Resume

AMANDA LEIGH FORSTATER

alf86@cornell.edu

cultivatingcityaggie.blogspot.com
_______________________________________________________________

OBJECTIVE 

To obtain a position as an Agricultural Educator for the 2015-2016 school year.

EDUCATION 

The Pennsylvania State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, University Park, PA

Master of Sciences, Agriculture and Extension Education

Dual Title Program, International Agriculture and Development, anticipated August 2015

PA Teaching Certification: Agriculture (K-12), General Science (7-12); anticipated May 2015

Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY

Bachelor of Sciences, Animal Science & Agricultural Science Education, May 2013

Walter Biddle Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA

High School Diploma, Valedictorian, June 2009

CERTIFICATIONS 

Accredited Parliamentarian, Society of Agricultural Education Parliamentarians
National Safe Tractor & Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) Instructor
First Aid, CPR & AED Training, American Red Cross

EDUCATION RELATED EXPERIENCES

Agricultural Education Student Teacher / Student FFA Advisor January 2015 - present

Tri-Valley Jr./Sr. High School, Hegins, PA

15-week internship in the Agricultural Education Department at Tri-Valley Jr./Sr. High School.

Student FFA Advisor and Student Teacher instructor of agricultural education classes for 8th-12th

grade. Units of instruction included: introduction to agricultural sciences, veterinary science, woodworking, welding, small gas engines, electrical wiring, and poultry science, among others.

Governor's School Mentor (GSM) July 2014 - August 2014

Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Agricultural Sciences, University Park, PA

Served as a counselor/mentor to scholars enrolled in the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the

Agricultural Sciences, a four-week summer program for academically-talented high school students

interested in the diversity of the agricultural sciences. Supervised and facilitated scholar activities,

assisted in scholar service learning projects, published and edited scholar online blogs, and managed

daily program logistics.

Student Assistant August 2012 - May 2013

New York Agriculture in the Classroom, Ithaca, NY

Assisted the coordinator of NYAITC in daily office functions. Handled mailings, managed the

contact lists, and created monthly e-newsletter. Gathered and created resources for educator

training's/workshops, and wrote press releases, award citations, and articles for mailings and

newsletters.

Environmental Education & Animal Behavior Intern May 2011 – August 2011

Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA

Worked in Public Programs department with education staff promoting conservation methods and

performed guest service. Presented daily educational talks to guests about various exhibits and

animal species. Researched conservation statuses and current protections on various endangered

species and their natural habitats.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCES

Korean Agricultural Education Summer Study Abroad 2014 June 2014 - July 2014

The Pennsylvania State University (Course AEE 499A), Republic of Korea

http://aged2korea.blogspot.com/

As part of a group of pre-service and current agricultural educators, studied the agriculture and

agricultural education systems in the Republic of Korea over the course of the spring semester. Spent

a month-long study abroad in-country, gaining first-hand knowledge of the Korean culture and its

impact on their agriculture and education systems. Partnered with a current agricultural educator and a Korean pre-service educator, developed and taught 30-minute lessons on agricultural topics to

Korean agricultural education students. As a group, developed resources to incorporate global

competency into our own agricultural education programs.

Trinidad & Tobago Agriculture Short-term Study Abroad 2014 March 2014

The Pennsylvania State University (Course INTAD 820), Trinidad & Tobago

Over the course of the semester, studied issues surrounding agricultural development in Trinidad &

Tobago (T&T) and overall Caribbean agriculture, including: extension system, land use and quality,

methods of agricultural production, and demographics involved in agriculture. During a week-long

stay in-country, worked with extension agents, local universities, and farmers to gain first-hand

knowledge of agricultural issues and develop proposals for programs to address these issues.

Partnering with two other graduate students, developed a grant proposal for the development of a

summer agricultural youth program to involve more youth in production agriculture.

AGRICULTURE RELATED EXPERIENCES

Graduate Student Assistant August 2013 - December 2014

The Penn State Center for Professional Personnel Development, University Park, PA

Assist the Center coordinators and agricultural education professors in daily office functions. Manage

logistical event planning and organize mailings and course educational resources. Create promotional materials for the Center and other agricultural education-related student organizations. Serve as graduate research assistant for agricultural education research conducted by agricultural education professors.

Communications Intern June 2013 - July 2013

National Association of Agricultural Educators, Lexington, KY

Wrote news releases for 2012-13 NAAE award winners, wrote presentation scripts and created

powerpoint and Prezi presentations for the 2013 NAAE Conference. Edited NAAE website, edited

member database and created award winner database. Created National Teach Ag Day promotional

invites. Contacted award winners for photographs, application information, press release interviews

and other NAAE communication related tasks.

Student Research Assistant May 2012 - September 2012

Animal Science Dept., Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Assisted graduate student in the Animal Science department on research projects. Conducted on-farm prep and tissue sampling techniques. Inputted experiment data into Excel documents. Prepped and maintained lab room and supplies. Assisted in routine care of dairy cattle.

Animal Care Intern December 2011 – January 2012

Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA

Worked in Public Programs department with education staff promoting animal species conservation.

Maintained clean animal exhibit enclosures and conducted daily exercise for various livestock, small

mammal, poultry, exotic birds and birds of prey species. Recorded and prepared daily nutritional

diets, in addition to crafting various behavior enrichment activities and props for daily animal

interactions.

Carriage Director/Stable-hand (Seasonal) November 2008 - December 2014

76 Carriage Company, Philadelphia, PA

On-site salesperson and director of special events and customer service. Ground supervisor and

handler of horses and drivers. Ground-crew assistant during special events, including holiday rides,

parties, funerals, etc. Assisted in daily upkeep/cleaning of stable and care of animals.

MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS

National Association of Agricultural Educators
Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Educators
Association for Career & Technical Education
Society of Agricultural Education Parliamentarians
Alpha Tau Alpha, National Honorary Agricultural Education Fraternity
Alpha Zeta, National Honorary Professional Agricultural Fraternity

AWARDS / HONORS 

NAAE Upper Division Agricultural Education Scholarship 2014
PAAE Agricultural Education Scholarship 2014
Pennsylvania Commonwealth International Travel Scholarship 2014
Agricultural Education Program International Travel Scholarship 2014
John T. & Paige S. Smith Scholarship in the College of Agricultural Sciences 2013-2015
American FFA Degree 2012
Alpha Zeta Fraternity Oblas Award 2012

Cornell CALS Charitable Trust Educational Grant 2012