Imagining the Rural Teaching Experience

Abstract

The Bush Tracks Research Collective formed in 2003 with the aim of addressing gaps in Australian rural education research. The initial Bush Tracks project explored 'place' as a significant factor in schooling outcomes. What images do beginning teachers have of 'the good teacher' and 'the good student' in rural schools and what are the obstacles to becoming these? What professional learning communities are available to beginning teachers in rural schools, and how effective are they in supporting beginning teachers to work through their identity issues and pedagogical challenges? What opportunities, expectations, supports and obstacles are there for rural teachers to make the transition to school leadership roles?