Reitz Measure to Expand Opportunities for Agricultural Education Teachers Signed by Governor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation passed by state Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, which will better prepare agricultural education teaching students for the classroom was recently signed into law.

“Agriculture is vital to our state and national economy, and it plays a major role in international relations and the global market,” said Reitz. “Since agriculture plays such an important part in Southern Illinois and our entire state, it is essential that we provide agricultural education teachers the tools and resources they need to be prepared for the classroom and teaching the next generation of Illinois farmers, ag business managers, and ag technology engineers and mechanics.”

Reitz’s Senate Bill 1498, which passed with unanimous bipartisan support and recently became law, requires the Illinois State Board of Education to partner with the Illinois Board of Higher Education to develop an agricultural education pre-service teacher internship, giving pre-teaching students pursuing a career in agricultural education more resources for educational development.

“This legislation will give pre-teaching students pursuing agricultural education the opportunity to get their hands dirty and learn by doing,” continued Reitz. “I am proud that this is one of the first measures I passed as state representative, and I will continue working in a bipartisan manner to pass smart legislation to continue investing in Illinois’ commitment to agriculture.”

For more information, contact Rep. Reitz’s constituent service office by calling 618-282-7284 or by emailing RepNReitz@gmail.com.