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Social network theory posits that social interactions provide access to information and other resources but may also constrain opportunities. Although social networks have been analyzed in educational settings to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and the structures supporting or constraining educators, few studies address how social network analysis (SNA) has been utilized in rural settings. A review of the literature on social networks in rural schools among teachers and/or administrators indicates there is little research on the ties among rural educators, with a frequent assumption of no networking opportunities. Although similar attributes and proximity are frequently uncovered as predictors of tie formation in traditional SNA, in rural spaces these attributes are often intentionally utilized to structure effective networking and professional development. Studies within a school or district differed from studies between schools or districts. Due to the unique characteristics of rural settings, researchers should consider using ego-network studies or expanding defined boundaries of social networks to develop a clearer picture of the networks that provide opportunities or constrain rural educators. 

Using social network analysis, we sought to characterize the professional collaboration and advice networks among rural science teachers. Furthermore, we explored how the characteristics of individual teachers and distance between teachers affected the likelihood of forming connections. Science teachers in publicly funded rural schools were asked whom they collaborate with and seek advice from and the mode and frequency of their communications. Results were analyzed using UCINET to calculate statistical significance of tie formation. Ties among rural teachers were sparse, with a quarter of teachers having no connections within the bounded network. In contrast to other social network studies, characteristics of individual teachers were not a significant predictor of tie formation in our population, but geographic proximity was a strong predictor. Our findings suggest that districts can support teachers in forming supportive ties by providing time, funding, and/or technology tools and training. 

Purpose The authors are developing a model for rural science teacher professional development, building teacher expertise and collaboration and creating high-quality science lessons: technology-mediated lesson study (TMLS). Design/methodology/approach TMLS provided the means for geographically distributed teachers to collaborate, develop, implement and improve lessons. TMLS uses technology to capture lesson implementation and collaborate on lesson iterations. Findings This paper describes the seven steps of the TMLS process with examples, showing how teachers develop their content and pedagogical knowledge while building relationships. Originality/value The TMLS approach provides an innovative option for teachers to collaborate across distances and form strong, lasting relationships with others.