The only organization dedicated solely to helping state boards advance equity and excellence in public education.


In Colorado, where higher education institutions are not graduating enough candidates to fill open teaching jobs, particularly in specializations such as math, several initiatives are working to improve rural teacher recruitment and retention. Through scholarships, state university partnerships, a multidistrict professional learning community, and strategies for cultivating mentorship, some rural Colorado districts are increasing teachers’ enthusiasm for the profession, which keeps them from leaving.


Teacher Recruitment and Retention in Rural Colorado





Also In this Issue

Identifying Risks to the Well-Being of Rural Young Children and Families

By Sara L. Hartman

The pandemic compounded an array of preexisting health and wellness challenges in many communities.





Teacher Recruitment and Retention in Rural Colorado

By Kirk Banghart

Rural districts band together, with help from partners and grants, to attract and keep teaching staff.





Colorado’s Network for Local Accountability

By Kirk Banghart

A network of rural peers help districts design meaningful, timely, community-connected accountability.





Professional Learning in Appalachia

By Melissa Tooley and Sabia Prescott

Microcredentials show promise in overcoming the challenges of offering rural educators high-quality opportunities.






Challenges Facing Schools in Rural America

By Mara Casey Tieken and MK Montgomery

In schools accustomed to making a little go a long way, the pandemic increased the burden.





Online Learning for Rural Students

By Reg Leichty

Expanded rural broadband service can help overcome inequitable access to digital instruction.







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Teachers Need Multifaceted Support to Improve Literacy

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Nominations Open: NASBE’s 2023 Awards and Board of Directors

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