National Comparison of Rural and Urban School and Teacher Characteristics

• In Event: Applications of Emerging Research in Rural Education

Abstract

Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics National Teacher Principal Survey (NTPS) for the 2015-2016 school year, we explored the following research question: What, if any, differences exist in school and teacher characteristics among urban, rural and suburban locations? Results suggest there are many areas of education in which rural students fall short of urban student access and opportunity. Yet, teachers in rural schools indicate greater satisfaction than their urban school teacher counterparts. The difference in teacher satisfaction levels and reporting of school problems between urban and rural schools may be a factor of the “Great Divide” itself and results suggest teachers may be at the heart of change, which have implications for rural and urban schools.

Authors

• Tina Lane Heafner, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Jessica Norwood, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Paul G. Fitchett, University of North Carolina - Charlotte