A PROJECT OF RURAL SCHOOLS COLLABORATIVE & NREA

Dana Colvin, Seneca Falls, NY

"I was a rural student. I am a rural teacher."

July 2, 2020 |
Share

I knew I was going to be a FACS teacher when I was 15. I wanted to share the excitement of others celebrating the things they were passionate about, and perhaps go into a field that represented those things. I wanted to teach the Life Skills that are so important to be successful and to help guide good decisions.

I was a rural student then, learning in a K-12 building, in a one-traffic-light town. My classmates and I still have a close bond like no other. Any differences had to be worked out in a graduating class with only 45 students. Some of us went on to be teachers, accountants, nurses and even a commercial pilot. I graduated high school and chose to be a rural teacher as my career.

What is a rural student like you ask? My students play outside. They know what camping is like. Most come from a family whose members hunt and fish and take care of wildlife. Some have chickens and bring me eggs. I have proudly been on virtual tours of student’s farms and many students proudly share their talents and skills with me.

I was a rural student. I am a rural teacher. I have rural kids.

WE are rural, and proud to be so!

Previous ALL STORIES Next

Scott Simmons - Pineland, TX

December 11, 2024

Scott Simmons shares what makes Pineland, TX so special.

Teacher Profile, Podcast, Teacher Feature: Texas, ETX

Tammie Hodnett Marlow – Cleveland, MS

November 21, 2024

Highlighting the innovative programs created and led by Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year winner, Tammie Hodnett Marlow, the award winning science teacher at Cleveland Central Middle School in Cleveland, MS.

Regional Hubs, Power of Partnerships, Place-Based Education, Local Philanthropy, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Mississippi, Mississippi

Amanda Bedell - Charlevoix County, MI

October 8, 2024

A Michigan island serves as a classroom where the school is the community.

Regional Hubs, Indiana & Great Lakes, Place-Based Education, Teacher Profile, Rural Resilience, Teacher Feature: Michigan