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.

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Teacher Stories

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

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Teach Rural

Job Board

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

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Rural Educators Across Borders

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

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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.

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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.

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More Teacher Stories

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

One of a Kind: North State Student Ambassadors Plan, Lead New Conference on Rural Voice

The North State Student Ambassadors of Chico State University planned and facilitated a conference for high school students centered around gaining confidence in their voice and ways to succeed in college as rural students.

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.
Voices From the Field

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

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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.

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