SPRINGFIELD – Agriculture education teachers will be compensated for their extra work hours under a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.

“I’ve been a strong advocate for agriculture education,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “While we’ve worked to expand ag education, we can’t forget about the teachers who spend extra hours outside of the classroom to educate students about the industry.”

Senate Bill 1605 ensures that school districts pay agriculture teachers 100% of their regular pay rate for the extra hours teaching agricultural education if the teacher works 400 hours or more beyond their regular teaching hours.

“Agriculture education often happens outside the classroom, giving students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and experience in the agriculture industry, which is prominent here in Illinois,” said Rene Barr of Illinois Leadership Council for Agriculture Education. “It’s important that agriculture teachers are compensated so that students can learn about what the industry has to offer while we build the pipeline for the future of agriculture.”

Senate Bill 1605 was signed into law Friday and took effect immediately.