APSU Center for Rural Education Conference Spring 2020

Rural Education Conference image
2025 Rural Education Conference

Join us for the 5th annual virtual conference, March 18, 2025. The call for proposals is open now. Conference registration information will be released in January 2025.

Proposal submission deadline: Feb. 1, 2025.

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.

Submit A Conference Proposal

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.