Our Stories

The Rural Schools Collaborative is committed to changing the rural narrative.

University of Maine Rural Thrive participants

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: The University of Maine Strengthens Rural Education Across New England

November 18, 2025

The University of Maine’s Rural Teacher Corps builds community, resilience, and connection for rural educators

Regional Hubs, New England, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

Valley State University campus photo

Valley City State University Leading the Way

November 18, 2025

The School of Education at Valley City State University features many innovative programs that are enhancing rural education across North Dakota

North Dakota

Capturing Community Stories at the Captina Creekin’ Festival

November 5, 2025

Ohio University Rural Teacher Corps students capture sense of place and community through storytelling

Regional Hubs, Ohio, Rural Teacher Corps

Menoken School serves about fifty students grades K-8

‘That’s not my job’ Isn’t a Thing: Inside the thriving Menoken School (ND)

November 4, 2025

Dedicated and adaptable teachers create a family-friendly, student-centered learning environment in Menoken, North Dakota

Regional Hubs, North Dakota

Sweet Briar students

I Am A Rural Teacher: Mary McHugh - Sweet Briar, ND

November 4, 2025

Mary shares her passion for designing effective education in a small North Dakota school

North Dakota, Teacher Profile

How to Build Resilient Teachers: An Interview with Aaron Nydam, EdD

November 4, 2025

In this interview, Aaron Nydam (Wyoming) shares the research and results of his dissertation on teacher resiliency.

Northern Rockies, Rural Resilience

Sweet Briar's K-1 teacher, Clarissa Kruger, leading a lesson

Portrait of a Small, Rural School: Sweet Briar, North Dakota

November 3, 2025

Connection and innovation are driving the sustained success of Sweet Briar, a small school in rural North Dakota

Regional Hubs, North Dakota

Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: The Mississippi Rural Education Association Uplifts Rural Educators

October 29, 2025

The Mississippi Rural Education Association celebrates rural educators across the Magnolia state

Mississippi, Rural Teacher Corps, Community of Learners

Arizona School Leaders Share in Excitement for GRAD Partnership

October 29, 2025

Kristin Turner and Jaime Festa-Daigle, who lead RSC’s GRAD Partnership work in Arizona, share quotes from student success team leaders

Arizona, GRAD Partnership

GRAD Partnership Strengthens Student Belonging Across Northern California Schools

October 27, 2025

This fall, Susan Schroth and Onica Mello of North State Together checked in with ten Northern California GRAD Partnership schools

Northern California, GRAD Partnership

Voices from the Field: Kelsy Sproul - Sedan, KS

October 1, 2025

Kelsy shares how she found herself on a new path through education

Kansas, Teacher Profile, Podcast

Teach Rural Oregon Joins GRAD Partnership Rural Cohort

September 23, 2025

Teach Rural Oregon, a program in the College of Education at Eastern Oregon University, recently joined the GRAD Partnership.

Oregon, GRAD Partnership