Welcome to the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance
The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA) was formed to help rural school districts address the unique issues that affect rural schools as they strive to achieve the highest quality education for every student. Our members include a cross section of educators, school board members, rural community members, business leaders and other concerned individuals who want a strong voice for rural schools. WiRSA is supported by the Wisconsin Cooperative Education Services Agency (CESA) districts, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the UW System and rural school districts.
Wisconsin Redefining Ready is now live
As many of you know WiRSA along with WASDA and the CESAs have been working together on Redefining Ready, a more inclusive report card that gives you a more accurate review of your schools and students. To find out more go to the new Wisconsin Redefining Ready website and the National Redefining Ready website.
2021 WiRSA Conference
October 24-26, 2021 at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center
the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells
Call for Proposal information and vendor/sponsor interest is now open.
Use this link to submit a proposal.
Use this link if you are interested in being a vendor and/or a sponsor.
A conference for administrators, board members, teachers, CESA employees, higher education professionals, public library administrators, elected officials and citizens interested in rural school and community issues.
Contact Information
Kim Kaukl
Become a Member
2020-2021 WiRSA Scholarship Winners
Aneta Gbur
Region 1: Aneta Gbur | Adams Friendship High School read more
Makenna Guden
Region 4: Makenna Guden | Edgar High School read more
Emily Cody
Region 2: Emily Cody | Mineral Point High School read more
Lauren Hayes
At Large Region 1: Lauren Hayes | Wild Rose High School read more
Abigail Schradle
Region 3: Abigail Schradle | Clayton High School read more
Connor Romandine
At Large Region 4: Connor Romandine | Oconto Falls High School read more
2020-2021 WiRSA Scholarship
About the WiRSA Scholarship
In recognition of the tremendous efforts put forth by Wisconsin’s rural schools to provide their students with quality education in an ever-changing environment, it is with pleasure that the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA) offers an annual scholarship program.
To qualify, participating schools must be current paid members of WiRSA.
The scholarship will be awarded annually to five graduated high school seniors. Each recipient will receive a one-time cash scholarship of $750 to be used by the student to help defray the costs of post-secondary education and related expenses. A written essay is required for the application that expands on the following information:
- the benefits of attending a rural school
- your college and career goals
- the value of growing up in a rural community and what personal values you have gained from your experience
Sadie Eckerman
Region 1: Sadie Eckerman | Mauston High School read more
Adrienne Brady
Region 4: Adrienne Brady | Tigerton High School read more
Samantha Meier
Region 2: Samantha Meier | Cuba City High School read more
Lucas Bousley
At Large Region 1: Lucas Bousley | Southern Door High School read more
Catie Clement
Region 3: Catie Clement | Abbotsford High School read more
Morgan Moline
At Large Region 3: Morgan Moline | Pepin High School read more
2020-2021 WiRSA Post-Secondary Teacher Education Scholarship
About the WiRSA Post-Secondary Teacher Education Scholarship
The scholarship will be awarded annually to one graduating high school senior from each of the four membership regions of Wisconsin as specified in the organization’s bylaws. An additional at-Large scholarship will be given to the next highest scoring applicant. Each recipient will receive a one-time cash scholarship of $750 to be used by the student to help defray the costs of post-secondary education and related expenses. A written essay is required for the application that expands on the following information:
- The benefits of attending a rural school.
- Why you are choosing the field of Teacher Education.
- The value of growing up in a rural community and what personal values you have gained from your experience.
Andrew Reinemann
Region 1: Andrew Reinemann | UW-Oshkosh read more
Leah Hoogland
Region 4: Leah Hoogland | UW-Stevens Point read more
Spring 2021 Student Teacher Scholarship
About the WiRSA Student Teacher Scholarship
In response to the tremendous need for educators in rural areas, it is with pleasure that the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance (WiRSA) offers an annual scholarship program specifically for Student Teachers. To qualify, the applicant must be student teaching (interns are not eligible for this scholarship) at a participating member schools that is in good standing.
The scholarship will be awarded annually to one student teachers from each of the four membership regions of Wisconsin as specified in the organization’s bylaws. Each recipient will receive a one-time cash scholarship of $750 to be used by the student to help defray the costs while student teaching and related expenses. A written essay is required for the application that expands on the following information:
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- Why do you want to teach in a rural school?
- What impact can you have on rural students?