Alabama And The Black Belt Region
The University of West Alabama’s Rural Education Center anchors our Alabama and the Black Belt Region Hub.
Along with the Black Belt Teacher Corps, The University of West Alabama College of Education's Center for Rural Education (UWA) connects our work to Alabama and the Black Belt regions of Mississippi and Georgia. UWA College of Education dean, Dr. Jan Miller, an RSC board member, serves as the hub contact person for this effort bolstering rural education across the three-state region.
The University of West Alabama is located in the small rural town of Livingston, which is located in the middle of the Black Belt Region. The Black Belt has a unique history and geography, and UWA is perfectly positioned to address issues such as rural poverty, teacher shortages, and the concept of school and community improvement.
The relationship between the Rural Schools Collaborative and The University of West Alabama was facilitated by former RSC board memberLarry Lee of Montgomery, Alabama, and started with a modest planning grant in 2015.
Since that time, under the leadership of Dr. Miller and University president, Dr. Ken Tucker, UWA has become a national leader in the field of rural education. This commitment has led to the establishment of several exemplary efforts. These include:
- The Black Belt Teacher Corps
- Teach for Alabama
- The Center for Rural Education
- Project REP
- The University REACH School
- A statewide partnership with the National Rural Education Association, and
- A new doctoral program in Rural Education
RSC Strategic Advisor, Gary Funk, said, "On behalf of our board of directors, I want to thank Dr. Miller, her colleagues and students for working with us. They have been gracious partners, and we would not be where we are today without UWA's support and cooperation. In addition, we are so thankful for Larry Lee and his tireless advocacy of public education. Not only did Larry make possible this relationship, but his commitment to our Grants in Place program has been wonderful."
Netta Davis - Sarah, MS
"Doing History" with Students
The dedication of a teacher to their students is one of the enduring qualities of the profession. Aquenetta (Netta) Davis, an outstanding rural teacher in Mississippi, has traveled around the country, putting down roots in numerous states through her time in the military and laterin education. Yet at each stop along the way, her belief that “all students can learn” has driven her work to educate and inspire everyone who enters her classroom.
Netta spoke with us to share more about her story, and what drives her work to make education and achievement accessible to all. Netta's heart for students shines through in her classroom, where she encourages mutual respect and individualized learning. Netta and her students don't just learn history - they do history.
UWA College of Education's Project REP
A step forward in bolstering rural schools and sparking community revitalization.
More news & stories from our Alabama Hub:
- Jamesha Keithley - Leland, MS (May 2022)
- Mississippi Rural Teachers of the Year Share Why They Teach Rural (March 2022)
- Mapping Impact: An Update from Our Black Belt Teacher Corps Partners (February 2022)
- AL.com does Story on Alabama Hub (August 2021)
- Allie Carson Selected as an RSC Grants in Place Godsil Fellow (January 2021)
Larry Lee, Montgomery, AL, RSC Board Member, 2016-21
Jan Miller, Alabama Hub Contact, Livingston, AL, RSC Board Member
Brittany Williams, Livingston, Alabama- Young Educator's Advisory Council
The University of West Alabama
Allie Marques. Black Belt Teacher Corps Perspective
