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.
Jordan Bear, Neoga School District, Central Illinois
March 13, 2020
My Rural Advantage!
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Illinois
Devon Barker-Hicks, Meadows Valley School, Idaho
March 10, 2020
ELA/History teacher supports community access for rural students
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Idaho
Jason Johnson, Van Independent School District, Texas
March 5, 2020
Rural Schools Provide a "Can Do" Spirit! A Lesson from Northeast Texas
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Texas
Ciara Willhite, Franklin High School, Franklin, IL
March 3, 2020
Illinois teacher expresses advantage of small class sizes, need for professional development
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Illinois
Melissa Grandel, Fordland High School, Fordland, Missouri
February 18, 2020
Missouri's 2020 Teacher of the Year Shares Her "Rural Advantage!"
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Missouri
Kathrina O'Connell, Lake Park Audubon Elementary, Minnesota
February 14, 2020
How Place-Based Learning Can Impact Students and Their Community
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Minnesota
Jenny Handley, Williston, Florida
February 11, 2020
Lead ELL Teachers Will Benefit Students, Staff
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Florida
Jill Underly, Blanchardville, Wisconsin
January 28, 2020
Give Rural Schools the Tools They Need to Thrive
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Wisconsin
Kymberli Wregglesworth, Onaway, Michigan
January 13, 2020
The Need for Mental Health Professionals
Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Michigan
Revitalizing New Hampshire's Rural School Communities
January 10, 2020
The University of New Hampshire's innovative rural teacher development program is exemplary.
