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 »
Effingham High School: Growing the Next Generation of Educators in Rural Illinois
Spring 2026 Issue of The Prairie Career Advocate Read More »
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
Regional Rural Future Teachers’ Club Continues Momentum with Second Spring Event Read More »
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MACOMB, IL, FEBRUARY 2026 – The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) has completed a third statewide assessment of rural career and technical education programs (CTE) through their partnership with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Regional Office of Education 26 called the Rural IL CTE Project. The Project
The future of our local rural classrooms just got a little brighter! On January 29th, students from across the region gathered for the inaugural meeting of the Regional Rural Future Teacher Club, marking a significant milestone in how our community cultivates the next generation of educators. This initiative is made possible by the CTE Education
First Regional Rural Future Teacher Club Event Read More »
Exploring Student Career SuccessApril 17, 2026Richland Community College (Decatur, IL)Virtual Option Available While there are a lot of education conferences in Illinois, our event is the first one catered to the rural and small school perspective. If you are a rural educator, administrator, or CTE director, this event is designed for you! For our first
Join Us for the First-Ever Rural Education Conference in Illinois! Read More »
President Trump signed H.R. 1383, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, into law on December 22, 2025, after bipartisan support moved it through the House and Senate. The bill was introduced earlier this year with the goal of extending the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Originally introduced in Congress
Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 Becomes Law Read More »
Thank you to OneGoal for your support of our mission to advocate and be the VOICE of Illinois rural and small schools! The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) is excited to partner with this organization focused on equitable postsecondary opportunities for rural students. OneGoal is a nonprofit organization providing advising and support
AIRSS Welcomes New Partner, OneGoal Read More »
