Rural Education Summit Brings Education Leaders Together to Strengthen Rural Schools and Communities

Higher education professionals, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, rural educators, and community advocates gathered in Madison, Wisconsin, for the Rural Education Summit hosted by Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC). Supported by ECMC Foundation, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, Compeer Financial, and The Madison Club, the Summit created space for meaningful conversations, new partnerships, and shared learning among people committed to strengthening rural schools and communities across the country.

Day 1: Building a Community of Learners

The Summit began with a gathering of the Rural Educator Ecosystem: Community of Learners, a network launched at last year’s Summit that brings together leaders of Rural Teacher Corps from across the nation. Representatives of teacher preparation programs from around the country convened with a common purpose: to deepen their understanding of what it takes to recruit, prepare, and retain rural educators who help their communities thrive. 

Throughout the day, participants shared successes, challenges, and lessons learned from their respective programs. Their conversations revealed six interconnected priorities that continue to shape effective rural teacher pathways.

Place-based learning emerged as a powerful strategy for connecting students, schools, and communities, though participants noted that successful implementation requires intentional preparation and support. Storytelling and outreach were identified as essential tools for elevating diverse voices and demonstrating impact through both personal narratives and meaningful data. Discussions around partnerships reinforced a common theme heard throughout the Summit: while organizational structures are key, strong relationships built on reciprocity and trust matter even more.

Participants also emphasized the importance of comprehensive teacher support systems. Mentorship for new teachers, long-term relationship building between schools, teachers, and communities, and effective rural teacher corps alumni tracking systems were viewed as just as critical as financial incentives for retaining educators. Sustainability was another recurring topic, with attendees noting that programs are most successful when they address local needs through local assets while remaining attentive to questions of equity and access. Finally, conversations about online learning highlighted the importance of thoughtful design, recognizing that simply replicating in-person experiences online can create barriers rather than opportunities.

By the close of the first day, the Community of Learners had not only identified shared priorities but had also strengthened the relationships that make collective learning and innovation possible.

Day 2:  Exploring Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions in Rural Education

The second day expanded the conversation to the broader RSC network, including representation from Regional Hub Network partners across the country. The morning opened with a series of short, five-minute presentations that showcased innovative projects from both K-12 and higher education leaders, setting the stage for a day filled with discussion, collaboration, and idea sharing. Participants then engaged in multiple breakout sessions focused on some of the most pressing and promising topics in rural education, including educator pipelines, storytelling, partnerships, and artificial intelligence.

A central thread throughout the day was the challenge of recruiting, preparing, and retaining rural educators. Participants explored how communities can build stronger pathways into teaching and noted that negative perceptions of the profession continue to hinder the recruitment efforts. In response, many highlighted the success of “Grow Your Own” initiatives, local partnerships, and personal invitations from trusted educators and community members.

Conversations about preparation pathways focused on expanding access to the profession through flexible and responsive models. Online learning, alternative licensure programs, and opportunities designed for paraprofessionals and working adults were identified as important tools for addressing teacher shortages. At the same time, attendees emphasized that strong clinical experiences, face-to-face learning opportunities, and meaningful district partnerships remain essential elements of effective teacher preparation.

Retention was equally prominent in the discussions. Participants pointed to classroom behavior challenges, changing technology use, and increasing burnout as factors contributing to educator attrition. Across these conversations, mentorship consistently emerged as one of the most effective forms of support. One-on-one coaching, professional learning communities, and cross-district mentorship models were all cited as valuable approaches for helping teachers navigate challenges, reflect on their practice, and remain connected to the profession. While participants acknowledged that sustaining such programs requires significant resources, they agreed that the long-term benefits make the investment worthwhile.

The Summit also explored how schools can support educators throughout their careers. Rather than searching for a single solution, participants emphasized the importance of responsive support systems tailored to local contexts and individual needs. Professional development opportunities, affordable learning experiences, and career advancement pathways that allow teachers to remain in the classroom were all viewed as important components of long-term satisfaction and success.

Another area of growing interest was the role of artificial intelligence in education. Participants focused their conversation on how educators can use these tools responsibly and effectively. Discussions centered on helping students develop AI literacy, supporting teacher efficiency, and leveraging emerging technologies to create new learning opportunities and address persistent educational challenges.

Beyond the educator workforce, participants reflected on the many strengths already present within rural communities. Conversations highlighted the value of place-based learning, community engagement, and utilizing local assets that enrich student experiences. Storytelling emerged as another powerful theme, with attendees discussing how authentic narratives can strengthen community relationships, support fundraising efforts, and elevate the voices of students and educators. While social media remains an important tool, participants also pointed to local businesses, community events, and other grassroots communication channels as effective ways to share positive stories and strengthen public understanding of rural education.

The day concluded with a teacher panel featuring veteran rural educators who reflected on resilience, longevity in the profession, and the lessons they have learned throughout their careers. Each panelist shared how place-based education has shaped their teaching, helping students connect classroom learning to their communities while fostering deeper engagement and a stronger sense of belonging. Their stories highlighted the power of rural schools to draw on local assets, traditions, and experiences to create meaningful learning opportunities.

Throughout the Summit, one message remained clear: rural schools thrive when communities work together. Whether through mentorship, storytelling, leadership development, innovative teacher pathways, or strong local partnerships, participants demonstrated a shared commitment to creating opportunities for rural students and strengthening the communities they call home. The conversations in Madison highlighted not only the challenges facing rural education, but also the creativity, resilience, and optimism driving solutions across the country.

Rural Schools Collaborative's 2026 Rural Education Summit would not be possible without generous support from ECMC Foundation, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, Compeer Financial and The Madison Club.