Teaching in Rural Saskatchewan

First Year Teachers Identify Challenges and Make Recommendations

  • Laurie-ann M. Hellsten University of Saskatchewan
  • Laureen J. McIntyre University of Saskatchewan
  • Michelle P. Prytula University of Saskatchewan

Abstract

Despite the existing research on rural education, rural teaching, and pre-service rural practicum placements, there is little research on the experiences of beginning teachers in rural schools. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Saskatchewan beginning teachers who obtain employment in rural or northern schools. Eight beginning teachers voluntarily participated in a telephone interview during their first year in the teaching profession. Their interviews highlighted shared themes related to the challenges of working in rural and northern communities, including: acceptance; understanding the community; isolation; overlap between personal and professional lives; and impact of rural context on workload. In addition, participants made recommendations for teachers considering employment in these environments, including: preparing to obtain a rural teaching position; seeking out mentorship relationships; and making connections within and outside of the community. These shared themes are discussed within the context of existing literature, and recommendations are made relating to future directions for research in this area.  

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Author Biographies

Laurie-ann M. Hellsten, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Laurie-ann Hellsten is the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research in the College of Education at the University of Saskatchewan. She is an applied psychometrician researching in the areas of teacher education and health.
Laureen J. McIntyre, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Laureen McIntyre is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education at the University of Saskatchewan. Her research interests include the language basis of learning difficulties and disabilities (i.e., teacher education, knowledge, practice).
Michelle P. Prytula, University of Saskatchewan
Dr. Michelle Prytula is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Administration, College of Education, at the University of Saskatchewan. Her current research interests include teacher learning, action research, PLCs, teacher induction, and school leadership.  
Published
2011-07-15
How to Cite
Hellsten, L.- ann M., McIntyre, L. J., & Prytula, M. P. (2011). Teaching in Rural Saskatchewan. The Rural Educator, 32(3). https://doi.org/10.35608/ruraled.v32i3.425
Section
Research Articles