Dr. James Alberto, ED ASTRA Rural Teacher Corps

In rural Kansas, schools are the hearts of their communities. But like rural communities across the United States, sustaining a strong educator workforce remains an ongoing challenge. At Kansas State University, the ED ASTRA Rural Teacher Corps, led by Dr. James Alberto, is working to address that challenge by preparing future educators who are highly effective teachers and deeply connected to rural life for the long-term.

Karen Eppley, Director of the Rural Education Center (REC)

Housed within the College of Education and in collaboration with the university’s Rural Education Center (REC), led by Karen Eppley Director of the Center, ED ASTRA reflects Kansas State’s enduring land-grant mission to serve rural communities. The REC is the Rural Schools Collaborative Kansas Hub, supporting the preparation of rural teachers in partnership with ED ASTRA. Initiatives supporting teacher learning, STEM student learning, and rural school leader professional development are Center priorities. The REC conducts nationally relevant, high quality rural educational research, secures external funding, and connects rural schools across Kansas with resources and opportunities.

Under Dr. Alberto’s leadership, ED ASTRA is a natural REC collaborator with overlapping missions: to support students – especially those from rural backgrounds – in completing their teacher preparation and returning to rural districts to teach. By focusing on a “grow your own” approach, ED ASTRA supports a sustainable, homegrown workforce of educators who understand the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities.

“Our goal is to support students in becoming educators who are deeply invested in rural communities, which are most often the same communities that shaped them. So, many of these students are ready to give back.”

- Dr. James Alberto, Teaching Assistant Professor of Elementary Science

At its core, ED ASTRA provides a comprehensive support system for aspiring teachers throughout their undergraduate experience. Participants engage in opportunities that strengthen their instructional skills and prepare them for rural classrooms. These experiences go beyond coursework, helping students build confidence, refine their practice, and develop a clear sense of purpose as future educators.

Equally important is the program’s emphasis on community. Through regular social events and gatherings, ED ASTRA creates space for students interested in rural education to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. This sense of belonging helps reduce isolation by creating a rural-specific peer network.

Students participating in ED ASTRA's Rural Bingo activity.

The program prioritizes relationship-building as a key component of teacher preparation. ED ASTRA connects undergraduate students with rural teachers, administrators, and school leaders, offering valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of working in rural districts. These relationships enhance learning and open pathways to future employment and long-term professional support.

Beyond just the college campus experience, ED ASTRA extends its impact across the state, by reaching rural students at their schools and by bringing them to campus. This past February, with the support of RSC, ED ASTRA and the REC hosted 34 rural high school juniors for a one-day on-campus conference about what it means to be a rural teacher. The event encouraged the next generation to consider teaching as a meaningful and attainable career. This outreach effort strengthens the rural teacher pipeline even earlier, helping rural students envision themselves as future educators in their own communities. Year two planning is well under way.

“When students see teaching as a way to return home and make a meaningful difference, it transforms how they think about their future. Teaching is a profoundly rewarding career that shapes every aspect of a rural community.”

- Dr. Karen Eppley, Director of the Kansas State Rural Education Center

In a state where rural districts span vast geographic areas and there are significant teacher shortages in rural schools, the intentional, collaborative approach matters. By investing in students, building strong networks, and encouraging a return to rural roots, Kansas State University is helping ensure that rural schools are staffed by educators who are prepared, committed, and ready to lead.

This spotlight series highlights Rural Teacher Corps. Rural Teacher Corps are intentional efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain rural teacher-leaders. These 20+ programs work together to tackle the rural teacher shortage. Learn more about ED ASTRA and the Rural Teacher Corps Learning Network here.