Over 70% of Vermont’s schools are classified as “rural” by the federal government.  While small rural schools have many strengths and strong outcomes for students, they confront unique challenges, such as high costs and difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified educators and school leaders.  Many of these leaders work in isolation and lack a system of support as they tackle these challenges.  Could a statewide, professional network of rural educators partner with researchers to support responses to these challenges and to education policy changes?

UVM College of Education and Social Services researchers, working with rural education leaders in the state, established the Vermont Rural Education Association (VREA) to serve as the state’s hub for collaboration, policy advocacy, and professional learning focused uniquely on rural education.  

The collaboration completed a statewide rural needs assessment across all 14 counties to inform statewide policy discussions and grassroot advocacy efforts.  They have affiliated with the National Rural Education Association (NREA) to enhance their network.

“We may have initiated the creation of the VT REA at UVM, but it is now something that belongs to Vermont’s rural educators, administrators, and community members.” - UVM Professor Daniella Sutherland, project lead

Partners on this project include:

• University of Vermont College of Education and Social Services

• Vermont Rural Education Collaborative (VREC)

• Vermont Rural Community Alliance (VRCA)

• Vermont Superintendents Association (VSA)

• Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA)

• National Rural Education Association (NREA)