wildlife and natural resources, and an SAE class. Allyson says she's excited to work with students of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge, and hopes to make them informed consumers and leaders in their communities. She's especially looking forward to the Life Skills class she has an opportunity to teach. "...they work incredibly well and partner with the life skills students in the high school to provide them a Horticulture class. It is a really unique opportunity and I am very excited to work with the life skills students and teachers for this class."

We asked Allyson if she has any advice for those preparing to student teach or those thinking about becoming a teacher. She says, "My advice is simple. Risk boldly and never be afraid to ask for help, whether from your cohort or administrator. While student-teaching try new ideas, activities, and techniques. You will never know if something is awesome if you never try." Ms. Balmer's student teaching took place at Tri-Valley High School alongside veteran teacher Ms. Gretchen Dingman. She says that the best time to experiment with new ideas and explore the unknown is while you're under the wing of a teacher with experience.

She leaves us with one last piece of encouragement about Penn State's Agricultural and Extension Education program:

"Penn State has an incredible Agricultural Education Program in the rigorous coursework and rewarding experiences you are able to have as a pre-service teacher. I am thankful to have a very strong foundation in planning and preparation, meaning developing curriculum and creating intellectually engaging lessons. We are all educators first, so I believe this to be something Penn State really prepares its agriculture teachers for."

We wish Ms. Allyson Balmer the best of luck as she steps into her new role at Kutztown Area High School!

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

Congratulations Heather Wasson #psuaged18 member Hired!

Congratulations Heather Wasson! Ms. Wassson a #psuaged18 cohort member was recently hired at Huntingdon Area High School in Huntingdon, PA!

While Heather was attending Penn State she was a part of Dairy Science Club, Ag Student Council, Delta Sigma Fraternity, Collegiate FFA, and Teach Ag! Society. Ms. Wasson student taught at Cowanesque Valley High School. During her student teaching she taught Metal I, Ag Science, Horticulture, and Family Consumer Science. While she was there she had a community-based unit, and she worked with the Tioga County Extension to hold a Pesticide Meeting for farms to get points for their spray license.

Ms. Wasson will be the sole teacher at Huntingdon Area High School which has had an agriculture program since 1958. She took over Mr. Armstrong's position because he was hired at Mifflinburg High School. Heather grew up 10 minutes from the Huntingdon County line. She states, "I am lucky enough to know a lot of the agriculture community through my father doing custom farming and participating at the Huntingdon County fair to exhibit my Holstein cattle." Huntingdon Area School District is unique to her because it is the opposite of where she grew up, but still close to home. It is a rural are and the high school is quarter the size of State College. She exclaims, "However, that is what I like about it! I like that it is different than home. It reminds me of where I student taught." The community supports the agricultural program well. She will be teaching SAE/Independent Study, Ag Industry Project, Ag Metalworking, Small Animal Science, Large Animal Science, and Ag Leadership.

Heather expressed, “Wow. I feel blessed to have been offered this opportunity. To say I am not a little scared for the future would be wrong. Of course, I am scared, but I am only scared that I may not meet my own expectations. However, I feel very positive about the future! Huntingdon High School has a very supportive community, staff, and students that stand behind each other. With all this I feel I can succeed in this program.” She also provided advice to those looking to go into Ag Ed. "My advice for anyone looking to go into agriculture education is DRIVE. Once you become an educator about something you are passionate about you will not look back and will be driven to keeping moving forward in this occupation."

Congratulations Heather! We cannot wait to see how you inspire, motivate, and change lives through your agriculture program in the coming years!

Luke Kerstetter

Communications Team Member

Twitter Handle: @Luke_Kerstetter

2020 Agriculture Education Student Teacher

Congratulations Karlie Wright #psuaged18 member Hired!

Congratulations Karlie Wright! Ms. Wright a #psuaged18 cohort member has recently been hired at West Greene Middle/Senior High School in Waynesburg, PA. 

While Karlie was attending Penn State University she was involved with Collegiate FFA as an undergraduate student and TeachAg! as a graduate student. She had student taught at Fort Cherry High School. At Fort Cherry she taught Introduction to Agriculture, Advanced Leadership and Communications, Animal Science, Floral Design, Vet Science, and Horticulture. One interesting lesson that she taught was a community based unit in which students built raised garden beds that would be installed between the high school and elementary school. The lesson also included the high school students teaching the elementary students a lesson on raised garden beds.

In her new position at West Greene High School she will be teaching Intro to Agriculture, Animal Science, Biotechnology, Horticulture, Vet Science, Agricultural Leadership, Agribusiness, as well as an 8th grade agriscience course. West Greene is a small school so it is supported by the community heavily. The graduation class size is 40-50 students and the district covers about half of Greene County! The West Greene agriculture program has been around for at least 70 years. It has also been ran by Bryon Hughes and then his son Curt Hughes took over 31 years ago. Karlie states, "This program has produced many successful tradesman and college students over the years. People still talk about their time spent in these classrooms and what it meant to them while they were in school and what it still means to them now – and what they hope it will mean to their children...Let’s just say, for as small of a program as it may be, I have some high expectations to meet and big shoes to fill." 

She also provides words of advice for those looking into becoming an agricultural educator, "Go with your heart. Stay you. Make every situation positive. Always keep searching for your WHY." As Dr. Seuss once said, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” 

Congratulations Karlie! We are excited to see how you prepare the next several generations with the skills they will need to become that next experience professional.

 Luke Kerstetter

Communications Team Member

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agriculture Education Student Teacher

Congratulations Michala Kuhlman #psuaged18 member Hired!

Congratulations Ms. Michala Kuhlman! Ms. Kuhlman was recently hired by Owego Apalachin School District. She is also a member of the #psuaged18 cohort.

During her college years Michala was involved in Collegiate FFA, Dairy Science Club, and Teach Ag Society. She student taught at Central Columbia High School and she taught a wide variety of courses there which has prepared her for her new position. While she was student teaching she enjoyed utilizing different teaching methods, working with students on various CDEs and LDEs, and attending National Convention with some of the students from Central Columbia.

At Owego Apalachin High School Michala is the sole teacher at that program. She grew up twenty minutes away from the school and she spent a lot of her time in the town of Owego. She had showed at the Tioga County Fair which is located in the heart of Owego. She feels that it is great opportunity to give back to community that helped raise her to the person she is today. One unique thing about the program is that this will be the first year of bringing back the Agriculture Education program since 1961. Since this a new program they are still working on what will be taught. The first year will be dedicated to designing the program and developing rapport with the students as Michala will teach various lessons on agriculture in their core academic classes. 

Michala states, "It has always been my dream to start a new ag program, i’m excited to be living that dream in a community that helped shape me into the person I am today." She also offers her advice to students looking to study Agriculture Education. She exclaims, "If you’ve ever considered agriculture education as a potential career, do it! Ag ed is so unique as you will get to experience all aspects of agriculture on a daily basis, see your students develop a passion for agriculture, and be welcomed into the TeachAg family. If you have a passion for agriculture and making a difference in student’s lives, agriculture education is the way to go."

Congratulations Michala we all wish you the best of luck starting your new program. We can't wait to see the success you will have.

Luke Kerstetter

Communications Team Member

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agriculture Education Student Teacher

Congratulations Halee Wasson (@wasson_halee): #psuaged18 member Hired!

Congratulations Ms. Halee Wasson #psuaged18 cohort member and 2018 graduate of The Pennsylvania State University! She was recently hired at Southern Cayuga High School in Aurora, New York.

Halee is from State College, Pa and while she attended Penn State she was involved in many organizations including Penn Stay Ag Student Council, Penn State Teach Ag! Society, Penn State Collegiate FFA, Penn State Dairy Science Club, Coaly Society, Alpha Tau Alpha, and Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity.

When Halee student taught at Derry Area High School this past spring she had taught a community based unit of instruction which lead to students being asked to draw out blueprints for the Derry Township Fair Sheep and Wool Superintendent. They were then shared with community partners and the to top designs were chosen. She stated, "Overall this experience created opportunity for me to instruct students in the Ag Construction course to apply their knowledge and skills, which they acquired in the classroom, to solve a real-life issue." 

Halee's new position at Southern Cayuga High School, she will be the sole teacher there. One thing that is unique about the school district she was hired at is their community. Halee expressed, "I do not think I could have asked for a more supportive and welcoming community. This community has truly welcomed me with open arms, and has shared an immense amount of support for my passion of teaching agriculture. I am excited to see how all the strengths of each individual and organization can contribute to the program in the future." The Southern Cayuga had an agriculture education and a FFA Chapter by 1965. She will be teaching Natural Resources and Ecology, Agriculture Mathematics, Agriculture Business, Animal Science, and Greenhouse Production. She looks forward to her new experience as she says, "Although State College, Pennsylvania will always be home, I am eager to experience life in Aurora, New York.  The community’s roots are firmly established in agriculture, which provides numerous program resources. I am excited to explore these resources to expand and create opportunity for my students."

One piece of advice she had for students looking to go into agriculture education is, "If you are passionate about purposefully contributing to the future of agriculture through today's youth, then you need to become an agriculture educator! Passion is the true driving force of perseverance that creates grit. With grit you will conquer all challenges that you may face, while creating positive and successful outcomes." 

Congratulations Ms. Halee Wasson, we are excited to see how you shape your classroom and inspire students for generations to come!

Luke Kerstetter

Communications Team Member

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agriculture Education Student Teacher