RSC Announces New Montana Hub

The Center for Research on Rural Education at Montana State University (MSU) has joined Rural Schools Collaborative’s Regional Hub Network, creating the new Montana hub. This partnership comes alongside the announcement of RSC’s new Rural Educator Ecosystem: Community of Learners project, which includes the ASPIRE (Advancing Support, Preparation, and Innovation in Rural Education) project. Dr. Jayne Downey, a professor at Montana State and Director for MSU’s Center for Research on Rural Education (CRRE), will lead RSC’s Montana Hub.

The Center for Research on Rural Education is a national leader in preparing rural teachers and supporting rural schools, making Montana State University an excellent fit for both the Regional Hub Network and the Community of Learners project. “We chose to join the RSC Regional Hub Network because we believe that meaningful change in rural education happens through shared vision, collaboration, and a deep respect for place. As a Center dedicated to supporting rural schools and communities through research and service, we saw a clear alignment between our mission and the network’s commitment to building sustainable rural communities through strengthening rural schools, promoting place-based innovation and educator leadership,” shared Dr. Downey.

At the core of Montana State University’s effort to prepare strong rural educators is the Rural Teacher Pathways initiative. Built upon research that identifies direct experiences in rural classrooms as a key to addressing the rural teaching shortage, this undergraduate program provides up to four in-person, clinical experiences that connect interested pre-service teachers to rural schools. Dr. Downey feels that this approach is essential both to providing excellence in teacher preparation, and to uplifting rural education generally: “Our work is grounded in a deep respect for place and guided by the belief that every rural student deserves access to well-prepared teachers and counselors and a high-quality education.”

In addition to teacher preparation, Jayne describes that “the CRRE serves rural communities by engaging in collaborative, community-centered research and service that addresses the unique strengths and challenges of rural schools. We partner directly with educators, administrators, and community members across Montana and beyond to co-develop research projects, provide technical support, and design professional learning opportunities that are context-specific and sustainable.” This place and community-centered approach aligns the CRRE with the values of the Rural Schools Collaborative Regional Hub Network, and partners across the nation are excited to learn from Dr. Downey and her team at Montana State University.

The Center for Research on Rural Education is a nationwide leader in rural education. “As a team, we are most proud of how our programs are rooted in authentic partnerships with rural educators and communities. Since our launch 10 years ago, we’ve prioritized listening first—ensuring that our research and service efforts respond directly to the needs, values, and aspirations of rural schools. Whether it's introducing pre-service teachers to teaching in a rural community, co-creating professional learning with teachers, or conducting research that informs policy and practice, our work reflects our deep commitments to the importance of place and respectful collaboration. We’re especially proud of the trust we’ve built with rural partners across Montana and the lasting impact of initiatives that are both academically rigorous and locally meaningful” shares Dr. Downey.

This focus on partnerships, place, and authentic listening to students, teachers, and schools aligns with the approach shared across the Rural Schools Collaborative Regional Hub Network. Taylor McCabe-Juhnke, RSC executive director, shares that “The Center for Research on Rural Education at MSU has supported rural school communities in Montana and beyond for more than a decade. We are honored to learn from and alongside them as part of the Regional Hub Network community."

As the Regional Hub Network continues to grow, and the Rural Teacher Corps Community of Learners group begins their three-year project, Rural Schools Collaborative is pleased to partner with the Montana State University Center for Research on Rural Education. The experience, dedication, and curiosity that Dr. Downey and her team bring to their work every day will be invaluable resources as RSC strives to grow a connected network of thriving rural education ecosystems across the country. To learn more about RSC’s Regional Hub Network, explore our hub page here.