A PROJECT OF RURAL SCHOOLS COLLABORATIVE

Our Stories

Voices from the Field is part of the I Am a Rural Teacher project. I Am A Rural Teacher shares the stories, experiences, and aspirations of America’s rural teachers. By highlighting the narratives of veteran, new, and future teachers, I Am A Rural Teacher strives to support an education ecosystem where rural teacher-leaders are front and center. This project is supported by the Rural Teacher Corps: A Community of Learners.

When Students Lead: Kansas State University’s Future Rural Teacher Conference

March 12, 2026

Two RSC Hub Partners, Kansas State University and Chico State University, partner on a student-led Future Rural Teacher Conference

Regional Hubs, Kansas, Northern California, Rural Teacher Corps

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Arkansas Teacher Corps Builds and Sustains Teacher-Leaders Across the Delta

March 11, 2026

Through intensive preparation, coaching, and community-centered professional development, ATC strengthens Arkansas’ rural educator workforce

Arkansas Delta, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Great River Teacher Corps at Western Illinois University Strengthens the Rural Educator Pipeline

February 27, 2026

Grounded in regional partnership and place-based preparation, WIU’s initiative invests in future teachers committed to rural schools

Illinois, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

Community of Learners participants in a learning session during June kickoff convening

What We’re Learning So Far: RSC’s Rural Educator Ecosystem Community of Learners

February 11, 2026

One year into the Community of Learners Project, participants inspire and uplift Rural Teacher Corps efforts nationwide

Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

I Am A Rural Teacher: Kailyn Hoesman - Monmouth, IL

January 28, 2026

Kailyn celebrates Place- Based learning in rural schools and communities

Illinois, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Profile, Community of Learners

Voices from the Field: Veronica Ulloa - Tehama, CA

January 7, 2026

Veronica reflects on how growing up in a rural school shaped her teaching dreams

Northern California, Teacher Profile, Podcast

I Am a Rural Teacher: Shelby Starbuck - Fredonia, KS

December 19, 2025

Shelby prepares to lead in and out of the classroom

Kansas, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Profile, Community of Learners

2026 Grants in Place Awardees

RSC Announces 2026 Grants in Place Awardees

December 17, 2025

Welcoming the 2026 Grants in Place Cohort: Connecting rural classrooms to communities through Place-Based Education projects

Regional Hubs, Grants in Place

Rural Teacher Initiative at University of Wisconsin-Platteville students participating in a school STEM Night.

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Proud Rural Teacher Initiative at University of Wisconsin-Platteville Supports All Students as Future Rural Teachers

December 10, 2025

UW-Platteville’s innovative model strengthens the rural teacher pipeline through partnerships, cultural learning, and hands-on community engagement

Driftless Region, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

Menoken School serves about fifty students grades K-8

‘That’s not my job’ Isn’t a Thing: Inside the thriving Menoken School (ND)

November 4, 2025

Dedicated and adaptable teachers create a family-friendly, student-centered learning environment in Menoken, North Dakota

Regional Hubs, North Dakota

Sweet Briar students

I Am A Rural Teacher: Mary McHugh - Sweet Briar, ND

November 4, 2025

Mary shares her passion for designing effective education in a small North Dakota school

North Dakota, Teacher Profile