June 2022: PD Blitz - Summer Agricultural Institute

June 20-22 or June 20-23, 2022
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Carlinville
*  3-day option earns 22.5 professional development hours
* 4-day option earns 30 professional development hours or 2 graduate credits



Investigate Illinois’ #1 industry - agriculture! While employing nearly 1 million people, 
agriculture generates more than $19 billion annually to Illinois’ economy. Come explore firsthand 
some of these many careers and aspects of the industry around us. Join us as we help you learn how 
agriculture can help you address the standards. Participants will leave with resources to share 
with students. During this institute, educators will

•     try hands-on multidisciplinary activities all correlated to the Illinois Learning Standards
•     build first-hand knowledge through traveling workshops showcasing the diversity of agriculture
•     explore farm-to-table process and discuss supply chain challenges
•     receive engaging, classroom-ready resources while earning professional development hours or graduate credits
•     learn about grant money for projects

Traveling workshop topics will include:
•    Agricultural production, processing & milling: Tour a farm and two different companies showcasing the farm-to-table process. See behind the scenes how it all happens!
•    Plant science & research: Learn about the latest research and try hands-on activities to share with your students.
•    Equipment manufacturing: Tour a farm equipment manufacturer of over 400 implements designed to assist farmers, contractors, large property owner, landscapers, and others to be more productive.
•   Sales & distribution: See how a successful, local business serves Central Illinois customers.

Cost:  institute fee for 3-day option $25 (includes meals, hands-on activity supplies, & classroom 
resources) institute fee for 4-day option $30 (includes meals, hands-on activity supplies, & 
classroom resources) 2 graduate credits from the University of St. Francis for an additional $200 
(If choose this option, participant will pay this fee directly to USF when they register with them. 
Must attend all 4 days.)
Note:  Participants will be driving to area traveling workshop sites on their own or arranging to 
carpool with other educators. Sites will be within 35 miles of Carlinville.

Deadline: Please register by May 20 as space is limited. The registration form is available at 
go.illinois.edu/Agventure

To learn more, please contact Macoupin County Agricultural Literacy Coordinator Connie Niemann at 
217-854-9604 or e-mail cniemann@illinois.edu.

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