Missouri Association of Rural Education Logo

Samantha Linneman of Salisbury, Missouri, is a graduate of Keytesville High School.  She is currently attending the Central Methodist University – Fayette, majoring in English Education.

Many people will pose the question, “Why do you want to be a teacher in a small school?”  One of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher should be watching kids as they grow and learn.  The bonds made with the students are special.  By knowing each student, which is possible in rural schools, we can notice if something is wrong with a student emotionally or if their grades are suffering and work with the student one on one to fix it.  Growing up in a rural school taught me the importance of these things and I cannot wait to be a role model and leader to students so they can have the same special experience in school as I did.

One of her instructors shares that Samantha always assumed a leadership role, asking probing questions during short in-class writing assignments.  This greatly helped her group members to better understand the literary texts.  Through her positive attitude and willingness to think boldly, pushing boundaries in her critical explorations inspired her group members to make their own contributions.

 Having a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and outstanding organizational skills, makes it appropriate to congratulate Samantha Linneman as the 2013 Philip C. Dorth Scholarship recipient.