That's just the way it was: teacher experiences in Appalachian Kentucky, 1930-1960

This study used the qualitative methods of archive research and oral history to examine the schooling experiences and perspectives of Pike County public school teachers in Appalachian Kentucky from 1930 to 1960. The results of the research may lead to a better understanding of teaching in rural environments and illuminate the effects of poverty, geography, and culture on the development of public education in Appalachian Kentucky. Pike County is the largest county in Kentucky and is located on the eastern Appalachian border of the state. Pike County’s geography is quite mountainous and has only one industry: coal. The largest employer in the county is the school district. Sixteen retired teachers were interviewed. Data analysis suggested three particular relationships with teaching: teaching and family; teaching and community; and teaching and the care ethic. Findings were examined through three socio-cultural models (i.e., cultural difference, colonialism, underdevelopment), as well as cultural geography and environmental determinism models. Findings suggest the introduction of a cultural environmental model that more clearly and completely explains the phenomena discussed in the study. However, the cultural environmental model may be situational to Appalachia.Curriculum and Instructio