Reflections With the Owl: A Year Like No Other With Jill Sperling

Jill Sperling giving her first speech as California FFA state advisor in front of almost 8,000 California FFA members. Photo taken by California FFA Press Corp. member Christopher Galvez of the Buena Park FFA Chapter.

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 immersed in agricultural education.

“My dad was a high school ag teacher when I was born, and then became a community college ag teacher and then joined state staff,” Sperling says. “My whole life, I kind of grew up knowing and being around FFA.”

Despite this background, Sperling did not initially plan to follow in her parents’ footsteps. “I never actually wanted to be an ag teacher,” she says. “I wanted to be a vet, and I went to Cal Poly as an animal science major.”

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 began her teaching career at Kingsburg High School, where she remained for 14 and a half 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 central region supervisor, a role she held for a decade before stepping into her current position following Mr. 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,” Sperling says. “I really missed the casual conversations, or kids hanging out in my room at lunch. I just missed the relationships that I was able to build.”

Her first year as state 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 a rough year,” she says. “It’s been super challenging, but also it’s been super fulfilling.” Balancing multiple roles while learning a new position required constant effort and resilience.

“Maintaining the central region stuff wasn’t that difficult because it’s the job I had done for the previous 10 years,” she adds. “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 says. “There’s no possible way that you could be successful in it all, as nobody’s meant to do three full-time jobs.”

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 advisor. “I’m excited to be fully immersed, and to continue to grow in the role,” she says. This shift opens the door for her to engage more intentionally with members and advisors across all regions, strengthening connections and gaining a deeper understanding of programs statewide.

Looking ahead, Sperling sees strong potential for continued growth within California FFA. She emphasizes the importance of expanding opportunities to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse and growing membership. “I think it’s really important that schools continue to provide diverse opportunities in their programs to meet the needs of our growing membership,” she says.

Equally important is her emphasis on relationships and teamwork. “You’re not meant to really do this stuff on your own,” she says. “Look around you and figure out who you can add to your team of supporters to be able to tackle challenges.” By fostering strong connections and working together, the organization can continue to thrive, even in times of challenge.

For FFA members and advisors, her message is rooted in growth and perseverance. “Give yourself grace,” she says. “Even as part of a day might be hard, at the end, still look for the wins.”

As she reflects on her first year, 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 into the future, continuing to serve members, advisors and communities across the state.

Sperling receiving recognition as the new California FFA state advisor and a “token of appreciation” from State Sentinel Sophia Camou. Photo taken by California FFA Press Corp. member Christopher Galvez of the Buena Park FFA Chapter.