Emma Rage, Kensel, North Dakota: 2020-2023 YEAC Alum

Emma Rage, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade teacher
Kensel Public School in Kensel, ND

Hello! My name is Emma Rage and I am originally from Fargo, ND. I choose to teach rural because of the people. People in rural communities have such a love for their schools and communities that is contagious. The area of North Dakota that I am in provides both city and rural experiences. We have many community partners that allow our students to have many experiences that are not typical in a larger urban setting.

I am passionate about small rural schools and believe that they have a lot to offer students, communities and teachers. Young teachers can learn a lot from being in a rural community. I teach in a very small school and believe that I have learned more in my time of being a teacher in a small school than I would have in a larger school. I am passionate about what I do and advocate for small rural schools daily. I grew up in a large city school and have a lot of experience working in large schools. Rural schools have always felt like home to me and I am excited to get new educators excited about rural schools.

The city of Kensal is so small most of our students are rural. We have a State Wildlife Refuge surrounding our school. All of our school meals are homemade. We also highly involved in STEAM.

Schools in rural areas are full of life. Although they are small, you will find the strongest of people fighting to keep them going. Rural areas provide so many experiences to the learners and educators in that community. i have met many people who grew up in a rural area and they only have wonderful things to share about their experiences.

The last two years on the YEA Council have been the greatest catalyst for me as an educator. I have learned a lot about myself as a teacher and as a peer to those in rural communities. After YEA Council meetings, I was inspired to make a change for the next generation of teachers and for the current educators. I have also experienced many fun and new experiences that have made me excited about what rural schools are doing in my state.

The Young Educators' Advisory Council is an initiative for early career rural teachers. These young educators will serve RSC as advisors to strengthen our mission in the recruitment, preparation, and retention of rural teachers. YEA council members will serve for two years engaging in online conversations.