Extension Youth Educator Believes in the Power of His Students

John Davis, the Youth Educator for the University of Illinois Extension is in constant motion. That is probably his strength as an educator. He demonstrates what he teaches - that being active is a component to a healthy life.

 “Teaching, that’s the part I love,” he says about his job as youth educator whose duties encompass 4-H groups in Grundy, Will and Kankakee Counties. Davis also works closely with the Grundy Soil, Water and Conservation District and Farm Bureau on many education programs. He is involved with 4-H Fairs, the Earth Expo and Student government day, as well.

A native of Wisconsin, Davis taught horticulture, natural resources, as well as leadership in Green Bay, and later in Chicago. He’s been part of the Extension since 2004.

Recently he led a rocket workshop in Joliet for youngsters that was attended by kids and parents from throughout the entire region. He directed a crowd of about 100 people through the intricacies of building a model rocket with good humor and patience.

But John’s said his secret in teaching the workshop was that he had youth leaders, ages twelve to fourteen, that helped him, because as he said, “It’s great to see that those kids, who knew more about rockets than me, were able to assist the kids and parents who attended.” 

 “Learning is a process that takes place with the student," he said. "You want them to grow and become responsible adults, and you want to grow with them.”

Parents recognize that value in John as well.

“John's passion for lifelong learning spills over to parents and students alike! John has a unique sense of humor, and engages students easily, while exhorting them to diligence, good character, and responsible life choices,”  Debra Warning, a 4-H parent and leader from Minooka, said.

She cited his enthusiasm for the hands-on work in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Math areas (STEM) areas, as well. Another parent agreed with Warning.

“John Davis is the greatest asset they (the Extension) have for 4-H.  You couldn’t ask for someone who’s better with the kids," Juliet Batson, a 4-H parent from Wilmington, said. "He just rolls with things; he doesn’t get upset."