2013 teachag psu student showcase

Agricultural and

Extension Education

2013 Agriculture Teacher Candidates

The Pennsylvania State University

2013 Student Showcase of 32

Hello,

Preface

At Penn State, 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 Experiential 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 race car needs a reliable driver, the greatest program, needs a capable leader to provide direction. The single most important element to the success of any education program is the teacher. We are pleased to offer you this teacher candidate profile book to introduce you to our 2013 agricultural 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 or if you have any questions regarding our teacher preparation program. Developing great agricultural teachers is something we take incredible pride in.

Yours in quality education,

Dr. Daniel D. Foster Dr. John C. Ewing Student Teacher Coord. Undergraduate Program Coord. [email protected] [email protected] 814-863-0192 814-863-7463

mailto:[email protected]




Table of Contents

Preface ......................................................................................... 2

Endorsements from School Administrators .............. 4

Philip Adam Jr .................................................................................................................. 6

Jamie Aukamp .......................................................................... 8

Kristy Brubaker ..................................................................... 10

Kaydee Gearhart .................................................................. 12

Britney Marsh ......................................................................... 14

Mackenzie McCollum ......................................................... 16

Adam Peachey ....................................................................... 18

Heather Pray ........................................................................... 20

Darla Romberger .................................................................. 22

Ashley Tressler ..................................................................... 24

Josh Walker ............................................................................. 26

Alyshia West ........................................................................... 28

Cortney Wright ....................................................................... 30



Endorsements from

School Administrators

I am pleased to write about how fortunate we are to have acquired Cameron Schirmer at Mohawk. PSU obviously has a strong command of aligning their teacher preparation program to the needs of public schools across the commonwealth. Mr. Schirmer has taken theory into hands-on practical vocational/agricultural experience. There was little or no acclimation period! Our students are being well instructed for a bright future.

Raymond C. Omer, Principal Mohawk Jr-Sr High School Bessemer, PA

2012 Graduate Cameron Schirmer

Amanda embraced quickly changing to a different part of the world to create a brand new agriscience program for our district. She was able to create from the ground up a philosophical sound program incorporating a new FFA

Chapter, Supervised Agricultural Experience and dynamic STEM based instruction.

Timothy Holler, Principal

Stanley County School District

Pierre, South Dakota

2011 Graduate Amanda Remick

Laura Polatnick has demonstrated effective teaching in both formal and informal observations. She is working with students well as she has a nice rapport with them and is able to weave instructional, hands on and affective activities into her daily teaching. I appreciate her talents and look forward to her growth here at WMS as at the agriculture teacher. Thanks and good job with Laura!

Donald D. Curtis, Principal Wilson Middle School Fishersville, Virginia

2011 Graduate Laura Polatnick



Lyndsay Wilcox has been a tremendous addition to Benjamin Franklin High School #239! She has single-handedly created an Agriculture Program in the middle of South Baltimore, a place which has been defined as a food desert! Urban Agriculture in our neighborhoods is a must and is a foreign concept to our kids. She is not only making a difference in their lives, but also in the lives of their family members! We are so lucky to have her on our team!

Chris Battaglia, Principal Benjamin Franklin High School at Masonville Cove #239 Baltimore, MD

2010 Graduate, Lyndsay Wilcox (Wallace)

We are fortunate to have a recent hire at Tulpehocken JSHS. Mr. Eugene Kreitzer was hired two years ago when we had a retirement. Gene has been a

great addition to our faculty. He has inspired our students with creative learning experiences, specifically in our Ag

Mech program. He is a positive advocate for students and an excellent ambassador for the Penn State Agricultural

Education Teacher Preparation Program. We are fortunate to have Mr. Kreitzer as part of our faculty.

Donald N. Jones, M.Ed., A.G.S., Principal Tulpehocken Junior Senior High School Bernville, PA

2010 Graduate, Gene Kreitzer

Ms. Smith possesses an unique ability to captivate her audiences through her passion for agricultural education, her personality and her professional demeanor. Ms. Smith displays a cooperative attitude with her peers, a strong knowledge base of current and effective research-based teaching methods, and a work ethic which is exemplary.

Zane S. Fake, Assistant Principal Kennard-Dale High School

Fawn Grove, PA

2010 Graduate, Abigail Smith



Philip Adam Jr.

Cooperating Center:

Mifflinburg High School

Cooperating Teacher:

Mr. Charles Kessler

University Supervisor:

Dr. John Ewing

Email:

[email protected] [email protected]

“One Mission, Student Success”

Hired County Transportation Director

Rohrer Transportation





Why teach agriculture? I have enjoyed living and working in the agricultural lifestyle my entire life. I have had many opportunities provided to me through Agricultural Education as a student and can think of no better job than to be able to provide future agriculturalist with the same or better opportunities than what I was provided. There is never a dull moment in agricultural education due to the diverse programs that it offers. Advancements are always being made in agriculture. Being able to teach students about these advancements and about what great opportunities they have for careers in agriculture is the reason I teach Agricultural Education.

Education H.S. Diploma, Selinsgrove Area High School, Snyder County, PA

B.S., Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University Relevant Experiences In 2008, I was provided the opportunity to serve as the State FFA President for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and was able to travel around the state and parts of the nation completing workshops, conferences, and conventions for FFA, Agricultural Education, and the Agricultural Industry. This year of service to the FFA Organization solidified in me that Agricultural Education was the best career path for me.

In 2009, I was hired by the Penn State Agricultural Education Center for Professional Personnel Development as Programs Coordinator. My job was to assist the Assistant Director in managing, coordinating and carrying out Professional Development activities for Agricultural Educators in Pennsylvania. I was also the lead individual responsible for all interstate Recruitment at National FFA Conventions and Conferences. I managed, planned, developed, contacted funding sources, and completed all budgeting and logistics for events. The position taught me a lot of responsibility, program planning, and improved my public relations and management skills.

Activities, Awards and Honors Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior in Agricultural Education in CFFA

Top 20 School Bus Operators in Pennsylvania for 4 years in a row, Pennsylvania School Bus Owners Association

What type of program would you like to have? I would like to have a program which encompasses the community based needs in agriculture which will develop career ready students for the work force or post-secondary education in the local community. My interests lie in Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, and Agricultural Business Management, though I am also knowledgeable in Animal Sciences and Agricultural Mechanics through formal education and life experiences. I lack a quality knowledge base in Veterinary Sciences and Small Animal Sciences, but I am always willing to learn.



Jamie Aukamp

Cooperating Center:

Lampeter-Strasburg High School


Mrs. Holly Oberholtzer


Mr. Ron Frederick

Email:


Hired Anson High School

Wadesboro, North Carolina





Why teach agriculture? I chose to teach agriculture to provide students with an opportunity to learn not only where their food comes from, but how it is grown and the technologies used in the field and in the laboratory. Agriculture is rapidly changing throughout the world. With new technologies being used each day to improve crop yield, livestock genetics and production, it is crucial to stay current and be on the cutting edge of technology innovation. I want to provide students with the resources necessary to educate others throughout the community on why agriculture is important and how it can be used daily by everyone.

Education H.S. Diploma, Millville High School, Columbia County, PA

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

• Columbia County 4-H Livestock Club: raised market goats, hogs, lambs; animal science • Attended the 2007 Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences held at Penn

State University • Enrolled in the horticulture program at Columbia Montour Vocational Technical High School

• Employed at Yule’s Pride Greenhouse: greenhouse management: plant science

• Employed at Gensemer Meat Company: family owned and operated butcher shop: meat science

• Employed as an extension agent assistant for the Columbia County Extension Office Activities, Awards and Honors

• 4-H Teen Leader

• Competed in FFA Floriculture CDE: winning state team, third place individual

• Dean’s List Professional Membership/Certifications

• National Association for Agriculture Educators (NAAE)

• Pennsylvania Association for Agriculture Educators (PAAE)

• Association for Career Technical Educators (ACTE)

• National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) What type of program would you like to have? The model program I have created would focus on plant and animal sciences with strong community support, FFA alumni and an Advisory Committee. The program should be based off of the three circle model: classroom and laboratory instruction, FFA, and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), with classes such as: plant and soil science, greenhouse management, landscape design, floral design, large animal science and production, vet science, and breeding systems. My goal in the model program is to create student engagement through many hands on activities to achieve total student success.



Kristy Brubaker

Cooperating Center:

Annville-Cleona High School


Mr. Timothy Gettle


Mr. Ron Frederick

Email:


"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

-Helen Keller





Why teach agriculture? I believe that teaching agriculture will prepare our future generations for success. I want to prepare this generation of students with a life-long variety of skills that will lead them to a bright future which is full of opportunities. Agriculture, being a combination of mathematics, science, English and leadership, will allow students to be prepared for those opportunities that may arrive in the work force or post-secondary education field. I also believe that preparing students with an agriculture background will make them marketable within the agricultural production industry, continuing to strive to meet the nation’s needs.

Education H.S. Diploma, Selinsgrove Area High School, Snyder County, PA


• Penn State Collegiate FFA

• Selinsgrove FFA Chapter

o Served as Reporter for 3 consecutive years Activities, Awards and Honors


• National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Certification

• Collegiate FFA

• Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators

• National Association of Agricultural Educators

• Association for Career and Technical Educators What type of program would you like to have? I believe that Agricultural Education is an important part of a student’s educational career. I believe that in order for student to get the entire Agricultural Education experience they must be enrolled in a program which supports the three circle model of Classroom Instruction, FFA and SAE. I also believe that in order for students to be successful in an Agricultural Education Program, they should be offered the opportunity of variety. I envision variety as the opportunity to be introduced to every subject in agriculture as well as having an emphasis on classes such as horticulture, agricultural mechanics, and leadership building curriculum.



Kaydee Gearhart

Cooperating Center:

Greenwood High School


Mr. Michael Clark


Dr. Daniel Foster

Email:


"If you want to be rich, count all the things you have that money can’t buy."





Why teach agriculture? As a young girl, I spent most of my childhood on my uncle’s dairy farm. This is where I discovered my passion for agriculture. I joined the local 4-H program, and then, when I entered high school, I became a member of the FFA. These organizations changed my life and helped shape me into the person that I am today. Teaching agriculture is the best job. It’s something that I love! Having the opportunity to impact the lives of students and make a positive difference in the community is rewarding. I will inspire and motivate my students every day, so that they can reach their highest potential!

Education H.S. Diploma, Midd-West High School, Snyder County, PA


• Engineer Assistant; Northway Industries, Middleburg Pennsylvania • Science Camp Mentor; Eberly College of Science, University Park Pennsylvania

• Farm Hand; Shilling’s Dairy Farm, McClure Pennsylvania Activities, Awards and Honors

• Dean’s List

• Alpha Tau Alpha, National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education Organization

• Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society

• American Degree Recipient 2011

• Penn State Dairy Science Club

• State Star in Ag Placement, 2009 Professional Membership/Certifications

• National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE)

• Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators (PAAE)

• Association of Career & Technical Education (ACTE)

• National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) What type of program would you like to have? Agricultural education is very diverse, and I want a program that is able to meet the needs of all the learners in the community. In order to balance my program, I would like to offer a variety of courses that include animal science, plant science, environmental and natural resources, leadership and agricultural mechanics. I want to have a program that incorporates the three circle model of the total agricultural education program, which includes FFA, SAE, and Classroom/Lab Instruction.



Britney Marsh

Cooperating Center:

Greenwood High School


Mrs. Krista Pontius


Dr. Daniel Foster

Email:


“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

-Nelson Mandela

Hired Agriscience Teacher

Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center





Why teach agriculture? Agriculture is the heart of our country. Without it, we would not prosper. I believe that the future, our generations to come, will be the positive agents of change that our world needs. I have a passion for teaching, as well as a passion for learning!

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

Relevant Experiences

• Agricultural Education Study Abroad to South Korea (2012)

• PA National FFA Officer Candidate (2009-2010) • PA FFA State Reporter (2008-2009)

• Traveled to Australia and New Zealand (2002)

• Environmental Classes: Wildlife Forensices, Project Wild and Project Aquatics

• Camp Counselor at Outdoor School through Shaver's Creek Activities, Awards and Honors

• DeKalb Award: 2008

• Agriculture Award of Honor: 2008 Professional Membership/Certifications

• Pennsylvania Young Farmers Association (PYFA)


• Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)

• Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators (PAAE) What type of program would you like to have? I would love to teach in a well rounded agriculture program that incorporates agricultural science, animal science, environmental science, and agriculture mechanics. Also, I am a huge advocate of SAE and FFA integration, to make it the total agriculture program. It is important for me to teach at a school that supports and incorporates all areas of the three circle model of agricultural education.



Mackenzie McCollum

Cooperating Center:

Central Columbia High School


Mr. Doug Brown


Mrs. Laura Rice

Email:


“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher

inspires.” –William Arthur Ward

Hired Danville Middle School

Danville, PA





Why teach agriculture? Agriculture affects everyone, and therefore, agricultural literacy is vital in today’s society. With a growing need for food, fiber, and natural resources, it is essential that we educate youth to make informed decisions about agricultural products. Agricultural education provides the unique opportunity to use hands-on, experiential learning to educate students about the 21st century skills needed to be successful in today’s world. Education, like agriculture, is a globalized facet of our society. My passion is to educate the next generation to be global citizens with level cultural awareness and a 21st century skill set that will make students competitive and successful in the job market.

Education H.S. Diploma, Danville Area High School, Montour County, PA

B.S ., Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University Relevant Experiences Throughout my entire life I have been involved in agriculture. My childhood involved production agriculture on a 120 acre farm. Since my youth, I have been avidly involved in equestrian sports. I have been a member of Penn State’s Collegiate FFA and held the office of President of Alpha Tau Alpha, a national professional honorary agricultural education organization. I have taken steps to increase my cultural awareness and become a global citizen by studying in South Korea and obtaining my International Agriculture Minor. Currently, I am completing my student teaching internship at Central Columbia High School with Mr. Douglas Brown and Mr. Curtis Turner.

Activities, Awards and Honors

• Samuel M. and Joan B. Curtis 4-H and FFA Award

• Harry R. and Kathleen E. Ulrich Scholarship

• Alpha Tau Alpha President • International Agriculture Minor

Professional Membership/Certifications

• PAAE, NAAE, ACTE

• Accredited Parliamentarian

• Certified National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operator

• Certified in Food, Land and People Curriculum

• Certified in Project Aquatic Curriculum What type of program would you like to have?

My ideal program would be a generalized agriculture program that provides an agricultural interest for every student. My ideal focus areas would be agricultural mechanics, animal science, plant science, environmental resource management, wildlife and fisheries science and international agriculture.



Adam Peachey

Cooperating Center:

Tri-Valley High School


Ms. Gretchen Dingman


Dr. John Ewing

Email:


Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

-Mahatma Gandhi





Why teach agriculture? I was never in FFA. I never knew students could have all the opportunities that I have witnessed throughout my years in the AEE program at PSU. Through completing this educational program, my goal is to be someone that can provide future generations the knowledge of agriculture that I missed out on.

Education H.S. Diploma, Lewistown High School, Mifflin County, PA

B.S ., Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University Relevant Experiences As a young learner, I was introduced into 4-H with my sister. I raised chickens, goats, pigs, and steers for sale. Through this experience, I learned many skills, such as managing, showing, judging, feeding, housing, and breeding. I would bale hay and collect bedding for the livestock on a 130 acre farm. I was also active on the farm raising pumpkins and gourds for sale in the fall. It was unfortunate that my high school did not have an agricultural program, but I took advantage of every woodworking class possible. Throughout the summers during my college years, I worked for a concrete and construction crew. While working at Penn State Main campus, I was fortunate to work at the Penn State Deer Research Center. Also, I have proudly participated as a counselor at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and have taken many workshops, such as PA Songbirds, Project Wild, Project Aquatics and Wildlife Forensics.


• Alpha Tau Alpha, National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education Organization Professional Membership/Certifications

• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Technician




• Keystone Aquatic Resource Education Certification

• Pennsylvania Songbirds; Project WILD; Wildlife Forensics What type of program would you like to have? My ideal program would mainly focus on Woodworking and Wildlife. These are my two favorite subjects that I tend to be the most enthusiastic about. I also enjoy agriculture mechanics courses, such as welding and small gas engines. I am open to teaching many different types of classes, such as agriculture science, soils, and electricity. I also want a program that can focus on FFA or SAE. Why? Because I want to show students why they are each an important part of a complete agriculture education program. By structuring a program with a stronger FFA and SAE, I know that I will have a greater impact on students.



Cooperating Center:

Cedar Crest High School


Mr. Harold Berkheiser


Mr. Ron Frederick

Email:


Heather Pray

"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things."

-Joe Paterno



http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/joepaterno143000.html

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/joepaterno143000.html



Why teach agriculture? Agriculture is a passion of mine. Nothing makes me happier than to enlighten students about the vast world of agriculture. Being able to see students grow and flourish within FFA, on SAE projects, and through gaining new knowledge in the classroom is an amazing experience.

Education H.S. Diploma, Conrad Weiser High School, Berks County, PA B.S., Biology- Environmental Science, Delaware Valley College M.E d., Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University

Relevant Experiences • National Teach Ag Ambassador

• Internships with Kansas State 4-H, Berks County 4-H and Pioneer International Hi-Bred

• Trained in the following curriculums: Project WILD, Project Aquatic WILD, Project Food, Land and People, PA Songbirds and Wildlife Forensics


• Attendee of the World Food Prize Youth Institute

• Ag In the Classroom

• National Teach Ag Ambassador

• Teaching Assistant for AG 297A: Food Travels to Germany

• DVC and PSU Collegiate FFA

• Master’s Project – Envirothon Curriculum


• PA Young Farmer Public Relations Chair: Cedar Crest Chapter



• Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE)

• Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)

• Sigma Alpha National Professional Agricultural Sorority

• Alpha Tau Alpha National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education Organization

What type of program would you like to have? My ideal program would be a 2 or 3 teacher program. A program with more than one teacher is able to offer more classes and activities for the students to participate in, allowing the students to gain more from their experiences. I would love to have a program that is tailored to the community that I worked in. I would also like for the program to be involved in the community. I would offer a wide range of courses that would meet the needs of the community. I have a strong background in plant science and environmental science, so I would definitely offer classes in these areas. My ideal program would have a large classroom and laboratory (which may include a greenhouse and barn) filled with all of the equipment necessary to supplement my classes. Finally, my ideal program would have 100% student involvement in FFA and SAE.



Darla Romberger

Cooperating Center:

Milton Hershey High School


Mr. Nick Isenberg


Dr. John Ewing

Email:

[email protected]

“You can’t plow a field simply by turning it over in your mind.”

-Gordon B. Hinckley




Why teach agriculture? Growing up on a farm and experiencing a quality Agriculture Education program during my high school career has directed my interests towards teaching others about agriculture. With hundreds of cutting-edge careers and new technology being developed each day, agriculture is an evolving industry that needs motivated students to feed a growing world. I hope to use my past experiences in education and agriculture to cultivate the next generation of youth leaders to reach their full potential.

Education H.S. Diploma, Tri-Valley High School, Schuylkill County, PA – Salutatorian B.S., Dairy & Animal Science, Delaware Valley College, Summa Cum Laude M.S., Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University


• Agricultural Study Abroad Experiences-Poland (2011) and Ireland (2012) • Special Projects Intern- PA Center for Dairy Excellence (2011)

• On-Farm Internship Program- Professional Dairy Managers of PA (2009)

• General Labor- Windy Hill Farm & Romberger Farm Supply (family farm and business) Activities, Awards and Honors

• 2012 National Outstanding Senior —Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority

• 2012 Presidential Scholar—Delaware Valley College

• 2012 Founder’s Day Award—Delaware Valley College

• President-Block & Bridle, Collegiate FFA, Dairy Society, and Sigma Alpha Sorority

• American Degree Recipient 2011

• Pennsylvania FFA State Star in Agriculture Production 2008 Professional Membership/Certifications

• National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation (NSTMOP)

• PAS (Professional Animal Scientist) by ARPAS



• American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) What type of program would you like to have? Although my strengths lie in Animal Science and Leadership Development, I would build a balanced, 3-track program to include Animal Science, Horticulture, and Agricultural Mechanics course offerings. A heavy emphasis will be based on the integration of science and biotechnology in each course to complement the ever-changing agricultural industry. I feel that students should be prepared to enter a specific segment of agriculture after their secondary education with as many certifications and relevant experiences as possible. Each student will be encouraged to participate in complementary FFA activities and develop an SAE program related to their coursework and future interests.



Ashley Tressler

Cooperating Center:

Pequea Valley High School

Cooperating Teacher

Mr. Clair Witwer


Dr. Tracy Hoover

Email:


“20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the

trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover” -Mark Twain

Hired Graduate School

Penn State - Harrisburg



http://personalexcellence.co/blog/why-disappointment-is-good/



Why teach agriculture? I didn’t realize I had such an interest in agriculture until I was a sophomore in high school. The first agriculture class I ever took was an Animal Science class, and I became instantly interested. Agriculture education is an area in which students are able to learn by doing. What many people do not understand is that a cookie-cutter classroom may be effective to some students, but what about the others? Students are learning to do and doing to learn. I firmly believe in this concept and in giving those students an opportunity to engage through different modalities of learning. As an educator, I can capture the attention of students who may not be engaged in the traditional classroom. Teaching this subject allows me to teach youth about a subject that many people do not understand or comprehend. Agriculture is more than farming, and I want my students to understand different aspects of agriculture, ranging from animal sciences to international agriculture.

Education H.S. Diploma, Lampeter-Strasburg High School, Lancaster County, PA


• Study Abroad Teaching Experience in Seoul, South Korea

• Penn State Harrisburg Collegiate Representative/Tour Guide

• Girl Scout Gold Award Project- Lauren Elizabeth Tressler Memorial Garden Activities, Awards and Honors

• Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient

• Multicultural Recruitment Team- High School Committee

• Alpha Tau Alpha-Secretary, Conclave National Champion Quiz Bowl Team

• Collegiate FFA


• National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP)

• National Association of Agriculture Educators (NAAE)



• Alpha Tau Alpha – National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education Organization What type of program would you like to have? Animal Sciences is what started my passion for agriculture and that would be one of the main focuses in my curriculum. The type of program that I would love to teach in would have Horticulture (floriculture, landscape/plant design), Environmental Sciences, and Agriculture Mechanics. I believe that this would be a well-rounded curriculum for my future students because they are learning about several different aspects of Agriculture. I would also integrate the 3 circle-model so that students have every opportunity for success.



Josh Walker

Cooperating Center:

Mohawk High School


Mr. Cliff Wallace


Mr. Doyle Paul

Email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke,

thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”

- Hunter S. Thompson





Why teach agriculture? I think the better question here is why not? Automotive Mechanics, Building Construction, Small Gasoline Engines, Electrical, and Metal Fabrication; the possibilities are virtually limitless for individuals who take part in agriculture. Not only that, agriculture has the potential to change the lives of every student through its offerings in the National FFA Organization and well as through Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. These two intra-curricular components allow participants to customize their experiences with agriculture in the areas they wish to explore. What other curriculum area supports so many different areas to study while providing premier leadership skills and personal growth?

Education H.S. Diploma, Meyersdale Area High School, Somerset County, PA


• Research Intern – GROWMARK FS • Participant (Youth Leader) – 4-H Youth and Families with Promise

• Research Technician – Penn State North East Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension

• Customer Service – Grantsville Ag Services - Custom Feed Grinding and Agricultural Supplies

• Farm Hand – Silver Valley Farms – 300 cow dairy operation. Activities, Awards and Honors

• National Champion Alpha Tau Alpha Essay Winner (2012)

• National Runner Up - Alpha Tau Alpha Debate Team Member (2012)

• National Champion written exam – National Alpha Tau Alpha Parliamentary Procedure team member (2012)

• Member – The Eta Chapter of Alpha Tau Alpha at The Pennsylvania State University • Member – Gamma Sigma Delta


• Certified Accredited Parliamentarian

• Instructor status of National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP)



• Alpha Tau Alpha – National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education Organization What type of program would you like to have? My ideal program would be an agriscience program that empowers students to excel at the applied STEM through the context of the production agriculture. My preference would be to have a program that consists of both animal sciences and plant sciences, as they are my specialty.



Cooperating Center:

Alyshia West

Northern Lebanon High School


Ms. Gretchen Oberst


Mrs. Laura Rice

Email:


“What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the human soul.”

-Joseph Addison





Why teach agriculture? I believe that tomorrow’s future lies within our youth today. I want to prepare our youth with the skills needed to function in the world as leaders but more importantly, arm them with the cutting edge knowledge through agriculture education. Agriculture is on the frontlines of new technology and research. Through agriculture education, I hope to give students opportunities to work and learn in various settings from laboratory to field.

Education H.S. Diploma, Chambersburg Area High School, Franklin County, PA

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


• Penn State Collegiate FFA (2008 – 2012) • Member of Alpha Tau Alpha (2012- Present)

• Study Abroad (2008 and 2011) o Comparing “French and United States Agriculture”

• Chambersburg FFA Chapter (2003-2008)

o Served as: Scrapbook Co-Chairman, Historian, and President Activities, Awards and Honors

• Dean’s List – Fall 2010- Fall 2012

• Serving as a teaching assistant in an international course (Comparing French and United State Agriculture)

• Keystone Degree (2008)

• Campus Girl Scouts- 2008 - 2012 o Vice President: April 2010- December 2010

o President: December 2010- December 2011

Professional Membership/Certifications • National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operator’s Program (NSTMOP)

• Alpha Tau Alpha National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education Organization

• National Association of Agriculture Educators (NAAE)

• Pennsylvania Association of Agriculture Educators (PAAE)

• Association for Career and Technical Educators (ACTE) What type of program would you like to have?

I envision a program that follows the three circle model of Classroom Instruction, FFA, and SAE. Agriculture Education is unique part of a student’s educational career. Students have the chance to apply what they learn in the classroom in laboratory settings but also through FFA and their personal SAE project. Ideally, all students will have an SAE. However, I am a realist and understand that not all students may participate in FFA. I personally envision a program that offers a variety of courses for students to participate in, but have a focus in Food Science.



Cortney Wright

Cooperating Center:

Bedford Career & Technical Center


Mr. Scott Myers


Mr. Doyle Paul

Email:


“Learn from Yesterday, Live for Today, and Hope for Tomorrow!”

Hired East Juniata High School

Pennsylvania





Why teach agriculture? I want to teach agricultural in order to make a difference in the lives of students. I feel that any student can find something with in an agricultural education program that will interest and challenge them to be their best. My agricultural background plays a major role in my decision to become an agricultural educator. I always knew that I would be doing something in the agricultural industry, but it took me until I graduated high school and started college to truly realize what I wanted to do. I want to teach agriculture to make a difference in the lives of students the same way my teachers made a difference in my life.

Education H.S. Diploma, Southern Huntingdon Area High School, Huntingdon County, PA B.S., Agricultural & Extension Education, The Pennsylvania State University

Relevant Experiences I learned many valuable lessons through having the opportunity to work on my grandparents’ dairy farms growing up. I raised and exhibited livestock such as sheep, goats, swine, and cattle for many years. I served as the 4-H Summer Assistant at the Penn State Extension Office in Huntingdon County. I worked with many programs such as the Summer Parks Program, Regional 4-H Camp, the Health Fair, the Huntingdon County 4-H Food Booth, Champion Photos, and the Huntingdon County Fair. I currently serve as a 4-H Leader of the Marklesburg Community 4-H Club that is located in James Creek, PA as the Goat Leader. I help develop educational programs for our members.


• Treasurer: Penn State’s Alpha Tau Alpha Chapter

• Agricultural Education Study Abroad to South Korea (2012)

• Huntingdon County Premier Showman (2010, 2011, and 2012)

• American FFA Degree (2011)

• Pennsylvania State Farm Show Scholarship Recipient (2010)

• Keystone Degree- PA State FFA Degree (2009)

• FFA Star Greenhand Award (2006) Professional Membership/Certifications


• Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators (PAAE) • Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE)

• Accredited Parliamentarian, Society of Agricultural Education Parliamentarians

• National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program Community Instructor (NSTMOP) What type of program would you like to have? My ideal agricultural education program would encompass the three circle model of Classroom/Laboratory Instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience, and the FFA. I feel that participation in all three aspects of agricultural education is important. I want to strive to provide as many diverse class options as possible to meet the interest of my students.

2013 teachag psu student showcase

Documents

teacher preparation

student showcase page

quality education

extension education

ewing student teacher

student achievement

greatest program

pennsylvania state university