Spoon River Valley teacher Jennifer Burdette earns national honor for rural education

LONDON MILLS, Ill. — Jennifer Burdette has spent more than a decade helping rural students understand that the size or location of their hometown does not have to limit their ambitions.

Now, the Spoon River Valley CUSD #4 social studies teacher will have an opportunity to carry that message to educators from across the country after being named the 2026 National Rural Teacher of the Year by the National Rural Education Association.

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The award recognizes Burdette's work as a classroom teacher, mentor, instructional leader and advocate for rural education. NREA announced her selection Aug. 26 following a national process focused on educators whose work has made a significant impact on rural students and communities.

Regional Office of Education #26 Regional Superintendent Dave Demler said Burdette's selection is an achievement the entire region can celebrate.

"This is an incredible and well-deserved honor for Jennifer, Spoon River Valley and all of west-central Illinois," Demler said. "We know every day that outstanding education is happening in our rural and small schools, and Jennifer's recognition on the national stage is a powerful example. I could not be prouder to see a teacher from our region receive this honor."

Burdette said she strives to demonstrate both character and leadership to her students while encouraging them to pursue ambitious goals.

"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," Burdette said.

Her impact reaches well beyond her own social studies classroom. Burdette has worked as a mentor to other teachers through the Illinois Civics Hub, helped lead Spoon River Valley High School to recognition as a Democracy School in 2022 and serves as a district educational coach. Her nomination also credited her with creating a student-centered environment, strengthening student voice and helping young people become critical thinkers and productive citizens.

Spoon River Valley Principal Jody Collier described Burdette as "an outstanding leader in our district" and said her dedication has affected the lives of many students.

Burdette advanced to the national competition through the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools' Illinois Rural Teacher of the Year program. AIRSS launched the statewide recognition program just last year, making Burdette only its second winner.

AIRSS Executive Director David Ardrey said having an Illinois educator earn the national award in the program's second year is a testament to the quality and commitment of rural teachers across the state.

Demler said ROE26's partnership with AIRSS and NREA is designed to provide those educators and their students with additional opportunities. That work includes ROE26's partnership with AIRSS on the Rural CTE Project, which supports career and technical education opportunities in rural and small schools.

"Our work with AIRSS, including the Rural CTE Project, is about expanding opportunities for rural students and supporting the educators and schools that make those opportunities possible," Demler said. "Jennifer represents exactly why that mission matters."

Burdette will receive the award in October at the 2026 National Forum to Advance Rural Education in San Antonio. She will also deliver a keynote address about her education story, representing Spoon River Valley and Illinois before hundreds of rural education advocates.

More information about Burdette and the award is available from the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools.