Rural Education for Regional and Community Development

Education in any of its forms (early years, primary, secondary, tertiary, and adult education) in rural and remote communities, plays a critical role in sustaining and developing regions. In this issue the articles describe programs and approaches that work to build the regional workforce and create socially inclusive communities. The articles include research that addresses concerns about attraction and retention of teachers, about the relationships and partnerships that improve learning outcomes, and about the importance of place consciousness in regional, rural, and remote contexts. The Rural Connections articles document good practice in providing access to tertiary education that otherwise would not be available, to grow the local workforce and provide pathways and awareness for young people considering their career options. In this editorial we consider the findings presented using a policy and theoretical framework to help us consider the dynamics of rural education as an enabler for regional and community development.