Considers qualities required of rural teachers in the USSR and implications for teacher education. Reports survey results of 430 rural teachers in the Tatar region concerning what a rural teacher must know and problems specific to rural teaching. Concludes that rural teachers must coordinate teaching with social work and face housing and material…

Presents a 1988 roundtable discussion among Soviet educators and government officials organized by "Soveskaii Rosiia" editors. Delineated rural school problems and was conducted before the Soviet All-Union Congress of Workers in Public Education. Examines negative rural stereotypes and areas for improvement. Ties school improvement to…

Based on sociological studies, advocates greater spiritual/intellectual development of agricultural-institute students in the USSR. Contends students who return to rural areas as agricultural specialists need training to become civic-minded intellectuals to revitalize rural culture and spark economic development. (CH)