The Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE) Team is committed to providing high-quality professional development opportunities for Illinois agricultural educators, counselors, and administrators while being responsible stewards of Illinois Agricultural Education Line Item funds. These events require advance planning and often include expenses for facilities, meals, supplies, presenters, and lodging.

Following a significant number of participants who did not attend scheduled events this summer, we are implementing a new attendance policy for in-person events. The goal is to encourage communication, reduce unnecessary expenses, and ensure that available professional development resources are used effectively.

We understand that unexpected circumstances arise, and the policy includes provisions for emergencies, illness, and other situations beyond a participant’s control. We appreciate the partnership of teachers and school administrators in helping us make FCAE professional development opportunities accessible for agricultural educators across Illinois.

Please review the attendance policy below.

FCAE Professional Development Attendance Policy  

To ensure responsible stewardship of Illinois Agricultural Education Line Item funds and to maximize professional development opportunities for Illinois agricultural educators, individuals who register for an in-person FCAE-sponsored professional development event are expected to attend or notify the host FCAE Program Advisor if they are unable to participate at least 7 calendar days prior to the start of the event. 

Failure to attend a registered professional development event without providing at least 7 days' notice will result in a $50.00 no-show fee per day of the event not attended. Invoices will be sent to the participant’s school district following the event with payment due within 60 days of the invoice date. If FCAE incurred non-refundable expenses on behalf of the participant, the school district will also be responsible for reimbursing FCAE for any actual non-refundable expenses incurred on the participant's behalf. Substitutions are not allowed.

FCAE reserves the right to waive these consequences when absences are due to documented emergencies, illness, or other circumstances beyond the participant's control.

FCAE reserves the right to cancel or reschedule professional development events due to low enrollment, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. Events with fewer than five registered participants will be cancelled one week prior to the event.