Through administrator and teacher surveys and interviews, this study examined recruiting and interviewing practices of eighty-three rural school districts located in, and between, the rural Ozark Plateau and Mississippi River Delta. Survey results indicated that districts with smaller student populations were far less likely to have an identified…

This article focuses on the challenge of teacher retention in rural schools in relation to the No Child Left Behind mandate, that school districts must attract and retain highly qualified teachers. This case study examines the extent to which a rural school enhanced teacher retention by overcoming the barriers that might otherwise have presented a…

A survey of 115 rural Pennsylvania principals examined the effectiveness of various recruitment sources for teachers. Substitute teacher lists were the most often used recruiting source. Problems in recruiting for "hard to fill" positions and the effectiveness of various methods for recruiting minorities are discussed. (LP)

For many small rural school districts across America, the effort to attract and retain quality teachers continues to be a major concern. Schools located in what are considered to be "hard to staff" areas experience the most difficult. While not all communities face the problems of inadequate teacher supply, many small and rural school…

Compares and contrasts first year teaching experiences of a grandmother (1919) and granddaughter (1980) in small, isolated, rural New Mexico schools. Offers suggestions for improving recruitment and retention of rural teachers in areas of salary, housing conditions, school philosophy and morale, student population, and community life. (NEC)

Investigates information about teachers leaving 30 rural school districts in Utah during the 1980 school year and following the 1981 school year. Notes differences in sex, teaching assignment, grade level, teaching experience, and reasons for leaving (especially salary levels) among the 233 participating teachers. (SB)

The Appalachian Model Teacher Consortium is a partnership involving Radford University, Wytheville Community College, and the Grayson County (Virginia) School System. Its purpose is to prepare highly qualified teachers for rural southwest Virginia. The model was developed in response to the growing teacher shortage facing school districts in rural…

Describes rural education in terms of its traditional values, characteristics, most persistent problem (recruiting and retaining qualified teachers), and ultimate challenge. (Author/AH)

Data from 45 school districts in western South Dakota indicate that the principal administrative problem of rural superintendents is maintaining a quality staff of teachers who can work with the unique strengths and weaknesses found in a rural setting. (CM)

Reviews research showing declining interest in teaching profession. Survey reveals 45.8 percent of rural South Carolina high school students were to some extent interested in teaching. Examines related factors, including students' ability levels, grade and area-type preferences, amount of teacher influences, and perceptions of teacher salaries.…

Fifteen rural school superintendents surveyed in Nevada believed that raising licensing requirements would only exacerbate problems in recruiting qualified substitute teachers. They also noted that rural school districts do little to recruit substitute teachers beyond newspaper advertisements. Offers suggestions for improving recruitment while…

Suggests methods for solving major problems in delivery of special education services to exceptional children in rural and remote areas, such as: (1) staff recruitment and development; (2) provision of services to special education students; (3) legislation and funding; and (4) parent and community involvement. (JD)

Describes a teacher-training program designed to give nonrural students the knowledge, background, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful rural teaching and living. Outlines the two-year course of study which emphasizes early field experience and includes topics such as rural demography, personal satisfaction predictors, and alternative…

A study examined factors inherent in Montana's smallest schools that attract and retain teachers. Surveys of 126 elementary teachers in 107 small school districts found that a rural background and proximity to family or home were influential in accepting employment. The classroom experience, particularly their relationship with students, and…

This study examines how rural elementary school administrators perceive the effects of high-stakes testing in comparison to suburban and urban elementary administrators. High-stakes testing had a greater impact, both positively and negatively, on rural administrators than on their counterparts in suburban and urban schools. Specifically, the…