Shelly Gurney, Boise, ID

The students and families in a rural community are more connected to the overall community. They have a love for each other and find joy in learning. I stay because I feel I can make a great impact for increasing the opportunities for our students that they may not otherwise have. Advice for new teachers is to keep your passion and ingenuity. Many times we are passed over because we don't teach in high population areas, but you have a lot to offer to the students. Think of it as a chance to be creative in finding new ways to expand the students' horizons. My rural advantage is there are strong bonds in rural districts. Fellow teachers join together to create what is best for all students, parents rally with the teachers to provide the best opportunities for the kids, and you become more of a family.