2023 Penn State Teach Ag! Digital Student Showcase

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Preface

At Penn State University, we firmly believe that the premier educational delivery system in the nation today is a total agricultural education program that encompasses dynamic classroom instruction, youth leadership development through a career and technical student organization (FFA) and laboratory/work based experimental education (SAE). A school-based secondary agricultural education program that delivers on those components will have a positive impact on student achievement.

Just as the fastest racecar needs a reliable driver, the greatest program, needs a capable leader to provide direction. The single most important element to the success of any educational program is the teacher. We are pleased to offer you this teacher candidate profile book to introduce you to our 2023 student teacher candidates, who are prepared and excited to embrace the challenge of making a positive difference in the lives of students through agricultural education.

Please contact us if we can be of assistance to you or if you have any questions regarding our teacher education preparation program. Developing great agricultural teachers is something we take incredible pride in.

Yours in quality educati

Dr. Kevin Curry kevincurry@psu.edu

Dr. John Ewing jce122@psu.edu

Dr. Daniel Foster foster@psu.edu

PSU Teach Ag Core Values

The Penn State AgriScience Teacher Education Program cultivates and values Agriscience teachers who are:

Philosophically sound in career and technical education principles and the three component model of agricultural education including applied STEM classroom instruction, work-based learning (Supervised Agricultural Experience) and the leadership laboratory of youth organizations (FFA).

Inclusive of ALL students and value diversity in their classroom. Skilled in technical agricultural science content knowledge. Prepared to utilize effective pedagogical methods to successfully plan, implement, and assess Agriscience instruction to impact student learning.

Reflective practitioners devoted to life-long learning.

Servant-leaders in the classroom, school, and community.

Committed to the engagement of external stakeholders in a purposeful, systematic process for enhanced student, school, and community success.

Committed, life-long members of a professional learning community prepared to integrate cross-curricular learning opportunities.

Dedicated to academic proficiency while prioritizing the scholastic growth of all students.

Digitally-literate, connected educators who are progressive in adopting appropriate technologies to advance professional growth and student learning.

PSU Agriscience Teacher Preparation Program

Program Endorsements

"I highly recommend Penn State’s Agriculture Education Program because it is a well-rounded experience versed in cutting edge instructional practices, professional networking, and career preparation During my time as a student, I felt valued as an individual by the professors and staff They prioritized my unique interests, undergraduate research, and were able to recommend opportunities that aligned with my career goals. As a new and beginning teacher, I felt prepared to deliver meaningful, hands-on instruction, lead conversations about the importance of career and technical education with administrators, community members, and parents, and mentor students through the numerous opportunities available through the National FFA Organization."

- Nicole Guise Millville Jr./Sr. High School, Millville, PA Agriculture Education Teacher 2021 Graduate #PSUAgEd21

"We have been fortunate enough to hire two graduates from the Penn State agricultural education program. It is very evident that they were trained at a world class university because they have hit the ground running. They are two of the very best with students, instruction, and builiding relationships with the community."

- Dr. Erik Orndoff, Superintendent Pequea Valley High School, Kinzers, PA On Jasmine VanSant Agriculture Science Instructor 2015 Graduate #PSUAgEd15

Program Endorsements

"The Pennsylvania State University has an Agricultural and Extension Education program that truly prepares you for life after graduation As a recent graduate of this program, I believe that the prescribed courses helped me to build a solid foundation of knowledge in agriculture and the various experiences allowed me to develop skills that I use inside and outside of my classroom every day. There are so many opportunities within the College of Agricultural Sciences that allow you to make your college experience unique to you. In contrast to that, the Agricultural and Extension Education program is nothing short of a family."

- Taylor Halbleib

Agricultural Science Teacher & FFA Advisor

Annville-Cleona High School, Annville, PA 2022 Graduate #PSUAgEd22

“The @TeachAgPSU Program has more than prepared me to wear the many hats of a successful educator. Not to be misunderstood, I have been overwhelmed at times. However, I have also been prepared to deal with every single situation that has been thrown at me thus far thanks to my teacher preparation program!”

- Karlie Wright

West Greene High School, Waynesburg, PA Agriculture Science Instructor 2018 Graduate #PSUAgEd18

Why Teach Agriculture?

I choose to teach agriculture to mold learners into productive citizens, prepare our next generation of students to be involved with feeding a growing world, and serve the industry that I grew to love.

Morgan Bear

Ideal Future Program

My ideal agricultural education program would be a multi-teacher, student-led, inclusive program that integrates the threecircle model for agricultural education. I hope that our future program cultivates opportunities for students to gain hands-on learning experiences through “premier leadership, personal growth, and career success” I hope that we would offer courses that reflect the ever-changing agricultural industry and match the curriculum to both student and community interest. Most importantly, our program would be focused on student success by fostering a culture where students can meet their full potential and become strong leaders that are prepared to enter careers inside and outside of the agriculture industry

Cooperating Teacher Ms. Meagan Smyers

Cooperating Center Northern York High School

Education

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University H.S. Diploma: Big Spring High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Minors in Sustainability Leadership and Leadership Development Dean's List

American FFA Degree Recipient 2019 Coaly Honor Society

All East Livestock Judging Contest - First High Overall Individual Market Evaluation 2022

Block and Bridle Agriculture Student Council Representative

American Society of Animal Science National Academic Quadrathlon Finalist

Relevant Experiences

2018-2019 Pennsylvania FFA State Secretary

Horizon Farm Credit Knowledge Center Intern 2022

Penn State Livestock Judging Team

Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation Educational Intern 2021

Cumberland County 4-H Extension Agency Summer Assistant

Center for Professional Personnel Development Student Worker

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Ag Advocate

Penn State Teach Ag! Avenger

Professional Certifications

American Red Cross CPR/AED

National Safe Tractor and Machine Operator

Google Level One Certified Educator

Certified (YQCA) Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Instructor

Professional Organizations

National Association of Agricultural Educators

Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau

National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education

Alpha Tau Alpha Member

Nicolette Cusate

Ideal Future Program

Why Teach

Agriculture?

I teach agriculture to shape passionate, professional, and prepared leaders for the future. I want to help each of my students reach their full potential and be proud to represent agriculture, an essential industry for all.

My ideal agricultural education program would be community centered and student driven. Inherently, the program would encompass all aspects of the three circle model for agricultural education. There would be a heavy emphasis on community service and engagement to instill a sense of altruism in my students. My overall goal for my students is for them to apply the life lessons and content learned throughout their time in the program to lead successful lives, whether that is inside or outside the agriculture sector nicolettecusate@gmail.com

Cooperating Teacher

Mr. Anthony Honeycutt

Cooperating Center Northwestern Senior High School

Education

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University

H.S. Diploma: Columbia-Montour Area Vocational

Technical School: Focus in Agricultural Plant Systems and Technology

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Dean's List

Pennsylvania FFA State Keystone Degree Recipient

Alpha Sigma Tau

2019 Inaugural Bloomsburg Fair Queen

Penn State Behrend Chapter of the PA State Education Association - Secretary

Penn State Behrend Panhellenic Council - Director of Service and Philanthropy

Member of PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters

Relevant Experiences

AmeriCorps Member

2022 PSU Global Orientation to Agriculture Learning program participant Center for Professional Personnel Development Student Worker

OAC Member for the Agricultural Plant Systems and Technology program at Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School

Teaching Assistant: HORT 101 - Horticultural Science

Professional Certifications

American Heart Association CPR/AED

National Safe Tractor and Machine Operator

OSHA-10 General Industry (Agriculture)

Professional

Organizations

National Association of Agricultural Educators

Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators

National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education

Alpha Tau Alpha Member

Association for Career and Technical Education

Why Teach Agriculture?

I want to teach agriculture to help develop today's leaders and tomorrow's agriculturalist, as well as expose students to an industry with endless opportunities to make a difference both locally and globally will allow for exponential growth.

Killiann George

Ideal Future Program

My ideal agricultural education program would be student-centered, community driven, and inclusive of all The program would be based on the foundational 3Circle Model of Agricultural Education (classroom/laboratory, Supervised Agricultural Experiences, and FFA). Our program would offer a variety of classes that reflect progressive agricultural concepts both locally and abroad This program would place heavy value on being actively involved in both the school and community. The ultimate goal for the program is to create a space for students to feel valued, empowered, and equipped to be successful no matter their direction inside and outside of the agricultural industry.

Cooperating Teacher Ms. Alex Barzydlo

Cooperating Center Dover Area High School

Education

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University H.S. Diploma: Cumberland Valley High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Minor in International Agriculture

Concentration in Political Science Dean's List

Pennsylvania FFA State Keystone Degree Recipient

Penn State Collegiate Farm Bureau Secretary

Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Recipient

Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators Scholarship Recipient

PA FFA State Star Farmer Finalist

National Corn Grower’s Association Scholarship Recipient

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Scholarship Recipient

Relevant Experiences

2019-2020 Pennsylvania FFA State Treasurer

National FFA Member Leadership Series Conference Facilitator

Land O' Lakes Member Relations Intern

Center for Professional Personnel Development Student Worker & Teach Ag! Avenger

Penn State University College of Agriculture Ag Advocate

Teaching Assistant: AEE 204N – Science Literacy

Professional Certifications

American Heart Association CPR/AED

National Safe Tractor and Machine Operator

The American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid

Certified (YQCA) Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Instructor

Professional Organizations

National Association of Agricultural Educators

Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau

National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education Alpha Tau Alpha Member

Elizabeth Holtry

Ideal Future Program

Why

I want to teach agriculture to educate the next generation of agriculturalists and consumers. I strive to inspire a passion that instills the importance of hard work and agriculture, as well as give my students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and open doors for opportunities that will change their lives forever.

My ideal program will incorporate the 3-circle model; SAE projects, FFA, and classroom instruction I hope to advise a successful FFA chapter, as well as teach a wide variety of agriculture classes that develop students’ career readiness Content areas could include Ag Mechanics, Greenhouse Management, Large Animal Care, and many others. Students’ SAE projects will help them explore their interests and potential career opportunities in the industry. Ideally, my program will have lots of community and administration involvement, as well as spending time in service projects to give back to the community. eholtry212@gmail.com

Teach Agriculture?

Cooperating Teacher Ms. Kelly Bier

Cooperating Center Shippensburg Area Senior High School

Education

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University

H.S. Diploma: Chambersburg Area High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Dean's List

American FFA Degree Recipient

PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters Service Chair 2021 Recipient of the National Dairy Shrine and Dairy Management Inc. Education and Communication Scholarship

Penn State's Provost's Award

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Scholarship Recipient

Relevant Experiences

Intern with the Global Teach Ag Network Conference Facilitator at SLC for Pennsylvania 4H Member of the Penn State Dairy Science Club Working with livestock on my family's farm, Beidel Brothers, and Rustik Dairy Counselor for Outdoor School through Shaver's Creek

Active Substitute Teacher through K-12 Education Staffing & Management Solution (ESS)

Professional Certifications

American Heart Association CPR/AED

National Safe Tractor and Machine Operator

Google Level One Certified Educator

Professional

Organizations

National Association of Agricultural Educators

Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators

National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education

Alpha Tau Alpha Member

Why Teach Agriculture?

Agriculture is an industry relevant to everyone, whether they are on track to inherit the family farm or want to make informed choices when shopping I hope to provide resources for my students to experience and advocate for agriculture. It just so happens that I get the chance to teach young people, which might be the most important reason of all to teach agriculture.

Lauren Kachel

Ideal Future Program

My ideal agriculture education program will revolve around student interests and modes of learning. Group work, hands-on activities, projects, presentations, and demonstrations will be used often as well as interactive lectures to garner student participation in the classroom and exploration of interests and career paths

My program will challenge my students to do the best they can and be the best people they can be in their daily lives. Agriculture will be a central focus and students will be encouraged to advocate for the content area within their families and communities. FFA, SAE, and Classroom Instruction will all be equally divided within the program and all students will be encouraged to be involved in both SAE and FFA

Cooperating Teacher

Mr. Neil Fellenbaum

Cooperating Center Penn Manor Senior High School

Education

Ephrata Area High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Leadership Team Member for Disciplemakers Christian Fellowship at Penn State

American FFA Degree Recipient

Published short story author on Penn State short edition

Relevant

Grounds Crew Employee at Lancaster Bible College

Employee at the Penn State Dairy Barn & Meadow Spring Farm Barnyard Academy Chairman for the Children's Tent at the Ephrata Fair Counselor, Lifeguard, Archery Instructor, Nature Instructor, and Pioneer Team Leader at Camp Conquest

Why Teach Agriculture?

Agriculture is an industry that is ever-changing, but never leaving. I believe the lessons that I have learned through agriculture have been the most influential in my life I want to give students opportunities to learn about the industry that feeds them while also giving them the opportunity to seek individual growth and leadership development using agricultural content as a common ground.

Krista Mathias

Ideal Future Program

My ideal agricultural education program would be a student-centered positive learning environment that encourages growth and leadership through all aspects of agriculture. All components of the ThreeCircle Model would be equally prevalent in the program with opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zones. Community involvement would play a huge role in and out of the classroom in areas aligning to community service and outreach, career readiness, and pathways for Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Courses would reflect the wide variety of agricultural opportunities including but not limited to agricultural mechanics, plant and animal science, food science, and environmental science

Cooperating Teacher Mrs. Jasmine Vansant

Cooperating Center Pequea Valley High School

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University

H.S. Diploma: Mercer Area Jr/Sr High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Penn State Western Equestrian Team Riding Member

THON Chair for Penn State Western Equestrian Team

Relevant Experiences

PSU Dairy Barns Resident Employee

2022 PSU Global Orientation to Agriculture Learning program participant

Employment at Irishtown Acres Dairy Farm

Mercer County Extension / 4-H Summer Intern

Penn State Teach Ag! Avenger

National

Pennsylvania

Ambar Lema Ramos Robalino

Why Teach

Agriculture?

I teach agriculture because I believe every child deserves to be equipped with life skills of compassion, curiosity, responsibility, and leadership to sculpt a better tomorrow.

Ideal Future Program

My ideal agricultural education program is a diverse one that offers students the chance to explore the wide range of agriculture. I look to foster a program that is interested in influencing, educating, and preparing well rounded citizens.

Cooperating Teacher Mr. Kyle Norman

Cooperating Center Brockway Junior-Senior High School

Education

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University

H.S. Diploma: John Bowne High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Dean's List

New York FFA State Empire Degree Recipient

Closing Bell Ceremony at Wallstreet NYC with Sonny Perdue

1st place New York State FFA champion team in Aquaculture

1st place New York State FFA individual champion in Aquaculture

Relevant Experiences

2022 PSU Global Orientation to Agriculture Learning program participant

Discovery Guide at the Queens Zoo

Children's Zoo Associate at the Bronx Zoo

Professional

American

National

National

Pennsylvania

Why Teach Agriculture?

I want to teach agriculture because I not only want to teach students to be farmers but I also want to provide the skillset that will allow them to be tomorrow's scientists, teachers, and so much more. I want to provide them with the opportunity for growth, not just in agriculture but in their everyday lives.

Carly Rudy

Ideal Future Program

My ideal agricultural education program would be a multi-teacher, student centered, inclusive program All components of the Three-Circle Model of Agricultural Education (Classroom/Laboratory Instruction, FFA, and SAE) would hold equal weight in this program. We would offer various courses to reflect the vast, innovative nature of the agriculture industry and to match student and community interest. This program would be heavily involved in the school and community, focusing on service learning. Above all, we would put our students first, empowering them to meet their full potential of being strong leaders inside and outside of the agriculture industry.

Cooperating Teacher Ms. Tiffany Hoy

Cooperating Center Tyrone Area High School

Education

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University

H.S. Diploma: Juniata Valley Jr/Sr High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Dean's List

Pennsylvania FFA State Keystone Degree Recipient

Relevant Experiences

American Rabbit Breeders Association Member

Penn State Western Equestrian Team Member

Member of PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters

Penn State Block and Bridle Member

SAE Projects: Market/Breeding Rabbits, Horses

Professional Certifications

American Heart Association CPR/AED

National Safe Tractor and Machine Operator

Successful Bowhunting Certification

Professional Organizations

National Association of Agricultural Educators

Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators

National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education

Alpha Tau Alpha Member

Why Teach Agriculture?

My whole life has revolved around agriculture, from growing up on my family's beef farm to working at various farms and then pursuing an agriculture degree at Penn State. I loved working on the farm but there would be nothing more meaningful to me than to see my students find a passion in the industry that built me.

Grace Shawver

Ideal Future Program

My ideal agriculture education program will teach students how to work hard, put their hands to use, explore their passions, develop leadership skills, figure out how to solve problems, and become good team players through classroom instruction, FFA, and SAE I hope to be in a multiteacher program so each aspect of the 3circle model will be given adequate attention, allowing all aspects to work in unison to prepare students for real life. I hope that the program is of interest to students from all backgrounds and connects to various disciplines. It is my biggest goal to make opportunities for all the students in my program to develop the skillset that is required by the current industry, so they are respected and sought after in the job world

Cooperating Teacher Ms. Valerie Fry

Cooperating Center Selinsgrove Area High School

Education

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University

HS Diploma: Penns Valley Area High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Agronomy and International Agriculture Minors

Dean's List

Student Engagement Network Undergraduate Research Grant Recipient

Council Member for Hub-Robeson Galleries

Member of PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Scholarship Recipient

Relevant Experiences

Co-op internship teaching 5th and 6th-grade agriculture

Completed Undergraduate Research project on Agriculture Education in

Nepal with data collection in the country

Working on Family Farm

Penn State Beef/Sheep Center Employee

Farm Worker at Tamarack Sheep and Wool

Intern for the Global Teach Ag Network and the Pasto Agriculture Museum

2022 PSU Global Orientation to Agriculture Learning program participant

Professional Certifications

American Red Cross CPR/AED

National Safe Tractor and Machine Operator

PA Hunter Safety Certification

Google Level One Certified Educator

ServSafe Food Handler Certificate

Professional Organizations

National Association of Agricultural Educators

Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators

National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education

Alpha Tau Alpha Member

Why Teach Agriculture?

My passion for agriculture started with my family's farm when I was young and ever since then I have had a strong desire to educate others on the many aspects and opportunities that are available to them. Whether or not my students go into the agriculture industry, I want to contribute to creating our world's next leaders and advocates for agriculture.

Baylor Shunk

Ideal Future Program

An ideal program for me would be one that focuses on a blend of agricultural mechanics, plant science, and animal science. These are three areas that I have experience in and would love to share my passion for with my students. I want to focus on the opportunities available to students, whether it is pursuing a college degree or entering the workforce with a useful trade. All of this combined with a sense of community involvement and support that can make any agricultural education program as strong as possible

Cooperating Teacher Mr. Douglas Brown

Cooperating Center Central Columbia High School

Education

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University H.S. Diploma: Penns Valley Area High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Dean's List

Academic All B1G TEN

Penn State Men's Wrestling Team National Championship Team in 2022 Founder of the Penns Valley RTC to provide local youth with opportunities in wrestling

National Honor Society

Relevant Experiences

Family Farm Work Experience, 2008-2022

Student Ag. Ed. Intern at Penns Valley Area High School 2019 Penn Valley FFA Chapter Alumni

Professional

American

Professional Organizations

National

Pennsylvania

Why Teach Agriculture?

I want to teach agriculture because of the impact that my high school agriculture program had on my life. I want to provide my students with the same opportunities and experiences I was lucky enough to have, and help them explore all that agriculture has to offer.

Anna Sweeten

Ideal Future Program

My ideal future agricultural education program would embody the three circle model of agricultural education, with the successful integration of classroom instruction, FFA & SAE. I will provide students with multiple areas of study that will allow them to be successful members of their community and future endeavors. I will ensure a welcoming, positive environment where all students will feel welcomed and celebrated.

https://sweetensstories.wix site.com/sweetensstoriespsu23 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ anna-sweeten-2949481ba/

Cooperating Teacher Ms. Hannah Harris

Cooperating Center Kennard-Dale High School

Education

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University

H.S. Diploma: Gettysburg Area High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Dean's List

Member of PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters

National Honor Society

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Scholarship Recipient

Relevant Experiences

Sales Associate at Tractor Supply Company

Facilitated workshops for FFA conferences

Professional Certifications

American

National

OSHA-10

Professional Organizations

National

Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators

National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education

Alpha Tau Alpha Member

Why Teach Agriculture?

I want to teach agriculture to spread the love and importance of producing food and materials to as many people as possible and to create a food-secure world through education, one student and one mind at a time.

Jacob Turko

Ideal Future Program

My ideal agricultural education program would be a multi-teacher, student centered, inclusive program All components of the Three-Circle Model of Agricultural Education (Classroom/Laboratory Instruction, FFA, and SAE) would hold equal weight in this program. We would offer various courses to reflect the vast, innovative nature of the agriculture industry and to match student and community interest. This program would be heavily involved in the school and community, focusing on service learning. Above all, we would put our students first, empowering them to meet their full potential of being strong leaders inside and outside of the agriculture industry.

Cooperating Teacher Dr. Tiffany Turrentine

Cooperating Center Walter B. Saul High School

Education

B.S. : Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University H.S. Diploma: Kutztown Area High School

Activities, Awards, & Honors

Minors in International Agriculture and Sustainability Dean's List 2019 Borlaug-Ruan Scholar

Member of PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters

Relevant Experiences

Internship at the International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi, Kenya Study abroad in Belize studying Wildlife Conservation Poultry Education and Research Center Employee Millbrook Marsh Nature Center Program Leader World Food Prize Youth Institute Participant & Leader

American

Professional Organizations

National

Pennsylvania

National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences