TARTANS – Teachers Allied with Rural Towns and Neighborhood Schools – is Monmouth College’s Rural Teacher Corps to prepare teachers committed to rural education to be visionaries in their communities. TARTANS members benefit from consistent programming, networking and specific rural, place-based instruction. Additionally, students entering their sophomore year are able to apply for the Rural Education Initiatives (REDI) Scholarship when committing to teach in a rural school.
TARTANS per year
Rurally-placed teachers
TARTANS alumni
Monmouth College Tartans Rural Teacher Corps: Program Essentials
Place-based training
Networking opportunities
Mentorship from rural practitioners
Annual stipend
“Our Rural Teacher Corps program (TARTANS) is designed to give voice and confidence to preservice teachers. We strive to empower them through elevating the narrative of rural teachers by providing tools and experiences to become visionary teacher leaders. TARTANS hone understanding of their place––where they acknowledge and identify rural assets that are unique to the community in which they are teaching.”
- Dr. Tammy LaPrad and Dr. Arren Duggan
"As a member of TARTANS, I have engaged in place-based teaching and learning; seeing first-hand
- Olivia Dinges, TARTANS Alum, Class of 2026
Featured Stories
Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: TARTANS at Monmouth College Cultivates Visionary Educators for Rural Illinois
Through place-based learning, strong partnerships, and targeted support, TARTANS prepares future teachers to lead and thrive in rural communities
2026 Grants in Place Project Spotlight: Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship Through Math - Bushnell, IL
Grants in Place awardee Dr. Ruth Owusu-Ansah is providing real life experiences for students through her place-based project and field trip
I Am a Rural Teacher: Kailyn Hoesman - Monmouth, IL
Kailyn celebrates Place- Based learning in rural schools and communities
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