In this episode of TransformED with StepUp, Valorie Montgomery and Sue Herrera sit down with Michael Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone (RSIZ). With more than 30 years in education, Michael leads a groundbreaking collaboration among rural districts in South Texas—one that’s creating real-world, high-impact opportunities for students through shared academies and innovative career pathways.
Michael shares how the Zone came to life, what makes its model so unique, and how rural districts can work together to increase opportunities without losing their identity. From healthcare certifications to welding, drone technology, and early childhood education, RSIZ is proving that rural schools don’t have to do everything alone to offer students big possibilities.
Whether you’re listening from Missouri or anywhere else in the country, this conversation offers inspiration, practical insights, and a blueprint for rural leaders ready to collaborate, innovate, and rethink what’s possible for their students.
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