At Kansas State University, the ED ASTRA Rural Teacher Corps is working to address the rural teacher shortage by preparing future educators who are highly effective teachers and deeply connected to rural life for the long-term.
Housed within the College of Education and in collaboration with the university’s Rural Education Center (REC), ED ASTRA reflects Kansas State’s enduring land-grant mission to serve rural communities.
Active members attending events on campus
Pre-service educators served through professional development opportuinities
Elementary students served across Kansas
ED ASTRA Rural Teacher Corps: Program Essentials
Rural teaching certificate program
Networking and scholarship opportunties
Rural oriented professional development
Regular group meetings
“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
“It was a powerful reminder that rural schools are full of potential. Meaningful, place-based learning can flourish when educators meet students where they are, both geographically and developmentally.”
- Shelby Starbuck, ED ASTRA Alumni
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