By Valencia Ann Abbott and Regina Holland
Valencia Ann Abbott teaches at Rockingham Early College High School in Wentworth, North Carolina, where she has dedicated her career to empowering students through history and civic engagement.
Regina Holland serves as the Program Manager for Rural Initiatives at the National Council for History Education, where she works to support educators across the country in the vital work of teaching in rural communities.
Too often, people view rural schools as a homogeneous community. But rural schools are unique sites that vary depending on their geographic and cultural contexts.
If you ask teachers participating in The Rural Experience in America (a National Council for History Education project funded by the Teaching with Primary Sources Program of the Library of Congress), they will say that teaching in rural schools looks different compared to teaching in other areas. These rural educators also point out that stereotypes about the rural United States are misleading and need to be corrected.
There are, of course, commonalities in the rural experience. The 2023 Why Rural Matters report by the National Rural Education Association underscores this fact. According to this report, compared to their urban counterparts, rural students lack access to psychologists and school counselors, gifted and talented programs for Black and Hispanic students, basic internet access, school transportation, and more. This access disparity impacts 7.3 million students.
We know firsthand that rural educators rise to meet these challenges with creativity, community focus, and resourcefulness. Together, we’ve seen how intentional strategies and effective resources can transform rural classrooms into hubs of innovation and engagement.
In our work, we have seen many successful strategies implemented to engage students and improve achievement. Below are some of our favorites, as well as the resources used to implement them:
Resource 1: Place-Based Pedagogy
What It Is and Why We Love It
Place-based pedagogy connects learning to the local environment, culture, and history. This approach roots education in the students’ community, fostering engagement and a sense of belonging. For rural students, it shows the value of their unique upbringing and highlights the importance of their local heritage.
One powerful example is the work of students at Rockingham Early College High School, where they explored the history of the 1971 landmark Supreme Court case Griggs v. Duke Power Company. This case, which emerged from the local North Carolina community, set the legal precedent prohibiting discriminatory employment practices. By focusing on this case, the class turned a court decision into a living history lesson.
How We Use It
To bring this to life, my students engaged in historical research, conducted oral interviews, and collaborated with several local partners. These partners included the James Library at Rockingham Community College and the Museum and Archives of Rockingham County. Together, we accessed primary sources that honed students’ critical thinking skills and deepened their connection to community history.
Over two years, my students expanded their understanding of Griggs v. Duke Power by studying related topics like the role of African American veterans and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in advocating for change. Their efforts culminated not just in research presentations, but also in tangible contributions to their community. For example, we successfully established a North Carolina Civil Rights Trail Marker and a Highway Historical Marker honoring the case.
Insider Tip
Collaborating with historical organizations and local archives is key to place-based projects. Many communities, no matter how small, have untold stories waiting to be discovered. Start with what is close to home—whether it’s an untapped community history or a nearby landmark—and tie it into your curriculum to give students ownership of their learning.
Resource 2: Community Partnerships and Creative Funding
What It Is and Why We Love It
Rural schools often face budget constraints and limited access to resources, but building partnerships and tapping into grant opportunities can bridge those gaps. Outside organizations—both local and national—can provide essential materials, financial support, and professional development opportunities. These partnerships are a significant change.
For instance, organizations such as the iCivics program, the Zinn Education Project, and the Library of Congress have become go-to partners for rural educators. They offer free or low-cost resources and guidance, helping teachers stretch limited budgets while maintaining high educational standards.
How We Use It
One strategy is to identify grant opportunities that align with your teaching goals. For example, when designing our Griggs v. Duke Power curriculum, we applied for grants through the National Council of History Education Rural Experience in America program. These funds enabled us to purchase teaching materials, pay for field trips, and even secure technology upgrades.
Another successful approach involves fostering relationships with national organizations like the Gilder Lehrman Institute and the National Humanities Center. These groups not only offer funding, but also provide professional resources and curriculum ideas tailored to rural educators. Whether you are looking for history-specific materials or broader teaching tools, they can be invaluable partners.
Insider Tip
Stay organized by creating a running list of organizations and grants that are a good fit for your school’s needs. Keep an annual calendar so you do not miss key deadlines. And do not forget to share successful grant-writing strategies with colleagues—it is all about creating a network of shared knowledge and opportunity.
Additional Resources
Looking for even more ways to support your rural classroom? Consider these additional strategies and resources to elevate your teaching practice.
- Multi-Disciplinary Lessons: Combine subjects to make the most of limited resources. For instance, study the impact of your local river on history (social studies), geography (mapping local ecosystems), and science (water quality testing). This approach not only conserves resources, but also fosters collaboration among faculty.
- Grants for Tech Access: Many rural schools struggle with internet connectivity. Programs like the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund can help schools secure broadband access and devices for students.
- Culturally Responsive Teaching: Tailor your curriculum to reflect local traditions and practices. For example, celebrate agriculture-based communities by incorporating farming practices into science lessons or local storytelling into literature classes.
- Field Trips on a Budget: Can’t afford long-distance trips? Tap into neighborhood resources. A trip to a local farm, museum, or courthouse can be just as impactful—and highly relevant to rural students’ lives. Or, turn to virtual field trips. For example, the array of virtual field trips from Discovery Education offers free engaging resources and ways for students to explore various topics and places.
Rural schools are brimming with potential, often serving as the heartbeat of their communities. With place-based pedagogy, community partnerships, and a little creative resourcefulness, rural educators can inspire and empower their students, even in the face of challenges.
Empowering rural students begins with educators who believe in the strength of their communities. The strategies we’ve shared have transformed our classrooms into vibrant places of discovery, pride, and growth. We hope they inspire you to uncover the untapped opportunities in your own school community—because every rural student deserves a learning experience that connects them to the world while helping them cherish their roots.