110 | Confronting Racial Injustice in Rural Schools with Mara Tieken and Sheneka Williams

Episode Summary:
In this powerful and timely conversation, Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by rural education scholars Dr. Mara Tieken and Dr. Sheneka Williams to discuss their co-authored chapter on race, place, and policy in rural schools. The episode dives deep into six urgent policy issues affecting rural education and challenges the myth of a monolithic rural America. With clarity and conviction, Mara and Sheneka explore how policy decisions, school closures, and assumptions around race and community continue to shape rural schools—and what leaders must do to act boldly and inclusively.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Welcome to The Rural Scoop
01:37 Meet Our Esteemed Guests
03:49 The Why Behind the Work
07:18 Key Policy Issues in Rural Education
12:47 Misunderstandings About Rural Education
16:46 The Impact of Policy on Rural Communities
22:20 Intentional Erasure in Rural Education
26:40 The Importance of Place-Conscious Equity
30:08 Personal and Professional Experiences
33:17 Exploring Community Capital and Personal Experiences
34:05 Navigating Leadership and Collaboration
35:45 Current Political Issues in Rural Education
38:51 Concerns About School Closures and Federal Budgets
40:39 The Importance of Local Leadership and Inclusivity
50:10 Challenges and Strategies for Rural Teacher Preparation
56:54 The Rural Advantage and Final Thoughts
Closing Summary:
Drs. Tieken and Williams remind us that rural education cannot be effectively understood—or improved—without confronting race, acknowledging policy impacts, and embracing the power of place. Their message to rural leaders is clear: lean into your community’s assets, don’t shy away from difficult truths, and lead with courage and clarity. Rural schools are not just sites of learning—they’re pillars of identity, history, and hope.