Question 1

What is Spotlight on Ag Readers?

Accepted Answer

Spotlight on Ag Readers is a career awareness program that takes place each March during National Agriculture Month and National Reading Month. Agribusiness professionals visit elementary classrooms to read a children’s book, lead a simple hands-on activity, and share how their career helps bring food from farm to table.The goal is to help students discover the many careers in Michigan’s agribusiness industry while building excitement for reading and learning.

Question 2

Why should I participate?

Accepted Answer

You may be the first person a student has ever met who works in agriculture or the food industry. By spending just 45 minutes in a classroom, you will:Inspire students to think about future careers.Help them understand where their food comes from.Show that agriculture includes much more than farming.Represent your company and industry in your community.Make a lasting impact on young learners.Many teachers tell us their students continue talking about the visit long after the volunteer has left!

Question 3

How much time should I schedule?

Accepted Answer

Plan for about 45 minutes in the classroom. You’ll also want to allow a little extra time for:Checking in at the school office.Walking to and from the classroom.Visiting with the teacher before or after your presentation if time allows.
Most volunteers should plan for about one hour total plus travel time.

Question 4

How do I register?

Accepted Answer

Simply complete the online registration form. You’ll select:Your preferred county.Dates and times you’re available in March.
We’ll match you with a classroom and send you all the information you need, including the teacher’s contact information, location of school and volunteer instructions.

Question 5

What do I do during the 45 minutes in the classroom?

Accepted Answer

We’ve made it easy! A typical visit includes:Introduce yourself and your company.Read the selected book.Lead the provided hands-on activity.Share what you do for work and how it connects to agriculture.Answer students’ questions.
Everything you need is provided. No teaching experience is necessary!

Question 6

How do I connect with the educator?

Accepted Answer

Once you are matched with a classroom, you’ll receive the teacher’s contact information. Reach out as soon as you receive the email to:Introduce yourself via email to the teacher.Confirm the date and time.Ask about school check-in procedures.Let the teacher know if you’ll be bringing any additional items to share.Teachers are excited to host you and will help make your visit a success.

Question 7

Do I have to come up with a hands-on activity?

Accepted Answer

No. We provide an age-appropriate activity, materials list and easy-to-follow instructions for every classroom visit.If you’d like to bring an additional activity or item related to your career, you’re welcome to do so, but it is completely optional.

Question 8

Can I share what I do for work?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. Students love seeing the real people behind the food they eat every day. Consider bringing a few simple items that help explain your job, such as:Safety gear or personal protective equipment (PPE)Gloves or bootsA hard hat or safety glassesSamples of products or packaging (when appropriate)Photos of your workplace, equipment, animals, crops, or coworkersA business card, ID badge, or company logo itemSimple tools you use on the jobKeep your explanation age-appropriate and focus on how your work helps produce, grow, process, transport, or sell food.

Question 9

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Wear what you normally wear to work. Some options include:Company logo shirt, polo, jacket or hat.Uniform or work apparel.Clean work boots or safety shoes (if appropriate).PPE such as a hard hat, safety vest, gloves, or safety glasses to demonstrate how they’re used.Business casual attire if you don’t have company apparel.Students love seeing what professionals actually wear on the job. If you bring PPE or equipment, use it as a show-and-tell item rather than wearing it throughout the visit. Please make sure any clothing or items brought into the classroom are clean and safe for a school environment.

Question 10

I’ve never read to a classroom before. Can I still volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Most of our volunteers are reading to a classroom for the first time. We’ll provide everything you need, activity instructions, and helpful tips. Teachers are also in the classroom to support you throughout your visit. Your enthusiasm and willingness to share your career are what students will remember most.

Question 11

Do I need to buy the book?

Accepted Answer

No. When you arrive at the classroom, the teacher will have the book, student handouts, and activity materials ready for you.To help you prepare, we'll send you:A link to a video of the book being read so you can become familiar with the story before your visit.Simple volunteer instructions that outline how to manage your 45 minutes in the classroom, including what to say, when to read the book, how to lead the activity, and how to share about your career.We've done the planning for you so you can focus on having fun and connecting with the students.

Question 12

How can I ensure that I'll be successful?

Accepted Answer

A few simple tips can help make your classroom visit engaging and memorable.Review the materials sent to you. This will explain everything you need to know about your visit.(Optional) Bring a few “tools of your job.” Show-and-tell items like gloves, safety glasses, packaging, seeds, photos, equipment parts, or a business card make your career come alive.Keep it simple. Explain your job in words a second grader would understand. Focus on how your work helps people and the food system.Share why you enjoy your job. Students remember enthusiasm more than facts.Leave time for questions. Kids are naturally curious and often ask the best questions.Have fun! You don’t need to be a professional speaker or teacher. Simply sharing your story can inspire students in ways you may never know.
Thank you for helping inspire the next generation of Michigan’s agribusiness workforce!

Frequently asked questions