Electronic Newsletters as a Professional Development Tool for Rural Educators

Abstract

Rural educators need access to evidence-based instructional practices and technologies that meet the needs of our communities. Difficulty accessing quality professional development due to geographic isolation, limited access to specialists, cost constraints, staffing shortages, lack of access to resources and technology, and less time to participate in meaningful professional development are common barriers facing rural teachers. One way to disseminate evidence-based practices is through an electronic newsletter. This article shares how a behavior analyst developed an online newsletter to build relationships, offer resources, highlight staff achievement, provide instruction, and model evidence-based behavior interventions for school staff.