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Tucked away in the picturesque rolling hills of Carter County, Tennessee, sits the fourth-grade classroom of Gracie Freeman.  

Freeman, a senior at East Tennessee State University, will graduate later this spring and has already secured a job at Hampton Elementary School. That opportunity came through ETSU’s Rural Initiative for Talented Educators, a program that connects ETSU teacher candidates with rural school districts, providing critical hands-on experience for students and strengthening the region’s education workforce. 

“Growing up with the teachers I had in this area made me want to become a teacher in the first place,” said Freeman. “Coming back as a teacher and helping students learn and grow is such a privilege and rewarding job.” 

Freeman is one of many ETSU students who not only train to become teachers but also choose to stay in Appalachia to serve its communities. An impressive 90% of the university’s education majors hail from Appalachia, and many plan to remain in the region, preparing the next generation of learners and shaping the future workforce. 

It’s part of what makes ETSU the flagship institution of Appalachia. 

“ETSU is deeply committed to strengthening the Appalachian workforce, and one of the most powerful ways we do that is by preparing exceptional educators,” said Dr. Janna Scarborough, dean of the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development. “Our graduates don’t just enter the workforce – they transform it. They return to their hometowns, uplift students and contribute to the vitality of their communities.”

Needs certainly exist. 

While teacher shortages vary by district throughout the United States, rural areas have been hit especially hard. Research has also shown that teachers in Appalachia are more likely to leave the profession. 

“We know that retaining great teachers is just as important as recruiting them,” Scarborough said. “That’s why our programs don’t just focus on preparing educators. We also equip them with the tools, support and professional development needed to thrive in rural schools. Investing in our teachers means investing in the long-term success of Appalachian communities.” 

This mission is woven into the university’s DNA.

ETSU was founded in 1911 as a normal school – an institution specifically created to train teachers and improve quality of life in the region. More than a century later, that same commitment to education remains at the heart of the university’s work.

Investing in rural education 

ETSU’s commitment to rural education goes beyond the classroom.  

The university recently launched the Center for Rural Education and Development, a forward-thinking initiative aimed at strengthening schools, supporting educators and expanding workforce opportunities in Appalachia. 

Through close partnerships with school districts and research-backed strategies, the center is navigating some of the region’s most pressing educational challenges, from teacher shortages to access to college and career pathways.

“Our goal is to develop real, community-led solutions that uplift students, educators and local economies,” said Dr. Dawn Rowe, a Clemmer professor and the James H. Quillen Chair of Excellence in Teaching and Learning. “We are not just preparing future teachers and educational leaders; we are investing in the long-term success of the communities they will serve.”

The center serves as a hub for innovation, connecting research with practice and working hand-in-hand with rural schools to implement sustainable strategies. 

Among its early priorities are: 
– Expanding rural teacher and administrator pipelines to ensure that Appalachian schools have the highly trained educators they need
– Strengthening dual-enrollment and workforce development programs that create seamless transitions from high school to college and careers
– Building collaborative networks between K-12 schools, postsecondary institutions and local businesses to align education with regional workforce needs 

Preparing the next generation of teachers 

For students like Freeman, these initiatives translate into direct, practical experience that prepares them for the classroom. She will finish the school year as the instructor of record at Hampton Elementary, stepping fully into her role as an educator. 

“East Tennessee State University has helped me prepare for my career by providing amazing professors who truly care about making us great teachers,” Freeman said. “They provide guidance, share insights from their own careers and offer advice that helps me navigate the challenges of the education field.” 

The work happening at ETSU ensures that Appalachia’s students will continue to learn from educators who understand their communities, their challenges and their potential. 

“ETSU was founded to serve this region, and that mission remains just as relevant today,” said ETSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle. “Through innovative programs and strong partnerships, we are preparing the next generation of educators to shape the future of Appalachia.”