The Rural Scoop

Episode Summary:
In this powerful and timely conversation, Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association (NREA), is joined by Leigh Routman, Executive Director of the Holocaust Learning Experience (HLE). Together, they explore how Holocaust education can be a transformative tool for rural and underserved districts—not only fulfilling curriculum mandates but also shaping empathetic, courageous...

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In this powerful episode, returning guest Dr. Mara Tieken joins Dr. Melissa Sadorf to discuss her latest book, Educated Out: How Rural Students Navigate Elite Colleges and What It Costs Them. Dr. Tieken unpacks the layered experiences of nine rural first-generation college students who attended an elite liberal arts institution pseudonymously named Hilltop. Their journeys challenge dominant narratives around col...

In this special edition of the ARSA Roundtable, Dr. Melissa Sadorf welcomes Henry Dunkerson, the new interim executive director of the Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA). Henry discusses his extensive background in education, his passion for rural schooling, and his plans for ARSA. He shares insights from his career, the importance of strong leadership, and his immediate priorities for the association, including the upcoming ...

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In this powerful and candid conversation, Todd Dugan shares his rural roots and how they shaped his leadership journey—from growing up in a propane-heated home in rural Illinois to leading transformative change in education as superintendent of Bunker Hill CUSD. Todd dives into real solutions for career readiness, equity in rural schools, and the value of place-based learning. Learn how Bunker Hill's CNA pat...

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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 p...

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In this episode, Jessica Howe from Pipeline Connects joins The Rural Scoop to dive deep into My Future AZ, a no-cost career and college planning tool designed to support Arizona students, especially in rural communities. Jessica shares her journey from teaching to championing career readiness and explains how My Future AZ helps students discover personalized pathways, supports ECAP compliance, and fosters meanin...

Episode Summary
- In this powerful episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf explores the transformative Montana 10 program—a comprehensive student success initiative tackling the college completion crisis in rural communities. Joined by Crystine Miller, Sarah North Wolfe, Suzanne Forrester, and returning guest Alyssa Ratledge, the conversation delves into the innovative strategies Montana is using to boost graduation rates...

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In this episode of The Rural Scoop, we’re joined by Dave Dumon, superintendent of the Altar Valley Elementary School District in Arizona. With over a decade of leadership in a geographically vast but tightly knit rural district, Dave shares his journey from teacher to superintendent, the unique strengths of his community, and the innovative strategies his team is using to address challenges like staffing shortages...

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In this dynamic episode of The Rural Scoop, host Dr. Melissa Sadorf welcomes Christian Jackson, tech entrepreneur and founder of Edapt, to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize rural education. Christian unpacks his journey from a curious student to an edtech leader and keynote speaker for the upcoming 2025 Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA) Conference. The conversation explores how ru...

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf welcomes Eric Brooks, Director of Educator Recruitment and Retention at the Arizona Department of Education. With over 25 years of experience in education, Eric shares his unique journey from leading a school on a college campus to instructional coaching overseas, and now shaping statewide policy and practice in Arizona. The conversation explores the persistent c...

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by experts Alyssa Ratledge, Nick Hillman, and Travis Smith to explore the intricate journey of rural students as they navigate college decision-making. The conversation unpacks the unique challenges and opportunities these students face, from limited access and deep community ties to the powerful role of educators and local support systems. Featuring i...

Episode Summary
In this inspiring episode of The Rural Scoop, we sit down with Rikkie Jensen, one of ARSA 2024 Rural Teachers of Distinction, who teaches in Chino Valley, Arizona. With over a decade of teaching experience in both urban and rural settings, Rikkie shares her deep passion for rural education, community connection, and the transformative power of teaching. From her childhood dream of becoming a teacher to the profou...

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In this engaging episode of The Rural Scoop, we sit down with Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, the first Asian American elected to statewide office in Arizona. Treasurer Yee shares her journey from working in the California governor’s office to becoming a prominent figure in Arizona politics. From budgeting lessons at the dinner table to launching financial education programs statewide, this episode highlights ...

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In this episode of The Rural Scoop, host Melissa talks about an exciting new program that helps rural students go to college and succeed. She is joined by Dr. Mara Tieken, Alyssa Ratledge, and Dr. Sabrina Klein to discuss the IES Research and Development Center in Rural Higher Education. This research center, funded by the government, is the first to focus on helping students in small towns transition from ...

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In this episode of The Rural Scoop, we dive into two groundbreaking educational tools designed to support Arizona educators—Passport and ADEL (Arizona Digital Educators Library). Special guest Eric Stuebner, Special Projects Manager in the Academic Services Division at the Arizona Department of Education, walks us through these innovative platforms and explains how they enhance access to standards-aligned resources ...

In this special episode of The Rural Scoop, host Ty White interviews author, educator, and presenter Erick Francis during the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Erick discusses his passion for supporting rural education, emphasizing the importance of providing equitable access to professional development without requiring rural educators to travel long distances. He shares insights on creating powerful learning experiences for studen...

In this special episode of The Rural Scoop, host Ty White interviews Rikkie Jensen, a Teacher of Distinction from Chino Valley, Arizona, during the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Rikkie shares her experiences growing up in Duncan, Arizona, and how her background in both rural and urban education shaped her commitment to rural schools. She reflects on the profound impact of her agriculture teacher, Mr. Downs, whose message of pers...

In this special episode of The Rural Scoop, host Ty White interviews Robert Di Bacco, co-founder of Rivet Learning, at the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Robert shares how Rivet Learning is revolutionizing instructional coaching by providing educators with choice and agency in selecting their own coaches, fostering meaningful professional growth. Drawing from his experience as a rural educator and administrator, Robert highlights...

In this special episode of The Rural Scoop, host Ty White interviews Ildi Laczko-Kerr, founder and CEO of Ribbit Learning, during the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Ildi shares how Ribbit Learning delivers scalable instructional coaching specifically designed for rural educators, emphasizing accessibility and cost-effectiveness for smaller districts. She reflects on the profound impact her middle school teacher, Miss Harrison, ha...