“Joining the Rural Teacher Corps was a way for me to give back to the community that raised me, and I was inspired by the chance to help create a program that supports local schools. This experience has shown me that teaching in a rural community isn’t just about the curriculum; it’s about learning from the community as much as you teach within it.” - Amelia Woolard, 2026 Ohio University Eastern Graduate
Rural Teacher Corps
Rural Teacher Corps at Ohio University Eastern Campus
The Rural Teacher Corps at Ohio University, a collaboration between Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) and Ohio University Eastern, is part of the nationwide Rural Schools Collaborative Rural Teacher Corps Network. The OHIO Rural Teacher Corps focuses on preparing rural educators to implement Community and Career Connected Learning in their future classrooms.
Connecting Classroom Learning to Community Assets
Rural Teacher Corps members connect classroom learning to community assets by developing a project with a community partner. To accomplish this, students participate in workshops focused on Community and Career Connected Learning, social capital, and real world problem scenarios. They take field trips hosted by a community partner to learn about the partner’s work in the local community and to explore ideas for their project.
Rural Teacher Corps emphasizes place-based education, connecting lessons to local culture, history, and economic opportunities. By preparing educators who understand the strengths and realities of rural life, the Rural Teacher Corps aims to not only recruit teachers but also retain them.
Rural Teaching Is More Than Lesson Plans and Textbooks
History of Rural Teacher Corps at OHIO
Rural Teacher Corps at Ohio University is part of a larger movement championed by the Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC). Since its founding in 2015, RSC has focused on the potential of rural teacher corps programs, inspired by Missouri’s Ozarks Teacher Corps. The organization has provided more than $450,000 in planning grants to help schools establish or strengthen programs, laying the foundation for the Community of Learners initiative.
This three-year Rural Educator Ecosystem initiative, funded by two grants, underscores the growing recognition that teachers play a vital role in sustaining vibrant rural communities. Its network includes Established Programs, Emerging Programs, and Project Partners — all dedicated to building intentional pathways for rural educators.
Ohio University’s own Rural Teacher Corps grew out of this work. In 2023, the University received a Catalyst Initiative Grant from RSC to design a locally responsive program addressing teacher shortages in Appalachian Ohio. Building on its Rural Teacher Fellowship, which supports in-service educators with mentors and professional development, the University expanded the model to undergraduates with the help of nonprofit BB2C.
Supported by RSC’s national network and partners like the Sugarbush Foundation, the program seeks to create a pipeline of educators dedicated to sustaining vibrant schools across Appalachian Ohio.
Community members, schools, and local organizations are encouraged to mentor students, share local knowledge, or offer career-based learning experiences.
Rural Teaching Begins by Building Relationships
Thank You to Our Community Partners
The Rural Teacher Corps is made possible through the support of our valued education and community partners. Together, we are preparing future leaders for rural schools through hands-on learning, community engagement and place-based experiences.
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BB2C Building Bridges to CareersEmpowering educators, students and communities through career-connected learning, local partnerships and experiential opportunities that prepare learners for future success.
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Captina ConservancyConnecting communities to nature through conservation, environmental education and hands-on experiences that inspire stewardship of the Captina Creek watershed.
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Rural Schools CollaborativePreparing future rural educators through place-based learning, community partnerships, leadership development and hands-on experiences that strengthen schools and the communities they serve.
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The Sugar Bush FoundationSupporting partnerships that engage OHIO students in real-world learning while improving the environment, strengthening communities and fostering sustainable development across Appalachian Ohio.
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Questions?
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Dr. Jacqueline Yahn, associate professor of teaching education at Ohio University Eastern and co-leader of the Ohio Hub, by emailing yahnj@ohio.edu. You can also visit the Rural Schools Collaborative website.