Serving Rural Schools
Educator Development Specialist Support for Teacher Candidates in Rural Schools
At Talent Together, we’re committed to serving educators all across Michigan. We provide support for teacher candidates through our Educator Development Specialist services.
Dr. Sara Croney, superintendent for Gwinn Area Community Schools, highlighted the transformative power of educators, stating: “Our greatest strength is a quality, motivated teacher who can change the motivation and beliefs of a child from lukewarm to full steam ahead with achievement! Talent Together teachers are helping to excite our learners to believe they are capable.”
Our Educator Development Specialist team provides in-person and online classroom observations, shares helpful resources, and works closely with teacher candidates.

Quote by: Kimberly Shoup, Educator Development Specialist at Talent Together
“I am continually impressed by the dedication, skill, and hard work I often experience while working with staff in rural schools. Many staff members live in the same community, and their own children attend the school where they work. They have no desire to leave the district once they earn their teacher certification and are committed to contributing to their community by becoming a certified educator.”
Keep reading to learn about Eccles, one of the small rural schools that Talent Together serves. If you’d like to get involved, check out these opportunities:
Eccles School, a one room schoolhouse in Harbor Beach, MI

Eccles is a historic one-room schoolhouse in Harbor Beach, Michigan. It serves 24 students in kindergarten through 8th grades with personalized, multi-age instruction. Run by the Huron Area ISD under Dr. Nancy Lubeski, Eccles blends its old-fashioned charm with strong special education and therapy programs. This year, Eccles welcomed its largest kindergarten class, with seven students. Two teachers cover all subjects and grade levels.
Jodi Geiger is a dedicated paraeducator at Eccles School and a teacher candidate with Talent Together. Jodi says, “I enjoy being able to help students and seeing them make learning progress.”
Jodi is pursuing her teacher certification, and we are truly blessed to have her as part of the Talent Together program. Reflecting on her experience, Jodi shares, “Talent Together has been extraordinarily wonderful—checking in on you, helping you through the steps, and always being there if you have questions along the way.”

Educator Development Specialists embrace Michigan’s diverse communities, and assist teacher candidates to become strong educators for their schools and students.
More information about the rural school districts in Huron County can be found at Huron County Rural Schools.