K-State’s Rural Education Center drives the innovation and close communities that sprout from smalltown schools
In most cases, small towns would collapse without the support of the school, and schools would drown without the involvement of community. K-State’s Rural Education Center is helping to support smalltown communities by implementing new ideas hatched by teachers.
“Rural schools are great places for innovation. Teachers are trying out new ideas and technology, changing structures and figuring out what’s most successful for their students and community,” said J. Spencer Clark, the Rural Education Center director. “I think we’re going to see a lot of innovations coming out of rural schools in the next 10 years.”
Implemented ideas
In small town Leon, Kansas, Bluestem High School is a prime example of community and school collaboration. One teacher had the amazing idea to open a school-sponsored grocery store where students could work and sell food products. The students learn valuable skills like money handling, customer service and hard work.
“We’re small enough to take care of our own,” Bluestem superintendent Joel Lovesee said. “The thing about small schools is, if you’ve got an idea, the administration is going to listen.”
Closeness in community
The relationship between student, teacher and community is one that can’t be overestimated. When a new teacher arrives in a community, everybody knows their name and truly cares about their success. The teachers rally around each other, and lifelong friendships are made.
“The support and love you feel from students, peers and the community in a small town is invaluable as an educator,” said Stefanie Lane, Clay Center principal. “Teaching children is important, and those life skills are valuable, but the relationships and connections you make with students are what lasts a lifetime”
The first year in a small town, people say “welcome.” The second year, people say “welcome back.” And the third year, people say “welcome home.”
By Kate Ellwood
Curated from Beyond fences and fields: teaching in rural America