Self-Studies in Rural Teacher Education

The purpose of this book is to highlight the work of teacher educators in the field of rural education. In this book, education faculty who work in teacher education study the ways in which one’s identity impacts one’s teaching and the partnerships with rural districts. The field of research on teacher preparation has an abundance of studies about preparing students for the challenges of urban settings. There is however much less emphasis on rural education, despite the prevalence of rural schools. This book problematises notions of rural or rurality which is often considered via a deficit or a generalised model where a stereotype of one kind of rural is outlined. Developing more complex understandings of rurality is a key to preparing pre-service teachers for a successful career in rural locations. Alongside highlighting educators’ work, this book engages with the challenges faced in rural communities in attracting and retaining teachers who understand the complexities and opportunities of living and working in rural spaces.