Listening to Teachers in the 'Bush'

Abstract

Rural teaching is often an enigma, as each teacher can perceive the experience differently depending on his or her priorities. Rural teachers' perceptions can range from total commitment to their students, schools and communities, to a sense of personal and professional isolation. This can lead to teachers wishing to stay in a rural context for some time or, conversely, desperately trying to transfer out to 'preferred areas' where they anticipate they will experience less isolation, both personally and professionally.