Why Teach Ag?
Challenging
Agriculture teachers explore a variety of topics with their students ranging from aquaculture to floral design to commodity marketing to animal and crop sciences. It’s a great challenge and opportunity to fully cover the scope of the agriculture industry. No two classes are the same, making each day fresh and exciting. Agriculture classrooms are in a lab, at a landscaping site, in the greenhouse, on a school farm or in the shop. There are no boundaries to the learning environments agriculture teachers can explore.
Upbeat
Nothing keeps you more inspired and motivated than working with exciting and enthusiastic young people every day who share your passion for agriculture. Or you could be working with students who have never experienced any aspect of the agriculture industry and it’s your job to light a fire of interest in them about the many career opportunities agriculture has to offer.
Life long rewards
Whether you are watching a student find confidence in their abilities as you teach them or a former student returns after they are settled in life to thank you for your time and dedication, the rewards of teaching last a lifetime. Agriculture teachers impact the lives of so many students by providing a learning atmosphere that develops confidence, self respect and leadership.
Opportunity
In 2007-08 there were over 60 openings for agriculture teachers in Illinois, with only 19 graduates in agricultural education to fill those openings.
Salary
In 2007-08 the average agriculture teaching salary in Illinois was $45,822.00. Four percent of Illinois agriculture teachers reported earning over $80,000.00 in 2007-08. The health and retirement benefits are also great.
