Rural Schools and Distance Education

In 2006, the author began research on current issues in rural education in which teachers recounted narratives of teaching. As deficits, they spoke of an inability to retain teachers, too little diversity in student programming, and lack of access to extra-curricular activities. They also noted challenges brought on by education reform that increased the use of distance education and long distance bussing. Positively, teachers mentioned how much they cared about their students and their school. They were proud of how they worked hard to meet student and community needs. This paper discusses teacher experiences with distance education and the use of the technology required for the delivery of such programs. Teachers urged that distance education must hold a dominant place of importance in the delivery of a well-rounded education to children in rural areas but that such a focus also requires a variety of supports to schools.