APSU Center for Rural Education Conference Spring 2020

2025 Rural Education Conference

Join us for the 5th annual virtual conference, March 18, 2025. Registration is open now. Click the button below to complete your registration.

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Conference Theme

Elevating Rural Education: Enriching Student Engagement, Reimagining Teacher Education, and Activating Community Partnerships

Conference Strands

Enriching Student Engagement
In rural areas, fostering meaningful student engagement is essential for creating lasting educational impact. By implementing culturally relevant curricula, hands-on learning opportunities, and technology integration, we aim to inspire students to take an active role in their own learning. Our focus is on creating engaging, accessible educational experiences that connect with rural students' unique backgrounds and interests, empowering them to pursue academic success and lifelong learning within their communities.

Reimagining Teacher Education
Effective rural education begins with well-prepared, passionate educators who understand the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities. By reimagining teacher education, we seek to prepare teachers with the skills, resources, and knowledge to thrive in rural environments. This includes expanding professional development, offering rural-focused training, and creating support networks that encourage teachers to grow and remain invested in their rural schools. By equipping teachers to address diverse student needs, we elevate the quality and impact of education across rural regions.

Activating Community Partnerships
Strong community partnerships are vital for building a sustainable, supportive education ecosystem in rural areas. By activating these partnerships, we connect schools with local businesses, organizations, and families to enhance educational resources, create mentorship programs, and offer students real-world learning experiences. These collaborations provide students with broader support networks, expose them to career pathways, and strengthen the bonds between schools and their communities, creating a unified effort toward educational success and community development.

Conference Schedule

The conference will be conducted virtually, with two concurrent Zoom sessions. Participants may choose to join the either the A Session or B Session exclusively, or mix-and-match throughout the day.

A Session Schedule

Certified Educators' Perceptions of Math Response to Intervention and Instruction Implementation in Rural Tennessee Middle Schools

This study contributes to the limited research on math RTI2 implementation in middle schools, particularly in rural settings. The findings highlight both the potential benefits and the challenges associated with core extension, offering valuable insights for policymakers and educators seeking to improve math instruction and support for all students.

Keith Carpenter
Assistant Professor of Graduate Education
Lincoln Memorial University
Knoxville, TN

Bringing the World to our Rural Classrooms Through Authentic Learning Experiences

Participants will explore learner-centered strategies, which include personalized, authentic, competency-based, and inclusive & equitable learning. Participants will have resources to implement learning opportunities into various content areas. Classroom examples will be shared with participants along with the impact of student engagement and learning within the presenters’ own rural school district.

Jacquelyn R. Burr Moorman
Educator (6th gr.), Coordinator (6th-12th School Improvement)
Maquoketa Valley Community School District
Delhi, IA

Co-Presenter: Tiersa Frasher

Providing Individualized Professional Development Through Rural District Partnerships

Principals acknowledge that teachers, especially those new to the profession, have varying professional development needs. Unfortunately, for many rural districts, funding is often a barrier to providing the training teachers need. Through local partnerships between county schools, districts could share the costs associated with addressing the needs of all teachers.

Brian Uriegas
Associate Professor
Stephen F. Austin State University
La Vernia, TX

Bridging the Rural Educational Gap: Let's Get Connected

This session hopes to bring a diverse group of educational stakeholders together to address a common barrier for rural student populations. This session will highlight the lack or absence of effective resources available to the rural learner. Through brainstorming, discussion and collaborative methods, we can decrease this distinct, but critical student need, by providing a better plan to support and serve these future leaders and professionals.

Tiffanie L. Witt
Adult, Nontraditional, Transfer Student Center Coordinator
Austin Peay State University

Leveraging School Leadership and Partnerships to Advance Rural Student Success: Insights from the ACES Program

This session examines how the Attaining College Entry and Success (ACES) program uses school leadership and school-university partnerships to address systemic barriers, improve college readiness, and support rural students. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, ACES provides comprehensive support to enhance college enrollment, transition, and persistence in collaboration with rural schools.

Sharonda Pruitt, Assistant Professor
East Texas A&M University
Commerce, Texas

Co-Presenter: Kriss Kemp-Graham, Professor
East Texas A&M University

Teach Where It Matters: Elevating Rural Teacher Preparation Through Apprenticeships and Community Partnerships

This session explores Teach Where It Matters, CEN's rural teacher apprenticeship program providing a livable wage while candidates complete training. Featuring student voice videos, audience Q&A, and collaborative discussions, participants will examine strategies for mentorship, funding, and sustainability to strengthen rural teacher pipelines and elevate community-driven educator preparation.

Rachael McClain
President
Collegiate Edu-Nation
Roscoe, TX

Co-Presenter: Brittany Williams
Collegiate Edu-Nation

Collaborating with Communities: Tackling the Rural Teacher Shortage Through Partnerships

This presentation will share the findings and strategies organized by the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Nebraska Education Teacher Shortage Grant Committee, highlighting how diverse stakeholders—including educators, parents, administrators, organizations, and businesses—can collaborate to address the teacher shortage and support community efforts to strengthen education in Nebraska. Participants will also brainstorm ideas from their communities on how to engage and support school efforts with the teacher shortage.

Chelsea Feusner
Assistant Professor in Educational Administration
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, NE

Co-Presenters: Aprille Phillips, Janet Eckerson, Chandra Diaz, Jami Holbein Swanson
Professors
University of Nebraska at Kearney

Breaking Barriers: Developing Teacher Leaders and Expanding Access to School Leadership

Discover how a groundbreaking online principal preparation graduate program is transforming rural school leadership in TN! Explore barriers to licensure, uncover hidden leadership talent, and gain strategies to build a sustainable pipeline of principals. Leave with solutions to explore for expanding access and developing strong school leaders in rural communities.

Christi Maldonado
Assistant Professor
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN

Co-Presenter: Laura Barnett
Austin Peay State University

Bridging the Gap: Implementing Rural Apprenticeships for Tomorrow’s Workforce

Explore the power of teacher apprenticeships in tackling teacher shortages in rural school districts. Participants will gain practical strategies, discover how to strengthen collaboration between universities and rural schools, and actionable steps to address teacher shortages in your community. The Tennessee story is inspiring: Enrollment in rural GYO apprenticeships skyrocketed from 49 to 169 in just one year!

Kate Hall, Director
University of Tennessee System - Grow Your Own Center
Knoxville, TN

Co-Presenter: Charlene Russell
Middle TN Regional Manager

Teacher Recruitment in South GA

Evans County Charter School system uses its charter waiver status in a variety of ways in order to recruit and retain teachers, including Paraprofessionals as teachers of record, PLTs, and the 'Top 10' reasons to work in Evans County as a recruitment tool.

Bobby Costlow
Asst Superintendent Evans County Charter School System
Claxton, GA

Bridging the Gap: A Competency-Based Approach to Elevate Teacher Education in Rural Alabama

Discover how the University of West Alabama’s competency-based education program addresses rural Alabama’s teacher shortage by empowering paraprofessionals through on-the-job training. Learn how experiential credit, district partnerships, and flexible online learning are transforming teacher education, enriching rural schools, and fostering sustainable pipelines for high-quality educators.

Jan Miller
Director of Competency Based Education
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL

Co-Presenter: Reenay Rogers

B Session Schedule

Breaking Geographic Barriers: Leveraging Digital Technology to Enhance Career Development and Work-Based Learning in Rural Education

Rural school districts face unique challenges in providing equitable career exploration and work-based learning opportunities for their students. Geographic isolation, limited local industry exposure, and resource constraints often create barriers to comprehensive career development programs. This session explores how digital platforms, specifically Pathful's virtual career development solution, can transform rural education by connecting students with diverse career pathways and authentic workplace experiences regardless of their geographic location.

Bryanne Zihmer
Director of Sales
Pathful, Inc.
Raleigh, NC

Co-Presenter: Jessica Lairson
Colleton County Public Schools Coordinator of Exceptional Learning

Scaffolding Success: Using AI to Differentiate Instruction for ELLs in Rural Classroom

Discover how AI-powered applications and generative AI can empower rural educators to scaffold learning, differentiate instruction, and engage English Language Learners (ELLs). This session provides practical strategies, real-world examples, and collaborative activities to inspire innovation and create equitable, inclusive classrooms tailored to the unique needs of rural communities.

Terri Easter
Assistant Professor of Education
Rockford University
Rockford, IL

Empowering Teacher Preparation by Building Tech-Savvy Educators with EdTech Studio

This presentation will showcase a selection of successful tech events that assist current and future educators, as well as local communities, from an EdTech perspective. Participants will gain knowledge of current tech tools and learn how teacher preparation programs can provide better support for educators.

Hanrui He
Assistant Professor
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN

AI in Rural K-12 Education: Empowering Educators, Transforming Communities

This session explores how AI can empower rural educators and transform learning experiences. Participants will discover innovative strategies to integrate AI into teaching, enhance student engagement, and build strong community partnerships. The session offers actionable insights and practical approaches for ensuring equitable access to AI-driven education in rural schools.

Mary L. Young
Head of K-12 Education, South
T-Mobile
Warrenton, NC

From Miami to Appalachia: Leveraging AI in Rural Education

This session explores how rural educators and administrators can use ChatGPT to enhance student engagement, productivity, and communication. Attendees will learn prompt engineering strategies, receive 20 ready-to-use prompts, and participate in a hands-on activity to create AI-driven solutions tailored to their educational needs.

Erik Kormos
Associate Professor, Educational and Assistive Technologies
Ashland University
Ashland, OH

Enhancing Online Undergraduate Education: Examining the Efficacy of Video Analysis and Reflection in Practice-Based Teacher Education Strategies

In this interactive session, participants will develop an understanding of the Practice-Based Course Model and use scenarios to support preservice early childhood teachers in rural communities through the facilitation reflection on individual teaching practices.

Dawn Berry
Assistant Professor Early Childhood Multicultural Education
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM

Co-Presenter: Angela Redondo
New Mexico Highlands University

Reimagining Teacher Education: Transforming Rural Literacy Instruction

Learn how to empower K-2 educators and afterschool professionals with a systematic, research-based approach to teaching literacy. Explore bite-sized microlearning modules, hands-on strategies, and ready-to-use resources that close literacy gaps and build confident readers. Leave with actionable tools to enhance professional development and elevate student outcomes.

Eric Patnoudes
Senior Manager Social Impact Partnerships
Discovery Education

Partnerships in Your Neighborhood: Libraries and Tutors

This session will describe the work and successful partnerships with one local elementary school as well as with Partners for Rural Impact, Save the Children, and other agencies. The presenter will discuss how you can achieve this success where YOU are.

Lisa Leuck
Founder Read to Lead LLC
Elkader, IA

Cultivating Stronger Communities: Integrating Farm to School Programs for Student Well-Being and Educational Enrichment

Discover how Farm to School programs transform rural education by enhancing student nutrition, fostering hands-on learning, and driving local economic growth. This session explores strategies for building strong community partnerships, integrating agricultural education, and overcoming challenges to create healthier students, thriving schools, and resilient rural communities.

Gina Shell
Consultant & School Nutrition Professional Expert
Fruitful Solutions Consulting, LLC
Montgomery, AL

Ecosystem Surrounding Esports and STEM and the Role of Partnerships

Join me to dive deeper into Esports, 7 partnership ideas to create an ecosystem surrounding Esports and STEM and the role of partnerships. As a former Director of STEM Schools and Girls Who Game global lead, I used strategies to create, support, and enhance programs for underserved students through the use of SME's, community, volunteers, and boards.

Cari Warnock
Education Ambassador to XS Schools in the US
CDW Education
Fruitland Park, FL

STEM Education for Rural Learners

This session examines the extent to which rural students are an underserved population in STEM education from K-12 to postsecondary education and in the workforce. Data is explored from K-12 AP and IB course availability, standardized test scores, as well as college enrollment and completion data and labor market statistics.

Rachel Rush-Marlowe, Executive Director
ResearchEd
NE

MORE ABOUT THE RURAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE

The Center for Rural Education was founded to encourage post-secondary goals for rural Tennessee students, support pre-service teaching candidates from rural areas, enhance the professional opportunities for rural teachers, and contribute to the profession with rural research. The annual conference assists the Center for Rural Education in achieving these goals. This conference intends to foster collaboration and innovation for rural schools nationwide, as we bring together a diverse group of practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and educational leaders. Registrants will have the opportunity to interact with innovative educators and leaders working in rural schools and communities.

The conference is designed to provide valuable information, research and strategies for aspiring and current teachers, school administrators, district leaders, university professors, rural education researchers, and community partners.