Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: TARTANS at Monmouth College Cultivates Visionary Educators for Rural Illinois

Communities in rural Illinois, like rural communities across the country, are rich in culture, connection, and local knowledge. But they also face persistent challenges, particularly in recruiting and retaining educators prepared to teach and lead in rural settings. At Monmouth College, the TARTANS Rural Teacher Corps was created to meet both the opportunities and challenges of rural education head-on.

TARTANS – Teachers Allied with Rural Towns and Neighborhood Schools – is a signature cohort within the School of Education and Human Development’s teacher preparation program, designed to prepare aspiring educators to become visionary teachers deeply rooted in rural communities. Guided by Dr. Tammy La Prad, board member of Rural Schools Collaborative and Dr. Arren Duggan, the program also serves as a cornerstone of the Illinois Regional Hub.

As part of a broader ecosystem of rural-focused initiatives, TARTANS is embedded within Monmouth College’s long-standing commitment to place-based education; an approach that connects learning directly to local communities, environments, and experiences. This commitment is further strengthened through partnerships with organizations including the nearby Galesburg Community Foundation and national partners such as Teton Science Schools, expanding both local impact and national reach.

At its core, TARTANS offers asset based, placed centered, and rural focused programming adjacent to the strong core preparation required by the State of Illinois. It is a comprehensive development experience that equips future educators with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to succeed specifically in rural schools. Participants receive targeted instruction on rural education issues, hands-on classroom experience grounded in place-based principles, and mentorship from practicing teachers.

Through consistent programming and intentional support, TARTANS build a clear vision for their role in rural education. They engage with networks of local teachers, superintendents, and community leaders, gaining insight into the unique dynamics of rural districts. This exposure not only strengthens their preparation, but also provides a distinct advantage when pursuing teaching positions in rural areas.

TARTANS operates alongside Monmouth’s broader Rural Education Initiatives (REDI), which focuses on strengthening rural teacher recruitment, preparation, and development. A key component of REDI is the REDI Scholarship, which provides up to $10,000 in support for students committed to teaching in rural Illinois districts. By prioritizing both access and accountability, the scholarship helps ensure a steady pipeline of highly qualified educators dedicated to rural communities.

The program’s impact is further enriched through immersive learning environments such as PLACE Teaching Sites, where students engage in project-based, inquiry-driven learning rooted in their local context. At the Monmouth Educational Garden & Farm, future educators gain hands-on experience integrating core academic subject areas with the college and community assets bringing classroom concepts to life in meaningful ways for both education students and local school children and teachers.

Central to TARTANS’ success is its robust rural network, which connects school districts, retired educators, and community stakeholders. This network fosters collaboration, strengthens relationships, and supports community-driven solutions to local educational challenges.

In west central Illinois and beyond, TARTANS reflects a growing recognition that rural schools require tailored approaches and sustained investment. Through its innovative model and deep community ties, Monmouth College is cultivating a generation of educators ready to serve, lead, and strengthen rural communities for years to come.

This spotlight series highlights Rural Teacher Corps. Rural Teacher Corps are intentional efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain rural teacher-leaders. These 20+ programs work together to tackle the rural teacher shortage. Learn more about the TARTANS, Monmouth College Rural Teacher Corps, and the Rural Teacher Corps Learning Network here.