Agriculture Education

FACT:

Every year, more than 70 full-time teaching positions go unfilled, which means there's a job waiting just for you. (Team Ag Ed -Agriculture Education National Headquarters)

Students in the agriculture education sequence enroll in teacher preparation courses as well as a variety of agriculture courses.  Special attention is given to developing leadership ability and acquiring broad agricultural knowledge.

Certification for grades 6-12

This program requires students to complete courses in various areas of agriculture and education courses required of all secondary education students. Students complete one semester of student teaching. Visit the Curriculum and Instruction Department for more information about Secondary Education program requirements.

Students are encouraged to consider a second certification in an academic area such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry or Mathematics. Visit the online Undergraduate Catalog for more about curriculum requirements, course descriptions, general education requirements, and additional degree requirements.

Why Teach Agriculture?

• Only two percent of the jobs in agriculture are in production.
• Ninety-eight percent are in support areas such as animal/plant science, food science, agribusiness, renewable and natural resources, landscaping and horticulture.
• The agriculture teacher keeps all aspects of agriculture in mind when developing a program of learning for students.
• The agriculture education teacher is often an expert at cross-curriculum education, relating many subject areas to agricultural studies. Instruction often requires problem solving using critical thinking skills.
• A skilled agriculture teacher provides opportunities for student leadership development, personal growth and career success.
• The agriculture teacher uses classroom and laboratory instruction as well as supervised work-based experiences to prepare students for advanced study in agriculture. (FFA)

Facilitating Coordination in Agriculture Education (FCAE) Offers more information about Agriculture Education in Illinois and career information for current teachers and student teachers including a list of vacancies.

Learning Outside the Classroom

Students are encouraged to enhance their classroom experiences by participating in our internship program. On average the Department of Agriculture has 36 students completing internships each summer. The University Farm provides hands-on experiences and many employment opportunities are also available.

Students have the opportunity to participate in the France Exchange Program and our student organizations help develop leadership skills and provide opportunities to network with fellow students, faculty and professionals.

We Want to Help You Succeed!

The Department of Agriculture offers several scholarships and interested students should apply. Applications for incoming students and current majors are available online. In addition to the university sponsored career events, the department hosts a Career Fair specifically geared toward the students seeking internships and full-time employment in the agriculture industry.

Come See For Yourself

We encourage prospective students to visit campus and meet with a representative from our department. To arrange a tour of campus please contact the Office of Admissions. For more information about the Agriculture Department or to arrange to meet with us in person, please contact our department advisor, (309) 438-8767.