Perspectives in Rural Education

Episode 19 features Dr. Alexis Jones, a professor at EIU in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Foundations. In this interview we discussed several different topics including how the pandemic has effected rural education and what Dr. Jones believes to be the greatest compliment a teacher can receive. I really enjoyed this conversation, and I hope you do as well!

Episode 18 features Todd Vilardo, the superintendent of schools for the Charleston School District. In this interview we discussed the importance of effective rural education, and what makes rural education different from education in an urban area. Todd Vilardo also talks about his journey through education. This was a great and uplifting conversation, and I hope you enjoy it!

Episode 17 features Paul Penrod, a teacher at the Martinsville Jr. Sr. High School. He primarily teaches math, but has worn many different hats over the years. Our conversation went from talking about his journey to becoming a rural educator to why he loves doing what he does. This was a great conversation to have, and I hope you enjoy it!

Episode 16 features Dr. Kathryn Havercroft, a professor for the Special Education Department at Eastern Illinois University. In this episode she discusses her journey to becoming a professor in Special Education, along with her involvement in several organizations including the Special Olympics. This was a great and fascinating conversation to have, with a recurring theme of "accessible education for everyone". Hope you enjoy!

This episode features Makenna Boyd, an Education and English student at EIU who has begun her first semester of student teaching. She teaches English at the Arcola High School. She discusses her experiences leading up to where she is today, her current experiences, and what she is looking forward to in the field of education.

Episode 14 features Caleb Will, the Dean of Students at Palestine. He discusses the benefits of the Rural Education setting, his journey to becoming an educator, and what it has meant for him to step into leadership roles with an eagerness to learn. Click to listen!

Episode 13 features Erin Hoffman, a Kindergarten teacher at Brownstown Elementary School. Erin shares her passion and purpose behind being a teacher. She also shares the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and some classroom management tips! Don't miss this episode!

Episode 12 features Angie Gentry, the Arcola Elementary School Principal. Listen to learn why Angie started the Elementary Principal Network and how she started her career in education!

Episode 11 of the podcast features Annette McClintock. Annette is an Instructional Coach for the Regional Office of Education. She shares her excitement and joy for working with and alongside teachers. She also shares about various services offered by ROEs including how to become a substitute teacher!

Episode 10 features Randy Harpster. Randy Harpster has given over 30 years to education and coaching. Randy has had tremendous success coaching basketball, golf, and baseball. In 2017, he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. This conversation gives listeners insight into the perspective of a PE teacher, Coach, and Drivers Ed. Instructor, and will leave you with a deeper respect and appreciation for their role within schools. As he approaches retirement, listen in as he reflects back on some of his favorite memories.

Episode 9 features Kathy Clark, an EIU Teaching, Learning, and Foundations faculty member. Kathy taught at Charleston High School for over 30 years as a Family and Consumer Science Teacher. She shares about different community projects she incorporated into her classroom over the years, click to listen!

Episode 8 features Elena Singleton who is a current EIU student. Elena explains how her idea to start an after-school art program for elementary students at Martinsville Elementary School turned into a reality!

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!

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 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 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. He also shares the impact his family had on his career choice and continued involvement in the field of education!

Episode 3 features Bill Fritcher who has given 33+ years to rural education as a teacher, principal, and superintendent serving in many different districts. Listen in as we discuss his experiences as a first generation college student, how officiating sports prepared him for his future career, technology's role in education, and his vision for his upcoming retirement.

Episode 2 of the podcast features Brianna Gaston, a recent EIU graduate who now teaches 5th grade. Listen and laugh along as she shares about her journey to becoming a teacher. Her vision for her classroom and students will leave you feeling inspired, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Welcome to the Perspectives in Rural Education Podcast! Our guest this week is Victoria Norton, the Martinsville Elementary School Principal. Victoria's passion for education and love for her students shines through as she shares about her journey and career in Rural Education.