Teaching in Rural Vermont

 

There are so many things that are great about teaching in a small school setting, and then there are some challenges. What are challenges to us, however, are usually unimaginable to those teaching in larger schools. I started this blog generalizing for teachers, but then decided it is not fair to do so. Please accept my apology for using so many "I" s. This is what I experience here in southern Vermont. 

Let's start with the great things:

• I know all of the kids in our school.
• I know most all of the teachers in the whole Supervisory Union (from the different schools).
• Parents and extended family are an integral part of the school community.
• Spending time outdoors are part of the everyday curriculum. (Fresh air is essential.)
• The kids are often related and if not, they act like it by the time they leave elementary school.
• Families are happy to see me outside of school (I think).
• The kids and staff feel safe.

There are some challenges: 

• I am part of the greater community and therefor have limited anonymity outside of school.
• Since the kids are like family - they act the same way. They bicker, and just plain get sick of each other.
• Teachers are more isolated and don't have as many colleagues to work with on a given day to get support or even see models of alternative teaching styles.
• The classes are small. Sometimes they are too small. 
• There is often a lack of cultural diversity.
• Staff is limited and there are not many additional bodies in the school on a regular basis to address emergencies (big or small.) 

Overall, I love teaching in my small school. The kids and adults benefit from a caring and supportive community of teachers, Principal, and support staff members. Just feeling safe walking into school every day is a big deal. 

 I would really love to hear from some teachers in a larger school setting. 

What would you say are some benefits and/or challenges?