The Illinois agriculture teacher supply and demand summary facts has now been updated. Click to view.
National Teach Ag Day is Thursday, September 16, 2021. Media Kit Watch LIVE Webcast
Illinois is hosting an Elite Conference for 100 high schools students showcasing the agriculture teaching profession on Friday at Heartland Community College in Normal.
2021-22 School Year
-359 total agriculture education programs, Net increase of (4) over a year ago.
15% growth over the past 5 years.
-477 total agriculture teachers - Net increase of (26) over a year ago,
20% growth over the past 5 years.
Summary Highlights
-79 ag teacher vacancies
-76 ag teacher vacancies were filled, 3 schools did not find a suitable candidate.
-7 ag teachers retired
-29 ag teachers left the ag teaching profession due to an industry/education job or personal reason
-6 schools added an agriculture program
-1 school closed or postponed their agriculture program for a year
-22 additional ag teachers were hired to existing programs
-7 ELS-Educator License with Stipulations (formerly provisional) teachers were hired
-35 projected agricultural education graduates for May 2022
-Average ag teacher salary - $54,780
-Average first year ag teacher salary - $46,770
-Average contract length - 11 months
More information, view:
-Ag teacher profile and description
-Illinois TeachAg.net
-Teaching License
-Add an agriculture teaching endorsement
-ELS teaching license
-National Association of Agricultural Educators Teach Ag
-Current ag teaching vacancies and candidates
Why Teach Agriculture?
Ag teachers never have the same day twice. One day they might be in a classroom or laboratory, the next visiting students in the field, preparing teams for a FFA Career Development Event, or leading a community service activity with their FFA Chapter. Demand for agriculture teachers is much higher than the current and projected supply.
- Teach by doing, not just telling
- Share their passion for agriculture
- Create lessons that are hands-on
- Reach students, including those who might not be successful in a traditional classroom
- Teach about cutting edge topics, biotechnology, cloning, satellite mapping, biofuels, alternative energy and more.
- Travel in state, nationally, and even internationally.
- Work with new and emerging technology from agribusiness companies.
- Attend state and national FFA Conventions for life
Agricultural educators are often on extended contracts, which means they get paid during the summer months and have the potential to earn a significantly higher salary than other teachers.
Thank you to all of our agriculture teachers. We appreciate all that you do! Please share this message with students and interested individuals.
(sent to all contacts, administrators, and school counselors)
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Dean Dittmar
Facilitating Coordination in Ag Education (FCAE)
Phone: 217-893-0091 Cell: 618-604-1622
Email: ddittmar@ILAgEd.org
Address: 3358 Big Pine Trail , Champaign, IL 61822