A PROJECT OF RURAL SCHOOLS COLLABORATIVE & NREA

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.

Headshot of TyKesha Cross, High School Business Teacher.

TyKesha Cross - Pine Bluff, AR

August 23, 2023

Overcoming adversity through the power of education

Arkansas Delta, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Arkansas

Brian Skinner - Newton, KS

July 12, 2023

Reflections from 2023 Kansas Teacher of the Year

Kansas, Teacher Profile, Podcast, Teacher Feature: Kansas

Tiffany Phillips - Grimesland, NC

June 28, 2023

How Rural Educators Become Community Leaders

Southeast, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: North Carolina

Ty White - Willcox, AZ

May 10, 2023

Celebrating the continued work of the 2022 National Rural Teacher of the Year

Southwest, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Arizona

Dave Perry - Cloquet, MN

April 19, 2023

Restorative Practices and healthy relationships prepare students for success in and out of the classroom

Driftless Region, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Minnesota

Jenny in her classroom

Jennifer Maras - Morris, MN

March 29, 2023

“Relationships will always prevail over shiny toys.”

Driftless Region, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Minnesota

Joe Brewer - Cuba, IL

March 9, 2023

How Rural Identity is Intertwined with Rural History

Illinois, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Illinois

Clint Whitten Headshot

Clint Whitten - Blacksburg, VA

January 31, 2023

The intersection of queerness and rurality

Appalachia, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Virginia

Crystal Stevenson - Elkader, IA

November 23, 2022

A second career in teaching can rewrite your life story

Iowa, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Iowa

Osbaldo Gonzalez - Nyssa, OR

November 17, 2022

Nurturing Hope, Resilience, and Community in Oregon’s Treasure Valley

Teacher Profile, Podcast

Maximillion Frommelt - Dodgeville, WI

October 13, 2022

Young educator inspires innovation at his rural school

Teacher Profile, Podcast