Become a part of the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program as the Education Manager to help integrate agriculture into existing pre-K to 12 curriculum. Lead a highly collaborative team in developing and implementing cutting edge practices into school programs.

This role, with general supervision, is responsible for some management of the program development and implementation components of the expanded, statewide Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) Program. Responsible for administrative functions as noted. Supervise two Education Specialist positions as well as summer intern.

Responsibilities:

• Assists Education Director with IAITC Program Structure.
• Assists with annual grant program to more than 80 Illinois county agriculture literacy programs.
• Manages development and distribution of classroom resources for the use of teachers, students, volunteers, and local ag literacy staff including print, the IAITC website, as well as social media. 
• Leads development of multiple training sessions, and other activities to assist county ag literacy staff, teachers and volunteers.
• Administers teacher development efforts including multiple (35-40) Summer Agricultural Academies for educators in cooperation with Universities and other groups, multiple teacher training efforts at teacher conferences and university pre-service teacher classes, counsel to school administrators.
• Assists with annual recognition programs including Volunteer of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and the Teacher Grant Program.
• Manages annual Adopt a Classroom program with Chicago public schools.
• Assists with the IAA Foundation on fundraising efforts by providing program information (Note: Education Manager is not designated as fund-raiser).
• Manages activities of department staff to ensure achievement of objectives and provide growth and development opportunities. 
• Assists with development and oversee budget for department (425) and program of work in conjunction with Education Director.
• Manages IFB Division Award Responsibilities (IFB Pears).
• Performs other related work as required or requested. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years work experience with previous supervision experience.
• Understanding of agriculture concepts from ag background, educational preparation or previous experience.
• Understanding of Illinois public school systems and educational techniques.
• Outstanding communication and organizational skills.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in education, agriculture, public relations or related area.
• Three years equivalent experience.
• Understanding of agricultural concepts from ag background, educational preparation or previous position experience. 
• Understanding of education systems and educational techniques. 
• Excellent skills in written communication, presentations to professional education staff. 
• Possesses effective organization skills and understanding of management and budget. 

As an Education Specialist within the Illinois Farm Bureau, you will be focused on developing and implementing agricultural materials to teachers, pre-service teacher and county ag literacy coordinators. This is a unique curriculum development opportunity within the Illinois Farm Bureau and assists in implementing agriculture into the preK-12 curriculum.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the development and implementation of the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) Program for Pre-K through grade 12.
  • Develop new IAITC resources for students, teachers, and volunteers.
  • Develop IAITC resources for IAITC website.
  • Develop and present IAITC program at the Summer Agriculture Academies for educators.
  • Present IAITC programs at school teacher conferences, institutes, and pre-service classes around the state.
  • Assist County FB AITC efforts including volunteer training sessions at IFB meetings and county meetings.
  • Assist in the coordination of efforts of the IAITC including training sessions of volunteers, county managers, county coordinators, and interested others.
  • Assist in the coordination of the Adopt A Classroom program with Chicago schools.
  • Provide assistance to other groups with interest in AITC including commodity organizations, FCAE, IDOA, ISBE media, etc.
  • Cooperate with IAA Foundation on IAITC fundraising efforts. (Note: Education Specialist is not designated as a fund-raiser.)
  • Coordinate IAITC program survey development and overall IAITC evaluation.
  • Coordinate IAITC report writing for USDA and AFBF.
  • Coordinate IAITC Publicity/Public Relations efforts with appropriate IFB Staff.
  • Coordinate Agriculture Awareness Conference.
• Assists with IFB PEARS (Program Evaluation and Award Reporting System) program and other Division efforts.
• Manages other Division Duties and Responsibilities as assigned.
• Performs other related work as required or requested. 

• Understanding of agricultural concepts from agriculture background, educational preparation or previous position experience.
• Understanding of public education in Illinois.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Able to develop effective new educational tools about agriculture for the use of students and teachers.
• Skilled and creative presenter in programs for volunteers, teachers, and other audiences. 
• Highly organized with excellent communications skills.