Episode Summary: In this episode of The Rural Scoop , host Melissa shares insights from the Rural Community of Practice, a unique initiative by Region 15 Comprehensive Center at WestEd. Together with co-host Julie Duffield, they reflect on nearly five years of groundbreaking work in rural education. The episode features rich conversations with education leaders from Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah, who share their experiences, challenges, and learnings about strengthening rural education s...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Episode Overview: In this engaging episode of The Rural Scoop , host Melissa Sadorf chats with Sara Darnell, an experienced reading interventionist and dedicated educator from Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Named one of the Arizona Rural Schools Association’s Rural Teachers of Distinction, Sara shares her journey from a local student to a teacher with 26 years of service to her community. Key Discussion Points: Sara's Background and Community Ties: Born and raised in Lake Havasu City, Sara’s life is...
Nov 18, 2024•32 min
Episode Overview: In this episode of The Rural Scoop , host Melissa Sadorf interviews Laura Layden, an esteemed K-1 reading specialist at Park Elementary in Holbrook, Arizona, and a recipient of the Arizona Rural Schools Association’s Rural Teacher of Distinction award. Laura shares her impactful career journey, the unique advantages and challenges of teaching in rural communities, and her reflections on the future of rural education. Key Discussion Points: Laura's Path to Education: Laura detai...
Nov 11, 2024•24 min
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, host Dr. Sadorf engages in an insightful conversation with Mike Hogg, Vice President for Place Based Partnerships at Partners for Rural Impact (PRI). They discuss the importance of rural education, successful initiatives like Promise Neighborhoods, and the impact of collective community efforts on student success. Mike shares his background and experiences, the challenges of chronic absenteeism, the nuances of educational equity in rural areas, and the future ...
Aug 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min
In this episode, Dr. Sadorf interviews Jordan Lynde from Play It Safe, a platinum sponsor of the Arizona Rural Schools Association. Jordan shares his journey from the paper and printing industry to founding Play It Safe Playgrounds, a company dedicated to providing safe and inclusive playgrounds across Arizona. He discusses the evolution of playground trends, the importance of inclusivity and safety, and the role of playgrounds in child development. Jordan also highlights some memorable projects...
Jul 08, 2024•48 min
In this episode of "The Rural Scoop," host Melissa engages in a compelling conversation with Mara Tieken, an associate professor of education at Bates College. Mara shares her extensive research on the significance of rural schools, focusing on the impacts of school closures and consolidations in rural communities. She discusses the economic, social, and educational consequences of these closures, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process. Mara also intro...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of "The Rural Scoop," host Melissa interviews Tobin Novasio, the superintendent of Hardin Public Schools in Montana. Tobin shares his extensive background in rural education, detailing his journey from teaching and coaching in various rural districts to his current role. The discussion covers the unique challenges and rewards of working in rural education, including teacher shortages, funding issues, and the importance of community relationships. Tobin also highlights his involve...
Jun 24, 2024•57 min
In this episode of "The Rural Scoop," we sit down with Dr. Brian Noland, President of East Tennessee State University (ETSU), to discuss his impactful work in revitalizing rural communities through higher education. Dr. Noland shares his journey from his early career to his current role, emphasizing the importance of education in economic development and community well-being. He highlights ETSU's initiatives like the "Grow Your Own" programs and partnerships with local businesses to address work...
Jun 17, 2024•48 min
In this episode of "The Rural Scoop," Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee discusses the AZ 529 Education Savings Plan and its benefits for rural communities. As the first Asian American elected to a statewide office in Arizona, Treasurer Yee has significantly expanded the program, making higher education and vocational training more accessible. She highlights the plan's tax advantages, flexibility, and recent enhancements, such as the ability to transfer leftover funds to a Roth IRA. Treasurer ...
Jun 10, 2024•56 min
In this episode of "The Rural Scoop," host Melissa interviews Adam Cheeseman, the superintendent of Doddridge County Schools in West Virginia. Adam shares his journey from becoming a superintendent at the age of 31 to his innovative approaches to education. He discusses the importance of addressing mental health and holistic child development to improve academic performance. Adam also highlights the success of public-private partnerships in creating localized curricula that prepare students for ...
Jun 03, 2024•53 min
In this episode, Melissa interviews Dr. Jaime Festa-Daigle, President Elect of the Arizona Rural Schools Association. They discuss the unique challenges facing rural districts like Jamie's district in Lake Havasu City, such as a lack of affordable housing, poverty impacting youth, and teacher recruitment and retention difficulties. Jamie highlights initiatives her district has taken, including growing their own teachers, working closely with the community, and focusing on career and technical ed...
Mar 18, 2024•38 min
Join Melissa as she interviews, Andy Wannemacher, the superintendent of the Aguila Elementary School District, a small rural district in west-central Arizona. Andy shares his journey from a business background to becoming an educator and superintendent in a rural community. He discusses the challenges of rural education, including poverty, English language learners, teacher recruitment, school safety, and limited resources. Andy highlights the importance of building a positive school culture, ch...
Feb 19, 2024•52 min
Join Melissa as she interviews, Sean Rickert, incoming president of the Arizona Rural Schools Association, who discusses his goals and priorities for supporting and advocating for rural education in Arizona over the next few years. He emphasizes the importance of bringing rural education leaders together through conferences, roundtables, and other events to network, share resources and solutions, and amplify the voices and needs of rural schools. Rickert notes the persistent challenges of teache...
Feb 05, 2024•45 min
Melissa and Ty interview education professors Dr. Sara Hartman and Dr. Bob Klein about their book "The Middle of Somewhere," highlighting innovative rural partnerships improving access and opportunity. They share how their passion for rural spaces motivated the book to address challenges like teacher shortages and limited funding. Key to successful partnerships are champions, mutual benefits, and sustainability. The book's sections on access, advocacy and equity showcase major rural issues. Sara...
Dec 18, 2023•44 min
In this episode of The Rural Scoop podcast, hosts Melissa and Ty interview Allison Mitkowski, the 2023 Arizona Rural Teacher of the Year who teaches English, economics, and government at Williams High School. Allison discusses the tight-knit rural community and deep connections with students and families. She highlights the logistical challenges of rural schools, like lack of housing and internet access. Allison wears many hats, teaching several subjects and sponsoring extracurriculars focused o...
Dec 11, 2023•43 min
In this episode of The Rural Scoop podcast, host Melissa interviews Josie McClain, a 2nd-grade teacher at Paloma Elementary School District in Arizona. Josie discusses her journey from Michigan to teaching in a rural Arizona community. She highlights the tight-knit, family atmosphere and small class sizes as advantages of rural schools. Josie wears many hats as a teacher, including integrating art and music. She faces challenges like a lack of internet access for students. Josie values building ...
Nov 13, 2023•35 min
In this episode of The Rural Scoop podcast, hosts Melissa and Ty interview Alyssa Cassels, the 2023 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. Alyssa talks about her journey to becoming a rural band teacher in the small town where she grew up. She highlights some of the unique challenges of rural education, like long bus commutes for students, wearing many hats as a teacher, and lack of access to resources. However, Alyssa focuses on the positives of rural teaching, especially the close-knit relationship...
Nov 06, 2023•38 min
Join Melissa and Ty as they speak with Kate Peake, a middle school English teacher at Patagonia School in rural Arizona. Kate shares her journey into education through Teach for America, which led her to teach in urban St. Louis before following her husband's career took her to rural Patagonia. Kate discusses the tight-knit community and natural landscapes that make teaching rural special, like getting to collaborate with local nonprofits and take students on field trips. She also talks about ch...
Oct 30, 2023•33 min
Join Melissa and Ty as they speak with Karen Estridge, a 7th grade English teacher at Holbrook Junior High School in rural Arizona. Karen shares her journey into education, from knowing she wanted to be a teacher since childhood to moving from Ohio to Arizona. She discusses the tight-knit community and cultural diversity that drew her to rural schools. Karen talks about the challenges of limited background knowledge and parent involvement, and how she overcomes them through building relationship...
Oct 23, 2023•30 min
Join Ty and Melissa as they speak with Dan Matchette, a math teacher at Tombstone High School in rural Arizona. Dan has a unique background, having spent 30 years in the Army as a telecommunications engineer before retiring and becoming a teacher. He shares his journey into education, the advantages and challenges of teaching in a small, rural school, and some of his proudest moments as an educator. Dan provides insight into building strong relationships and community in a rural setting, overcom...
Oct 16, 2023•44 min
Join Melissa and Ty as they talk with Josh Adams, a high school science teacher and finalist for the 2023 Arizona Rural School Teacher of the Year award, who shares his journey to teaching and passion for serving students in the rural community of Page, AZ. He discusses the challenges of poverty, trauma, and attendance many of his Navajo students face, as well as the strong relationships and low behavioral issues he experiences teaching rurally. Adams highlights the natural beauty of Page and ho...
Oct 09, 2023•41 min
Join Melissa and Ty as they talk with Jeremy Cabribas Gallardo, a top 10 finalist for the Arizona Rural School Association's Teacher of the Year. Jeremy teaches in Aguila, Arizona and has been in education for 18 years. She shares about her journey from growing up and teaching in Manila, Philippines to now teaching in a rural Arizona community. Jeremy talks about the strong sense of community she has found in rural schools and wears "many hats" as a teacher - from leading the student council to ...
Oct 03, 2023•26 min
Hosts Dr. Melissa Sadorf and Ty White interview Harlee Harvey, the 2022 Alaska Teacher of the Year. Harlee teaches 1st grade in the remote village of Point Hope, Alaska. Harlee discusses her journey into rural Alaskan education, including the culture shock and steep learning curve. She shares strategies like stepping back to let students teach about their own culture, partnering with the community, and remaining open-minded. She also provides an inside look at the challenges of high teacher and ...
Sep 25, 2023•47 min
Join Rural Scoop hosts Ty and Melissa as they speak with Chad Warnick, the 2023 Utah Teacher of the Year. Chad teaches agricultural education at Delta High School, the same rural high school he attended. He shares how agricultural education and FFA helped build his confidence as a teen. Chad discusses the advantages and challenges of teaching in a rural community, including strong community and parent involvement. He highlights the hands-on learning opportunities through FFA, including the schoo...
Sep 18, 2023•37 min
Join Melissa as she talks to Dr. Kellie Burns. Kellie is the District Executive Officer of the Yavapai Accommodation School District, an alternative school nestled in the heart of Prescott, Arizona. She recently earned her Doctorate with Northern Arizona University after a successful defense in researching disconnected youth in rural communities. Dr. Burns serves on five professional boards which include the Arizona Alternative Education Consortium, the Forest Fees Management Board, the Yavapai ...
Sep 11, 2023•38 min
Join Melissa and Ty as they talk with Nanette Hanson, proud Upper and a rural Teacher of the Year! Nanette Has 20 plus years of varied teaching experiences in several teaching positions from alternative high school through first grade. Each position has offered her ample opportunities to become a better educator, leader and mentor. For the last 18 years, Nanette has taught first-grade at Lemmer Elementary School in Escanaba, Michigan. Hanson holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and a...
Sep 04, 2023•36 min
The Arizona Rural Schools Association has responded to membership requests for support in their local advocacy efforts and has brought in Dianne Smith as a policy expert. Melissa and Sean Rickert, ARSA President Elect, talk to Dianne about her background, her thoughts about the last legislative session and what the upcoming one might look like, and gives some great tips for rural leaders that want to start or continue to refine their advocacy effort in their local community. Sean and Melissa als...
Aug 28, 2023•50 min
Join host Melissa Sadorf and her co-host Ty White as they talk to Amber Nichols of rural West Virginia! Amber is a kindergarten teacher at Eastwood Elementary School in Morgantown, West Virginia. With a Master of Arts in education from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Science in communications from Shepherd College, she began teaching in 2001. Her teaching experience includes both kindergarten and special education. She prides herself on creating an enriching classroom environment in w...
Aug 14, 2023•38 min
Join Melissa and Ty as they talk about rural education in Idaho with Dr. Karen Lauritzen! She was recently named the 2023 Idaho Teacher of the Year. Her career spans 21 years in grades K -4, and the last 12 have been spent in Post Falls, a rural school community. Karen completed her doctorate this past year and her dissertation focus was on educator advocacy for the education profession. What a great topic to bring to rural education! Previously she had earned an undergrad degree in education at...
Aug 07, 2023•53 min
Join the Rural Scoop to talk about teaching in remote rural Cooke City with Montana Teacher of the Year Lara Belice! Melissa and Ty explore Lara’s success as the sole licensed educator at Cooke City School—an isolated, K-8 rural one-room school. Lara has taught at Cooke City for the past five years. This year's student enrollment initially spanned 7-grade levels—Kindergarten through 8th grade. Prior to becoming a teacher, Lara created an award-winning landscape design and landscape construction ...
Jul 31, 2023•44 min
