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 will be working 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 for supporting this effort.

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

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
Jennifer Maras - Morris, MN
March 29, 2023
“Relationships will always prevail over shiny toys.”
Driftless Region, Teacher Profile

Joe Brewer - Cuba, IL
March 9, 2023
How Rural Identity is Intertwined with Rural History
Illinois, Teacher Profile

Clint Whitten - Blacksburg, VA
January 31, 2023
The intersection of queerness and rurality
Appalachia, Teacher Profile

Shawntasia Butler - Morehead, KY
December 15, 2022
Sprinkle Diversity Everywhere
Teacher Profile, Podcast

Crystal Stevenson - Elkader, IA
November 23, 2022
A second career in teaching can rewrite your life story
Iowa, Teacher Profile

Osbaldo Gonzalez - Nyssa, OR
November 17, 2022
Nurturing Hope, Resilience, and Community in Oregon’s Treasure Valley
Teacher Profile, Podcast

Maximillion Frommelt - Dodgeville, WI
October 13, 2022
Young educator inspires innovation at his rural school
Teacher Profile, Podcast

Mariah Garzee - Monmouth, IL
October 12, 2022
TARTANS Alum, Mariah Garzee is inspiring growth & change in her classroom

Christina Musselman - Lake Havasu City, AZ
September 27, 2022
How education comes full circle in rural places
Teacher Profile

Taylor Kilgore and Linda Hooper - Whitwell, TN
September 21, 2022
Rural community encourages deeper understanding through Paper Clips Project