معرفی
Tammy La Prad serves as Associate Professor of Education Studies at Monmouth College's School of Education, teaching elementary education methods, literacy, science, social studies, mathematics, and English language learner coursework while actively mentoring students during K-12 practicum experiences.
Education:
- Ed.D. – Western Illinois University College of Education, 2019
- M.A. – University of Virginia Curry School of Education, 1996; Virginia Licensure, Elementary Education (current)
- B.A. – Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences, 1989
Research Focus: Her scholarship centers on rural educational ecosystems through place-based curriculum development and civic engagement initiatives. She investigates rural high school students' perceptions of schooling purpose and teaching profession viability, while collaborating with communities to strengthen symbiotic school-community relationships. Her work emphasizes cultivating teacher visionaries in resource-limited rural contexts.
Professional Engagement: La Prad actively contributes to rural education discourse through presentations at the Ohio Valley Philosophy of Education Society and Monmouth College colloquia, addressing critical issues like the Illinois rural teacher shortage crisis and historical memory in educational settings. She co-founded the Teachers Allied with Rural Towns and Neighborhood Schools (TARTANS) initiative to support rural educator retention.
Mentorship Philosophy: She describes teacher preparation as 'the best of both worlds,' combining university instruction with direct K-12 classroom partnerships. Her approach centers on developing educators who recognize schools as community anchors and teachers as visionary leaders capable of transforming rural educational landscapes.
