Second Year Series: Laura Metrick's (@Its_LauraBeth) Experience

It has often been said that the agricultural community around us is quick in developing connections among each other as well as being a close knit group. With this in mind our featured educator Laura Metrick is using this aspect in creating a classroom environment that develops connections between students, students to community, and student to teacher. Laura is the current agricultural educator at Conneaut Area High School in Crawford County. Laura is part of the #psuaged15 cohort, and has been teaching for two full years.

Laura had started her teaching career out at Union City Area High School opening up a brand new program. She taught there for two full years, and now teaches at Conneaut Area High School where she student taught. Her most inspiring moment as a teacher was working with her two square dancing teams preparing for PA State Farm Show. In this moment there were several students from very different backgrounds, but they all communicated and worked well with each other. She stated, "It has just been so refreshing and a great reminder that in the “Ag Room” anyone is welcome no matter what and when we work together good things happen." She has changed things up in her teaching style to be more effective in the classroom. She strongly believes that getting to know the students is key and that catering lessons to their needs has helped the behavior and grades of the students. 

Laura's favorite moment as an educator was taking students to the National FFA Convention this past year. This was the first year she went as an advisor, and she enjoyed getting to plan the trip and experience. "Getting to bond with the students I took along," she exclaimed, "...witnessing them experience the convention was super rewarding!" 

In the past two years that she has been teaching she has learned more than she expected. Laura learned that some of the best lesson come from places that one would never expect. She also believes that there are not lesson fails just unexpected learning opportunities. One of the biggest struggles she has faced is replacing an agricultural education legend. "Following in the footsteps of an outstanding educator who was there for 35 years has its many benefits but also its challenges," she exclaimed. 

One piece of advice she has for incoming teachers is to not be afraid to reach out and ask for help. She is not sure how she would have made it through her first year without reaching out to local Ag teachers in her area, her student teaching cohort, and the resources at Penn State. "We all have the same goal of student success so if you are ever struggling to come up with an effective teaching method, brainstorm some new fundraising ideas, figure out tours for your next FFA trip or just need someone to talk to just reach out! We’re all in this together!" We are looking forward to see how you lead the next generation of students into understanding and developing a passion for agriculture.

Luke Kerstetter

Communications Team Member

Twitter Handle: @lmkerstetter96

2020 Agricultural Education Student Teacher

An Adventure to New England: The 2014 Big E Trip!

On September 12th, six Collegiate FFA students traveled to Springfield, Massachusetts with Dr. Ewing to help out at the Eastern State Exhibition, better known as the Big E! After arriving in
Springfield after the 7 hour van ride early Friday morning, the Penn State students had the chance to work with two different CDE's (Career Development Events).

Janae Herr (@kjherr17), Janae Bickhart (@janaebickhart) and Laura Metrick (@its_laurabeth) had the opportunity to judge the Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE. There were eight competitors from 8 different states competing this year. The competitors had 30 minutes to prepare a 4-6 minute speech on a topic they chose at random.

Kate Bassett (@bassklynn), Amanda Forstater (@cityaggie) and Mikaela Hermstedt (twitterlessMikaela) along with Dr. Ewing (@jce122), helped out at the Vet Skills CDE on Friday as well. The purpose of this CDE is to demonstrate student knowledge and abilities in the small animal care field. This includes information and skills used in a veterinary hospital, laboratory facility or pet shop/grooming facility. Amanda Forstater said "Working in the skills demonstration part of the contest gave me the chance to work one-on-one with the students and see what they knew! I had a great time and I am really excited to possibly coach my own Vet Skills team during my student teaching!"

FFA members participating in the Poultry
Evaluation CDE

On Saturday, the Penn State students helped out with the Poultry Evaluation and Environmental and
Natural Resources CDE's. In the Poultry CDE, students worked as an individual and a team to complete many tasks. Some of the stations included judging live hens, eggs and processed poultry products. Janae Herr was one of the students that served as a group leader this year. She stated"I love the opportunity to watch students get a little competitive while applying the skills they learned in the classroom to industry practices. It was great to see all of their hard work paying off!"

The environmental and Natural Resources CDE is designed to prepare students to enter careers in the environmental and natural resources industry. Students also competed as both an individual and a team in this event. The competitors go through many activities and practicums environmental and natural resource scenarios.

Penn State CFFA Members: Amanda, Kate, Mikaela, Laura, Janae B.  and Janae H. 

On Saturday evening the Penn State Crew attended the annual CDE awards banquet. Individual and team awards were given out for each of the Career Developments that took place that weekend along with the sweepstakes award that is given to the state that does the best overall throughout all events. This year it went to Ohio! National FFA Officer, Jason Wetzler, was there to give a speech as well!

The 2014 Big E Trip was a great way for Penn State students to see how the CDE's work on a different level, represent Penn State and of course get to know each other better on that seven hour van ride!

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!

Laura Metrick 
@Its_LauraBeth
Student Blogger
2015 Student Teacher

PSU Teach Ag! Society Welcomes You Back to School! #agedu

Since it is the beginning of the school year, the Teach Ag! Society would like to welcome you to the new school year! If you have never heard of Teach! Ag Society, we are a group of motivated agriculture education students who do activities involving the Agriculture Education major and complete other educational events throughout the year! You don't have to be in the major to join this awesome organization! If you don’t know the officers, we would like to introduce you to the team.

2014 Teach Ag! Society Executive Team

President:
Ms. Jillian Gordon,
 2015 Student Teacher,
 @jillianpsu

Vice President: 

Ms. Laura Metrick,

2015 Student Teacher,

 @Its_Laurabeth

Secretary: 
Ms. Cassidy Cheddar,
 2015 Student Teacher,
@crcheddar

Membership Secretary:
Ms. Janae Bickhart, 

2015 Student Teacher,

@JanaeBickhart

Treasurer:

 Mr. Tyler Schaeffer,

 2015 Student Teacher,

 @TylerDSchaeffer

CFFA Liaison:

Ms. Deanna Miller,

 2015 Student Teacher,

 @deannapsu15

Social Committee Chairs:

Ms. Amanda Forstater,

 2015 Student Teacher, @CityAggie

 Ms. Katie Andrews, 
2015 Student Teacher, @klandrews_24

Prof. Dev. Committee Chair:

Ms. Rea Ianson, 

2015 Student Teacher,

 @rnianson08

Fundraising Committee Chair:

Mr. Howard Poole, 

2015 Student Teacher,

@howie_plumcrazy

Outreach & Comm. Service

Ms. Rachel Telesz 

2015 Student Teacher,

@rachie12rach

Ms. Olivia Murphy-Sweet, 

2015 Student Teacher,

@OSweetMurph

If you see any of the officers or committee chairs, feel free to stop by and ask them questions! We just had our Welcome Back Picnic, so keep in touch with our future events!  Keep checking your Teach Ag Tuesday Email Blast's (to be added to the listserv email foster@psu.edu)  for more information and when our meetings are going to be held!

 Become apart of the Ag Ed TEAM!

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!

Olivia Murphy-Sweet

Student Blogger

Teach Ag! Avenger

Twitter Handle- @OSweetMurph

 2016 Agricultural Education Student Teacher 

Turn Down For What?! #newbeginnings #agedu

On behalf of the Student Blogging Team, we would like to welcome everyone back to the new school year! Whether you are starting as a newbie freshman or a spunky senior, a former student or a perspective student, a past or current agriculture educator or an interested onlooker we know that this year is going to be a blast and we invite you to follow along with us! 

Check out this blog throughout the year to see what is going on in the world of Agriculture Education here at Penn State. You can also see the incredible impact the current and past students are having throughout the state and across the country! 

To start off this semester, we would like to introduce ourselves!

Hello! My name is Olivia Murphy-Sweet (@OSweetMurph) and I am a junior this year at University Park! I am super excited to be back and hoping to make a lot of memories with our awesome 'ag ed' team, I am currently a Teach Ag Avenger, the community service chair of Teach Ag Society, as well as, I was just selected to be a National Teach Ag Ambassador! Even though this year is going to be busy, I know that it is going to go by quickly and that only leads into student teaching. I can't wait to bring my passion of agriculture to the 'real world'!

I'm Laura Metrick (@Its_LauraBeth) and I am excited to be starting my senior year at one of the greatest universities in the world! It's hard to believe this will be my last year in State College but I am excited for what the future holds. I am a current Teach Ag Avenger, a member of Alpha Tau Alpha and the Vice President of the Teach Ag Society. This spring I will be student teaching at Conneaut Area Senior High with Ellen Aurand! I am looking forward to another great semester where Olivia and I, as the student bloggers, will get to share with you all the exciting things happening in the world of Agriculture Education! 

We hope this blog will show you the incredible success stories of the Penn State Agriculture and Extension Education Program. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or want to share the AWESOME things that you have done, or are going to do, please email us at, teachag@psu.edu. We always welcome Guest BLOGGERS! 

We hope to hear from you!

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! 

Olivia Murphy-Sweet &

Laura Metrick 

Student Bloggers

PSU Teach Ag! Avenger Spotlight: Laura Metrick, #psuaged15

Laura Metrick!

Shining a spotlight on the next Teach Ag Avenger, Laura Metrick (@Its_LauraBeth) you will notice how much she has done for Penn State in her short time since she has transferred to University Park. You might even recognize her as the author for some posts on this blog! Laura did not grow up with the typical FFA background but that is what has made her story so amazing!

Laura has always know that she wanted to base her life around agriculture. Born and raised from a family farm in Butler County, it was easy for her to incorporate agriculture into her life. She grew up showing animals for 4-H, putting countless hours into her families produce farm, and even advocating in her school how important agriculture is. Even though her high school didn't have an FFA program, Laura jumped right into facilitating workshops for FFA when she became an Avenger!

Laura, a 2015 student teacher (#psuaged15), gave this quote, “Being an avenger is such an awesome experience! I love interacting with the public and teaching them about Penn State and the Ag Ed Major!” 

Laura's Family

Since being an Avenger she has facilitated a weekend of ACES workshops in Harrisburg, PA, facilitated an FFA knowledge event in Penn’s Valley High School, and has even judged a Parliamentary Procedures Competition in Line Mountain! She has definitely jumped into agriculture in so many different ways and her passion shines through on every task she completes!

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

Olivia Murphy-Sweet
Student Blogger
Teach Ag! Avenger
Twitter Handle @OSweetMurph
2016 Agricultural Education Student Teacher   

2015 Student Teachers and Ag. Ed. Majors Travel the Nation Inspiring Student Success

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Jillian Gordon and Matthew Reutlinger, 2015 PSU Student Teachers (#psuaged15) were chosen to visit many states and facilitate conferences for hundreds of youth throughout the year. The 212 Conference, which Jillian and Matt are a part of, is one of the seven conferences put on by National FFA.

Matthew Reutlinger and Jillian Gordon have been travelling to many states
facilitating conferences for the National FFA program.

The conference is called 212 because that is the temperature at which water boils. This conference focuses on taking students to the boiling point of leadership. It also focuses on student development and challenges students to push the limits. This year's conferences have been utilizing the Growth curriculum. This curriculum is designed to engage students through sessions about their personal growth. Students tackle questions, share success stories, and ultimately identify a mentor to help them with continued growth.

Matthew Reutlinger, 2015 Student Teacher

Matt and Jill typically facilitate to a group of about 180-200 high school students. Most of the conferences last two days and they highlight personal, mental, emotional, physical, social and lifelong growth. Matt (@mreutlinger) stated “We try to make each session as high energy as we can because students and sponsors have given a lot to make these conferences happen. It is Jillian and my responsibility to make sure they get the most for it.”

Jillian Gordon, 2015 Student Teacher

Matt and Jill have been facilitating many workshops, events and conferences for about 3 years. With the 212 program they have traveled to Wisconsin, New Jersey, Ohio and Illinois and have upcoming trips to North Dakota and North Carolina. Jillian (@jillianpsu) said “My favorite part about the 212 conference is getting to know how students learn and engage different every place we go. There really is a difference in personalities and it’s fun to figure out how we need to modify our curriculum or teaching style for those students."

For more information on the FFA 212 conference and other opportunities through the National FFA program visit www.ffa.org/events.

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!



Laura Metrick, Student Blogger
2015 Student Teacher
@Its_LauraBeth

Teach Ag! Society Excited to Begin 2014

A new semester means new ideas for the Penn State Teach Ag Society! The group met on January 21st to re-group, introduce the new officers and make plans for the upcoming year. The purpose of the Penn State Teach Ag Society is to promote the high standards and ideals in agricultural and extension education, promote a bond between individuals in and those that have an interest in the world of agricultural and extension education and aid in the development of leadership, citizenship, and scholarship.

Newly elected president Jillian Gordon (@Jillianpsu) stated, “It is awesome to finally begin the year with Teach Ag! We have a lot of exciting events coming up that we hope the entire college can be a part of.” Jillian, along with the other officers, has been working on planning events, social activities and meetings for the coming months.

The new Teach Ag Society Officers
(Back Row) Tyler Schaeffer, Rea Ianson, Amanda Forstater, Katie Andrews,
Olivia Murphy-Sweet, Deanna Miller, Janae VanBuskirk and Howard Poole
(Front Row) Rachel Telesz, Jillian Gordon, Laura Metrick and Cassidy Chedder

Some of the exciting opportunities coming up are an AgriCorp seminar, National FFA Week Social with guest speaker Dr. Connie Baggett, CPR certification and a Peace Corp seminar. The society hopes that the events will not only be fun, but they will be education and an opportunity for professional growth.

Katie Andrews (@klandrews_24), a 2016 Student Teacher, is one of the co-chairs for the social committee this year. She said “I believe the Teach Ag. Society has a great balance of professional development, planning, and fun. This year the social committee members have some great ideas for everyone to enjoy. Our social events are diverse. They include food, creativity, athleticism, competition, conversation, and even other clubs.” Some of the exciting social events coming up are ice skating at Pegula Ice Rink, Wii nights and even themed meetings.

The Penn State Teach Ag Society hopes to continue to expand each semester. If you are interested in joining the Teach Ag Society or would like more information on any of the upcoming events, contact President Jillian Gordon.

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!

Laura Metrick, Student Blogger
2015 Student Teacher
Twitter Handle: Its_LauraBeth

AEE Student Awarded Scholarship at PA State Farm Show

The Pennsylvania State Farm show is the largest indoor agricultural event in America. Each year hundreds of thousands people attend the event in Harrisburg to view many farm equipment displays, livestock and educational exhibits and agriculturally related demonstrations. Many students from Penn State exhibit animals and projects throughout the week and several volunteer their time working at many different booths.

Another aspect of the Farm Show that has been exciting for numerous Penn State students is the annual scholarship program. In 2014, twenty five students received the $3,500 award. Ten of those students attend Penn State and one is an Agriculture and Extension Education major.

Megan Kellar participating in the Hereford
Cattle show at the 2014 State Farm Show. 

Megan Kellar (@MeganLego) was born and raised showing livestock and has been attending the PA State Farm Show for as long as she can remember. She stated "Being able to receive the 2014 Farm Show scholarship is such a great honor. It is great to be recognized for all the hard work and dedication I have put into my education as well as my hobby and passion which is showing livestock." Megan, a 2015 student teacher candidate, has shown a wide variety of animals including goats, swine, cattle and lambs.

The College of Agricultural Sciences has contributed additional scholarship money to students enrolled in good standing in the college who receive Farm Show scholarships. The amount of this year's scholarship is $3,500, and the college will add $2,000. The Farm Show Scholarship Foundation was established in 1993 through the generous support of several key leaders in agriculture and three companies that contributed more than $11,000 toward scholarships. Since its founding, the Foundation had awarded nearly $1,064,750 in scholarships to 395 worthy 4-H and FFA Youth.

Megan Kellar accepting her scholarship along with her parents, Secretary of Agriculture: George Greig, Senator John Eichelberger, Congressman G.T. Thompson and Sponsor Phil Clemens

To learn more about the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Scholarship Foundation visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us

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!

Laura Metrick 
Student Blogger
2015 Student Teacher
Twitter: Its_LauraBeth

Alpha Tau Alpha Welcomes New Members

2013 Initiation of New Members into ATA

Twelve students were initiated into the Eta Chapter of Alpha Tau Alpha on Tuesday, November 19th. Alpha Tau Alpha is a national, professional, honorary, agricultural society. It is founded upon the development of true professional spirit and grown in agriculture.

The 2013 Alpha Tau Alpha initiates.
(Back Row) Kate Bassett, Morgan Campbell, Amanda Forstater,
Katherine Andrews, Janae Van Buskirk & Toby Neal.
(Front Row) Jillian Gordon, Jena Shaffer, Laura Metrick,
Bryanna Kenno and Deanna Miller.

The initiation ceremony took place in the Ferguson building at Universtiy Park. It was led by current members of ATA and Advisor Daniel Foster.  New initiate and 2015 Student Teacher, Janae VanBuskirk stated “I am excited to begin this new experience. I have ever been involved in an organization like this. It is nice to be recognized as students who work hard for their grades. I think all of the initiates are excited to grow out professionally and to ultimately make new friends with the same goals!”

The society was founded in 1921 and the Eta Chapter was organized at Penn State in 1931. The organization strives to promote the high standards and ideals in agricultural and extension education and to promote the bond between individuals in and those that have interest in the world of agriculture and extension education.

 2014 Student Teachers helping with the ATA initiation ceremony.

Another 2015 Student Teacher and ATA Initiate Morgan Campbell said “Becoming an ATA member is an exciting and rewarding accomplishment. I am proud to be a member of an organization that represents the professionalism and camaraderie of agriculture educators!”

The twelve students who have just joined the Eta Chapter of Alpha Tau Alpha will enjoy the fellowship of individuals in an atmosphere of high scholarship that is dedicated to teaching, and who have a sincere desire to be a leader in agricultural education. The Students are; Katherine Andrews, Kate Bassett, Morgan Campbell, Amanda Forstater, Jillian Gordon, Megan Keller, Bryanna Keno, Laura Metrick, Deanna Miller, Toby Neal, Jena Shaffer and Janae VanBuskirk  


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!



Laura Metrick 
Student Blogger
2015 Student Teacher
Twitter: @Its_LauraBeth

What is Agricultural Education?

The most commonly heard phrase when walking on the campus of Penn State University,  watching a Nittany Lion football game or attending the graduation ceremonies are the words We Are! The slogan which has become a trademark of the University has been around since 1948. Over the years it has been used in many ways and for many different occasions but is always brought back to the phrase We Are Penn State!

Ever since I was a little girl, this phrase is one that I have known well. Having a die hard Penn State family I knew from the time I could talk that when someone yells We Are, you yell back Penn State! However now that I am a student at Penn State I have began thinking of this phrase in a different way. My major has become the core focus of my time and got me thinking what is Agriculture and Extension Education? What are we?

When most people think of the word agriculture the first and sometimes only thing that comes to mind is farming. And when you hear the word education, you think of a teacher. So to most people the Ag. Ed. major is basically teaching about farming. However, its so very much more than that. 

In an agriculture classroom the things learned and the experiences the students have are ones they will carry with them for a lifetime.  Agriculture education is designed to provide students with competencies to make them aware of and prepared for the world of work. It teaches them skills in public speaking, teamwork, finances, plant and animal science, small engines, community service, leadership and so many more. It provides skills students can transfer from the classroom setting to their careers and instruction that will engage students in the globalization of agriculture as the solution for environmental demands, food safety, technology, natural resource protection, and urbanization. Agriculture Education is more than teaching students about farming. It is about educating them, being a positive agent of change and giving them the knowledge to be successful.

This video by Agriculture and Extension Education majors Morgan Campbell, Kate Bassett and Quinn Cashell does excellent job of explaining just what an Agriculture Educator does!

So what is Agriculture and Extension Education? What are we?

We are Educators.

We are Changing Lives.

We are Making a Difference.

WE ARE PENN STATE!

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!

Laura Metrick

2015 Student Teacher 

@Its_LauraBeth