Wide-Open Opportunities: Teacher Leaders Can Help Rural Schools Make the Most of Meager Resources

Rural schools face challenges that are very different from their urban or suburban counterparts. Fewer resources supporting rural schools mean smaller staffs and larger responsibilities for everyone. At the same time, rural schools and districts must meet the same standards as their larger, better-funded counterparts. One key to making the most of meager resources is to develop teacher leaders who can share their expertise with student, fellow teachers, and administrators alike. The recommendations outlined in this article illustrate that teacher leaders are an invaluable resource for rural schools.