Chevy Chase, MD —The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) BioInteractiveexternal link, opens in a new tab program and National Rural Education Associationexternal link, opens in a new tab (NREA) today announced a new partnership to expand access to free, high-quality science education resources and professional learning opportunities for life sciences teachers in rural communities across the United States. 

Rural science educators are among the most resourceful and community-connected teachers in the country, often serving as the sole science instructor in their schools. Yet compared to their urban and suburban counterparts, many experience geographic isolation, limited access to professional learning networks, and fewer opportunities to connect with peers. The partnership between BioInteractive and NREA aims to address that. 

“Four out of five high school biology instructors in the United States use BioInteractive resources,” said Laura Bonetta, Head of Science Education at HHMI. “Through this partnership with NREA, we can broaden access to more educators, supporting them in their work and, in turn, helping students develop an understanding and appreciation of science.”  

The partnership will connect NREA’s national network and trusted relationships with rural teachers to BioInteractive’s free, rigorously vetted resources and professional learning programming.  

“Rural schools are the heart of their communities,” said Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association. “This partnership gives us a powerful way to connect rural life science educators not only with world-class resources, but also with each other. An investment in rural teachers is an investment in entire communities.”   

Key elements of the collaboration include cohort-based professional learning that brings rural life science teachers together for ongoing, content-rich development throughout the school year; co-branded events and workshops designed to help educators build lasting peer networks and integrate BioInteractive resources into their classrooms; and outreach through NREA’s national platform to ensure resources reach the most isolated rural educators. 

HHMI and NREA are excited for this shared opportunity to bring free resources to rural science educators throughout the United States. 

About HHMI
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is a private scientific research institution advancing the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge for the benefit of humanity. For more than 70 years, HHMI has invested in scientists who make discoveries that further human health and our fundamental understanding of biology. HHMI also supports innovative approaches to science education and public engagement to energize and support future generations of scientists and foster public appreciation for science. BioInteractive provides free, high-quality educational resources and professional development opportunities for tens of thousands of classrooms across the country. 

About NREA
The National Rural Education Association (NREA) is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for students, educators, and communities in rural America. Since its founding, the NREA has been a champion for the unique needs and strengths of rural education, advocating for equitable resources and policies to support rural schools.