SAVE THE DATE!
We are searching for presenters for our upcoming Tech Conference! Share your knowledge and skills with others by sending in a presenter form now!
Art Program at Martinsville started by EIU student Elena Singleton
[Pictured Below] This is what it's all about- connecting pre-service teachers and rural schools! Elena Singleton, an EIU Art Education Major, recently started an art program at Martinsville Elementary School! She shared, "I came up with this program after visiting Martinsville Elementary and found out that they did not have an art teacher. I knew that these kids need some art in their lives so from there this art program was born. Last week was great and the kids were so enthusiastic about doing art, so that made my job easy!"
Update from Fall 2021 Mini-Grant Recipients
Ashley Drake, a teacher at St. John's Lutheran School purchased tools to enhance her students' spelling skills. She shares, “I will probably use the boxes again next year and just change them up and ask the students what they like most and stick with it. I am happy that they can learn different ways and have fun while learning. I thank you and the team for picking me and helping support my class and my first year.”
Lesley Woods, a teacher at Mattoon High School, shares, "The grant money was used to purchase a class set of headphones. The headphones allow them to receive real-time relevant instruction no matter where in the content they are and to "tune" into their education and take responsibility in their learning by zoning out other noises and distractions."
Rylee Watson, a teacher at Hutsonville Grade School, shares, "The money I received from this grant went toward a book study. The book I chose for my students was The Chocolate Touch. I ordered 10 books and got a book study packet. The students followed along as I read aloud the book. The students loved having their own copy to examine the pictures and words as I read!"
Upcoming Technology Sessions:
All sessions are offered in-person, Zoom-live, or the recorded version.
March 10: Hands-On Chromebooks
Terry Sullivan (Rural School Initiative)
4:00-5:00 PM, Buzzard Room 2430
March 24: Assistive and Adaptive Technology
Dr. Amy Rosenstein, (EIU Dept of Special Education)
4:00-5:00 PM
April 19: iPads for Young Children
Valerie Kalagian (Sullivan CUSD #300)
5:00-6:00 PM, Buzzard 1180
Southeastern Illinois P-16+ Computational Thinking Network
The Illinois Innovation Network has provided preliminary funding to support the planning and network development as part of their seed grants. The purpose of this group is to develop a regional network of educators and stakeholders to support computational thinking and the new CS standards across the region.
Tasks:
- Develop P-16 planning team representative of the area and organize discussions across the region
- Develop needs assessment and evaluation for educators and stakeholders
- Plan and implement general PD and site visits
- Develop workgroups:
- Elementary Workgroup: George Reese (MSTE Center @ UIUC)
- Secondary Workgroup: Terence Sullivan (Rural School Initiative @ EIU)
- Post-Secondary/Workforce: James Munger (Lakeland College)
- Business & Education Partnerships: Ikemefuna Nwosu (Lakeland College) · Develop resource database with online resources (Prototype site)
- Summer 2022: focused PD for each group
- Fall 2022: 1-2 pilot groups in each workgroup.
If you have questions, please contact Brian Reid (bdreid2@eiu.edu).
Please go to our P-16 CT Network webpage and register for updates or working with us:
Episode 4: Alan Zuber
Episode 4 features Alan Zuber who's family recently created the Alberta and Raymond Zuber Future Teachers Scholarship. The scholarship is named after Alan’s parents and is intended to assist future rural teachers. Listen as Alan reflects on his time as a teacher and principal.
Episode 5: Andrew Johnson
Episode 5 features Jasper County's Superintendent Andrew Johnson. This episode captures his passion for his career in rural education and includes many inspiring student stories you won't want to miss!
Episode 6: Chris Young
Episode 6 features Chris Young, the Mattoon Middle School STEAM teacher. Listen in as he explains the unique components in his STEAM classroom and why his students thrive within it!
Episode 7: Russ Tomblin
Episode 7 features Russ Tomblin, the Moulton Middle School Principal in Shelbyville, IL. Listen in as he explains his 'why' for a career in education. His perspective on leadership and rural communities is one you don't want to miss!
Upcoming Events:
March 8 @ 9:00 AM: Rural Educators Across Borders Planning Meeting (via Zoom)
March 10 @ 4:00 PM: Tech Session: Hands On Chromebooks (Buzzard 2430 or Zoom)
March 24 @ 4:00 PM: Tech Session: Assistive and Adaptive Technology (Buzzard TBD or Zoom)
April 2 @ 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Tech Conference: Computational Thinking & More
Whether you have any questions to ask or stories to share, we'd love to hear from you!
