Two years ago, the University of Wisconsin system, the state legislature, and a number of businesses combined resources and provided funds to support regional and local projects to develop self-sustaining professional development models. Through a grant from the University of Wisconsin Extension PK-16 Initiative, a regional consortium of preservice teachers, K-12 educators, Cooperative Education Service Agencies' staff, and university teacher educators was established. The grant is in its second year and was redesigned to meet the needs of a broader range of K-12 teachers, preservice teachers, and teacher educators. This paper discusses the historical context of the Virtual Learning Technology Community (VLTC) project, supporting staff development in rural schools in through virtual communities, and evaluation of the VLTC. (Author/MES)