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.

Voices from the Field: Kelsy Sproul - Sedan, KS

October 1, 2025

Kelsy shares how she found herself on a new path through education

Kansas, Teacher Profile, Podcast, Teacher Feature: Kansas

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: The Colorado Center for Rural Education Strengthens Colorado's Rural Teacher Workforce

September 18, 2025

The Colorado Center for Rural Education is building sustainable pathways, partnerships, and support systems for rural educators across the state

Colorado, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

School Farm Uplifts Learning, Leadership at Latham Elementary

September 11, 2025

Latham Elementary in Moniteau County (MO) has created a school farm that has transformed learning in this rural district.

Missouri Ozarks

Science Educators Abroad: East Carolina University Opens New Doors for Rural Teachers

September 11, 2025

For the last three years, East Carolina University has provided scholarships to rural science teachers to enrich their teaching through immersive study-abroad experiences in Belize and Spain.

Southeast

Celebrating Rural Teacher-Leaders: National Signature Project Award 2024-25 Winners

August 19, 2025

In partnership with the National Rural Education Association, Rural Schools Collaborative is proud to celebrate this year’s National Signature Project Awardees' accomplishments.

Power of Partnerships, Grants in Place, Mississippi, North Dakota, Place-Based Education

Love Yourself and Where You Teach: Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque hosts 2025 Rural Teacher Summit

August 19, 2025

Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Rural Teacher Summit builds resiliency, well-being among area educators.

Iowa, GRAD Partnership

A Meaningful Mentorship Model: Maine New Teacher Academy Aims to Address Rural Teacher Retention

July 29, 2025

The New Teacher Academy at The University of Maine at Farmington Develops and Grows a Novel Mentorship Network

Power of Partnerships, New England

Celebrating the Power of Place-Based Education in Oregon

July 9, 2025

Three rural Oregon teachers transforming education with Place-Based Projects that connects students to their communities

Power of Partnerships, Grants in Place, Pacific Northwest, Place-Based Education

2025 Grants in Place Celebration of Learning

June 17, 2025

The Celebration of Learning spotlights 19 rural teachers who transformed their curriculum with community-focused Place-Based Education projects this past school year.

Power of Partnerships, Grants in Place, Place-Based Education

Students cleaning up gardening area.

Eric Nichols - Crane, OR

May 21, 2025

In a widespread community in Harney County, Oregon, the community is the school.

Place-Based Education, Teacher Profile, Rural Resilience, Teacher Feature: Oregon

Ms. Jennifer Pratt, M.Ed. - Houston, MS

May 13, 2025

Houston Alternative School educator and 2024 National Signature Project Award recipient brings place-based learning to life through garden and outdoor classroom initiatives.

Power of Partnerships, Grants in Place, Kansas, Mississippi, Place-Based Education, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Mississippi

2024-25 Grants in Place Updates from the Field

April 16, 2025

Celebrating Innovation, Community, and Hands-On Learning: How Rural Educators Are Transforming Classrooms Across the Country Through Place-Based Education

Regional Hubs, Power of Partnerships, Grants in Place, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, New England, Northern California, Northern Rockies, Pacific Northwest, Place-Based Education