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, and socially conscious students. Leigh shares how HLE is bringin...
Jul 07, 2025•37 min•Ep. 111
Episode Summary: 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 college access, success, and belonging—and highlight how geography and ...
Jun 30, 2025•58 min•Ep. 112
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 30th annual ARSA conference. Henry emphasizes open communication,...
Jun 26, 2025•16 min
Episode Summary: 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 pathway and community partnerships earned statewide recognition, and how ru...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 111
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 co...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Episode Summary: 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 meaningful futures. Tune in to hear how rural schools are using this tool ...
Jun 02, 2025•48 min
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 and empower rural learners. With stories from the ground and data-d...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 108
Episode Summary: 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 and community engagement. Grounded in a “grow-your-own” philosoph...
May 19, 2025•41 min•Ep. 107
Episode Summary: 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 rural educators can use AI to reclaim valuable time—what Christian cal...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 108
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 challenges and innovative solutions in recruiting and retaining ...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 105
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 insights from the National Rural Higher Education Research Cent...
Apr 28, 2025•56 min•Ep. 104
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 profound relationships she's built with students and families, Rikkie’s st...
Apr 14, 2025•34 min•Ep. 103
Episode Summary: 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 her passion for public service, the importance of financial lite...
Apr 07, 2025•40 min•Ep. 102
Episode Summary: 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 high school to college, graduate, and find good jobs. The guests explai...
Mar 24, 2025•37 min
Episode Summary: 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 for educators, especially in rural communities. From digitiz...
Mar 17, 2025•41 min
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 students and reflects on the community strength that defines rural scho...
Mar 10, 2025•26 min
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 perseverance continues to inspire her. Rikkie also emphasizes the im...
Mar 03, 2025•6 min
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 the unique sense of community and collaboration that defines ru...
Mar 03, 2025•12 min
In this special episode of The Rural Scoop , host Ty White interviews Rachel Willis from Wickenburg High School during the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Rachel shares her journey as a fourth-generation teacher, reflecting on how her parents' dedication to education shaped her own teaching philosophy. She highlights the powerful sense of community in rural schools, where strong relationships with families and local businesses enhance student success. Rachel also emphasizes the importance of co...
Feb 24, 2025•8 min
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, had on her personal growth, highlighting the power of connection i...
Feb 24, 2025•8 min
In this special episode of The Rural Scoop , host Ty White interviews Keren Walker during the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Keren shares her experiences teaching in Bullhead City and Mojave Valley for the past 20 years, emphasizing the unique family-like bonds and growth mindset that rural schools foster. She reflects on how a high school business teacher inspired her by believing in her potential and highlights the importance of the conference for networking, sharing knowledge, and connectin...
Feb 17, 2025•5 min
In this special episode of The Rural Scoop , host Ty White interviews Emily Sankey and Amber Morrow during the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Emily and Amber, passionate advocates for rural education, discuss their work providing free, innovative curriculum and tools to Title I and tribal schools, supporting teachers with personalized resources that integrate seamlessly into existing practices. They share their experiences collaborating with rural communities like the Copper Corridor to foster...
Feb 17, 2025•18 min
In this special episode of The Rural Scoop , host Ty White interviews Jeff Williams from Capturing Kids' Hearts during the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Jeff shares how his organization equips educators with strategies to build relational capacity and foster deeper connections between teachers, students, and staff. Reflecting on his own rural upbringing, he emphasizes the impact of educators who go the extra mile, sharing how his algebra teacher, Ms. Henson, profoundly shaped his educational ...
Feb 10, 2025•7 min
In this special episode of The Rural Scoop , host Ty White interviews Elizabeth Glaesman and Jenna Arico from Kairos Health Arizona during the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Elizabeth and Jenna discuss how Kairos supports rural schools with comprehensive employee benefits, ensuring districts of all sizes receive equitable access to healthcare resources. They share insights on the unique sense of community in rural areas and the importance of collaboration in overcoming challenges. Reflecting o...
Feb 10, 2025•11 min
In this special episode of The Rural Scoop, host Ty White interviews Glen Lineberry, Executive Director of the Arizona Student Opportunity Collaborative, during the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Glen shares how his organization supports rural schools by connecting students with highly qualified educators for specialized courses, addressing teacher shortages without the need for additional full-time hires. He reflects on his upbringing in the Ozarks, the value of collaboration in rural communi...
Feb 03, 2025•9 min
In this special episode of The Rural Scoop, host Ty White interviews Tracey Beal, founder and CEO of School Connect, while attending the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Tracey shares how her nonprofit helps schools build a "village of support" by connecting them with local businesses, nonprofits, faith groups, and civic organizations to collaboratively address educational goals. She highlights her work with Holbrook Unified School District, where community leaders came together to create lastin...
Feb 03, 2025•8 min
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Rural Scoop , Dr. Melissa Sadorf engages in a meaningful discussion with Julie Sainz, Director of FAFSA and College Access Initiatives at the Arizona Board of Regents. They delve into the vital role of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in opening doors for rural students and families, breaking down misconceptions, and providing pathways to higher education. Julie shares actionable insights, success stories, and resources designed to empower ...
Jan 27, 2025•51 min
In this special episode of The Rural Scoop, host Ty White interviews Georgia da Silva from McKinstry while attending the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Georgia discusses her company’s commitment to supporting rural schools by helping districts assess and improve their facilities with energy-efficient upgrades and long-term partnerships. She reflects on the unique strengths of rural communities, highlighting the close-knit collaboration between districts and the shared commitment to student suc...
Jan 20, 2025•9 min
In this special episode of The Rural Scoop, host Ty White interviews Karen Gifford, the Partnership Director for Arizona at Proximity Learning, as they attend the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Karen shares her passion for educational equity, emphasizing the importance of ensuring every rural student has access to fully qualified teachers, even in the face of staffing shortages. She discusses innovative virtual teaching solutions and reflects on the strength and resilience of rural educators. ...
Jan 20, 2025•8 min
In this special episode of The Rural Scoop, host Ty White interviews Patty Horn from Northern Arizona University and Pam Powell from Southern Utah University during the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. They discuss the importance of collaboration between rural communities in Arizona and Utah, emphasizing the power of relationships and community support in rural education. Patty and Pam share heartfelt stories about the teachers who inspired them and reflect on the unique sense of belonging that ...
Jan 13, 2025•11 min
