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.

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

Ava Hollins-Rogers headshot and the I Am A Rural Teacher logo

I Am a Rural Teacher: Ava Hollins-Rogers – West Memphis, AR

May 7, 2026

Resilience shapes rural classrooms and communities in the Arkansas Delta

Arkansas Delta, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Profile

Toni Myers headshot and the I Am A Rural Teacher logo in the upper left corner

I Am a Rural Teacher: Toni Myers – Baker City, OR

April 21, 2026

In a two-room schoolhouse, Toni Myers builds generations of learners through relationships, resilience, and community-rooted education

Pacific Northwest, Teacher Profile, Rural Resilience

Voices from the Field: Nicole Cooper - Waynesville, MO

April 7, 2026

Guiding a path for the next hometown generation

Missouri Ozarks, Teacher Profile, Podcast

Wyoming Rural Teacher Corps

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Wyoming Rural Teacher Corps Prepares Future Educators for Rural Classrooms

April 1, 2026

Through mentorship, immersive experiences, and place-based learning, the program equips pre-service teachers to thrive in Wyoming’s rural schools

Northern Rockies, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

Rural Teacher Corps Community of Learners Visits the University of West Alabama

Expanding Pathways: Rural Teacher Corps Community of Learners Visits the University of West Alabama

March 30, 2026

In the Black Belt Region, 20+ partners share ideas and explore how a “superhighway” of pathways is strengthening the rural teacher pipeline

Regional Hubs, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

Supports for All Students: Clemson’s Behavioral Alliance of South Carolina Organization Strengthens Rural Schools

March 23, 2026

The Behavior Alliance of South Carolina is partnering with districts such as Anderson 2 to develop district-wide capacity to meet the needs of all learners.

Southeast

Linda Rost pictured with I Am A Rural Teacher logo in left hand corner

I Am A Rural Teacher: Linda Rost - Baker, MT

March 13, 2026

Through hands-on research, mentorship, and unwavering belief in her students, Linda Rost redefines what’s possible in rural education

Montana, Place-Based Education, Teacher Profile, Community of Learners

Nathan Hensley looking at a tray of seeds that students started.

2026 Grants in Place Project Spotlight: Learning by Doing: Finding the Solution to Food Insecurity - Crane, MO

March 13, 2026

Nathan Hensley leads students to learn about the food system in efforts to produce healthy foods to share with community members in need

Grants in Place, Missouri Ozarks, Place-Based Education

When Students Lead: Kansas State University’s Future Rural Teacher Conference

March 12, 2026

Two RSC Hub Partners, Kansas State University and Chico State University, partner on a student-led Future Rural Teacher Conference

Regional Hubs, Kansas, Northern California, Rural Teacher Corps

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Arkansas Teacher Corps Builds and Sustains Teacher-Leaders Across the Delta

March 11, 2026

Through intensive preparation, coaching, and community-centered professional development, ATC strengthens Arkansas’ rural educator workforce

Arkansas Delta, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners