Teaching in Rural America - Podcast Episode

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In the latest episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer delves into the Rural Education mini-series with a compelling conversation featuring Ann Lewis, a Fullmind virtual educator, Heather Bookstaver, an educator at Du Quoin Elementary School, and Heather’s student teacher, Taylor Gump. This episode offers a unique glimpse into rural education through the perspectives of two experienced educators and an enthusiastic student teacher. 

Key Takeaways

• Sense of Community: The strong, interconnected relationships in rural schools create a supportive and collaborative environment, enriching the educational experience. The sense of community provides a deep level of belonging for all students within the classroom.
• Technology's Role: Digital tools are essential in enhancing communication, providing educational resources, and supporting social-emotional learning in rural areas. When opportunities are limited due to geographical restraints, technology can often bridge that gap.
• Resilience in Challenges: Rural educators demonstrate remarkable resilience in overcoming challenges, particularly those exacerbated by the pandemic, and are committed to meeting their students' diverse needs.
• Positive Outlook: Maintaining a positive attitude, being flexible, and looking for the good are crucial for success in rural education.
• Deep Impact: Educators in rural areas deeply understand and cherish the significant impact they have on their students' lives, fostering personal and meaningful connections.

Rural education, often faced with unique challenges such as limited resources, geographical isolation, and infrastructural constraints, becomes a testament to the spirit of communities that refuse to succumb to adversity. Their journey is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about fostering a spirit of perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of progress, proving that even in the most remote corners, dreams are nurtured, and aspirations are achieved.

Embracing Rural Education

A sentiment echoed among our rural educators and leaders is the deep sense of care within these districts. Heather Bookstaver, a seasoned educator, encapsulates this perfectly:

“...stopping you in Walmart and saying, ‘There you are!’ They know you from kindergarten and will point you out. ‘That was your cousin’s teacher, Mrs. Bookstaver.’ The idea of walking down the street and not knowing the person you’re passing is foreign here.”

This highlights the strong, interconnected relationships that define rural communities. In these tight-knit settings, everyone looks out for each other, creating a supportive environment for both teachers and students.

Community and Support in Rural Education

Ann Lewis, another experienced educator, highlights how the tight-knit nature of rural schools creates a supportive environment. She believes in the importance of forming genuine relationships with students:

“You can be their friend and still be their teacher.”

Emphasizing the unique bond that rural educators often form with their students, Ann encourages others to care deeply about their students. In rural settings, teachers are not just authority figures but also mentors and friends, providing a holistic support system that goes beyond academics.

Ann shares her experience of being invited to students' significant life events, underscoring the deep connections formed in rural schools:

“I’ve been invited to birthday parties before. There are times in these classes where we have blocked classes, so we have time where we connect.”

These moments of personal connection make teaching in rural areas incredibly rewarding and provide a sense of belonging within the classroom

Impact of Technology on Rural Education

Taylor Gump, a student teacher with fresh insights, shares how technology has become an essential tool in rural education:

“We use Google Classroom to post assignments and keep in contact with parents. We also use Class Dojo... I love using Edpuzzle where they can watch videos, and it stops them halfway through to ask them about what they just watched.”

Technology bridges the gap in rural areas, providing vital resources and facilitating better communication between teachers, students, and parents. Taylor’s enthusiasm for integrating technology into the classroom highlights its potential to enhance learning experiences and keep students engaged.

She also discusses the innovative use of technology for social-emotional learning:

“We’ve started using Google check-in forms for our social-emotional connection in the classroom. In the morning, they’ll check in about their mood, what’s making them feel this way, and if they have the proper amount of heat at home during cold weather.”

This approach ensures that students’ well-being is monitored and addressed, reflecting the holistic care that rural educators strive to provide.

Overcoming Rural Education Challenges

Heather Bookstaver reflects on the challenges faced by rural educators, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic:

“Since coming back from COVID, I have just kind of launched myself on this SEL journey... We don't have access to the mental health [resources] that we need. It’s a barren desert of mental health.”

This highlights the significant hurdles rural educators face, from limited mental health resources to the lasting impacts of the pandemic. Heather’s dedication to improving social-emotional learning (SEL) underscores the resilience and commitment of rural teachers to meet their students’ diverse needs.

Heather's journey through personal and professional challenges is deeply moving:

“I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer for the second time just before COVID hit. I was out for 13 weeks, came back to school for one day, then COVID hit. The impact of that broke me... I was terrified to go to school because there was no COVID vaccine, and my immune system was compromised. It changed me, and it changed the way I look at them. I really see them.”

This poignant reflection illustrates the profound changes educators undergo in their journey and how these experiences shape their approach to teaching and connecting with students. Sometimes a major life change can serve as a catalyst for reimagining how they see their role in student’s lives.

Advice for New Educators in Rural Communities

The episode concludes with valuable advice for new teachers in rural areas. Taylor Gump advises:

“Always have a plan, be organized, but always be flexible. Every day is different. Every child is different. Take it day by day, and don't be discouraged if something bad happens.”

Her advice emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resilience in the ever-changing landscape of education. Routine gives students stability and security, but having the ability to waiver from that plan when needed is essential to pivoting when necessary based on the situation.

Heather Bookstaver adds:

“Always look for the good... Something that Taylor has renewed in me is the importance of looking for the good.”

This advice resonates deeply, reminding educators to maintain a positive outlook and find joy and purpose in their daily interactions with students. Inspiration is all around for educators, they just have to continue to look for it.

Conclusion

This episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast is a heartfelt exploration of the unique landscape of rural education. It’s a celebration of the dedicated educators who go above and beyond to make a difference in their communities. For anyone interested in the realities of rural teaching, this episode is a must-listen, offering valuable insights and inspiration from those who live and breathe the joys and challenges of rural education every day.