Reflections with the Owl: A Year Like No Other With Jill Sperling
By: Viviana Velazquez, Grass Valley - Bear River FFA, 2026 State FFA Conference Press Corps Member
As California FFA enters a new chapter, Jill Sperling marks her first year as State FFA Advisor and State Supervisor of Agricultural Education. Her journey to this role began long before she stepped into the position, shaped by a lifetime in agricultural education.
“My dad was a high school ag teacher, and then became a community college ag teacher and then joined state staff,” Sperling shared. “My whole life, I grew up immersed in ag education and being around FFA.” 
Despite this background, Sperling did not initially plan to follow in her father’s footsteps. “I never actually wanted to be an ag teacher. I wanted to be a large animal veterinarian, and I went to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo as an animal science major,” she said.
However, after a year and a half, she realized her strengths and passions pointed her in a different direction. She changed her major to agricultural education and, after graduation, began her teaching career at Kingsburg High School, where she remained for 14.5 years. That experience laid the foundation for her commitment to students, leadership development, and agricultural education.
Sperling later joined the California FFA state staff as the Central Region Supervisor, a role she held for a decade before stepping into her current position following Mr. Charles Parker’s retirement last April.
While the transition marked an important milestone, it also came with significant adjustments. Moving from the classroom to a statewide leadership role meant stepping away from daily interactions with students, something she valued deeply.
“Going from teacher to having to be a supervisor, it was hard,” Spelling recalled. “I really missed the long car rides with students and students hanging out in my room at lunch. I just missed the casual conversation and the relationships that I was able to build.”
Her first year as State FFA Advisor proved to be unlike any other. Due to a state hiring freeze and unexpected staffing changes, Sperling temporarily took on not just one, but three major roles: State Supervisor, Central Region Supervisor, and Superior Region Supervisor. Each region brings its own structure, traditions, and needs, requiring flexibility and constant adaptation.
Reflecting on the experience, Sperling was candid about the challenges. “It’s been super challenging, but also it’s been super fulfilling,” she said.
Balancing multiple roles while learning a new position required constant effort and resilience, she added.
“Maintaining the Central Region responsibilities wasn’t as difficult because it is the job I had done for the previous ten years,” Sperling explained. “But then to take on the Superior Region… every region is so unique and different, which is great, but I had to learn that too.”
Despite these challenges, Sperling remained focused on supporting students and advisors across the state. Her experience highlights both the demands of leadership and the dedication required to navigate unexpected circumstances. She also emphasized the importance of perspective in difficult moments.
“I would tell other people in the same position to give yourself grace,” she said. “There is no possible way that you could be successful in it all, as nobody’s meant to do three full-time jobs at the same time.”
As the year progressed, positive changes began to take shape. The hiring of new regional supervisors has allowed Sperling to transition out of multiple roles and focus fully on her responsibilities as State FFA Advisor. “I’m excited to be fully immersed and to continue to grow into the role,” she shared. This shift opens the door for her to engage more intentionally with members and advisors across all regions, strengthening connections and deepening her understanding of programs statewide.
Looking ahead, Sperling sees strong potential for continued growth within California FFA. She emphasizes the importance of expanding opportunities to accommodate California FFA’s increasingly diverse and evolving membership.
“I think it’s really important that schools continue to look for ways to expand opportunities in their programs to meet the needs of their growing student membership, who are coming from increasingly diverse backgrounds.”
Equally important is her emphasis on relationships and teamwork. By fostering strong connections and working together, the organization can continue to thrive, even in times of challenge.
“This past year has been a good reminder that we aren’t meant to operate in a silo,” Sperling said. “Look around you and figure out who you can add to your team of supporters to be able to tackle challenges.”
For FFA members and advisors, her message is rooted in growth and perseverance.
“Give yourself grace, and even though the day, week, or even the season might be hard, still look for and celebrate the wins.”
As she reflects on her first year, Jill Sperling’s leadership represents both strength and adaptability. With a renewed focus on connection, opportunity, and growth, she is well-positioned to guide California FFA well into the future, continuing to serve students, advisors, and communities across the state.
