This book brings together the two fields of ‘educational leadership’ and ‘rurality’ and builds on the growing field of inquiry into the significance of ‘adding the rural’ to all aspects of education. It explores the vibrancy and variety of opportunities and challenges that are met by rural education leaders and researchers from two particular countries, Australia and the United States. It illuminates and explores the concept of rural leadership and take an educational stance, shedding light into what it means to lead rurally for educational policy, research, schools, communities and for the next generation of rural leaders themselves. It presents stories from the field with insights into capabilities, approaches, models and strategies for improving practice and outcomes.

In addition to adding to the international bodies of knowledge, this volume contributes to advancements in educational leadership theories, as well as expands understanding of requisite knowledge and skills as informed by the distinct circumstances and affordances of rural contexts. This book also explores the construct of service, and explores ways in which it has been infused in various rural education leadership contexts.