Virtual Networking Night: Recap

The EIU Rural School Initiative hosted it's annual Networking Night on April 13th via Zoom. Rural Teacher Corps member, Heather Kistner, describes her experience about the evening: 

"I had the pleasure of attending the 2021 Virtual Networking Night. Rural Teacher Corps did a fantastic job planning this event. Thanks to Jordan and Holly, for being flexible in addition to strategically planning for cancelations and adjusting accordingly. It was wonderful to have the chance to get to know local surrounding rural schools. Although some schools may not be hiring for my specific degree currently, they were willing to help me in my pursuit of education. In the form of giving insightful guidance from: what the school looks for in a potential teacher, to what a job candidate should look for in a school district. In the future, I would love to be able to have the Networking Night in person, having the privilege to connect face to face with so many of our phenomenal rural schools."

Teacher Mini-Grant Winner: Rachel Kincade

GYO Mini-Grant Winner, Rachel Kincade, describes what she plans to do for her class with the grant:

"First grade students are 6 and 7 year old children who are full of energy with developing motor abilities. As a teacher, I want to have the tools that will best engage my students will supporting their development. Flexible seating options beyond the traditional desk and chair help my young scholars embrace movement while learning. With the finances provided from this grant, I will expand my flexible seating options to provide my students with better choice in their learning environment. Like all adults, students are more motivated and better focused in environments they are comfortable in. This grant will help me to further cultivate a safe, inclusive, comfortable and adaptable learning environment within my classroom."

Ed-Tech Roundtable: Recap 

On March 8, 2021 a group K12 teachers, administrators, and technology coaches met online with EIU Faculty and Education Leaders from state organizations. The agenda was to explore what schools are doing and specifically what new teachers should know when they enter the profession. Discussion determined that new teachers should be comfortable using a variety of formative assessment tools and able to adapt lessons in real time. Additionally, new teaches need exposure and opportunity to lead place-based learning activities. 

The group hopes to meet again in late spring to continue dialog and increase preparedness for new teachers. 

Upcoming Professional Development

Teton Science Schools’ annual Place-Based Symposium is scheduled for April 23rd from 5-8:30pm.  This event is "designed to celebrate the place-based work happening across the organization, bringing together our faculty, staff, AmeriCorps, students and regional community members to share and discuss best practices in local learning and global citizenship."

Click here to learn more. 

Hear from a RTC Member: Alicia Buerster 

Alicia Buerster is currently planning a community project for Newton, IL. She discusses her plans below:

"I plan on implementing “C.A.R.E. for Students” (Clothing Accessibility Reimagined Entirely for Students)- a program within the schools that allows children to have access to new or very gently used clothes. This program would allow children of low-income families to select a few items each month that they want. C.A.R.E. for Students would allow every eligible student to have four new pieces of clothing each month. The idea is that students will not have to worry about finding clean clothes or clothes that properly fit them. The goal of the program is to never run out of clothes to give to students, and to always supply students with clothing that they like. The program will be donation driven, and will rely on the support of the community."

Upcoming Events

• April 22nd: Simulations/VR Tech Workshop @ 4pm

• April 23rd: Teton Science Schools' Place-Based Symposium @ 5pm

• Nov 10-12: NREA Conference