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

The University of Maine (UMaine) celebrates rural resilience through its Rural Thrive program, serving educators across one of the most rural

states in the nation. Funded by $3.3 million in Congressionally Directed Spending secured by U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and initially supported by a Catalyst Initiative Grant from Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC), the program is led by Catharine Biddle, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and RSC’s New England Hub contact. Building on UMaine’s long-standing strengths in rural education, place-based learning, and school–community partnerships, Rural Thrive helps develop and retain teachers who are deeply connected to the communities they serve.

Designed to recruit, prepare, and sustain educators in Maine’s small towns and rural school districts, Rural Thrive focuses on cultivating professional networks, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development to help teachers and school leaders flourish in rural contexts. The program joins sixteen others in the Rural Educator Ecosystem: Community of Learners, a collaborative initiative that strengthens rural teacher pipelines through local partnerships and place-based strategies. Supported by generous grants from the ECMC Foundation and Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, the Community of Learners connects rural education leaders, teacher preparation programs, and philanthropic partners in a shared effort to uplift rural schools.

Maine’s rural schools face persistent challenges that make recruiting and retaining educators especially difficult. Many districts serve geographically isolated communities where teachers often manage multi-grade classrooms and travel long distances for professional development or collaboration. Limited broadband access can further hinder opportunities for virtual learning and connection. These realities contribute to ongoing teacher shortages across the state, where nearly half of all schools are considered rural. By addressing these conditions head-on, Rural Thrive helps educators build the skills, networks, and resilience needed to stay and succeed in their communities.

The Rural Thrive project provides professional development, mentoring, and evidence-based support designed to strengthen educator well-being and retention. The initiative is intentionally structured to meet teachers where they are in their careers, offering targeted resources across three major stages of professional growth. Early-career teachers receive mentoring and guidance to help them build confidence in the classroom.

Mid-career “teacher-leaders” are supported as they expand their influence while remaining rooted in their communities, and those stepping into school or district leadership receive advanced training that strengthens local capacity and continuity.

“Teachers need support and collaboration, and that’s what has been so great about this program is that it builds that camaraderie between new teachers and teachers that have been in the field for a while. What’s great as a mentor teacher is that I get to learn from my fellow as much as they are hopefully learning from me. I’ve learned about reflection. It’s such an important part of the teaching process, and unfortunately a lot of times we’re so busy and bogged down with the day-to-day that we don’t take the time to reflect on our practice and what we’re doing that’s positive. By working with Finn, I’ve been able to listen to how he reflects and I’ve learned a lot about his reflective practice and that’s helped me an awful lot.” said Heather Anderson, a grade 8 English/language arts and social studies at Caribou High School. Heather is a “Thrive Guide” and mid-career mentor.

To ensure that educators have access to meaningful, context-driven learning opportunities, Rural Thrive invests in professional development networks and evidence-based supports tailored to rural realities. The program funds in-person and virtual communities of practice, mentorship networks, and regional retreats that foster collaboration and belonging among educators across the state. Through the “What I Need (WIN) Funds,” teachers can receive up to $2,500 to pursue opportunities such as coursework, conference participation, or mental health coaching—resources often out of reach for those in small, remote districts.

In addition, the Rural Substitute Teaching & Innovation Corps (RuSTIC) connects teacher preparation students with rural schools, strengthening the educator pipeline while meeting immediate staffing needs. Grounded in research on teacher resilience and retention, these efforts work together to create a sustainable, locally driven ecosystem for rural educator success.

Together, these efforts position UMaine’s Rural Thrive program as a powerful catalyst for strengthening Maine’s educational landscape and honoring the resilience of its rural communities. By investing in teachers at every stage of their professional journey, and by fostering the networks, supports, and sense of belonging that sustain them, Rural Thrive ensures that Maine’s rural schools are not only places of learning but also centers of community vitality and hope.

This spotlight series highlights Rural Teacher Corps. Rural Teacher Corps are intentional efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain rural teacher-leaders. These 20+ programs work together to tackle the rural teacher shortage. Learn more about UMaine Rural Thrive and the Rural Teacher Corps Learning Network here.