Perspectives in Rural Education

Dr. Alexis Jones - EIU Professor for the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Foundations

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!

Todd Vilardo

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!

Paul Penrod - Teacher at Martinsville Jr. Sr. High School

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!

Dr. Kathryn Havercroft - EIU Special Education Professor

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!

Makenna Boyd - EIU Student Teacher

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.