Celebrating great teachers in rural places.
I Am A Rural Teacher shares the stories, experiences, and aspirations of America’s rural teachers. By highlighting the narratives of veteran, new, and future teachers, I Am A Rural Teacher strives to support an education ecosystem where rural teacher-leaders are front and center.
Public schools are the hubs of many small towns and rural places and teachers, through their collective wisdom and connection to place, are essential to the social fabric of rural school communities. I Am A Rural Teacher is committed to these ideals.
I Am A Rural Teacher is a component of Rural Schools Collaborative’s The Rural Education Ecosystem: Community of Learners project, which is funded by the ECMC Foundation and Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies. The I Am A Rural Teacher project was originally launched in 2019 with support from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Teacher Stories
These narratives showcase the perspectives of rural educators. Read the viewpoints and recommendations of rural teachers.
Read Teacher Stories
About Us
I Am A Rural Teacher is a national advocacy campaign that gives voice to rural teachers.
Learn More
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 GuideMore Teacher Stories
Ms. Jennifer Pratt, M.Ed. - Houston, MS
Houston Alternative School educator and 2024 National Signature Project Award recipient brings place-based learning to life through garden and outdoor classroom initiatives.
2024-25 Grants in Place Updates from the Field
Celebrating Innovation, Community, and Hands-On Learning: How Rural Educators Are Transforming Classrooms Across the Country Through Place-Based Education
Lisa Furlong - Ukiah, CA
From a young child not ready for school to becoming a lifelong learning advocate, Lisa Furlong shares that her community is why she put down teaching roots in rural California.
Scott Simmons - Pineland, TX
Scott Simmons shares what makes Pineland, TX so special.
