Our Stories
The I Am a Rural Teacher campaign is committed to sharing voices and perspectives of rural teachers throughout the country. Elevating teacher advocacy is a primary objective of this national initiative, and the Rural Schools Collaborative works with the National Rural Education Association to share rural teachers’ viewpoints with policymakers at the regional, state, and national levels.
Thank you to The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks for the initial support to launch this effort.

Kim McCully-Mobley - Aurora, MO
November 28, 2023
The Impact of Place-Based Learning in Rural Communities
Missouri Ozarks, Teacher Profile, Podcast, Teacher Feature: Missouri

The Reciprocity Project Connects Rural Educators Across Borders
November 2, 2023
The Reciprocity Project connects rural educators worldwide, promoting place-based learning and global awareness.
Place-Based Education, Rural Educators Across Borders, Reciprocity Project Blog

Skylar Primm - Cambridge, Wisconsin
October 31, 2023
Student-centered learning is a journey to empowerment at Koshkonong Trails School. Learn about Skylar Primm’s path to becoming lead teacher at KTS and how he practices place-based learning.
Driftless Region, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Wisconsin

Nneka Love - Marianna, AR
September 18, 2023
Inspiring teacher resilience through mentorship.
Arkansas Delta, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Arkansas

Nomination: Rob Zumbahlen - Altamont, IL
September 12, 2023
Illinois, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Illinois

TyKesha Cross - Pine Bluff, AR
August 23, 2023
Overcoming adversity through the power of education
Arkansas Delta, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Arkansas

Brian Skinner - Newton, KS
July 12, 2023
Reflections from 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year
Kansas, Teacher Profile, Podcast, Teacher Feature: Kansas

Tiffany Phillips - Grimesland, NC
June 28, 2023
How Rural Educators Become Community Leaders
Southeast, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: North Carolina

Ty White - Willcox, AZ
May 10, 2023
Celebrating the continued work of the 2022 National Rural Teacher of the Year
Southwest, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Arizona

Dave Perry - Cloquet, MN
April 19, 2023
Restorative Practices and healthy relationships prepare students for success in and out of the classroom
Driftless Region, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Minnesota
Jennifer Maras - Morris, MN
March 29, 2023
“Relationships will always prevail over shiny toys.”