My name is Eric Reutter; I am the Agriculture teacher. I have been a teacher for 13 years, this is my 9th here at EPG, and I taught in Marshall Illinois for 4 years. I went to the University of Illinois and received my master’s degree. Other activities I am involved in with the school district is, I am the FFA sponsor/advisor, and I am a teacher mentor. My favorite part about being a teacher here at EPG is I like that it is a rural community with a small school setting, and every day is different for me. I am interested in the agriculture department because it gives students real world skills that they can use in any career, not just agriculture.
Course Length: Full Year
Credits Generated: 1
Grade Level: 9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite for Course: None
General Description: This course provides an opportunity for students to learn how the agriculture industry is organized; the economic influence of agriculture at state, national, and international levels; the scope and types of job opportunities in the agricultural field. Subjects include history and organization of the FFA, developing Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE’s), plant and soil science, animal science, woodworking, and welding.
Course Length: Full Year
Credits Generated: 1
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite for Course: Introduction to the Ag Industry
General Description: This second year orientation course builds on basic skills and knowledge gained from the introductory course. Major units of study include advanced plant and soil science, advanced animal science, crop sciences, woodworking, FFA, wildlife, and natural resource conservation. Applied math/science skills are stressed throughout the course. Students are also introduced to basic employability skills and work ethics.
Course Length: Full Year
Credits Generated: 1
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite for Course: Introduction to the Ag Industry; Basic Agricultural Science
General Description: This course is designed to introduce basic construction skills. Students will be exposed to basic electrical wiring, concrete work, plumbing, building framing, drafting, and general construction. Safety issues will also be stressed. Orientation to job opportunities and preparation for entry-level employment is provided in this course.
Course Length: Full Year
Credits Generated: 1
Grade Level: 10 with instructor approval, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Introduction to the Ag Industry; Basic Agricultural Science
General Description: This course is focused on four major areas of agricultural mechanics --- woodworking, machinery maintenance, small engines, and welding/metalworking. Students will have the opportunity to build projects in woodworking and welding, and will experience major repair work on small engines. Orientation to job opportunities, needed skills, and preparation for entry-level employment are provided in this course.
Course Length: Full Year
Credits Generates: 1
Grade Level: 11, 12
Prerequisite for Course: None
General Description: This course will concentrate instruction on plant science with a major focus on practical laboratory and hands-on experiences. These experiences will include application of classroom knowledge as it relates to routine plant health maintenance around the school district, community and career opportunities
Course Length: Full Year
Credits Generated: 1
Grade Level: 12
Prerequisite: Basic Horticultural Science
General Description: This course is designed for those students who may decide to continue a career or college education in horticulture. The course study will consist of greenhouse management and crops, container-grown plants, using plants in the landscape, integrated pest management, and maintaining small fruit gardens.