CARTERVILLE, Ill. — 4‑H is America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to go beyond the expected and be Beyond Ready. The 4‑H Teen Teacher program helps young people develop leadership skills, improve communication, and become role models in their schools and communities.
Through the program, 4‑H members gain work skills while also connecting with future academic and career opportunities. They are paired with high school teachers or staff who serve as program sponsors, mentoring 4‑H members and facilitating classroom opportunities. Teen Teachers build their own skills as they prepare to teach subject‑matter lessons in local classrooms.
On September 9, more than 50 4‑H Teen Teachers met at John A. Logan College for a full‑day training. During the event, students rotated through five different learning sessions instructed by local 4‑H staff. Students learned more about 4-H, gained an understanding of developmentally appropriate activities and how to adapt lessons, and were provided with lesson plans and materials. This training is one of three sessions offered during the program year.
Local 4‑H staff has partnered with 4‑H colleagues serving southwestern Illinois to launch and replicate the Teen Teacher program they have been facilitating for many years with their local schools, and now we have begun the training with Franklin, Jackson, Perry, and Williamson county schools. The next Teen Teacher training will be held in December at John A. Logan College in Carterville.
Through year‑round programming, mentorship, hands‑on leadership, and experiential learning, 4‑H Teen Teachers gain practical life skills, experience in higher education, and a professional lens for teaching. Classroom instruction through the Teen Teacher program prepares youth to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. The program continues to strengthen school‑community partnerships, build confidence, and empower the next generation of leaders across southern Illinois.
Learn more about local 4‑H opportunities at 4h.extension.illinois.edu.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.