Mary Spahr is the Youth Development Educator in Tazewell County. She earned her Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Illinois State University. Mary received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Bradley University. She is currently certified to teach K-9 with endorsements in Upper Elementary/Jr. High teaching, Language Arts and Art, and has taught in public and private schools in Illinois.

As an Extension Youth Educator, Mary provides training and resources for teachers; administers educational programming through school enrichment programs, 4-H community clubs, 4-H Fair and Summer camps; and also collaborates with other community agencies to meet the needs of youth in Tazewell County employing Extension curricula.

Mary is a member of the National Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Illinois Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Illinois Extension Professionals for Youth Education (IEPYE). She serves on a statewide, interdisciplinary committee focused on Social and Emotional Development, IEPYE's Research and Development committee, Extension's statewide Council Enhancement Committee and Community Assessment and Development Services (CADS) Facilitator Team.

Program Offerings

Social and Emotional Learning

A growing body of research suggests that social and emotional learning is foundational to youth's success in school, work and life. A variety of presentations and trainings are available for schools, families, and youth organizations that focus on the latest research and practical ways to integrate social and emotional learning into your work with youth. For more details fo to: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/sel/

Real COLORS

This interactive workshop gives teens and adults the opportunity to explore their personality type and how different types interact. Learn how to build instant rapport, recognize others' strengths, enhance communication, and resolve conflict by understanding the four primary "colors" (personality types). Colors is based on the personality theory of Carl Jung and validated in the research of Myers-Briggs and Keirsey-Bates. Follow up workshops are available on COLORS and stress management, teambulding, and relationships.

Breaking the Code

Breaking the Code is a new interactive program where youth participate by role playing characters (victim, bully, bystanders) in various scenarios (each related to different types of bullying that can occur), and which simulate real life bullying situations. The students learn to recognize various outcomes by the choices they make in the simulations. They can then use this information to help them make good decisions in real life situations.

Terrific Teachable Moments

Terrific Teachable Moments (TTM) is a curriculum for teachers and families. Each age specific curriculum is made up of several short 5-10 minute lessons, which are divided into topical areas, based on the six pillars of character. When a situation/behavior (positive or negative) occurs, it can be addressed immediately, with valuable lessons learned. Appropriate lessons can be found and completed quickly, and require no supplies other than those typically found in the classroom or home.

Embryology

Tazewell County Extension offers an Incubation & Embryology program every spring. We provide incubators, turners, fertile eggs, curriculum and support for teachers wishing to hatch chicks in their classrooms.

Mini-Garden

Mini-Garden is a program offered every spring. Teachers are provided seeds for three different kinds of plants (tomatoes, beans, marigolds), curriculum, worksheets and participation ribbons. The students plant, learn to care for, and record the growth of their plants. After the plants have developed, teachers may opt to have local Univeristy of Illinois Master Gardeners come talk to the students about the process. Ribbons are provided to each student for their participation. Teachers must provide containers and soil.

Character Education

Includes training for faculty and staff, and introduction to specific curricula. The six pillars of character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship) are covered in these lessons.

Walk in My Shoes

Interactive program to help youth understand what it is like to experience life as elderly people may, with various limitations.

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