A PROJECT OF RURAL SCHOOLS COLLABORATIVE & NREA

Devanne Lawson

Devanne Lawson, Eastern Illinois University, student participant at the EIU Rural Teacher Corps shares her story, Charleston, Illinois

January 25, 2019 |
Share

I am a senior at Eastern Illinois University finishing my last semester and preparing for student teaching in the fall. Teaching in a rural community is important to me because it allows teachers flexibility to include the community in their learning and to use their own ideas to enhance the existing curriculum. Being a rural teacher also allows the opportunity to build relationships with students and their families by being involved in community events, sponsoring clubs, or coaching sports.

As a student, my teachers were always very influential people in my life. Teachers in rural communities are leaders, and chances to connect with students and their families are limitless due to the small community. I grew up in Charleston, IL and attended the Ashmore school district until 4th grade. Ashmore, being a small village community, provided me opportunity for unique learning experiences I will remember forever. As a future teacher, I am excited about the opportunities ahead of me to put ideas into practice, empower my students, and make a difference in a community.

Previous ALL STORIES Next
Sophia Elswick, Music Teacher at Stark County High School.

Sophia Elswick - Toulon, IL

March 28, 2024

A music teacher at Stark County High School in rural Illinois, shares her story about finding community and herself while teaching in rural communities.

Power of Partnerships, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Profile, Rural Resilience, Teacher Feature: Illinois

Lanie Christianson and Matthew Eastman - University of Maine

February 28, 2024

Finding a passion for teaching when Maine needs them most.

Regional Hubs, New England, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Maine