FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Macomb, IL – The National Rural Education Association (NREA) is honored to celebrate and represent rural educators on the national stage, particularly through the National Rural Teacher of the Year Program. Each year, the NREA Foundation interviews candidates across the nation to make their decision, focusing on the stories that have the […]
Career and Technical Education (CTE) has long been promoted as a pathway to workforce readiness, economic mobility, and postsecondary success. For many students, particularly those from low-income households and historically marginalized communities, CTE provides meaningful opportunities to develop practical skills, explore career options, and gain access to employment pathways that could otherwise remain out of
While the number of vacant teaching positions in Illinois has gone down over the past few years, the severity of the persistent shortage of quality educators in rural areas remains as potent as ever. This is the mixed reality of the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) “2026 Unfilled Positions Dashboard.” As ISBE correctly notes,
Response: ISBE’s 2026 Teacher Vacancy Report Read More »
Fulton High School: Building Futures Through Real-World Learning
Summer 2026 Issue of The Prairie Career Advocate Read More »
The Regional Rural Future Teachers’ Club gathered for its spring event to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and to think strategically about the road ahead. The event brought together students, teachers, and education leaders to reflect on what the club has built and to identify the next steps for the future. Leadership and Organizational Support The
Regional Rural Future Teachers’ Club Celebrates Progress and Plans for the Future Read More »
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield, IL – Since its formation in August 2022, the Rural Education Advisory Council (REAC) has focused their efforts on creating a rural definition for Illinois. At their May 13, 2026, Board meeting, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) voted to adopt this definition. The following criteria now define a rural
ISBE Votes to Adopt Rural Definition Proposed by the Rural Education Advisory Council Read More »
The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools once again received several outstanding applications for our Illinois Rural Teacher of the Year Award, a recognition program now in its second year. The following three finalists are awarded the 2026 Teacher of Distinction title, and our winner will be selected from these outstanding educators. Thank you
Meet the 2026 Illinois Rural Teachers of Distinction Read More »
Executive Summary Illinois’ community college systems play a vital role in providing access to affordable post-secondary education and workforce training. In rural areas, these institutions often serve as a primary pathway beyond high school. Dual credit programs within Career and Technical Education (CTE) allow students to earn college credit, industry-aligned skills while reducing the cost
Building a More Equitable and Connected Dual Credit CTE System in Illinois Read More »
AIRSS has continued to fight for the necessity of REAP funding at the federal level, and we remain committed to your students, staff, and schools by fighting further for the accuracy of this eligibility list.
2026 REAP Eligibility Sheet Available: Check For Your District Now Read More »
Bureau Valley CUSD #340: Investing in Rural Career Pathways
Spring 2026 Issue of The Prairie Career Advocate Read More »
