Mississippi: Rural Schools Collaborative’s newest regional hub

Rural Schools Collaborative, a national network of educators and resources, has admitted Mississippi as its newest regional hub – thanks to a partnership between William Carey University and Mississippi State University.

“Through this joint effort, our goal is clear – equip rural educators with the tools they need and ensure that every child in rural communities receives a quality education,” said Dr. Teresa Poole, dean of the WCU School of Education.

The WCU-MSU partnership, called Mississippi Rural Education Association (MSREA), brings rural educators and advocates together. As a state chapter of the National Rural Education Association, it celebrates the strengths of rural schools in Mississippi, promotes excellent teaching and learning, and supports rural teachers.

Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC) announced MSREA’s membership on May 31.

MSREA is co-chaired by Dr. Patti Permenter, associate director of the WCU’s Program of Research & Evaluation for Public Schools, and Amanda Tullos, project manager for rural education outreach at the MSU Social Science Research Center.

“This relationship with Rural Schools Collaborative marks a pivotal moment. I am filled with optimism for what we are building together. By harnessing the collective expertise of Mississippi educators and stakeholders, we can create robust support networks that resonate with the needs and aspirations of rural communities,” Permenter said.

WCU rural education initiatives include: 1) “Grow Your Own” partnership with local school systems; 2) Teacher Assistant Waiver program; and 3) Mississippi Teacher Residency grants.

“I have long been an admirer of the work RSC is doing to change the narrative about rural teaching and rural schools. I’m excited for Mississippi to join this community of rural education advocates. We hope to build a community that crosses sectors—from early childhood through post-secondary education,” Tullos said.

MSU Social Science Research Center rural education initiatives include: 1) Teacher Preparation for Rural STEM Teacher Persistence and Retention; 2) Mississippi Education Policy Fellowship program; and 3) The Whippoorwill: An Award for Rural Young Adult Literature.

Rural Schools Collaborative operates 17 regional hubs in the United States. For more information, visit ruralschoolscollaborative.org.