Our Stories

Rural Schools Collaborative is committed to changing the rural narrative.

Linda Rost pictured with I Am A Rural Teacher logo in left hand corner

I Am A Rural Teacher: Linda Rost - Baker, MT

March 13, 2026

Through hands-on research, mentorship, and unwavering belief in her students, Linda Rost redefines what’s possible in rural education

Montana, Place-Based Education, Teacher Profile, Community of Learners

Nathan Hensley looking at a tray of seeds that students started.

2026 Grants in Place Project Spotlight: Learning by Doing: Finding the Solution to Food Insecurity - Crane, MO

March 13, 2026

Nathan Hensley leads students to learn about the food system in efforts to produce healthy foods to share with community members in need

Grants in Place, Missouri, Place-Based Education

When Students Lead: Kansas State University’s Future Rural Teacher Conference

March 12, 2026

Two RSC Hub Partners, Kansas State University and Chico State University, partner on a student-led Future Rural Teacher Conference

Regional Hubs, Kansas, Northern California, Rural Teacher Corps

District Dash: The University of Central Missouri Connects Schools with Future Rural Educators

March 12, 2026

The University of Central Missouri’s District Dash brings together school administrators and pre-service teachers

Missouri

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Arkansas Teacher Corps Builds and Sustains Teacher-Leaders Across the Delta

March 11, 2026

Through intensive preparation, coaching, and community-centered professional development, ATC strengthens Arkansas’ rural educator workforce

Arkansas Delta, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Great River Teacher Corps at Western Illinois University Strengthens the Rural Educator Pipeline

February 27, 2026

Grounded in regional partnership and place-based preparation, WIU’s initiative invests in future teachers committed to rural schools

Illinois, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

From Understanding to Implementation: East Carolina University Leads the Way on AI in Education

February 26, 2026

East Carolina University’s AI Teaching and Research Institute is empowering teachers to explore the intersection of AI and education

Southeast

Community of Learners participants in a learning session during June kickoff convening

What We’re Learning So Far: RSC’s Rural Educator Ecosystem Community of Learners

February 11, 2026

One year into the Community of Learners Project, participants inspire and uplift Rural Teacher Corps efforts nationwide

Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

Rural Teacher Corps member assisting a student with a project.

Preparing Teachers for Rural Wyoming: Voices from the Field

January 28, 2026

In this blog, hear from 3 WY Rural Teacher Corps (RTC) members who completed their student teaching in the fall of 2025 and graduated in December 2025 about their experiences in the Corps and with rural teaching.

Power of Partnerships, Northern Rockies, Place-Based Education, Rural Teacher Corps

I Am a Rural Teacher: Kailyn Hoesman - Monmouth, IL

January 28, 2026

Kailyn celebrates Place- Based learning in rural schools and communities

Illinois, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Profile, Community of Learners

I Am a Rural Teacher: Shelby Starbuck - Fredonia, KS

December 19, 2025

Shelby prepares to lead in and out of the classroom

Kansas, Rural Teacher Corps, Teacher Profile, Community of Learners