Shelly Gurney, Boise, ID
Passion, ingenuity, and familial bonds expand rural students' horizons
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.
Amanda Bedell - Charlevoix County, MI
October 8, 2024
A Michigan island serves as a classroom where the school is the community.
Regional Hubs, Indiana & Great Lakes, Place-Based Education, Teacher Profile, Rural Resilience, Teacher Feature: Michigan
Connie Skrmetta - Delisle, MS
August 20, 2024
Highlighting the innovative programs created and led by Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year winner, Connie Skrmetta, the Health and Physical Education Teacher at DeLisle Elementary School in DeLisle, MS.
Regional Hubs, Power of Partnerships, Place-Based Education, Local Philanthropy, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Mississippi, Mississippi
Todd Willis - Tate County, MS
July 9, 2024
Highlighting the innovative programs created and led by Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year winner, Todd Willis, an innovative 3rd grade Teacher at Coldwater Elementary School in Tate County, MS.