Penn Manor agricultural education teacher Meagan Slates is one of 36 teachers nationwide to receive the 2016 Teachers Turn the Key professional development scholarship from the National Association of Agricultural Educators.
Slates, who is in her third year at Penn Manor, was selected to represent Pennsylvania. She was nominated for the award by her peers and selected by the Pennsylvania Association of Ag Educators, based on a competitive application process.
“I was truly honored to be selected to represent Pennsylvania’s new and beginning teachers and take part in this scholarship program,” said Slates, who teaches Ag Mechanics, Wildlife and Plant Science classes at Penn Manor.
Slates’ students engage in hands-on learning through such activities as small engine teardown and exploring the local environment by collecting soil and plant samples. She also oversees students’ independent agriculture-related projects, including sheep and crop production, and partners with local organizations so students can work with farmers and community members on conservation practices.
As a Turn the Key scholarship recipient, Slates attended the NAAE Annual Convention in Las Vegas from November 29 to December 3. She engaged with other young teachers on such topics as time management, hands-on class instruction and program success. She also had the opportunity to attend workshops, learning from teachers and professors about safety in ag mechanics, bridging the gap between growers and consumers in ag education and other topics.
“I am thankful for the support of Penn Manor, my state association and the national association for realizing the value of professional development for young teachers,” Slates said.
Congratulations, Meagan!