This report tells the stories of 44 rural science and mathematics teachers who have been initiating and leading change in their classrooms and communities. Each has participated in the Science and Mathematics Academies for Rural Teachers (SMART), which: (1) recognizes and rewards outstanding science and mathematics teachers in small rural schools in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington; (2) promotes exemplary field experiences for prospective science and mathematics teachers under the direction of these master teachers; and (3) enhances recruitment and induction of novice rural teachers through mentoring. Each chapter in this report discusses a major theme of the SMART program and presents teachers' perspectives on their experiences. Chapter 1 describes the challenges of teaching in rural areas, and the ways SMART teachers meet them. Chapter 2 discusses the need for rural field experiences for prospective teachers and describes SMART solutions: rural-advocacy presentations on campuses and short intensive rural exposure for student teachers. Chapters 3-6 examine teacher initiatives that increased teacher collaboration, collegiality, student mentoring, and community involvement; curriculum improvement efforts; 18 SMART class projects, many of which involved integration of math or science with other curriculum areas; and a variety of outdoor projects related to ecology and environmental protection. Chapter 7 describes efforts to disseminate SMART teachers' creative approaches to other rural teachers in the Pacific Northwest. An appendix includes names and addresses of SMART participants and a topical index of teacher projects. (SV)