FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tucson, AZ – The National Rural Education Association (NREA) is honored to celebrate and represent rural educators on the national stage, particularly through the National Rural Teacher of the Year Program. Each year, the NREA Foundation interviews candidates across the nation to make their decision, focusing on the stories that have the greatest impact on rural communities.
NREA is excited to announce that Jennifer Burdette from Spoon River Valley CUSD #4 in London Mills, Illinois, is the 2026 National Rural Teacher of the Year!
Jennifer has a robust CV, having spent over a decade as a high school social studies teacher and a strong rural advocate. She has served as a mentor, an instructional leader, and an inspiration to students.
“I strive to serve as a model for my students in both character and leadership while also showing them what it looks like to dream big and work to achieve those goals,” Jennifer writes. “I want all of my students to understand that geography does not have to be limiting and people in small communities do have a national impact.”
“When I think of Jennifer Burdette, I think of an outstanding leader in our district,” wrote Jennifer’s principal, Jody Collier, in her nomination letter. “I am honored to be able to say a few words congratulating Jennifer on this award. I truly can not think of an individual that would be more deserving. Congratulations Jen, your hard work and dedication makes a difference in the lives of so many.”
State Affiliate organizations are encouraged to submit their own state winners for consideration in the national award program. The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS) launched their Illinois Rural Teacher of the Year program just last year, making Jennifer only the second teacher to win the award.
“I am excited that in just our second year of the Illinois Rural Teacher of the Year program we are now in the national spotlight,” shares David Ardrey, AIRSS Executive Director. “ It is a testament to the high quality and caliber of our educators in Illinois. This is an affirmation of the dedication, work and commitment our Illinois rural educators make every day in the classroom, the community and the lives of children. Congratulations to Jennifer Burdette on this wonderful award.”
Jennifer will be presented with the Illinois award this fall at her school district. In their letter to Jennifer, the Illinois selections committee noted that they were particularly moved by her “efforts to educate and mentor above and beyond [her] regular duties as a teacher,“ as well as her work to “advance the importance of civics, civic-mindedness, and Democracy.”
Jennifer will be presented with the award at the 2026 National Forum to Advance Rural Education (NFARE) in San Antonio, Texas. She will also give a keynote address about her education story, representing her school and her state in front of hundreds of rural advocates. Then, she will be celebrated and highlighted throughout the next year.
“Programs like the National Rural Teacher of the Year are a celebration of the people who build and maintain the foundation of rural education,” said Dr. Melissa Sadorf, NREA Executive Director. “I know I speak for the entire NREA Board, our members, and our supporters when I say we are proud to present this award to Jennifer for her outstanding work to elevate rural education in Illinois.”
Congratulations again to Jennifer for being this year’s winner for the National Rural Teacher of the Year award program! NREA asks that rural advocates join them in celebrating Jennifer over the coming year.
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The National Rural Education Association (NREA) was originally founded as the Department of Rural Education in 1907. It is the oldest established national organization in the United States. As the trusted voice for rural education, the NREA advocates for every rural learner, educator, and community. The NREA envisions strong rural schools and communities where education is the catalyst for resilience, opportunity and success.
