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.
An inside look at rural teaching from classrooms across the globe.
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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.
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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
I Am a Rural Teacher: Crystal Barnett-Sheaves – Marietta, OH
Connecting classrooms, careers, and community
I Am A Rural Teacher: Kailyn Hoesman - Monmouth, IL
Kailyn celebrates Place- Based learning in rural schools and communities
Voices from the Field: Veronica Ulloa - Tehama, California
Veronica reflects on how growing up in a rural school shaped her teaching dreams
I Am a Rural Teacher: Shelby Starbuck - Fredonia, KS
Shelby prepares to lead in and out of the classroom