Remedy & Renewal in Northern California's Rural Teacher Residencies

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 11:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: From Preparation to Leadership: Supporting Rural Teachers Through Identity, Networks, and Community

Abstract

This study investigates how rural teacher residency programs in Northern California are reimagining pathways to educator preparation, support, and sustainability through place-conscious and equity-focused approaches. Grounded in qualitative interviews with leaders across four rural residency partnerships, we analyze the challenges, innovations, and collaborative structures that define these programs. Using critical rurality and community cultural wealth frameworks, we highlight themes of geographic isolation, resource pooling, grow-your-own (GYO) models, mentorship, and culturally relevant pedagogy. Findings reveal that rural residencies thrive when designed with flexibility, supported through consortia, and centered on local identity and needs. This study offers foundational structures for sustaining rural residencies that elevate the teaching profession while affirming community resilience and renewal.

Authors

• Imelda Nava-Landeros, University of California - Los Angeles

• Sheila Rocker Heppe, State Residency Technical Assistance Center