I Am A Rural Teacher is a collaborative project between Rural Schools Collaborative and the NREA. We aim to spread awareness about the rural teaching experience to shift the national narrative around rural education in a positive direction. Both of these outstanding educators were recognized as 2022 Educators of Excellence by the Minnesota Rural Education Association, an NREA Affiliate.

Jennifer (Jenny) Maras has taught for over 20 years, with the past 14 being in Morris Area School District, and she connects deeply to teaching her students skills they will be able to use outside of the classroom, often with the help of community members.

Dave Perry describes himself as a writer, communicator, counselor, drummer, and lover of music, hockey, movies, and the outdoors. And, Dave is an educator - teaching both special education and social studies for grades 6-12 at Cloquet Area Alternative Education Programs (CAAEP).

You can read more about Jenny and Dave, and other amazing rural educators, on the I Am A Rural Teacher website! We are also always looking for new stories to share.