National Rural Education Association

Interview with a Michigan One-Room Schoolteacher

Rural schools were once a common sight in Michigan at the turn of the century. At one point, Michigan had over 7,000 one-room schoolhouses; now, less than 20 remain in Michigan’s lower peninsula, acco ...

What the Death of OELA Means for Rural Schools—and How Educators Can Respond

For more than three decades, I have worked in and with rural schools across the United States, teaching, researching, and advocating for Multilingual Learner (ML) students. During that time, I have wa ...

Student-Led STEM and Rural School Success: Mohave Valley’s Innovation Lab

When you live in a rural area, creative thinking comes with the territory. Rural schools are resourceful and seek opportunities for growth, even when funding is low or nonexistent. At Mohave Valley Sc ...

Do Rural Students with Disabilities Still Have a Fair Chance?


This article was originally published by the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS), the Illinois State Affiliate of the NREA. NREA invited State Affiliate Directors and other rural ...

Transforming Rural Education: A New Vision for Career Success

In Fairfield County, where manufacturing and transportation once thrived, economic shifts have drastically reduced the local job market. The landscape today is vastly different from what it was for pr ...

Welcome to the National Rural Education Association.

The voice of all rural schools and communities across the United States.

NREA helps rural educators by finding and helping them use the resources needed to educate today’s students. Whether that’s a rundown on current legislation and how it affects rural communities or guidance on how to meet specific educational needs within your community, our national organization can help. We also help in the publication of your research because we believe in the value of shared knowledge. We are your advocates—your voice—in education.

Our Vision:
The NREA envisions strong rural schools and communities where education is the catalyst for resilience, opportunity and success.

Our Mission:
As the trusted voice for rural education, the NREA advocates for every rural learner, educator, and community.

NREA's Impact by the Numbers

9.7 million

students enrolled in rural schools

1000+

members in 50 states and 5 countries

42

NREA State Affiliates

240

university/college members

Get Involved Today!

Join as an individual or with your organization.

The NREA provides frequent opportunities for rural educators to communicate with each other through its journals and newsletters, regional and national meetings, and conventions. Through our national and international network, our members share common concerns, issues, and current practices in rural education—a valuable and worthwhile benefit linking you to numerous state, regional, and national entities working on a day-to-day basis for the interests of rural and small schools.

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