Our Stories
Rural Schools Collaborative is committed to changing the rural narrative.
I Am A Rural Teacher: Emma King & Amelia Woollard, Appalachian Ohio
June 3, 2026
Two future teachers reflect on rural roots, classroom beginnings, and the power of community-connected education in Appalachian Ohio
Appalachia, Ohio, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Profile
Belonging in Rural Schools: Elevating Student Voice through the GRAD Partnership Storytelling Contest
May 28, 2026
Students across the national rural GRAD Partnership cohort share what connection, community, and support mean to them
Regional Hubs, Arizona, Black Belt, Missouri, Northern California, Southeast, GRAD Partnership
Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: TARTANS at Monmouth College Cultivates Visionary Educators for Rural Illinois
May 20, 2026
Through place-based learning, strong partnerships, and targeted support, TARTANS prepares future teachers to lead and thrive in rural communities
Illinois, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners
A Legacy in the Woods: How Lodi Students are Reclaiming Their School Forest
May 18, 2026
With the help of the Grants in Place program, awardee Paula Tonn and the Lodi School District are utilizing its historic school forest property to engage students and families
Grants in Place, Driftless Region
Rural Futures Take Root in Latham, Ohio
May 12, 2026
At Western Local School District in Appalachian Ohio, Jennifer Buckler is helping students discover that meaningful careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities can grow right in the communities they call home
Grants in Place, Ohio
Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Appalachian Future Educators Prepares Future Teachers to Lead in Eastern Kentucky
May 7, 2026
Through scholarships, mentorship, and service learning, the program supports aspiring educators committed to returning home and strengthening their rural communities
Appalachia, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners
2026 Grants in Place Project Spotlight: Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship Through Math - Bushnell, IL
May 7, 2026
Grants in Place awardee Dr. Ruth Owusu-Ansah is providing real life experiences for students through her place-based project and field trip
Grants in Place, Illinois
I Am a Rural Teacher: Ava Hollins-Rogers – West Memphis, AR
May 7, 2026
Resilience shapes rural classrooms and communities in the Arkansas Delta
Arkansas Delta, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Profile
Student Focused Solutions: Cultivating a culture of attendance at Paloma ESD
April 30, 2026
Facing unique challenges, Paloma Elementary School District in Arizona is using the GRAD Partnership to attain attendance milestones and foster an atmosphere of belonging
Arizona, GRAD Partnership
Restoring the Pride of Wellton: A New Chapter for Antelope Union High School
April 30, 2026
Antelope Union High School has significantly reduced chronic absenteeism and behavioral issues by pairing new academic requirements with a robust system of public recognition and support
Arizona, GRAD Partnership
From The Ground Up
April 27, 2026
K-State graduate student is growing agriculture education in rural communities
Grants in Place, Kansas, Place-Based Education
I Am a Rural Teacher: Toni Myers – Baker City, OR
April 21, 2026
In a two-room schoolhouse, Toni Myers builds generations of learners through relationships, resilience, and community-rooted education