Rural school leaders in Maine play an essential role in small communities across the state. Their success is vital to these communities, as well as to the schools and school districts, teachers, support staff, families, and most importantly the students they serve. For many years, the state has seen a decline in the number of educators who aspire to become rural school leaders. This trend has worsened recently as those in leadership positions leave the profession, either through retirement or by choosing to work in another field. To address the specific needs of rural school leaders, Rural Thrive has developed a support network for current or aspiring district or building leaders, aimed at improving and expanding the educational leadership workforce in rural communities throughout Maine.
Rural School Leader Community of Practice
The Rural School Leader Community of Practice is an exciting opportunity for Maine school leaders — district- or building-level administrators — and aspiring leaders to join a statewide support network facilitated by Rural Thrive. Designed in collaboration with participating leaders and aspiring leaders, this initiative will offer professional development, coursework, research, quality training and internship opportunities, and coordinated activities to build resilience, improve job satisfaction, and increase retention.
Who is Eligible to Practice?
What are the Benefits of Participation?
What Does the Community of Practice Do?
Several activities are planned for the coming year:
In addition, school leaders and aspiring leaders who participate in this community of practice will have the opportunity to contribute to research efforts designed to capture the challenges and joys of working as a rural school leader in Maine. Participating superintendents can join the Maine Small Schools Coalition, which advocates for policies and issues that meet the needs of Maine’s rural school districts.
New Opportunity: 2026 Maine Rural School Leadership Network Fall Conference
North Haven Island School | Oct. 26, 2026
The 2026 Maine Rural School Leadership Network Fall Conference will give school leaders a chance to visit a rural school, observe the exciting work being done there, and meet with other rural school leaders from across the state to discuss the challenges and opportunities of leading a rural school in Maine. Developed in collaboration with the Maine Rural School Principal Community of Practice, the conference is a professional development opportunity funded by Rural THRIVE, and open to qualified current or aspiring rural school leaders in Maine. Participants will earn six professional development hours for attending.
Who is eligible to participate?
What are the benefits of participation?
How do I get more information?
For more information, contact Rural THRIVE’s Leader in Residence Paul Austin, paul.austin@maine.edu.
Questions?
Email paul.austin@maine.edu
