Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Teachers: THANK YOU for all the energy, support and creativity you pour into your classrooms every day. Our Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow teachers are passionate about shaping the next generation of dairy leaders, so this week, we want to showcase a few who are going above and beyond for their students and communities. Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for this spotlight series! We know our teachers are the heart of our school communities, and we are inspired by the difference you are making.
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Meet Amanda Gagne
Amanda Gagne is an exceptional agriculture educator who is passionate about shaping the next generation of dairy leaders. With a dedication to animal science, she provides her students with valuable hands-on experiences that connect them directly to the dairy industry. Amanda teaches the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow certification program, helping her students gain the skills and knowledge needed for careers in animal science. Her graduates are not only securing jobs on farms but also pursuing higher education to continue working in the animal industry.
Amanda’s love for teaching animal science is evident in every lesson she delivers. Whether it’s introducing her students to the latest industry standards or taking them to local dairy-related events, she immerses them in real-world agricultural experiences. Amanda’s commitment goes beyond the classroom, as she encourages her students to explore all aspects of animal science, including meats, through interactive labs where they compare different cuts of meat, cook them, and taste the difference.
One of Amanda’s favorite memories includes taking her horse evaluation team to compete at the Big E and giving them a tour of the farm she grew up on. It was a powerful moment of connection for Amanda, her students, and the world of agriculture she cherishes.
“My agricultural teachers inspired me to become an educator. My ag teachers helped me find a passion for agriculture as a whole instead of just the animal sciences. They pushed me to become a better person and I want to do that for the youth I teach,” Amanda shared.
Meet Stephen Geib
Mr. Stephen Geib is an outstanding Agriculture Science educator who has made a lasting impact on his students. As an Animal Science and Veterinary Science teacher, Mr. Geib brings energy, passion, and real-world experience to the classroom, ensuring his students are fully prepared to pursue careers in animal agriculture. His dynamic approach to teaching and his ability to engage students—many of whom come from non-agriculture backgrounds—makes him a favorite among his students.
Mr. Geib goes above and beyond to design lessons and hands-on activities that not only teach important industry skills but also allow students to gain authentic experiences. From animal handling to field trips, his students participate in activities that give them the practical, real-world exposure they need to thrive in animal agriculture. His students learn valuable skills that will help them with FFA projects, careers in animal agriculture, and even at home with their own pets and livestock.
Mr. Geib’s passion for agriculture and his dedication to developing young leaders in the animal agriculture field is evident in everything he does. He’s committed to ensuring his students are prepared to face the challenges of the industry and is shaping the future of agriculture through education.
“Mr. Geib is passionate about teaching young people about agriculture and takes pride in developing young leaders in the area of animal agriculture.”
Meet Tiffany Nuhfer
Meet Mrs. Tiffany Nuhfer, a dedicated Agriculture Teacher for grades 7–12 who is making a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom! With a dairy background and a passion for ag education, Mrs. Nuhfer incorporates both Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow and Discover Dairy into her curriculum, teaching students about current issues in agriculture and preparing them for future careers in the field.
From teaching seven ag classes to organizing major school events like the Veterans Day assembly and the Veteran’s Day Football Game, Mrs. Nuhfer is a vital part of her school community. Her students describe her as a role model and someone who makes learning meaningful by connecting real-world agriculture topics to everyday lessons.
She’s not just a teacher—she’s a mentor, a leader, and someone students admire for her commitment, organization, and enthusiasm. Whether it’s dairy science, leadership development, or honoring community heroes, Mrs. Nuhfer gives 110% every day. 💪🌾
“She is just overall an amazing teacher and I look up to her as my role model,” shared one of her students.
Meet Alicia Geesey
Meet Alicia Geesey, an agriculture teacher at Franklin Community High School who’s making a big impact through hands-on learning and real-life experiences!
With a strong dairy background and a heart for teaching, Alicia brings agriculture to life for her high school students through courses like Animal Science and Principles of Agriculture. One of her favorite projects? A dairy steer leasing program she started with her dad—where students raise Holstein calves, learn about animal care, and show them at the county fair.
She’s also helped students achieve big FFA wins, but her biggest goal is helping them find joy and purpose in what they’re learning.
“I have always wanted to be the teacher that students come to in order to find joy and interest while truly exploring the world around them. Knowing that I can share my love for agriculture with my students makes every day worthwhile.” – Alicia Geesey
Meet Nick Isenberg
Nick Isenberg is the Agriculture Science teacher impacting students grades 9-12 at Milton Hershey School. Mr. Isenberg didn’t set out to become an ag teacher—but thanks to the inspiration of his own Ag Science teacher, he discovered his calling.
Now, he’s paying it forward by creating hands-on learning opportunities and opening doors for his students through FFA events and Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow experiences.
“I did not intend to be an Ag Science teacher, but I am glad I found my fit in this profession.”
Meet Chelsey Mahany
Chelsey Mahany, an Ag Tech and STEAM teacher at Groton Jr. Sr. High School, is a passionate advocate for agricultural education and a dedicated supporter of her students’ growth. With a dairy background and a heart for teaching, Chelsey has built incredible programs that connect students with the world of agriculture in real, hands-on ways.
Chelsey’s enthusiasm shines through in everything she does. From virtual farm tours to Journey 2050 and the Adopt a Cow program, she helps her students explore the dynamic world of agriculture, making meaningful connections to their everyday lives. Whether they’re learning about sustainable farming or engaging in lessons from Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow, Chelsey’s classroom is a place where all learners can thrive.
Chelsey is especially excited about the upcoming visit from the NNYAAC Mobile Dairy, which will bring even more hands-on experiences to her students. Her dedication to agricultural education is making a lasting impact—one lesson at a time.
“I love seeing my students make connections and work on hands-on projects that allow learners of all kinds to be successful.”
Meet Nancy Bell
Nancy Bell, an Agriculture Science and Business teacher at North Montgomery High School, has spent 24 years inspiring and educating the next generation of leaders in agriculture. With a dairy background and a deep passion for teaching, Nancy has created engaging, hands-on learning experiences that make the world of agriculture come alive for her students.
Nancy’s approach to teaching is rooted in her love for agriculture and her desire to make each lesson meaningful. Her Animal Science class kicks off with a popular dairy unit that includes exciting labs like making butter, cheese, and ice cream, as well as testing milk and soap. Students also compete in the dairy foods contest for FFA/4H, gaining real-world experience in agricultural careers. For Nancy, the best part is watching her students have that “light bulb” moment when they truly grasp the material.
As an FFA advisor, Nancy has impacted countless students during her 24 years at North Montgomery High School. Her dedication to agriculture education is evident in her lasting influence on her students and her school community.
“Each day is different, but when you see that light bulb come on, you know the students truly understand the material.”
Meet Maddie Dobbs
Maddie Dobbs, an Agriculture teacher for 7th grade and 9th-12th grade at her school, has spent over a decade in the agriculture industry before transitioning into teaching. Inspired by her passion for advocating for agriculture, Maddie’s mission is to educate the next generation of leaders in the industry.
Two years ago, Maddie brought her real-world experience into the classroom through a work-based teaching license, allowing her to connect students to the agriculture world in meaningful ways. One of her most memorable experiences was the FFA Chapter’s Food for America event, where her students took on leadership roles to educate younger students from four different schools about agriculture and wildlife. Watching her students gain confidence while educating others is a reminder of why Maddie is so passionate about teaching.
A highlight of Maddie’s teaching career was taking her Agriculture Technology class on a trip to Cashton, Wisconsin, where students toured a robotic dairy and carousel parlor. For many, it was their first time stepping foot on a farm, and the amazement on their faces as they saw modern dairy operations in action was priceless.
Maddie’s commitment to agricultural education is making a lasting impact on her students and inspiring them to appreciate the important role agriculture plays in our communities.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our communities, and I am proud to help educate and inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Meet Tracy Engholm
Tracy Engholm, an Ag Science teacher at Crow Middle High School, is inspiring the next generation of agriculture leaders—one “ah ha!” moment at a time. Even without a dairy background, Tracy brings curiosity, creativity, and a passion for hands-on learning to both her middle and high school students through programs like Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow.
Inspired by the teachers she had growing up, Tracy strives to create those same impactful experiences for her own students. “All of the ‘ah ha!’ moments, as well as when you hear a kid say that what they’ve done in your class inspired their career choice—that’s what makes it worth it,” she shares.
One of Tracy’s most memorable projects was a multi-year journey: designing, building, and planting a school herb garden. Over three years, students harvested the herbs and used them in cooking, soap making, and product development—eventually even adjusting their crop choices based on real-world application and feedback.
Looking ahead, Tracy hopes to expand her curriculum to include more lessons on large-scale agricultural operations, giving students a broader understanding of today’s ag industry.
Meet George Dietrich
George Dietrich, an Agriculture Science teacher at Oley Valley High School, brings firsthand dairy experience and a deep-rooted passion for teaching to his 9th–12th grade students. Growing up in the dairy industry and working alongside his father—also an ag teacher—George discovered early on that he had a calling to teach Animal Science and Environmental Science.
One standout moment in his teaching journey was attending the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Farm Tour of Delaware Valley’s Dairy Facilities, an experience that reaffirmed the power of hands-on learning. Now, as a co-chair of his local Dairymen’s Contest, George plays a key role in preparing students for real-world agricultural careers by teaching dairy judging, dairy foods, and animal husbandry.
George is a strong advocate for programs that bring the dairy industry to life for students.
“I think that the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Program, and the in-person/online field trips and experiences the program offers, are the greatest tools we have to support and inspire the next generation of dairy professionals,” he says.