The UMaine Rural THRIVE project aims to facilitate mentorship and support at three points in educators’ careers: early-career (years one to three), mid-career teacher-leaders and those in building or district leadership positions. The program includes regular virtual and in-person teacher gatherings, mentoring and one-on-one guidance between early-career and mid-career rural teachers. An educator preparation component, called the Rural Substitute Teaching and Innovation Corps (RuSTIC), connects education majors to hands-on experience as substitute teachers in rural schools.
Undergrads subbing through RuSTIC
Educators interacting with the UMaine Rural THRIVE program annually
Received in federal funding
UMaine Rural THRIVE: Program Essentials
Early career mentoring
Teacher leadership development
Rurally-responsive school change
Communities of practice
"Our statewide teacher and school leader networks are designed to foster teacher retention, leadership development and rural innovation transfer. We want every rural educator to have the conditions necessary to thrive."
-Cat Biddle, UMaine Rural Teacher Corps
“I’m really excited to have more field experiences and gain more confidence as a teacher. It’s awesome that we get to see all different grade levels and subjects, because it gives you an idea of what’s out there in terms of the variety of schools and classrooms.”
-Lanie Christianson, Bar Harbor, Maine
Featured Stories
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
RSC Announces 2026 Grants in Place Awardees
Welcoming the 2026 Grants in Place Cohort: Connecting rural classrooms to communities through Place-Based Education projects
Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: The University of Maine Strengthens Rural Education Across New England
The University of Maine’s Rural Teacher Corps builds community, resilience, and connection for rural educators
Explore the Network
