the northwest rural innovation and student engagement (nw rise) network brings together teachers and leaders from the region’s most isolated and remote communities. these educators do courageous and important work. however, they may struggle to access professional communities that understand the unique opportunities and challenges of teaching in rural schools. this is particularly true for educators who are the only teacher in their grade or school.
nw rise addresses this challenge by convening rural teachers, principals, and superintendents who share common problems of practice and a desire to improve outcomes for students. staff members from participating school districts and state education agencies can join the nw rise network, which is supported by the region 17 and region 16 comprehensive centers and state and local education agencies in the northwest. participants meet face to face twice a year in job-alike groups and collaborate virtually throughout the year.
no one knows rural schools like rural educators and leaders—that’s why nw rise emphasizes mutual aid. professionals share their expertise with peers in similar contexts to develop useful solutions. a network of schools helping schools—especially isolated ones—can raise achievement and increase student engagement by sharing relevant, practical advice that actually works for rural communities.
key network features
- professional network of local and regional peers who collaborate to identify shared challenges and promising practices
- regular meetings conducted in person (twice a year) and virtually
- supportive community that builds leadership, skills, and agency; fosters cultural identities; and increases capacity to engage students
- grassroots network design, governance, and leadership
- learning management system to facilitate virtual collaboration and build a library of useful resources
in the nw rise network, you will:
- collaborate with leading innovators in education
- focus on issues and solutions that are relevant to your local context
- develop and share evidence-based strategies to improve student achievement
- build valuable, stimulating relationships with colleagues across schools, districts, and states
- access information, ideas, and relevant research on college- and career-ready best practices
- receive encouragement and support from educators in similar settings
network members
- alaska: denali borough
- idaho: basin school district, butte county school district/arco school district, genessee school district, glenns ferry school district, mountain view school district, timberline high school (orofino school district), highland school district
- washington: columbia (stevens), creston, cusick, evaline, evergreen (stevens), glenwood, index, loon lake, northport, pe ell, pomeroy, skykomish, summit valley, white pass, pateros
- montana: dodson school district, ryegate school district, woodman elementary school, sunset elementary school
for more information, contact jacob williams.