"There is an expectation in a rural school community that the principal be highly visible and widely available," writes Dr. Sadorf. "Principals can expand their efforts not only by being present during noninstructional hours, but also by encouraging active parent participation in school events." Learn more about how rural leadership can succeed in their schools and communities in this article featured on Edutopia.

Each year, the National Rural Education Association (NREA) and Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC) partner to present the National Signature Project Award, a grant program for innovative classroom projects that exemplify the very best in place-based education. The program awards one outstanding rural educator with up to a $2,500 grant and two additional rural teachers with up to $1,500.

In addition to the awarded funds, the NREA and RSC will compensate all of the awardees' travel and registration fees for their attendance to National Forum to Advance Rural Education!

This program is open to any rural classroom teacher in the United States, and we strongly encourage teachers who come from under-represented backgrounds to apply. The application deadline is May 5, 2024.