Need an ag teacher?

If so, you’re not alone. The Illinois Leadership Council for Ag Education reports that over the past five years, on average, the demand for graduates in ag education has exceeded supply by 32 per year.

Jess Smithers, Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education team coordinator, says demand for agricultural instructors is growing dramatically, with an average of more than 60 vacancies annually. But with only 20 agricultural teachers graduating each year from Illinois universities, FCAE has had to resort to alternatively licensed, retired and out-of-state candidates to meet the demand.

Related: The whole world seems short on high school ag teachers

POWERFUL STUFF: Mike White, Paxton-Buckley-Loda School District, helps students understand where and how their food is produced. “When they understand that, it’s powerful. And it’s making a difference for the Ag industry.” Students also see agricultural career opportunities through classroom education and FFA. (Photo: Debra Korte, University of Illinois)

Smithers says, “It’s not ideal, but it gives students access to classroom instruction, work-based learning and leadership development. We seek the best candidates, but worry about filling the next vacancy.”

According to a recent study by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, 65% of Illinois high school districts offer agriculture programs. In those schools, less than 4% of the student body takes an agriculture course. Further, 60% of Illinois school districts report trouble filling teaching positions, and 75% of these districts are seeing fewer qualified candidates than in past years. Those numbers are higher in rural districts.

Competition for candidates

Ultimately, Smithers says, the problem is about teacher recruitment and retention. Because teacher pay is low, ag education graduates with student loans to pay off may be heading to industry positions, instead of the classroom.

Doug Hanson is a former agricultural teacher who’s now with ProHarvest Seeds, and he’s a current ILCAE board member. He’s looking for teacher pay solutions.

“Our current state funding, which is only $1.8 million, is nowhere near enough.  But we are working on solutions to increase teacher pay,” Hanson says.

ILCAE is asking to have agricultural education identified as a “designated teacher shortage area” by the Illinois State Board of Education, which would open up loan forgiveness options. Loan forgiveness programs are funded by federal dollars, and would cost the state of Illinois nothing. 

“That’s a common sense approach that won’t require arm-twisting in Springfield,” Hanson adds.

Andrew Bowman ILCAE president, says they organization is also asking to extend ag teachers’ contracts to increase their pay, and they’re engaging businesses statewide to invest in agricultural education. ILCAE leadership hopes the private sector will provide “resources to supplement state funds.”