Investing in North State Education

The purpose of the Residency in Secondary Education (RiSE) program at California State University, Chico is to provide a new generation of teachers for middle and high schools in the region and state. Program directors hope to recruit and retain teachers and to develop and sustain partnerships with rural districts. The residency program includes early coursework that addresses the needs and strengths of rural communities and requires candidates to conduct an in-depth study of their placement community. In particular, the community study assignment aims to have preservice teachers examine their understandings about rural places, to create a connection to the place where students live, and to promote place-based pedagogy.

Student feedback suggests the assignment is a promising practice for teacher preparation. A rural-focused curriculum and a strong understanding of the community creates conditions that support both the recruitment and retention of teachers in rural schools. These student reflections(opens in new window) are excellent examples of this process.