Beyond the City: The Value of Rural Teaching Internships
When University of Regina graduate Chelsea ven der Buhs filled out her placement survey for her fourth-year education internship, she asked to be as close to Saskatoon as possible. Instead, she was assigned to Bengough, Saskatchewan, a small town with a population of just over 330. What began as a reluctant step outside her comfort zone quickly turned into a life-changing experience.
From day one, ven der Buhs felt the sense of community in Bengough. Three neighbours introduced themselves on her very first day, and in just four months, she attended more community events than she had in her entire life growing up in Martensville, Saskatchewan. The sense of belonging was undeniable. She quickly found that the support of a tight-knit community was just one of the benefits of working in rural Saskatchewan.
An advantage of a rural internship is the breadth of experience it provides. Teaching in a rural school often means instructing multiple grade levels simultaneously. Ven der Buhs, for example, had to manage at least two different curriculums per hour, an experience that strengthened her adaptability and confidence. As she puts it, “If you can teach three curriculums at one time, you for sure can teach one at a time.”
One of the things ven der Buhs loves most about rural teaching is the ability to support and guide her students throughout their high school journey. Even after they graduate, she remains connected – whether it’s seeing former students around town, teaching their younger siblings, or running into their parents at the grocery store. This sense of connection continued when ven der Buhs accepted a full-time teaching position in Carlyle, Saskatchewan. Now, she refers to Carlyle as “my town,” a testament to the deep-rooted ties she has built.
“The one thing that brought me to Carlyle was to get a job, but the thing that made me stay here was the community, the kids, and the ability to watch them grow through their lives,” ven der Buhs shares.
This sense of connection is mutual – when a new teacher arrives in a rural town, it’s a significant event for the entire community. In small towns, schools are more than just places of learning; they are the heart of the community. Teachers quickly become familiar faces, not only to their students but also to parents, local business owners and neighbours. Beyond the classroom, teachers contribute to the town’s culture by attending events, supporting local sports teams and becoming role models. Teaching in a rural setting is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact, not just on students but on the entire community.
Dr. Cristyne Hébert, director of professional development and field experiences at the University of Regina, highlights a crucial point: job availability. Many graduating education students will find opportunities in rural settings rather than urban centres as demand for positions in urban settings often exceeds supply. Gaining firsthand experience through an internship in a small town can provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs.
This past year, the University of Regina has made an effort to increase the number of students placed in rural areas for their internships. Interning in rural Saskatchewan is an opportunity for students to broaden their horizons both personally and professionally. Rural schools offer strong support networks, making it an ideal learning environment for new teachers.
One of the challenges that arises with rural placements is securing housing. To address this, the University of Regina collaborates with school divisions to develop strategies that assist students in finding suitable accommodations. Many school divisions offer bursaries to help alleviate financial burdens, and the university itself provides additional funding for students placed more than 100 kilometres away from campus.
Ven der Buhs encourages hesitant students to take the leap. She explains that an internship is the perfect time to try something new, as there is built-in support through the cooperating teacher and school community. It is also only a four-month commitment – long enough to gain valuable experience, yet short enough to be manageable. Many students, like ven der Buhs, find themselves falling in love with rural teaching, choosing to stay beyond their placements.
For fourth-year education students, an internship in rural Saskatchewan offers opportunities for professional development, community engagement and career advancement. While initially daunting, a rural internship can lead to unexpected personal and professional fulfillment. As ven der Buhs’ journey demonstrates, sometimes the greatest rewards come from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. For education students considering their internship options, rural Saskatchewan may just be the perfect place to start their teaching careers.
From Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Bulletin – Spring 2025