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Building the North Dakota Teaching Force: Insights from the Rural Student Teaching Experience (RSTE)

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Title: Building the North Dakota Teaching Force: Insights from the Rural Student Teaching Experience (RSTE)
Language: English
Authors: Maria Zaman, Lisa Vojacek, Sarah Zacher, Ryan Summers
Source: Educational Research: Theory and Practice. 2026 37(1):20-27.
Availability: Northern Rocky Mountain Educational Research Association. Web site: http://www.nrmera.org/educational-research-theory-practice/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 8
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Rural Education, STEM Education, Place Based Education, Preservice Teacher Education, Mentors, Student Financial Aid, Program Effectiveness
Geographic Terms: North Dakota
ISSN: 2637-8965
Abstract: This study investigates the impact of the Rural Student Teaching Experience (RSTE), a North Dakota (ND) EPSCoR-funded initiative designed to strengthen the rural STEM teacher pipeline. Integrating financial support, structured mentoring, and place-conscious pedagogy, the RSTE prepares preservice teachers to thrive in rural schools. Using a mixed-methods design, the study analyzed data from 22 participants representing six universities within the North Dakota University System (NDUS). Qualitative interviews and reflections were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) framework, alongside descriptive employment data. Findings revealed that financial assistance, mentoring, and community engagement enhanced teachers' confidence, adaptability, and sense of belonging, while addressing barriers to rural participation. Nearly 80% of participants entered P-12 teaching, most in rural ND schools. The results highlight the RSTE as a replicable, equity-driven model for rural teacher preparation that promotes long-term commitment and professional growth.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1505318
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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  Data: Building the North Dakota Teaching Force: Insights from the Rural Student Teaching Experience (RSTE)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Educational+Research%3A+Theory+and+Practice%22"><i>Educational Research: Theory and Practice</i></searchLink>. 2026 37(1):20-27.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Rural+Education%22">Rural Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22STEM+Education%22">STEM Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Place+Based+Education%22">Place Based Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Preservice+Teacher+Education%22">Preservice Teacher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Mentors%22">Mentors</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Financial+Aid%22">Student Financial Aid</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Program+Effectiveness%22">Program Effectiveness</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22North+Dakota%22">North Dakota</searchLink>
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  Data: This study investigates the impact of the Rural Student Teaching Experience (RSTE), a North Dakota (ND) EPSCoR-funded initiative designed to strengthen the rural STEM teacher pipeline. Integrating financial support, structured mentoring, and place-conscious pedagogy, the RSTE prepares preservice teachers to thrive in rural schools. Using a mixed-methods design, the study analyzed data from 22 participants representing six universities within the North Dakota University System (NDUS). Qualitative interviews and reflections were thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) framework, alongside descriptive employment data. Findings revealed that financial assistance, mentoring, and community engagement enhanced teachers' confidence, adaptability, and sense of belonging, while addressing barriers to rural participation. Nearly 80% of participants entered P-12 teaching, most in rural ND schools. The results highlight the RSTE as a replicable, equity-driven model for rural teacher preparation that promotes long-term commitment and professional growth.
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      – Text: English
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        StartPage: 20
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      – SubjectFull: Rural Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: STEM Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Place Based Education
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      – SubjectFull: Preservice Teacher Education
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      – SubjectFull: Mentors
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      – SubjectFull: Student Financial Aid
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      – SubjectFull: Program Effectiveness
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      – SubjectFull: North Dakota
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      – TitleFull: Building the North Dakota Teaching Force: Insights from the Rural Student Teaching Experience (RSTE)
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