Domestic Study Away Day 4: Learning by Doing #PSUAgEd2TN

Editors Note: The following is a reflective observation from different students participating in #psuaged2TN, our domestic study away program. Matthew Snyder (@snyder6878), a junior and member of #psuaged17, shares below.  This incredible event is made possible by the generosity of the CHS Foundation. 

On Thursday the Penn State Teach Ag! Society and I had the opportunity to visit Cookeville High School. After arriving at the school we were treated with great hospitality. A lunch was served and we shared fellowship with the current Cookeville FFA members.  Building relationships and rapport with students is extremely important, in a one-day visit, but more importantly in our own programs.  As we look at having our own programs it will be important to engage students and consider their viewpoint, this will help us as we create our own programs and class content. The main purpose of this trip is to broaden our professional network and create relationships, so our future students have better opportunities. I believe we accomplished one step of that at Cookeville. 

Facilitating our lesson at Cookeville High School

While at Cookeville, our group was able to do a little learning by doing.  We facilitated one of our lessons on American agriculture by region. We started off by giving the students the needed background information through a fun interactive warm up exercise, and then moved into the “meat” of the lesson. The students were placed in groups that correlated with a region of the United States and asked to research agriculture commodities in their respective region. We then moved to the creative portion, the creation of a commercial to promote agriculture in each region. We were blown away with how creative some of these groups were. One group even created a cow costume in the short time they were given. Every teaching opportunity has helped to develop us as professionally. We also learned a lot from team teaching this lesson. It requires a much higher level of communication when you have seven teachers running one lesson. One thing I took away from the experience was that I need to slow down my instruction and make sure all students understand what is expected of them.

Learning by doing, Matthew teaching part of the lesson.

After teaching our lesson and touring their facilities, we had the opportunity to talk engage in a small professional development training focused on dual credit courses within agriculture. One of the Cookeville Agriscience teachers, Ms. Jackie Vester has been very successful in implementing these types of courses.  Ms. Jackie Vester and Ms. Patrice Watson, Director of Early Post-Secondary Education at the Tennessee Department of Education led this conversation. She explained the differences, similarities, pros, and cons of both programs. This discussion gave our entire group a better understanding of what programs are out there for students and how they can be used to boost college and career preparation. After this meeting, I feel much more confidence in giving students advice on scheduling these types of classes. High school students do not always know what they need to know or what they want. As teachers we need to take them under our wing and point them in the right direction. After having this conversation, I feel much more confident in advising students on what dual credit and dual enrollments they should pursue and what it might be like to teach one of these courses. Students are extremely busy these days so they might need advice on time management as well.

Here is a Day 4 Video created by Rose Cowan!

Follow along with our experience on Twitter by using #PSUAgEd2TN!  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. 

Matthew Snyder

2017 Student Teacher

Agricultural & Extension Education

@snyder6878

Day 3: Music City, Ag Programs, and Words of Wisdom #PSUAgEd2TN

Editors Note: The following is a reflective observation from different students participating in #psuaged2TN, our domestic study away program. Kayla Hack (@Hackkayla), a junior and member of #psuaged17, shares below. This incredible opportunity is made possible by the generosity of the CHS Foundation.

Bean seed germination lab. 

Nashville has always been known as Music City but after our time in the city I think we would all agree it is also home to innovative agricultural education programs.  These programs are committed to critical thinking and school wide academic improvement. The Domestic Study Away crew spent Day 3 visiting McGavock and Overton High Schools, both in the Nashville Metropolitan School System. Learning about the academy system and shadowing and teaching alongside talented teachers allowed our group to stretch ourselves both personally and professionally. 

Heather and her class at Overton High School. 

The Academy system around agriculture education in the Nashville Metro school system is unique. From the freshman career fair to choosing a pathway as a sophomore and shadowing professionals on the job, career and college readiness is at the heart of the Academy system at Nashville Metro. McGavock High School made the decision two years ago to replace physical science classes with agriscience classes, which allows every freshman to be in an agriscience class and an FFA member. At McGavock High School we were able to Shadow Ms. Mia Sullivan, Ms. Jennifer Smith and Mr. Westlee Walker  at McGavock and Ms. Rebecca Farrow at Overton. They allowed us to engage in labs, offered advice and helped answer our questions.   The stories about McGavock and Overton could go on, but I will leave you with my top 5 lessons learned at McGavock High School.

Top 5 “Lessons Learned” on Day 3:

Myself (Kayla) and Ms. Smith . 

1. Smile and be flexible. All of the teachers at McGavock shared this, either through their teaching or in conversation. Plans change, and as agriscience teachers we have to take a deep breath, adapt and be willing to change on the spot to get students where they need to be.

2. Be invested in. Ms. Smith invited me to go to her end of the year professional development review. This reiterated the importance of having a mentality of continued growth. I was able to witness what it looks like to be formally evaluated and reflect upon goals in a school setting. Being poured into as a teacher will allow me to pour into students.

3. Partnerships are key. Engaging in a round table discussion with Ms. Pamela Walker, Instructional Coach, Dr. Ricketts, Ms. Jennifer Smith, Ms. Mia Sullivan and Mr. Westlee Walker all teachers at McGavock High School and Mr. Crow a community and business  These stakeholders offered an example of what it looks like when partners come together to benefit a school, community and the future workforce.

Business partner and advisory board
encouraged us to stay connected

4. Ask for Help. Every stakeholder in our round table stressed the importance to us for agriscience teachers to ask for help, reach out, call people and pick their brain.

5. Don’t be Scared….it’s going to be a wild ride, but it will be worth it.” In her closing remarks during the round table Ms. Smith shared this exact phrase. Dr. Rickets agreed, and told us to jump in even though we still won’t feel ready. 

As we left McGavock High School the ideas and questions continued to percolate. This is a noble profession, but also a difficult one and one that I am still willing and ready to jump into whether it be in a Metropolitan area or a rural farming community. 

Follow along with our experience on Twitter by using #PSUAgEd2TN!  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. 

Kayla Hack 

2017 Student Teacher 

Agricultural & Extension Education 

#PSUAgEd2TN Day 1: And the Adventure Begins…

Editors Note: The following is a reflective observation from different students participating in #psuaged2TN, our domestic study away program. Rose Cowan (@cowan_rosalind), a sophomore and member of #psuaged18, shares below.

The DSA & Broadway High School Students with Janae Bickhart

It was the first full day of our 4th annual Domestic Study Away Trip for the Teach Ag Society, and I began my first DSA experience. The previous day, six of my Penn State Agricultural and Extension Education peers, myself, and our stalwart advisor Dr. Foster (@FosterDanielD) left Happy Valley for Tennessee! But first we had a chance to visit a rock star first year agricultural educator, Janae Bickhart (@JanaeBickhart) who is a 2015 PSU AEE graduate (#psuaged15), at Broadway High School where she teaches.

Student made dual engine pulling tractor!

While at Broadway High School, we had the chance to talk with her ecology students about their research projects they were conducting. From projects that analyzed the effects of road salt on plants to the growth rate of common trout species, it was evident that these students were really challenging themselves and learning a lot about sciences and technology involved in agriculture!

Next we went and toured Mr. Jim Peters’ Technical Education classroom to learn, while I certainly did not realize it then, how integral STEM education can and should be in Agricultural Education classrooms. The projects that he conducts with his classroom were absolutely awesome and all of the topics he addresses in these projects could be taught through an agricultural lens! We certainly gained a lot of ideas for our future classrooms.

Then, thanks to the power of twitter, it was off to Daniel Boone High School, which is located just over the border in Tennessee. There we met with Agricultural Educators Mr. Jason Dossett (@jdossett3) and Ms. Leann Turner (@ag_nerd) as well as seven of their freshman FFA members. While Dr. Foster conducted a Parliamentary Procedure and Conduct of Meetings training with the seven students and Mr. Dossett, we as AEE students went with Ms. Turner to tour their Ag Ed program. 

Program Mascot, Hank!

Daniel Boone had a school farm that gives their students an opportunity to gain experience caring for, handling, and showing livestock. That was the first time I had ever experienced an on school farm, so I was really impressed. It was truly inspiring to hear about their backgrounds, why they are passionate about ag ed, and some of their experiences and advice.

After leaving Daniel Boone, we stopped in Cookeville to pick up the one, the only, the legendary Dr. Billye Foster. An extremely wise, experienced, fiery, strong woman, it was a pleasure to meet Dr. Foster – or Dr. Mom as we call her.

Exhausted and full of new knowledge and experiences, we reached Nashville and headed off to bed to rest up for the following day.

Check out our video of Day 1:

Rosalind Cowan

2018 Student Teacher Candidate

@cowan_rosalind

Domestic Study Away Day 2: My Major is Better Than Yours... #PSUAgEd2TN

Editors Note: The following is a reflective observation from different students participating in #psuaged2TN, our domestic study away program. George Dietrich (@TheGeorge4H), a sophomore and member of #psuaged18, shares below.  This incredible event is made possible by the generosity of the CHS Foundation.

The DSA crew with President Aiken

Our day started off great aside from traffic problems, going to meet the Tennessee Farm Bureau. At first I thought we were going to meet with two members of the Farm Bureau, but instead we met the newly elected president, Jeff Aiken, along with what felt like half the staff. The tone of sincerity they gave us along with the southern hospitality made me realize how much they appreciated us visiting. Learning about everything Tennessee Farm Bureau does taught me the importance of building my network as an Ag Teacher. Partnerships with organizations like Farm Bureau provides incredible development in a successful Agricultural Department. Also the phrase, “Thank you for being an Ag Teacher,” was said repeatedly to us in our visit by all of them. They found value in what we want to accomplish. This was a moral boost for the entire group. After ending our visit with Farm Bureau we were off to Nashville to really learn about STEM.

Our second workshop was on STEM and agriculture. It was led by the legen- wait for it - dary Dr. Kris Elliot.  He taught us the  importance of incorporating STEM theories into the classrooms by giving us examples and engaging us in conversation. Then Dr. Chaney Mosely (another rockstar Ag Ed doctor) came in provided more context around how Nashville Metropolitan Agriculture Programs incorporate STEM and Agriculture. 

Dr. Elliot provided us numerous resources to engage in using technology. 

The crew with Dr. Elliot & Dr. Mosley

With four professors in one room they began talking about a lot of things that are near and dear to us as future agricultural educators. Getting a chance to get advice from four different stellar professors all with different agricultural education experiences was something that I would not miss in a life time. They told us different theories and experiences they had as high school agriculture teachers, then gave us practical advice on looking for the right high schools for each of us. They gave us a glimpse of what a really good ag program should look like. This is one of the few times I can say I have engaged in honest conversation and
discussion with four professors about career and major related topic, and it was refreshing.

Grand Old Opry fun!

To end a great day of learning, we convinced Dr. Foster to allow us the opportunity to bond as a team and go to the Grand Ole Opry. Yes that’s right the seven of us that went on DSA this year got the chance to see six artists in two hours (insert the jealousy of all our peers). We all learned a valuable lesson here: sometimes after a hard days work you need to relax as a team before you begin a the many hard days of work as a potential new teacher. The chance to relax is a good bonding opportunity that we could apply to our possible FFA Officer Teams.

These lessons we learned Tuesday were not something that could be taught in the classroom. The opportunity to learn the value of a strong network, the application of a new theory in the classroom, and the chance to learn from four great professors will develop us today as the stellar ag teachers of tomorrow. This is why our major is better than yours. The opportunities available to us this week have just begun and they will keep building down the road. Stay tuned for more details about our visits to Nashville Urban High Schools and our time in Cookeville, TN, let the Tennessee adventures continue!

Follow along with our experience on Twitter by using #PSUAgEd2TN!  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.

George Dietrich 

2018 Student Teacher Candidate

Agricultural & Extension Education

Food Science

Hired! Teacher Candidate Matthew Holt Hired at Brockway High School #psuaged16

Abe Lincoln once said "I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him."   A graduate of Brockway High School, Matt will be returning there; this time to the other side of the desk!  Matt spent two years at Penn State Dubois before transferring to University Park to complete his degree in Agriculture & Extension Education; choosing an environmental focus. Matt has a love for the outdoors and has always been passionate about it.  As a freshman, Matt's first agriculture class focused heavily on forestry which had him hooked. Soon after he couldn't get enough of environmental science.  Matt was actively involved in the Penn State Teach Ag! Society, serving as an officer.  

Mr. Holt engaging his student in hands on learning with
female bovine reproduction. 

Matt is one of 12 teacher candidates that have spent the semester student teaching.  He has spent the last 15 weeks at West Perry High School with Ms. Ayla Miller.  He has grown deeper into the role of a teacher through his experience at West Perry.  "During my student teaching experience I have learned so much about animal science and developed various activities for wildlife and natural resources. I want to bring these tools and experiences to my classroom at Brockway.  At Brockway High School, Matt will be the the second agriculture teacher where he will teach with Mr. Kyle Norman.  Mr. Norman teaches Agriculture 1, 2, 3, and 4.  Matt will take over the Wildlife and Natural Resources, Horticulture, Animal Science and Intro and Advanced Ag Mechanics courses with the possibility of an 8th grade rotational.  


When asked what he is most excited about Matt responded, "being able to go back to my hometown."  Matt knows the people and said "I know I can make a difference in the students lives there through FFA and Agriculture in general." There is something to be said about going home and giving back and Matt will be doing exactly that.  Not many people are able to go back to the same place they were Tagged to Teach Ag!  "I know the opportunities available to students that can completely change their lives, all they have to do is take the first step."  And you get to lead them to that first step! Congratulations Matt, or should we say Mr. Holt! 

Matt with Ms. Ayla Miller and Mr. John Hines his mentors at
West Perry 

If you would like to read more about Matt and his experience  student teaching, check out her bog at: http://fromthewoodstotheclassroom.blogspot.com/ or connect with him on twitter  @mholt5595. 

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.

Kayla Hack

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @hackkayla

2017 Agriculture Education Student Teacher

May 2016 Student of the Month: Olivia Murphy-Sweet (@OSwetMurph)

Every month we like to highlight students that have gone above and beyond in the Agriculture Education department! April we are proud to share the stories and accomplishments of Ms. Olivia Murphy-Sweet!

She is a lover of coffee and food, will be the first to say hello or speak up in class .  Part of the class of 2016, Olivia will be graduating in May with a degree in Agriculture & Extension Education. "I have always loved teaching agriculture to different populations and I enjoy helping people learn who have different perspectives."   Olivia will be leaving for Senegal in September for the Peace Corps.  Upon her return she plans to complete her Masters Degree with hopes to work for USAID and then go back into the classroom.  



The agricultural education program Olivia 
attended in high school looks much different than the one where she is student teaching, Walter Biddle Saul High School.  She says  "Being in the city comes with its own set of challenges and I am proud that I know my students well enough that I can help them in class. I am proud of working with my unique set of learners."  When asked about her student teaching success she mentioned one of her biggest fears: Bees.  "Some of my students loved bees and asked if I could help start a bee hive with them and teach them about bees."  They grabbed the bee suits and went to look at some boxes already set up.    "It was a good learning experience for me to get over my fear of bees and help out my students develop their passion for bees."  



Olivia was a member and Vice President of Program Development for Teach Ag! Society at Penn State.  She served as a Teach Ag! Avenger and was a blog editor.  She is a sister of Omega Phi Alpha and was involved with Project Haiti.  

Want to know some fun facts about Olivia? Check them out below!

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA

Favorite PSU Class: INTAG 100

Favorite place to eat in State College: Fraser Street Deli (Try The House Italian)

Favorite Penn State Athletic Team: Football

Favorite Hangout on Campus: Ferguson Building

If you would like to read more about Olivia, connect with her via 
Twitter: @OSweetMurph
Blogger:    



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.

Kayla Hack 

Student Blogger

Twitter Handle: @hackkayla

2017 Agriculture Education Student Teacher