Applications Closed for 2013 Global Teacher Fellowship

2012 RTGTF Fellow Katie Hendrickson at the Louvre's Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

Applications are now closed for the Rural Trust's Global Teacher Fellowship program for the Summer 2013 Fellowships.

Up to 25 fellowships will be awarded in 2013 to support the professional and personal development of rural teachers. The awards (up to $5,000 for individual teachers and $10,000 for a team of two or more teachers) support teachers’ participation in self-designed summer learning experiences and a two-day place-based learning institute in the fall following their summer experience.

Teachers are encouraged to center their learning in an international travel and study experience, out of which they develop interdisciplinary, place-based learning curricula aligned with their specific state and local content standards.

Eligibility: Any K–12 teacher working full-time and teaching at least 60% time in a rural community can apply for the fellowship. Counselors, media specialists, and other school personnel working in a teaching setting for at least 60% of their paid work time may also apply.

Find out more at www.globalteacherfellowship.ruraledu.org/.

USDA Announces Federal Resource Guide to Assist Rural Communities

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., July 20, 2012 - USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager today announced the publication of a guide outlining programs the federal government has available to support rural communities as they promote economic development and enhance the quality of life for rural residents.

"Rural communities across the country are working hard to build their economies and provide services to their residents," Tonsager said during a speech here today at a conference of the National Rural Economic Developers Association. "Creating great places to live, raise families, provide recreational opportunities, and infrastructure for high paying jobs in rural America is very important to the Obama Administration and our efforts at USDA. This publication will provide easy, one-stop access to federal programs."

The publication "Federal Resources for Sustainable Rural Communities" is a collaborative effort among USDA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. It ensures rural communities have access to all of the federal resources that can support their efforts to promote economic competitiveness, protect healthy environments modernize infrastructure and provide services to residents. The guide has key information on funding and technical assistance opportunities available from the four agencies, as well as examples of how rural communities across the country have benefitted from federal resources.

Read more: USDA Announces Federal Resource Guide to Assist Rural Communities

Eudora, Arkansas Students Tell Their Story Through Photography

Editor's note: this story is courtesy of the Rural Community Alliance (RCA).

Eudora students were taught how to use photography to express their views on their educational opportunities and challenges.   Martha Molina, an Arkansas Arts Council Arts in Education consultant, conducted a three-day workshop for the youth.  A sampling of their work is on exhibit at the J. Austin White Cultural Center in Eudora.  Community members and parents are invited to a reception to view the photography on Thursday, July 26, at 5 pm.

The training was coordinated by RCA’s southeast organizer, Tanya Broadnax.

Rural Community Alliance is a partner in the Arkansas Opportunity to Learn Campaign through funding provided by the Schott Foundation for Public Education.

Read more: Eudora, Arkansas Students Tell Their Story Through Photography