Beyond the Big Smoke - The Pros and Cons of Teaching in a Rural Community

What is it really like teaching in a rural or remote school? In this episode, we discuss the opportunities, benefits, and challenges of working so far away from inner suburbia.

Schools in rural and remote locations are often at the heart of their local area and provide essential support not just for students, but for their families and the wider community as well. But what this means for educators is connection beyond the classroom - where you see students at the local supermarket, and chat to their mum at the hairdressers!

Our guests, Libby Tudball, Blake Cutler, and Adam Zito offer valuable insights into their personal experiences either working in, or providing support for those who have chosen to leave the city and pursue a career in a rural or remote school setting.

Together, we explore:

• Navigating the experience of moving from a metro to rural area
• Benefits of a ‘nested community’ for preservice teachers in rural placements
• Connections with the local community beyond the classroom
• Exploration of the benefits and opportunities of teaching in rural communities
• Teacher shortages in rural areas
• The importance of induction and mentoring in schools
• Learner-centered education and student agency in behaviour management
• Challenges for teachers in managing diversity in rural school culture
• Building support networks and relationships in rural school communities compared with metro areas

Rural schools need great teachers now more than ever, so if you’re considering teaching in a rural or remote school - this episode of Let’s Talk Teaching may help you make up your mind!

Special Guests:

Professor Elizabeth (Libby) Tudball School of Curriculum Teaching and Inclusive Education, Monash University

• LinkedIn - Libby Tudball

Blake Cutler Blake Cutler, PhD Candidate, School of Education, Culture and Society, Faculty of Education, Monash University.

• Twitter - @blakeacutler

Adam Zito, Year 9 Pedagogy Leader, Generalist learning mentor & teacher - St Anne's College, Kialla, Victoria 

Connect with Adam at [email protected]

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Access this episode's transcript here: https://lets-talk-teaching.simplecast.com/episodes/beyond-the-big-smoke-the-pros-and-cons-of-teaching-in-a-rural-community/transcript