By Caroline Ponticelli

Mr. Bixler is McCaskeys brand new Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (AES) teacher, he’s new to McCaskey and the school system as he freshly graduated from Penn State in 2024! 

Mr. Bixler grew up about 30 minutes outside of Lancaster in a town called East Earl. In college Bixler studied a program called “Agricultural and Extension Education” (a hands-on learning program which specialises in teaching agricultural professionals) which led him to McCaskey with a heartwarming story. Blixer shared that a professor would challenge his students to fill out this sentence: “Wouldn’t it be cool if…” And As he moved through the program he started to answer the question with “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could expand agricultural/environmental science education in urban settings…maybe even in Lancaster City?” 

Being in McCaskey for 8 months Blixer noted how teaching the students is so rewarding for him, he highly values doing his best to provide meaningful learning experiences, particularly related to agricultural and environmental science. “I find my job to be most rewarding when I get to build real relationships with my students/ colleagues and when we get to apply what we are learning in science class/Agriculture Club to real life.”

While he exudes such motivation and passion for teaching he noted that his driving force to keep going, is faith: “My faith is my biggest motivation in life. Even on the days when it’s hard to believe, I do believe God has a purpose and a plan for each of us, and that is at the core of what shapes my life and the way I live it.”

I can tell by talking with Mr Blixer that he’s is an amazing addition to the McCaskey staff, has such a positive look on life and so much motivation and passion for the future of the Agricultural and Environmental Sciences program, we look forward to seeing the amazing work Mr. Blixer has to come here at McCaskey.