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.
Jamie Oberdorf, Seneca Falls, NY
June 11, 2020
"Educating the whole child" in the birthplace of women's rights
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: New York
Michele Zollars, Oak Run, CA
June 10, 2020
Penpals Engage with Letters to a Pre-Scientist during COVID Closures
Teacher Profile
Emma Caskey, Homer, NE
June 9, 2020
Third-generation rural teacher shares how tradition runs deep
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Nebraska
Cory Steiner, Hunter, ND
June 8, 2020
75-mile parade for 650 students
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: North Dakota
Kristie Brooks, Cusseta, GA
June 5, 2020
Providing technology and over 36,000 meals
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Georgia
Nomination - Boone Bowker, Gordon, NE
June 4, 2020
Alternative physical education for students at home
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Nebraska
Victoria Norton, Martinsville, IL
June 3, 2020
Teachers reach students digitally through fun activities
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Illinois
Sara Hatlewick, Napoleon, ND
June 2, 2020
Agriculture teacher shares her rural advantage
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: North Dakota
Holly Hawley, Tecumseh, NE
June 1, 2020
Growing plants and young minds through Class Dojo
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Nebraska
Casey Jakubowski, Sidney, NY
May 28, 2020
Policy changes needed concerning broadband access
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: New York
Brian Tonniges, Polk, NE
May 27, 2020
Community shares school spirit during closures
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Nebraska
Nomination - Ben Miller, Bangor, CA
May 26, 2020
New teacher shines bright despite pandemic