AIRSS News

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

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

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

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.

The journey toward the classroom continued on March 10th as the Regional Rural Future Teachers’ Club held the second of its three scheduled spring events. 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. The event was hosted by