Voices of Rural Leadership: True Stories of Success in Education
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 178
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 178
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This powerful collection features authentic accounts from a distinguished group of educators and community learners who are deeply committed to serving students and families in rural America.
Each story aligns with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and offers practical insight, inspiration, and proven strategies. Whether you are a leadership faculty member, aspiring administrator, or seasoned practitioner, this book is a valuable resource for fostering growth, resilience, and innovation in educational leadership.
Topics explored include:
- Building Family-School Partnerships
- Community Collaboration
- Supporting the Journey from College to the Classroom
- Building Lasting Relationships
- Developing Instructional Leaders
- Enhancing Professional Capacity
- ...and more
We celebrate the incredible work happening in rural schools and communities - work that educates, equips, and empowers the next generation of educators and leaders.
Foreword
Hobart L. Harmon and Dan H. Branham
About the Editors
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Robert Stafford
CHAPTER 1 Building Strong Family–School Partnerships in Rural Communities: Strategies for Increased Engagement
Carrie Ballinger
CHAPTER 2 Building Mountains of Trust
Tabetha Housekeeper
CHAPTER 3 Community Collaboration Saves the Trailer Park
Molly McComas
CHAPTER 4 I Love Your Accent
Nicola Mason
CHAPTER 5 Learning to Motivate Students in the Appalachian Culture
Lori Jones
CHAPTER 6 Engaging Cultural Competency of Rural Students Through Global Experiences in Belize
Robin Magruder and Sharon Hundley
CHAPTER 7 Surviving and Thriving in Rural Contexts: Faith Integration in Business and Leadership in Higher Education
Roger J. Huston
CHAPTER 8 Building It Forward: A Model for Rural Innovation in Education Through Project-Based Learning
Dessie Bowling
CHAPTER 9 The True Cost of Becoming a Teacher: Supporting the Journey From College to From College to Classroom
Abby Huber and Brandy Blackburn
CHAPTER 10 Feeding Hope: How a Parent-Run Pantry Supports Students in Rural Ohio
Karin Wissing
CHAPTER 11 Building Lasting Relationships: The Challenges and Rewards of Teaching in Rural Schools
Keith Carpenter
CHAPTER 12 A Way Out: Breaking the Cycle in the Hills of Kentucky
Renee Smith
CHAPTER 13 REBELSoutREACH: We Rise by Lifting Others
T. J. Wesselman
CHAPTER 14 Quiet Classrooms, Loud Lessons: Supporting Teacher Growth and Development
Amanda Burrows
CHAPTER 15 Nurturing Growth: A New Metaphor for Supporting Rural Educators
Timothy A. Jansky
CHAPTER 16 Strengthening Schools: Retention and Recruitment
Abbigail Morris
CHAPTER 17 How a Rural Kentucky School District Used Intentional Classroom Walkthrough Data and Coaching to Accelerate the Growth of New Teachers
Matthew D. Thompson
CHAPTER 18 Developing Instructional Leaders in Rural Districts to Promote Teacher Efficacy
Neely Traylor
CHAPTER 19 The Village It Takes
Gill Hunter
CHAPTER 20 Collaboration Is the Key to Successful Leadership
Robert Stafford
CHAPTER 21 Open Doors
Stephanie Sullivan
CHAPTER 22 Beyond Red for Ed: Creating Policy Change Through Public Scholarship After the 2018 Teacher Walkouts
Elizabeth E. Smith
CHAPTER 23 Leading Through the Storm: The Power of Principle-Centered Crisis Management
Amon Couch
CHAPTER 24 Sandhill Valley: Shining a Light on Rural School Improvement
Ann H. Burns
CHAPTER 25 Choose Wisely
David Young
CHAPTER 26 A Simple Note Changed Everything
Wanetta Morrow
CHAPTER 27 Enhancing Professional Capacity in Rural Education: The KVEC Transformation and Toolkit
Jeff Hawkins
Afterword
Jerry Johnson
References