It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our colleague and friend, John Glasgow, passed away yesterday, Wednesday 10/07/26 as the result of a tragic accident. This is a devastating loss for our AIRSS, ROE26 and NREA family. John was a valued member of our team, and we know this news will be
Sad News Regarding a Member of Our Rural Family Read More »
When policymakers discuss strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE), the conversation often focuses on programs, equipment, instructors, facilities, and employer partnerships. These investments are essential, but they represent only part of what students need to successfully navigate a career pathway. Behind every successful CTE student is a network of support. School counselors, career advisors, social
The People Behind the Pathway: Strengthening Student Support in Rural CTE Read More »
Herscher High School: How Cooking has Led to Confidence and Community
Fall 2026 Issue of The Prairie Career Advocate Read More »
The Regional Rural Future Teachers’ Club, part of the CTE Education Career Pathway Grant, held their first event of this school year on September 15th to celebrate International Dot Day. 23 students from Hamilton, West Prairie, and Spoon River Valley gathered at the Ray Peterson Nature Center north of Macomb for an event that showed
Regional Rural Future Teachers’ Club Celebrates International Dot Day Read More »
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 »
