RTC Meeting with Kristen Holly-Leader in Me

The EIU Rural Teacher Corps met with Charleston Assistant Superintendent, Kristen Holly, on November 17th to discuss Leader in Me. Leader in Me is a school-improvement model that encourages and teaches students how to set goals, take initiative, and become a leader in today’s world.  

New Teacher Mini-Grants 

The Central Illinois Rural Teacher Corps teamed up with the Amanda Lessley at the Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation to raise money to support rural teachers. The purpose of the fund is to support future and new rural teachers in central Illinois who participate in a Rural Teacher Corp in high school, community college, or EIU. The fund will also support new teachers who were active members of the EIU Rural Teacher Corps while in college. Click here to read more. 

EIU Awarded $320,000 for 2021 Grow Your Own Project

On December 1, Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL) notified the EIU Rural School Initiative that we have been awarded a $320,000 grant for 2021. Click here to read more.

RTC Outstanding Members 

The EIU Rural Teacher Corps consists of many members, some of which go above and beyond with planning, volunteering, and event attending!

This month's outstanding member is Holly Higgins. Not only does Holly work in the Rural School Initiative office, she also works hard to volunteer for "Why Wednesday" videos, plans virtual site visits, takeover the RSI Instagram, and has exceeded expectations by organizing several professional development opportunities this fall. 

Holly is a sophomore at EIU majoring in middle-level education with concentrations in science and math. Holly is from Charleston, Illinois and hopes to teach in a rural school one day. Her favorite part about being in the Rural Teacher Corps is "the opportunity to meet and make connections with administrators and teachers as an undergraduate student!" 

GYO Grant Advisory Council

We would like to acknowledge the series of the Advisory Council. They have stepped up and provided guidance and feedback to help us weather the pandemic. In addition to participating in Advisory Council meetings 3 or 4 times a year, they provide feedback on an individual basis and help us accomplish our goals. To read about these members, click here. 

Upcoming Events

• January 12th: EIU RTC Meeting @ 6pm

• January 13th: New RTC Meeting @ 6pm

• January 19th: Martinsville Site Visit @ 6pm

• February 9th: EIU RTC Meeting @ 6pm