Rural Schools Collaborative

University of Maine

The University of Maine is building a system of robust, rural-focused programs supporting small towns and rural schools across the state, and heads up the collaborative network of like-minded advocates and organizations throughout the larger New England region. Catharine Biddle, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at UMaine, serves as the New England hub contact.

As Maine's flagship public university, The University of Maine (UMaine) has a statewide mission of teaching, research and economic development, and community service, and is the state's public research university. The New England Region has long been an exemplar of school-community engagement, excellent rural educators, and place-based education. UMaine received Catalyst Initiative Grant funding for a Rural Teacher Corps, which continues to enrich their support of communities across one of America’s most rural states.

UMaine has diverse pathways for supporting rural schools and communities, including:

Cultivating educational partnerships and practices that sustain healthy and equitable developmental ecologies for rural youth
STEM-focused rural education projects
An initiative to train early childhood special educators and other professionals in Maine to serve pre-school aged children with intensive communication needs
A Rural Leadership Program in partnership with the University of Maine at Presque Isle
A growing program in Outdoor Leadership

Spotlight

Matthew Eastman and Lanie Christianson, University of Maine teacher candidates.

Lanie Christianson and Matthew Eastman - University of Maine

Finding a passion for teaching when Maine needs them most.

To support future rural teachers before they enter the classroom, the University of Maine recently hosted its inaugural Future Teacher Pinning Ceremony, recognizing students committed to the teaching profession. Among them are Lanie Christianson and Matthew Eastman, who both discovered their passion for education after starting college in different fields. Now teacher candidates, they are gaining hands-on experience in classrooms across Maine. With accredited programs and strong field placements, UMaine is preparing the next generation of educators to make a lasting impact in rural communities. Read more about their inspiring journeys!

More news and stories from our New England Regional Hub:

University of Maine Rural Thrive participants

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

A Meaningful Mentorship Model: Maine New Teacher Academy Aims to Address Rural Teacher Retention

The New Teacher Academy at The University of Maine at Farmington Develops and Grows a Novel Mentorship Network

Rural Educator Ecosystem: Community of Learners Launches at National Summit to Address Educator Shortage in Rural Communities

With generous support from ECMC Foundation and Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, the initiative kicked off at the Rural Schools Collaborative Hub Summit in Minneapolis

Group of students and teacher sitting on rocks in front of water.

Incubating Aspirations Across Maine

The Rural Youth Institute is supporting students throughout rural Maine by supporting youth-serving organizations.