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.

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