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.
Nomination: Rob Zumbahlen - Altamont, IL
September 12, 2023
Illinois, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Illinois
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
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 - Blacksburg, VA
January 31, 2023
The intersection of queerness and rurality
Appalachia, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Virginia
Shawntasia Butler - Morehead, KY
December 15, 2022
Sprinkle Diversity Everywhere
Appalachia, Teacher Profile, Podcast, Teacher Feature: Kentucky
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