Geneseo High School’s Kyle Bess has been named a 2025 Illinois Rural Teacher of Distinction by the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS).
Bess, who teaches at the high school’s Career and Technical Education Center and serves as the head varsity baseball coach, is one of 14 Illinois teachers to earn the distinction.
He was nominated by Travis Mackey, Director of the Career & Technical Education Center.
“Kyle Bess has made outstanding contributions to his students, colleagues, and the broader school community at Geneseo High School through his leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to career-focused education,” wrote Mackey in his nomination. “His work has had a transformative impact, particularly in the context of a rural school setting where opportunities can be more limited.”
Mackey continued, “As a vital member of the Building Leadership Team, Kyle actively contributes to shaping school improvement efforts and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence among staff. His leadership is grounded in a student-centered approach and a strong belief in the power of real-world learning.”
Mackey’s full nomination, in which he highlights the many accomplishments of Bess in the classroom, can be read on the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools’ website.
“Kyle maintains strong, positive relationships with parents and community partners, and his efforts have helped bridge the gap between education and local industry,” Mackey said. “In a rural setting, these connections are especially critical, and Kyle’s work has brought valuable resources, mentorship, and opportunities to the school and its students.”
Mackey concluded, “In all his endeavors, Kyle Bess exemplifies what it means to be an educator, mentor, and leader. His accomplishments are a testament to his dedication to student success and the betterment of the school community in Geneseo as a whole.”
AIRSS was chartered in 1987 with the purpose of presenting a unified effort to promote educational excellence in rural and small schools in Illinois. Its emphasis is to give identity, voice and recognition to rural and small schools and their local communities.
Last fall, AIRSS published its first issue of The Prairie Career Advocate, and in it, featured Geneseo High School's Career and Technical Education Center. Learn more and read the full story.
