The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore communication barriers using social media between eighth-grade middle school teachers and parents who reside in rural communities. The history of social media, current use of social media with the general population and educational facilities, and the link between current studies to social media usage in the classroom was examined. The population of focus consisted of rural middle school eighth-grade teachers. A field test panel was comprised of four rural middle school principals and vice principals. The research design used was a descriptive case study with open-ended interview questions. The research sought to examine: (a) the communication effects of social media between parents and teachers; and (b) communication challenges of social media between parents and teachers. The data were analyzed via transcribed interviews yielding three themes. The study findings revealed rural educators inconsistently used social media to communicate with parents. Teachers' use of social media to communicate with parents resulted in faster response, better parental involvement, and easier dissemination of school information. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]