Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools

The AIRSS Vision: To serve as The Voice for all Illinois rural and small schools.

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

It's renewal season! Make sure your membership is up-to-date. Not yet a member? Learn more and join for 2026-27: https://t.co/IswhKWR4qd

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

The Regional Rural Future Teachers’ Club recently held its final event of the year. Students, teachers, and the AIRSS team celebrated together, and discussed plans for the future. 💡 Read more: https://t.co/vp6cU045JZ

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

Happy to "freeze" for food donations today with our local schools! Always heartwarming to see the generosity of our teachers matched by the whole community!

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

Leading Educators is currently recruiting experienced elementary principals to join the Rural Literacy Leaders Fellowship! This fully-funded cohort experience is designed to strengthen schoolwide literacy outcomes. Learn more and apply by June 15 👉 https://t.co/gSnqZluvrq

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

Registration is open for the 2026 #RuralEdForum! ⭐ Join @nrea1 in San Antonio, TX for the nation's leading rural ed conference.

Register now, early bird rate until 7/19: https://t.co/7mcyfIDpc7
Grad poster proposals due 6/19: https://t.co/DlMsDdJQnH

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

Thank you to the Illinois School Network for their article about the Rural Definition! Read more: https://t.co/R1k8S81C2t
https://t.co/5Kgii4a52L

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

CONGRATULATIONS to our 2026-27 Illinois Rural Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Burdette from Spoon River Valley CUSD #4! 🎉 We will present the award at Jen's school this fall! In the meantime, give her a huge round of applause! 👏

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

"Jennifer has been very instrumental in creating a building that values student voice." 👏 Congratulations to Jennifer Burdette, our third 2026 Illinois Rural Teacher of Distinction! 🎉 Learn more: https://t.co/oZuTWz60fe

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

"Natalie has invested in her rural school. She has provided opportunities that literally wouldn’t have existed for Earlville students." 👏 Congratulations to Natalie Mahler, one of our 2026 Illinois Rural Teachers of Distinction! 🎉 Learn more: https://t.co/oZuTWz60fe

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

"I am proud to have Mr. Cox as part of our school community, and I am confident in the lasting impact he has on our students, families, and colleagues." 👏 Congratulations to Spencer Cox for being one of our 2026 Teachers of Distinction! 🎉 Learn more: https://t.co/oZuTWz60fe

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

In case you missed it: meet our 2026 Teachers of Distinction! 🎉 These three outstanding educators are the finalists for our Rural Teacher of the Year Award, which we will announce THIS FRIDAY! Learn more about our finalists here: https://t.co/k1zi6HXbEz

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

Don't forget: Join our Director of Communications for this webinar on May 28 about using comms for rural advocacy! Register now: https://t.co/JLcc2tM3wo

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

Dual-credit programs prepare students for their careers, but rural high schoolers often do not have equitable access. This white paper explores how IL can create a more effective dual-credit system for rural students: https://t.co/Z5mqe0mKeN
https://t.co/Z5mqe0mKeN

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

Membership letters are headed your way! 📬

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

WestEd is seeking middle grade math teachers and those teaching Algebra 1 or Mathematics 1 to participate in an online professional learning course. Participants can earn up to $1350. Spots are limited! Learn more and apply now: https://t.co/BoqINEbjJO

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

Thank you @dtnpf for featuring Bunker Hill CUSD 8 in their recent publication! Read more about BHCUSD's commitment to driving community growth and innovation: https://t.co/Af6Ko5LKHR
https://t.co/Af6Ko5LKHR

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

We are so excited that ISBE has officially adopted the rural definition! 🎉 We look forward to enhancing our advocacy, and the continued partnership of ISBE and the REAC. Learn more in the full press release: https://t.co/2phTbpluw6
https://t.co/2phTbpluw6

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

Learn more on the SRSA website or contact us with any questions, especially if you did not receive your application link from the U.S. Department of Education. @usedgov

SRSA Website link: https://t.co/D41fW9fBNN
Contact email: [email protected]
https://t.co/D41fW9fBNN

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

A handful of eligible LEAs for the SRSA Grant have not yet applied. In order to receive this funding, you must complete your application by 11:59 PM EDT on May 18, 2026. If you are dual-eligible, you must indicate if you will be funded under SRSA or RLIS by this deadline as well.

[Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools @AIRSSedu]

Today is a great day for rural and small schools in Illinois. After a decade of work by AIRSS, a clear and specific definition of rural and small schools has been approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. 🎉