This paper explains that women teachers working in public schools across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia face many challenges related to poverty and rural locations. However, they also have several elements in common across their classrooms which they incorporate into their instructional practice. These elements are: maintaining high expectations for success; utilizing effective praise; providing direct instruction combined with challenging activities; incorporating technology; teaching metacognitive strategies; recognizing and accommodating learning styles; promoting self-assessment and self-monitoring; protecting and optimizing instructional time; valuing parental involvement; and celebrating diversity. An accompanying PowerPoint presentation is included. (Contains 11 references.) (SM)