Rural Teachers in China examines the perceptions of former students on issues regarding the status of teachers and quality of teaching through recalling their school days in rural china. The author argues that the dilemma of teacher shortage and quality of teaching in rural China is, to great extent a reflection of how the general public value rural education. The view of the public has experienced fluctuations and a three-phase model is suggested in the conclusion. It is also suggested that to change the negatve and somewhat stererotyped image of rural teaching profession which is not attractive to rural talents in general compared to other professions beyond the rural areas, is a long-term task on the part of the Chinese society.