Welcome to the next issue of The Prairie Career Advocate. This storytelling effort is part of the Rural IL CTE Project that AIRSS and the Illinois State Board of Education began in 2023. The third issue of the second volume features Effingham High School.
Read the full story to learn more about the successes of their CTE programming and how your district could potentially start a similar program in your community. The links in the document will work if it is downloaded to a computer; otherwise you can find them at the bottom of this page. You may download the PDF by clicking the three dots on the bottom right of the menu, then clicking “Download.”
If you have any questions or comments about the Advocate, please contact Karli Strom, Lead Editor and Rural IL CTE Project Assistant Director, at kstrom@roe26.net.
The Sites and Styles of Rural Career Education
The Rural IL CTE Project is proud to announce that our third full research report, is published! This report provides key insights on challenges rural districts face, such as access, transportation, and alignment with workforce needs, and the strong sense of pride and persistence in expanding student opportunities.
CTE Webinar: CS Skills in CTE
In March, the Rural IL CTE Project hosted a webinar on integrating computer science skills across all CTE clusters, featuring Emily Pool and Sarah Phelps from the Learning Technology Center. The session highlighted how tools like the micro:bits can provide rural schools with accessible, low-cost ways to introduce students to computer science.
First Regional Rural Future Teacher Club Event
Earlier this year, AIRSS and regional partners hosted the first Regional Rural Future Teacher Club, bringing together students from across rural Illinois who are interested in careers in education. The event gave students the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and begin building a network of peers who share a passion for teaching.
Regional Rural Future Teachers’ Club Continues Momentum with Second Spring Event
Building on the energy of the January launch, students from our partner schools gathered once again to explore the diverse and rewarding world of education.
Rural IL CTE Project Portal
Visit the Rural IL CTE Project Portal for the latest tools, tips, guides, and resources your rural CTE program needs! From research, case studies, an asset map, and more, we’re working to provide you with everything you need to grow and sustain an exemplary program for students. The Portal is updated regularly with new content, and any suggestions and criticisms are welcome.
The links on this page, and throughout the Advocate, are active and clickable when viewed in the original PDF format.