The Black Belt Teacher Corps Teach for Alabama scholarship program was created to address teacher shortages in Alabama’s Black Belt region, rural Alabama areas, and Alabama high-needs public school districts. The Black Belt Teacher Corps Teach for Alabama program enhances teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention in the field of education by providing tuition scholarships to the College of Education, leadership and service training, and mentoring for scholars as they enter the teaching profession. Scholars commit to teaching in public schools in the Black Belt Region, rural areas, or high-need Alabama school districts for up to three (3) years after graduation
Awarded in scholarships to future rural Alabama teachers
Rural counties served
Black Belt Teacher Corps alumni
Black Belt Teacher Corps: Program Essentials
Professional development and financial support
Community leadership and service-learning opportunities
Funded by the State of Alabama
Federal grant support
"At The University of West Alabama, we see firsthand how critical intentional efforts like the Rural Teacher Corps are for preparing and retaining dedicated educators in rural communities.”
- Dr. Jan Miller, former College of Education Dean and BBTC Founder
“Students need to see people represented in their communities... I don’t feel like have to be here. I’m here because it’s where I want to be.”
Haley Richardson, BBTC Alum, Pickens County, AL
Featured Stories
Expanding Pathways: Rural Teacher Corps Community of Learners Visits the University of West Alabama
In the Black Belt Region, 20+ partners share ideas and explore how a “superhighway” of pathways is strengthening the rural teacher pipeline
What We’re Learning So Far: RSC’s Rural Educator Ecosystem Community of Learners
One year into the Community of Learners Project, participants inspire and uplift Rural Teacher Corps efforts nationwide
Breaking Barriers in the Black Belt: Hale County College and Career Academy
How the GRAD Partnership and Hale County College and Career Academy are equipping students with communication, professionalism, and confidence for the real world
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