Teacher Allyson Balmer of Manheim, Pennsylvania, instructs numerous courses in agricultural education. Photo credit: Pennsylvania State University

Become involved in a discussion about today’s educational opportunities, and before long the need for a variety of vocational training programs will come up right away. Teachers who instruct vocational courses are sorely needed and are in short supply. One who is already working in this area is Allyson Balmer, an award-winning agriculture teacher from Pennsylvania.

Since November of 2018, Allyson has instructed courses in horticulture, floriculture, large animal science, wildlife, and natural resources at Tulpehocken Junior/Senior High School in Manheim, located in eastern Pennsylvania. She also serves as the advisor for her school’s chapter of FFA (Future Farmers of America). Prior to her employment as a professional educator, Allyson worked as a long-term substitute, a research assistant, a crop technician, a farm hand, and a calf tender.

“I am a passionate advocate for agricultural education and the need for experiential and inquiry-based learning in the STEAM industries,” declares Allyson. “I believe in the 3-circle model of agricultural education—classroom/lab instruction, the FFA organization, and supervised agricultural experiences—and it’s place as the premier delivery system of learning in education,” she continues.

Allyson’s decision to become an Agricultural Educator was due to three influences, she reveals. “First, my love and learning of education. Second, my fierce passion for the agricultural industry. Third, my gratitude to the National FFA Organization,” she says.

For her work as an agriculture educator, Allyson has garnered several accolades, For example, she has been named a recipient of a 2023 Agricultural Educator of the Year Golden Owl Award given jointly by FFA, Nationwide, and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. She was also honored by the Pennsylvania Association for Agricultural Educates (PAEE) with their Teacher Turn the Key Award in 2020.

Allyson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education from Pennsylvania State University in 2018. She completed the requirements for her Master’s degree in STEM Education from Lebanon Valley College in 2021.