A PROJECT OF RURAL SCHOOLS COLLABORATIVE & NREA

Celebrating great teachers in rural places.

The I Am A Rural Teacher Project is dedicated to providing resources and giving voice to rural teachers.

Teacher working with students

Teacher Stories

These narratives showcase the perspectives of rural educators. Read the viewpoints and recommendations of rural teachers.

Read Teacher Stories
Screenshot of job board map

Teach Rural

Job Board

Explore the next step in your teaching career, and change lives along the way.

Browse Opportunities
Teachers in Uganda holding RSC bags

Rural Educators Across Borders

In addition to sharing rural teacher stories, we provide resources and events to connect educators across the globe.

LEARN MORE
Rural Teacher Resiliency Guide

The key to making it through the first few years as a rural teacher is a lot of support. We’ve got a guide on how to find it and how to give it.

Visit the Resiliency Guide

“Rural looks and feels like people with good hearts. They’ll go to bat for you, if you go to bat for them. If you show you’re invested in them, they’ll definitely give you as much if not more back.”

- Johnathan Imhoff, Weaverville, CA
Ty Kesha Cross

Featured Teacher Story

Often the task of ensuring our students are seen, heard, and loved falls on the educators. TyKesha Cross, a Junior High and 9th Grade Banking teacher at the Pine Bluff School District in Pine Bluff, AR, knows personally the power of teachers and education to lift students out of incredibly difficult situations.

Read More

Podcast Feature

Reflections from 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year

Rural teachers are the heartbeats of their community, encouraging students to do their best and supporting programs in their schools. Brian Skinner is a high school special education teacher from Newton, Kansas, who was named a 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year for his outstanding work with his students.

Listen Now

More Teacher Stories

Kim McCully-Mobley - Aurora, MO

The Impact of Place-Based Learning in Rural Communities

The Reciprocity Project Connects Rural Educators Across Borders

The Reciprocity Project connects rural educators worldwide, promoting place-based learning and global awareness.

Skylar Primm - Cambridge, Wisconsin

Student-centered learning is a journey to empowerment at Koshkonong Trails School. Learn about Skylar Primm’s path to becoming lead teacher at KTS and how he practices place-based learning.

Freda Calloway - McGehee, AR

The Power of Teacher Corps Programs
Voices From the Field

An inside look at rural teaching from classrooms across the globe.

Listen to the Podcast

    Join the Conversation and Share your Story

    Get involved with the I Am A Rural Teacher Project by clicking the button below and sharing your story. Or, join the teacher-to-teacher discussion in the I Am A Rural Teacher Facebook Group.

    Share Your Story