278 - Haley Richardson and Gary Funk on Rural Teachers and Rural Schools

<p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">In today’s episode, Tom Vander Ark is joined by Gary Funk and Haley Richardson for a discussion on rural schools and rural teachers!</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Gary Funk has spent 30 years serving and advocating for America’s rural schools. For the last four years, he has served as the Director of the Rural Schools Collaborative. Currently, he’s running a campaign called “I Am a Rural Teacher,” which is a national advocacy campaign that gives voice to rural teachers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Recently, Gary and the “I Am a Rural Teacher” campaign recently highlighted the rural school teacher, Haley Richardson, who teaches second grade at University Charter School (UCS) in Livingston, Alabama.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">In their conversation, Gary and Haley talk with Tom about the work they are doing to encourage teachers to embrace the power of place to help young people appreciate where they’re from and the opportunities that exist there.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[:10] About today’s episode with Gary Funk and Haley Richardson.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[:50] Tom welcomes Gary Funk and Haley Richardson to the podcast!</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[1:01] Haley speaks about her upbringing, family, and early education.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[2:20] Why Haley and her brother both decided to pursue a career in education.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[3:36] Gary shares about his upbringing, family, and early education.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[5:15] What attracts Haley to teaching in rural communities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">[6:55] Why rural schools are so important and, i