Teach Rural Oregon, a hub for rural education

Aug. 30, 2022

Teach Rural Oregon, a Hub for Rural Education

LA GRANDE, Ore. –With an understanding of the importance teachers have not only to the community but to the world as well, Eastern Oregon University’s Teach Rural Oregon (TRO) Project is dedicated to helping the teachers of today and tomorrow grow for a better future. The TRO programs, Junior Field Study, Cottonwood Canyon Teacher Institute and Eastern Oregon Teacher Academy, have all had another successful year working towards solving the shortage of teachers in Oregon. 

The Teach Rural Oregon Project is a partnership between the Eastern Oregon University College of Education and the Wallowa Region 18 Education Service District (ESD) with grant support from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) based on grant initiative and funding recommendation from the Educator Advancement Council. 

Whether it be high school students, college students, paraprofessionals, or current teachers, Teach Rural Oregon offers programs to assist and strengthen the Oregon education system. TRO inspires educators and fosters their growth by providing present and future teachers of Oregon with the tools needed for success.

Junior Field Study Program

The Junior Field Study program gives students from the Gresham cohort at Mt. Hood Community College the opportunity to experience teaching in rural areas. The three-week program involves observing multiple classrooms based in one of four locations, Umatilla, Enterprise, John Day and Burns. This program takes place yearly in the month of May. 

Cottonwood Canyon Teacher Institute

In partnership with EOU’s College of Education, the Region 18 Wallowa ESD, Teach Rural Oregon and the EOU Rural Engagement & Vitality (REV) Center, the Cottonwood Canyon Teacher Institute is a field study program for Oregon teachers to get hands-on learning experience regarding their local cultural and natural resources. The four-day program takes place at Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Applications open in the spring.

Eastern Oregon Teacher Academy

Sponsored by EOU’s College of Education, the university holds this four-day program for the education of potential teachers at the high school level. While being an opportunity for college credit, high school students and paraprofessionals are also able to participate in seminars, network with current College of Education students, and discover their teaching potential. Eastern Oregon Teacher Academy takes place annually in June. Applications for the program open spring of 2023.

“Teach Rural Oregon is how EOU’s College of Education is responding to Oregon’s teacher shortage,” Dave Dallas, Director of Teach Rural Oregon said. “We hope to build up our numbers and create an opportunity for rural and potential teachers to better understand how they can utilize their surroundings and implement it into their teaching.”For more information on Teach Rural Oregon visit eou.edu/teach-rural-oregon/.