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News 4-H Volunteer Program Is Ideal for Former Teachers Posted 24 June 2010 Former teachers find volunteering with the Iowa 4-H program to be a gratifying and practical way to continue educating youth.  With an endless list of subject areas, 4-H gives educators the opportunity to continue to be a positive influence on youth in a field that they love.   “4-H volunteering is not only a way to assist youth, but it is also an opportunity to learn new skills and build your resumé,” said Chris Gleason, volunteer specialist with Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development. With public schools facing teacher cuts in fiscal year 2010-2011, many educators may want to find an outlet that allows them to use their teaching skills in an area of interest.  Volunteering with 4-H is a positive way for educators to continue developing in their field of expertise or try something new.  Whether retiring or looking for a temporary teaching alternative, professional educators are encouraged to explore 4-H volunteer opportunities as a way to benefit themselves and Iowa youth. Fun with Dog Obedience “There are multiple ways for retired teachers to help with 4-H. If they will take their talents and share them with the kids, it is extremely rewarding and fulfilling,” said Sally Martin, former teacher and leader of the 4-H dog obedience program in Polk County. Martin had taught sixth grade for 33 years in the Bondurant-Farrar school district.  She retired at age 65 and bought a Scottish terrier in 2005.  The world of competitive obedience interested her and she eventually became the 4-H dog program leader.  Martin spends her volunteer hours in training sessions helping 4-H youth train and grow with the animals.  “I love every minute of the training sessions,” she said. “It gives me my ‘kid fix’ for the week.” Being able to continue to assist youth in an area of expertise and interest is one major advantage of volunteering with 4-H.  4-H offers multiple projects and clubs that cover everything from gardening to robotics.  Volunteers also can create their own project around any unique interest.      Discovering Science Former Humboldt High School physics and chemistry teacher Daniel Holste continues to help youth discover science in the 4-H Science Club in Humboldt County.  Since the club’s first meeting in May 2009, Holste has been assisting youth in areas including rocketry, telescopes, space science and chemistry.  “I now have time to work with other interests that I felt I did not have time to do with the paper work, grading and lesson planning of teaching,” he said. With almost 10,000 volunteers and more than 100,000 Iowa 4-H’ers, the 4-H program provides an expansive outlet for educators who want to continue to learn and help youth reach their potential.  To learn how to become a 4-H volunteer, contact your ISU Extension county office. About Volunteers and 4-H Iowa 4-H Youth Development programs are delivered primarily through caring adults, and these volunteers make a positive difference in the lives of Iowa’s young people. However, the adults also gain from the experience, according to a study of 4-H volunteers from Iowa and other Midwestern states. They reported that through volunteering with 4-H, they had improved their organizational and management skills, their ability to speak in public and their ability to lead and teach others. To learn about volunteer opportunities with Iowa 4-H visit www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/Volunteers/. About the Iowa 4-H Youth Development Program 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, serving more than 6 million young people across America with programs in leadership, citizenship, communication and life skills. One in five Iowa school-age youth participates in 4-H. In Iowa, 4-H Youth Development is headquartered at the Iowa State University campus in Ames. 4-H is supported by federal, state and county funding, private grants and donations, and fees. For more information about joining 4-H, contact your Iowa State University Extension county office at www.extension.iastate.edu/ouroffices.htm or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/4H.

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