Teaching is never easy. But in small towns, it often comes with extra challenges—limited resources, long hours, and sometimes, low pay. So why do so many teachers choose to stay in these rural schools?
It’s not just about the job. It’s about something bigger.
Let’s explore why teachers stay in small Vermont towns—even when things get tough.
Small Towns, Big Challenges
First, let’s be honest. Teaching in a small town isn’t always glamorous.
Many rural schools struggle with:
- Tight budgets
- Limited staff and supplies
- Old buildings and outdated technology
- Fewer professional development opportunities
- Isolation from larger networks or services
On top of that, teachers often wear many hats. One teacher might teach math, coach a sport, and help run the school play. That’s a lot to carry—and burnout is real.
So again: Why stay?
“Because the Kids Are Worth It”
Ask a small-town teacher why they stay, and the answer usually comes fast: the kids.
There’s something special about teaching in a place where you know every student—not just their names, but their stories.
“I’ve taught siblings, cousins, and even parents,” one Vermont teacher said. “It’s not just a classroom—it’s a community.”
In small towns, relationships run deep. Teachers often become mentors, role models, and sometimes, the most stable adult in a child’s life.
It’s not about being a hero—it’s about being human. And that connection is hard to walk away from.
They’re Not Just Teaching—They’re Building a Community
In small towns, schools are often the heart of the community. Concerts, sports, graduations, and town meetings all happen there. Teachers don’t just work in the school—they live in it.
That sense of purpose matters. A lot.
Many teachers say they feel a responsibility not just to their students, but to the entire town. Their work helps shape the future of the place they call home.
It’s not always easy—but it is meaningful.
Some Roots Run Deep
For many teachers in rural Vermont, the job isn’t just a choice. It’s a calling—and sometimes, a homecoming.
A surprising number of rural teachers grew up in the same communities they now serve. They know what it’s like to ride the bus two hours a day, or to go to school in a snowstorm. They’re not outsiders—they’re insiders.
Returning to teach where they grew up gives them a special kind of pride—and a powerful connection to their students and families.
But Let’s Be Real—It’s Still Hard
This isn’t a fairy tale.
Many small-town teachers face serious struggles:
- Low salaries compared to urban schools
- Housing shortages in rural areas
- Few mental health supports for students and staff
- Pressure to “do it all” without enough help
Some leave. Some burn out. And that’s understandable.
But others stay—not because it’s easy, but because it matters.
Why They Stay Anyway
So, what keeps them going?
1. Purpose Over Pay
They may not be getting rich, but many teachers say they feel “rich in meaning.” Their impact is visible and immediate. One kind word, one breakthrough moment—it can change a student’s life.
2. Deep Relationships
Small schools mean closer bonds. Teachers often work with the same students for years, watching them grow and succeed. That’s something you can’t put a price on.
3. A Strong Sense of Belonging
In rural towns, people notice when you’re gone—and miss you when you’re not there. That kind of connection can keep a teacher rooted through even the hardest seasons.
What Needs to Change?
Here’s the flip side: We shouldn’t expect teachers to stay just because they “care.”
Caring isn’t a substitute for support.
If Vermont wants to keep great teachers in small towns, it needs to:
- Improve rural teacher pay
- Offer more housing and childcare options
- Provide mental health resources for teachers and students
- Fund professional development so rural teachers can grow
- Treat teachers like the community leaders they are
It’s not about charity. It’s about respect and investment.
Conclusion: Staying Isn’t a Sacrifice—It’s a Statement
When teachers choose to stay in small towns, it’s not just because they can’t go elsewhere. It’s because they believe in something: that every child deserves a great teacher, no matter their ZIP code.
It’s easy to leave when things get tough. It’s harder—and braver—to stay, especially when the work feels invisible or underpaid.
But these teachers stay because they see something worth holding onto: the future, right in front of them, sitting in the desks every day.
And that kind of dedication? It deserves not just our thanks—but our action.
