A PROJECT OF RURAL SCHOOLS COLLABORATIVE

Our Stories

Voices from the Field is part of the I Am a Rural Teacher project. 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. This project is supported by the Rural Teacher Corps: A Community of Learners.

Teachers during their place-based experience on North Carolina's Outer Banks

Classroom to Coast: How a Custom Master’s Program is Keeping Science Teachers in Pitt County

July 22, 2026

Through a tailored masters degree program, East Carolina University and Pitt County Schools are creating a powerful collaborative model to retain teachers and cultivate classroom leaders.

Southeast, Place-Based Education

Emma Tupper

I Am a Rural Teacher: Emma Tupper

July 13, 2026

Emma Tupper finds her place in returning to rural education in Medway, Maine.

New England, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Profile, Community of Learners

Emergent Educators Advisory Council 2nd Year Reflections: Bethany Schnetzler

July 9, 2026

2nd Year Leaders of the Emergent Educators Advisory Council reflect on two years collaborating with their rural peers.

Emergent Educators’ Advisory Council, Illinois, Place-Based Education, Rural Teacher Corps

Emergent Educators Advisory Council 2nd Year Reflections: Betty Jones

July 8, 2026

2nd Year Leaders of the Emergent Educators Advisory Council reflect on two years collaborating with their rural peers.

Emergent Educators’ Advisory Council, Place-Based Education, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Feature: Kentucky

Grants in Place projects in action throughout the year.

2026 Grants in Place Celebration of Learning

June 29, 2026

The Grants in Place Celebration of Learning showcased innovative projects from 30 rural teachers

Regional Hubs, Grants in Place

Emma King and Amelia Woollard from Appalachian Ohio

I Am A Rural Teacher: Emma King & Amelia Woollard, Appalachian Ohio

June 3, 2026

Two future teachers reflect on rural roots, classroom beginnings, and the power of community-connected education in Appalachian Ohio

Appalachia, Ohio, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Profile

A Legacy in the Woods: How Lodi Students are Reclaiming Their School Forest

May 18, 2026

With the help of the Grants in Place program, awardee Paula Tonn and the Lodi School District are utilizing its historic school forest property to engage students and families

Grants in Place, Driftless Region

Students engaged at STEAM Career and Community Connected Learning event at Western Local School District.

Rural Futures Take Root in Latham, Ohio

May 12, 2026

At Western Local School District in Appalachian Ohio, Jennifer Buckler is helping students discover that meaningful careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities can grow right in the communities they call home

Grants in Place, Ohio

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Appalachian Future Educators Prepares Future Teachers to Lead in Eastern Kentucky

May 7, 2026

Through scholarships, mentorship, and service learning, the program supports aspiring educators committed to returning home and strengthening their rural communities

Appalachia, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners