National Rural Education Association Official Podcast
76 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago -Welcome to the official podcast of the National Rural Education Association called the Rural Voice. Co-Hosted by Drs. Allen Pratt, Jared Bigham, and Christopher F. Silver, they discuss the common themes and experiences facing teachers, parents, and administrators in elementary and secondary rural education.
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Episodes
S04E02 - Computer Science in Rural Education Curriculum, an Interview with Ms. Karen Mix
April 16, 2024 16:24 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this episode, we discuss rural initiatives to train students in computer science. We interviewed Ms. Karen Mix, the co-director of CS4NorCal, a five-year research grant. This program creates K-12 computer science training. CS4NorCal was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program and sponsored by SSDA to support Computer Science (CS) professional learning and instruction in rural Northern California. The project is currently buil...
S04E01 - Rural Framing and data-informed exploration of the changing landscape of Rural America with Dr Brad Mitchell
March 28, 2024 17:30 - 53 minutes - 48.9 MBIn the first episode of the new season of the Rural Voice, we talk about the research of place and process of rural education from a data-informed perspective. We discuss the role of Ground Truthing and connecting data within the domains of politics, culture, and fear of consolidation. Dr. Mitchell talks about somewhere (rural) and anywhere (urban and suburban). The politics of these are what many would expect. Somewhere, lean more conservative, and anywhere is more liberal. However, these tr...
S03E27 - Dispatches from NFARE Conference in Chattanooga TN (November 15-17, 2023), an interview with Valerie Rutledge
February 02, 2024 19:00 - 5 minutes - 4.94 MBDr. Valerie Rutledge, Dean of the College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, discussed the large, diverse mix of accredited and licensure programs her college oversees. With an extensive background as an educator and administrator, Rutledge highlighted impressions from the record-setting National Forum to Advance Rural Education conference. She noted the hundreds of attendees from 48 states and abroad, representing the importance of u...
S03E26 - Dispatches from NFARE Conference in Chattanooga TN (November 15-17, 2023), an interview with Mike Hines
February 01, 2024 19:00 - 6 minutes - 5.96 MBMike Hines, representing business and industry, discussed new federal infrastructure funding for rural schools at the National Forum to Advance Rural Education conference. The Inflation Reduction Act's $369 billion tax credits allow non-taxable entities like schools to access cash to upgrade aging systems for energy efficiency. Hines explained how schools can leverage these funds as a down payment and use future energy savings to pay for complete infrastructure modernization without further s...
S03E25 - Dispatches from NFARE Conference in Chattanooga TN (November 15-17, 2023), an interview with Melissa Sadorf
January 31, 2024 19:00 - 7 minutes - 7.32 MBDr. Melissa Seidorf, superintendent of a small, rural Arizona district, was interviewed at the National Forum to Advance Rural Education conference. Seidorf co-hosts the Rural Scoop podcast highlighting rural education issues. At the conference, she presented on overcoming leadership challenges, drawing from her upcoming book "The Resilient Rural Leader." Seidorf discussed the tight-knit, supportive nature of rural communities that actively engage with their schools. If she had a "magic wand,...
S03E24 - Dispatches from NFARE Conference in Chattanooga TN (November 15-17, 2023), an interview with Julia Cunningham
January 30, 2024 19:00 - 7 minutes - 6.55 MBJulia Cunningham, the U.S. Department of Education's Director of Rural Engagement, attended the National Forum to Advance Rural Education conference to connect with rural advocates and share federal efforts like the new Career Connected High School grant program. This program funds career pathways and work-based learning to provide rural students with more local career opportunities. Cunningham noted the optimism, alignment, and collaborative spirit across the rural education community in spa...
S03E23 - Dispatches from NFARE Conference in Chattanooga TN (November 15-17, 2023), an interview with Joe Sanfillipo
January 29, 2024 19:00 - 5 minutes - 4.68 MBJoe Sanfilippo, a superintendent from Northwest Wisconsin, keynoted the National Forum to Advance Rural Education conference. He discussed the welcoming, supportive nature of rural educators who face common challenges with small school sizes and remote locations. Sanfilippo emphasized the importance of storytelling to inform the public, combat misconceptions, and spotlight the meaningful work happening in schools today. Rather than a "magic wand" solution, he believes supporting and taking ca...
S03E22 - Dispatches from NFARE Conference in Chattanooga TN (November 15-17, 2023), an interview with Jerry Johnson
January 28, 2024 19:00 - 6 minutes - 5.61 MBJerry Johnson, the Phoebe Moore Dale Distinguished Professor in Rural Education at East Carolina University, discussed the upcoming release of the 2023 "Why Rural Matters" report. This tenth edition marks the first published under the National Rural Education Association. Johnson notes how NREA has strengthened connections between researchers and practitioners to serve rural schools better. The report uses public data to highlight the top issues facing rural education in each state, informing...
S03E21 - Dispatches from NFARE Conference in Chattanooga TN (November 15-17, 2023), an interview with Jason Gordon
January 27, 2024 19:00 - 6 minutes - 6.38 MBDr. Jason Gordon, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, was interviewed at the National Forum to Advance Rural Education conference. Gordon discussed his former special education teacher background and current work preparing teacher candidates. He presented research on an apprenticeship model for teacher training. Gordon emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration between rural communities to share information and support each other. He designs cl...
S03E20 - Dispatches from NFARE Conference in Chattanooga TN (November 15-17, 2023), an interview with Christopher Lagoni
January 26, 2024 19:00 - 5 minutes - 5.11 MBChristopher Ligoni, executive director of the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association, was interviewed at the National Farm to Advance Rural Education conference. He discussed innovative teaching models like Cosmos teacher sharing that help small, rural districts maximize resources. He touched on equity issues like broadband access and attracting talent to rural areas. Ligoni emphasized the importance of policymakers truly understanding the rural education experience before making decisio...
S03E18 - Dispatches from NFARE Conference in Chattanooga TN (November 15-17, 2023), an interview with Bill Chapman and Jason Bell
January 25, 2024 19:00 - 7 minutes - 6.53 MBRural education leaders Bill Chapman and Jason Bell were interviewed at the National Forum to Advance Rural Education conference. As members of state and national rural educator associations, they value the quicker impact and tight-knit community support possible in rural schools. Chapman emphasized rural schools' vital role in expanding students' limited worldviews. If he had a "magic wand," Bell would make legislators truly understand rural challenges differ from urban ones when crafting ed...
S03E19 - Dispatches from NFARE Conference in Chattanooga TN (November 15-17, 2023), an interview with Josh Reese
January 24, 2024 20:50 - 6 minutes - 5.73 MBJosh Reese, a special education supervisor from rural Tennessee, attended the National Forum to Advance Rural Education conference seeking collaboration. Representing a small, 5,000-student district, Reese values the tight-knit community and the opportunity to empower staff to benefit students. He stressed the importance of partnerships and advocacy to align stakeholders toward progress. If Reese had a “magic wand,” he would raise expectations so students, families, and communities understand...
S03E17 - Teach like a Rockstar, an Interview with Hal Bowman
November 13, 2023 18:06 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBWe interview Hal Bowman, a social influencer and the author of Teach Like a Rockstar. He will speak at the Chattanooga National Forum to Advance Rural Education (NFARE) conference. In this episode, we discuss how teachers should take the perspective of a parent or grandparent in the education kids receive. Kids have access to knowledge of the internet in their pockets. Still, teachers serve an important role in navigating the information that may or may not be pertinent to the topic domains o...
S03E16 – Rural Education and the Migratory Patterns of Immigrants to the United States, an interview with Dr. Maria Coady.
October 24, 2023 15:10 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBIn this episode, we interview Dr. Maria Coady, the Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Educational Equity from North Carolina State University. Dr. Coady's research examines multilingualism, multiliteracy development, bilingual education, teacher and leader education, and language policies. We discuss the current migratory patterns of immigrants to the United States, including the changing landscape of multilingual learners in rural education. Dr. Coady has noted that rural districts need mo...
S03E15 - Interview with Rural Teacher of the Year Jennifer Maras of the Morris Area School District in West Central Minnesota.
October 16, 2023 18:21 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBShe has taught for 22 years at the Morris Area School District in West Central Minnesota. We begin the episode by discussing the importance of embedded activity by teachers where they identify with the local community. Jenny discusses how each rural community could be like a postcard where we capture the local story. Each postcard would be unique, demonstrating the simplicity of the local region. Jenny discusses the importance of relationships and how those connections impact storytelling, pa...
S03E14 – Mental Health Access in Rural Communities in Tennessee. An interview with April Ebbinger, the Director of Psychological and Behavioral Services for the Tennessee Department of Education
October 09, 2023 20:28 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBIn this episode, we interview Dr. April Ebbinger, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist who is the Director of Psychological and Behavioral Services for the Tennessee Department of Education. In this episode, we discussed recruitment and retention of mental health providers in rural Tennessee. One of the challenges smaller and remote school districts experience is that many healthcare providers are not attracted to these regions. To address these challenges, Dr Ebbinger is the principal ...
S03E13 - Project-Based Learning and Experiential Learning, and Interview with Superintendent Todd Cordrey
September 27, 2023 15:17 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this episode of the Rural Voice, we interview Todd Cordrey, the Superintendent of Mancos School District, about project-based learning. In School Year 2020/21, the Mancos Board of Education worked to formalize its strategic plan. Teachers and Parents identified project-based learning that would facilitate long-term learning and apply to the workforce. Cordrey highlighted the importance of student-based learning, where students facilitate active learning by finding their voice in their educ...
S03E12 - Rural Literature as Pedagogy and Whippoorwill Award, An Interview with Drs. Chea Parton and Erika Bass.
September 18, 2023 17:12 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBS03E12 - Rural Literature as Pedagogy and Whippoorwill Award, An Interview with Drs. Chea Parton and Erika Bass. In this episode of the Rural Voice, we interview Drs. Chea Parton and Erika Bass about their work with the Whippoorwill Committee, which recognizes outstanding rural literature. The episode is organized on two themes. The first is the need for voices in rural experience. We discuss how much rural literature uses negative stereotypes to present rural voices. The Whippoorwill Award ...
S03E11 – the Role of HBCUs in Rural Education, an Interview with President Logan Hampton of Lane College.
August 30, 2023 16:30 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBS03E11 – the Role of HBCUs in Rural Education, an Interview with President Logan Hampton of Lane College. In this episode of the Rural Voice, we interviewed Dr. Logan Hampton President of Lane College in Jackson Tennessee. We open the discussion discussing the role of Jackson Tennessee as both a small urban and rural location. We discuss how perception of what constitutes rural versus urban can vary depending on students experience and perception. The episode shifts to discussing Lane Colleg...
S03E10 – How do we fund IDEA? The time for action is for ALL of us.
August 01, 2023 20:50 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBToday's episode discusses a timely issue on fully funding IDEA or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Heather Zellers and Jamie Green rejoin us to discuss this very important legislation. IDEA is a law that provides free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities nationwide and ensures special education and related services to those children. The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related service...
S03E09 – Putting People in the Process, and Interview with Stuart Packard
July 17, 2023 20:36 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBPackard began his career in the banking industry but soon found it was not for him. He returned to his alma mater, the University of La Verne, to obtain his teaching credential. After a short stint teaching in the Ontario-Montclair School District, he moved to Kern County, where he continued teaching, rising through the ranks, working at various schools throughout the county, and settling in Buttonwillow as Superintendent/Principal ten years ago. He is now the Superintendent of the district....
S03E08- Policy and Practice in Rural Education, an interview with Julia Cunningham – Director of Rural Engagement, US Department of Education.
June 23, 2023 19:38 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBJulia Cunningham – Director of Rural Engagement, US Department of Education. Most recently, Julia was the Deputy Director for State Engagement for The Hunt Institute. In this role, she primarily focused on overseeing relationship building, strategy, and program development in support of The Institute’s expansion into new states through the state legislators' retreat model. Prior to joining The Hunt Institute, Julia was a fifth – eighth-grade Writing teacher at American Horse School in the O...
S03E07 – Helping Kids be loved, seen, and heard in the classroom. An interview with Mr. Hamish Brewer
June 12, 2023 19:29 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBRecognized as the NAESP Nationally Distinguished Principal and Virginia Principal of the Year, he was also honored with the VAESP School Bell Award and ASCD Virginia Impact Award. Hamish was named a Northern Virginian of the year by Northern Virginia Magazine and Principal of the Year for the online national publication – Education Dive. Prince William County Public Schools named Hamish the school division’s Principal of the Year and Hamish was recently recognized by Omega U as the Principal...
S03E06 – Recognition and Sharing Wins, an Interview with Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, Superintendent at Fall Creek, Wisconsin
June 02, 2023 18:21 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MBThe Fall Creek School District was named an Innovative District in 2016 and 2017 by the International Center for Leadership in Education. Joe holds a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, an MS in Educational Psychology, an MS in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Leadership, Learning, and Service. Joe co-hosts the Hacking Leadership Podcast and co-authored The Power of Branding: Telling Your School's Story, Principal Professional Development: Leading Learning in a Digital Age,...
S03E05 - Traversing Mountains to Teach Kids, Federal Funding Policy and Practice, an interview with Superintendent Jaime Green Trinity Alps Unified School District.
May 22, 2023 19:38 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this episode, we interview Jaime Green, Superintendent of the Trinity Alps Unified School District in rural Northern California. The county is mostly federal lands. He has served as the superintendent for the past five years. Trinity Alps sends buses an hour to an hour and a half one way. The school traveled with the LA Times to Washington DC and was impressed by how caring legislators are to issues of education and kids. Superintendent Green then shifts the interview to discuss history. H...
S03E04 – Interview with President Randy Boyd of the University of Tennessee System on Rural Challenges
May 17, 2023 17:51 - 26 minutes - 24 MBPresident Boyd’s Bio Randy Boyd serves as President of the University of Tennessee System, which includes campuses in Chattanooga, Pulaski, and Martin; the Health Science Center in Memphis; and the Institute of Public Service. Additionally, it includes the flagship campus in Knoxville, which is also comprised of the Space Institute in Tullahoma and the statewide Institute of Agriculture. The UT System also manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory through its UT-Battelle partnership, where Boyd...
S03E03 - Grow Your Own
May 11, 2023 18:22 - 44 minutes - 41 MBIn this episode, we are joined again by our colleagues from Missouri State University and Dr. Staci Fuqua from the University of Tennessee, Martin, regarding pathways for para to professional or in Tennessee called “Grow Your Own” program. We discuss that many of the problems in education are tied to workforce needs in the community. This is about workforce development. This program is now a registered apprenticeship program in the state. The guest discusses the sustainability of the program ...
S03E02 - The Four Day Work Week in Education, from research to practice. An interview with Dr. Jon Turner, Dr. Reesha Adamson, and Dr. Sarah Wisdom.
March 29, 2023 16:35 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBIn this episode of the Rural Voice, we discuss the benefits and disadvantages of the four-day workweek in education. We revisit the research and application of the four-day workweek and considerations for teachers, administrators, and school leaders. We discuss the possibilities of using the fifth day for teacher training and productivity, including Dr. Sarah Wisdom discussing the “Monday Academy” program that provides academic intervention on the 5th day. Dr. Reesha Adamson discusses the Pat...
S03E01 - Civics Engagement and Experiential Learning, An Interview with Ms. Jessica Culver, a teacher at Ozark High School in Ozark, Arkansas
March 03, 2023 05:00 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBThe episode is in Honor of Civic Education Week, March 6 through 10 During our interview with Jessica Culver, we discuss Civics Week and the types of programming around Civic Engagement in Rural Education. Jessica works with grades 10 through 12. The cohosts discuss how civics education has been neglected in many programs. Dr. Bigham discussed how some states have a Civics Education requirement in many states. Jessica discussed some of the programs currently going on in her school. This inclu...
S02E22 - Outcomes of Health in Rural Education, an interview with Tim Nikolai from the American Heart Association
February 22, 2023 18:41 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MBRecorded on November 18, 2022, we debriefed following the 2022 NREA conference and all the interesting activities during the conference. We discussed attendees' experiences, including cross-political discussion on how to address challenges in rural education. We also reminded the listeners that the 2023 conference will be in Chattanooga. This episode interviewed Tim Nikolai Senior Rural Health Director for American Heart Association. We discussed how a typical vaping device pod is equivalen...
S02E21 – Vaccines, Rural Access and Discussions of Science and Advocacy in promoting healthcare in Rural America. An interview with Mr. Alan Morganand and Dr. Jennie McLaurin
October 14, 2022 16:35 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBMr. Alan Morgan National Rural Health Association Alan Morgan serves as Chief Executive Officer for the National Rural Health Association. He has more than 30 years of experience in health policy at the state and federal levels and is one of the nation’s leading experts on rural health policy. Mr. Morgan served as a contributing author for the publication “Policy & Politics in Nursing and Health Care” and for the publication, “Rural Populations and Health.” In addition, his health policy a...
S02E20 - 2022 NREA National Teacher of the Year Interview with Ty White from Willcox High School in Willcox Arizona.
September 19, 2022 15:33 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode, we discuss what it means to be a rural teacher with the 2022 NREA National Teacher of the Year Ty White from Willcox High School in Willcox Arizona. Ty shares his experiences growing up outside of a rural copper mining town, and his experiences teaching in the farming and ranching community of Willcox, Az. Like so many people in small-town schools, Ty plays various roles – serving as the knowledge bowl coach, the mentor for the science club, the sponsor of the solar go-kart...
S02E19 - The Pandemic Revisited, a discussion of the current landscape of diseases within the American Educational Context. An interview with Dr. Lisa Costello.
September 02, 2022 17:21 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBIn this episode of the Rural Voice, we are again joined by Dr. Lisa Costello. We discuss the changing landscape of COVID-19 and emerging viruses in the United States. We discuss data tracking approaches to determine changes in the infection rates and new challenges arising in a post-pandemic world, particularly for children, teachers, and administrators. We discuss some methods for addressing infections and protecting children from further diseases. This includes new vaccine boosters for COVI...
S02E18 - Trade Mentorships and the Application of Learning and Skills, and Interview with Kayleen McCabe
July 11, 2022 17:22 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this episode of the Rural Voice, we interview Ms. Kayleen McCabe, a collaborator and subject matter expert from HGTV. She worked on several home improvement television shows. In this episode, we discuss the role of mentoring and experiential learning and how classroom content can contribute to learning for students. She discusses her work with elementary and high schools to show how trade skills and training experience can enrich learning in the classroom. She also discusses the importance...
S02E17 – Yes, it is ok to Tweet your Success in the classroom – An interview with Eric Sheninger
July 07, 2022 12:52 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MBIn this episode of the Rural Voice, the cohosts interview Eric Sheninger, Author, thought leader, and educator, regarding technological innovation in pedagogy and the classroom. Mr. Sheninger is one of our keynote addresses at the upcoming NREA conference. Mr. Sheninger discusses the importance of capitalizing on technology through the framework of meeting kids where they are. For example, he discusses how virtual learning may work best for some children while face-to-face classroom educatio...
S02E16 – Rural Housing and the changing American Landscape, An Interview with NREA Keynote Speaker Mr. Ben Winchester
June 28, 2022 20:19 - 31 minutes - 42.8 MBThis episode of the Rural Voice begins our series of interviews with upcoming National Rural Education Conference speakers to be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in October of 2022. We Interviewed Mr. Ben Winchester, a former guest on the podcast, regarding the changing trends in housing from urban to rural areas of the United States. They discuss the changing housing landscape and need in communities, the influx of people moving to rural America, and the potential impact on education. While the...
S02E15 – A Medical Professional Perspective on COVID 19 and the Impact on Rural Communities. An interview with Dr. Lisa Costello.
May 25, 2022 16:28 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBIn this episode of the Rural Voice, Drs. Allen Pratt and Christopher Silver interview Dr. Lisa Costello regarding her experience and expertise on the COVID-19 Pandemic and vaccines. We discussed the impact of COVID on schools and on children. We discuss the variants and the science behind treatment and invention measures. We discuss the impact of vaccine availability, particularly for children under the age of 5 as well as the comparative approaches to addressing the Pandemic. We discuss the ...
S02E14 – Virtual Reality Beyond the Classroom, Career Readiness and Simulated Training. An Interview with Hall Charter and Katelyn Cutshall of TRANSFR.
May 12, 2022 16:30 - 45 minutes - 62.7 MBThe Rural Voice interviews Hall Charter is a Director at TRANSFR based in New York City, and Katelyn Cutshall is currently Vice President, Economic Development and Government Relations. We discuss the usefulness of TRANSFR VR and how the technology has advanced beyond the classroom. This technology provides simulated training and exposure for teaching various hands-on skills. This can benefit career-ready training and provides a dynamic approach for training in schools and beyond. This has be...
S02E13 - Rural is National an Interview with Representative Mark White District 83 of Tennessee
February 14, 2022 18:52 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBToday's episode interviews Representative Mark White District 83 representative to the Tennessee General Assembly. Representative White serves as Chair for the Education Administration Committee and has served on several committees related to education. He is also the Director, College of Leadership and Public Service Lipscomb University. In this interview, we discuss policy, budgetary challenges, and rural Tennessee's uniqueness to meet the ever-changing challenges of rural education. We tal...
S02E12 - Listen, Innovate, Serve an interview with Tim Carter Yavapai County School Superintendent
February 11, 2022 14:36 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBIn Arizona, school superintendents are elected. Superintendent Carter discusses providing services to help schools organize and fund elections. He discusses the importance of active listening to meet the needs of schools. He talks about finding a critical mass in the themes of these discussions. Once critical mass is found, partners are needed to help meet the needs of partner schools to achieve goals and overcome challenges. Further, Superintendent Carter discusses coordinating middle mile a...
S02E11 - Rural Adaptation, STEM, and Preparing Non-traditional Students for College
February 10, 2022 21:02 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBIn this episode of the rural voice, we interview Mike Hogg and Denise Yonts regarding rural education, technology, college preparedness, and adaption to the changing COVID world. We discuss utilizing school buses for creating a mobile STEM lab for virtual learning. We discuss how they have created programs to help first-generation and low-income high school students access college, including the social and adaptation skills needed to navigate college post-high school life. We also discussed h...
S02E10 – From Policy to Practice and Beyond, An Interview with Randi Weingarten, teacher, author, social activist.
November 18, 2021 20:51 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this episode, we interview Rhonda "Randi" Weingarten at the National Rural Education Association Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ms. Weingarten is most notable for her work on education advocacy and legislation. She served as a teacher from 1991 to 1997 at Clara Barton High School in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and as a lawyer for the firm of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan from 1983 to 1986. In this interview, we discuss the political divide regarding education policy for rural education, inc...
S02E09 – Small Town Education and the future of Rural Education, and interview with Drs. Devon Brenner, Ann Schulte, and Amy Price Azano.
November 04, 2021 16:05 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBIn this episode, we interview the authors of Teaching in Rural Places Thriving in Classrooms, Schools, and Communities, Drs. Amy Price Azano, Devon Brenner, and Ann Schulte regarding the changing demands of education in rural America. They discuss the importance of geography, culture, and change in rural education. They discuss the socio-economic challenges, diversity in rural education, and methods for addressing these unique populations in terms of pedagogy. Link to the book https://doi.o...
S02E08 -- Why therapy and supportive service challenges to serving rural kids and communities. An interview with Mike Lowers, Director of School Implementation at Presence Learning.
October 29, 2021 19:24 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBIn this episode, we interview Mike Lowers, Director of School Implementation at PresenceLearning, discussing issues within special education, pedagogy, and IEP and speech in addressing support services. We discuss that many rural schools have limited to no resources where students might find special education programs. One issue with this is that some students may have conditions that may not impact them in the classroom but need services such as therapy. Mike suggests that tele-therapy solve...
S02E07 - From Pumpkins to Pedagogy, an interview with Frey Farms Founder and CEO Sarah Frey.
October 25, 2021 18:10 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBIn today's episode of the Rural Voice, we interview the author of the bestselling book "The Growing Season: How I Built a New Life–and Saved an American Farm." We provide a short introduction to Ms. Frey as well as discuss her vision for rural America and education. We discuss the importance of internet connectivity in rural America and the challenges of growing up in a small rural community. We discuss the need for clear trajectories for rural America, including incentives to encourage high ...
S02E06 - The intersections of education, policy, and diversity in rural education, an Interview with Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto
September 30, 2021 20:23 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBIn this episode of the Rural Voice, the cohosts interview Dr. Christina Kishimoto, former state superintendent of the Hawaii State Department of Education. She discusses the role of educators as influencers and policymakers. She discusses how teachers and principals have significant power to create and sustain lasting change. Dr. Kishimoto suggests partnering with policymakers by inviting them to schools and see education on the ground floor to better understand the daily challenges of educat...
S02E05 – Rural Education is Not What Others Might Think, A Response to the Recent New York Times Article The Tragedy of America’s Rural Schools by Casey Parks with Guest Panelist Dr. Brad Mitchell.
September 10, 2021 19:55 - 42 minutes - 38.7 MBIn this special episode of the Rural Voice, the cohosts Drs. Pratt, Bigham, and Silver invite NREA friend and contributor Dr. Brad Mitchell, to respond to a recent article from the New York Times titled The Tragedy of America’s Rural Schools by Casey Parks, Published Sept. 7, 2021. As noted in this article, the discussants discuss some of the challenges of making overarching claims in a single case study example. We discuss contextual challenges and benefits of education in rural America, inc...
S02E04 - The Many Roles of the Rural Educator, an Interview with Ms. Laurie Smith, NREA’s 2021 Rural Teacher of the Year
September 10, 2021 18:48 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBIn this episode of the Rural Voice, we interview Ms. Laurie Smith, a 4th-grade teacher in Sumner, Nebraska, and the National Rural Education Association’s teacher of the year for 2021. In this interview, we meet Ms. Smith and discuss her vision for rural education. We explore her approach to creating and maintaining relationships in the community and creating safe learning spaces for students. As noted by Ms. Smith, every child should come to school with empty backpacks meaning kids should co...
S02E03 – Rural Education Collaboratives, Partnerships, and the methods for organizing the community of the willing. An interview with Ms. Shannon Nicholas at Colorado Succeeds and Dr. Landon Mascareñaz at Colorado Education Initiative.
August 30, 2021 19:02 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBFor this episode of the Rural Voice, our cohosts Drs. Bigham and Pratt interview Dr. Landon Mascareñaz and Ms. Shannon Nicholas about rural planning, partnerships, and connections between business and education and ways to capitalize on partnerships to better serve rural school districts. They discuss their work and advocacy in Colorado to connect rural school districts with partnerships that align market needs with educational goals. This includes how rural districts of different sizes capit...
S02E02 - The Charter School Experience in the Rural Southeast United States. An Interview with Ms. Haley Danielle Richardson, Second-Grade Teacher
August 09, 2021 19:04 - 17 minutes - 16 MBIn this week's episode, we interview Ms. Haley Danielle Richardson, Second-Grade Teacher, University Charter School, Livingston, Alabama. She discusses her experience with rural charter schools and connecting a new charter school and the community. She discusses the role that modeling plays in teaching children to achieve their dreams. Moreover, Ms. Richardson explores her own experience as a teacher and her students' role in enriching her life. She discussed the importance of being a rural t...