The Rural Scoop

Dr. Melissa Sadorf
  • 4.9 (10)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Rural Scoop will bring new ideas, innovative curriculum, and current rural school issues to the table and will highlight what is working in rural communities with guests that are teachers, administrators and educational professionals. Come get the Scoop!

  1. 𝟏𝟒2 | 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐭𝐡

    1D AGO

    𝟏𝟒2 | 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐄𝐭𝐡

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by Alicia Williams, former Executive Director of the Arizona State Board of Education and current doctoral candidate at Harvard University. Together, they dive into the complex realities of educator ethics, policy, and leadership—moving beyond compliance to focus on prevention, culture, and responsibility. Drawing from real case examples, Alicia shares what she learned overseeing educator investigations and rulemaking, and how those experiences led to the creation of Blurred Lines, a training program designed to help school leaders identify boundary issues early and intervene before harm occurs. The conversation explores digital communication with students, reporting mechanisms, grooming patterns, and the importance of clear policies paired with practical training. The episode also examines how the superintendency has evolved into an increasingly political role, the leadership skills required to navigate today’s climate, and how leaders can engage communities while maintaining trust and transparency. Alicia closes by sharing insights from her doctoral work at Harvard and upcoming projects focused on civic leadership and governance in education. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 02:39 Blurred Lines: Addressing Ethical Boundaries 05:06 Identifying and Preventing Unprofessional Behavior 07:19 Policy and Practice: Ensuring Safe School Environments 11:51 Digital Communication and Teacher-Student Boundaries 23:07 Engaging Parents and Community in Ethical Practices 24:59 Reporting and Documentation: Preventing Underreporting 29:46 Blurred Lines Training Structure and Focus 30:46 Setting the Ground Rules 31:07 Case Studies and Generational Conversations 32:25 Identifying Patterns in Serious Cases 34:19 Beyond Student-Related Ethics 37:18 Media Attention and Political Context 40:55 Harvard and Policy Work 47:09 The Role of Superintendents 52:42 The Rural Advantage 58:01 Conclusion and Call to Action 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: This episode offers a candid and deeply informed look at educator ethics, leadership responsibility, and the systems that shape school culture. Dr. Sadorf and Alicia Williams emphasize that prevention—not reaction—is key to protecting students, supporting educators, and maintaining public trust in schools. From digital communication boundaries to political leadership at the district level, this conversation equips school leaders with practical insights and reflective questions to guide ethical decision-making. Whether you’re a superintendent, administrator, or policymaker, this episode underscores the importance of clarity, courage, and community in leading today’s schools.

    1 hr
  2. 𝟏𝟒1 | 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜

    FEB 16

    𝟏𝟒1 | 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Margaret Buckton, a leading voice in school finance, legislation, and advocacy in Iowa. Margaret brings decades of experience translating complex policy into practical guidance for school boards, superintendents, and community leaders—particularly in rural settings. The conversation explores how recent policy shifts, including Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), funding formulas, and legislative mandates, are directly impacting district stability, staffing, and student opportunities. Margaret offers a behind-the-scenes look at how school finance actually works, why timing matters so much in budgeting and staffing, and how misconceptions around funding and teacher shortages can distort public understanding. Together, they discuss strategies for protecting instructional quality, supporting educators, sustaining critical programs like CTE and the arts, and building effective advocacy through both data and storytelling. Margaret also highlights innovative approaches to teacher recruitment, including apprenticeship models, and reflects on the unique strengths—what she calls the “rural advantage”—that rural schools bring to students and communities. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬: 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:59 Meet Margaret Buck: A Trusted Guide in Education Policy 01:35 The Impact of New Policies on Rural Schools 04:52 Board Training and Effective Leadership 07:04 Challenges in School Finance and Advocacy 17:49 Teacher Shortages and Policy Impacts 21:41 Navigating New Laws and Compliance 27:56 Navigating Policy Changes in Education 28:42 Budgeting Strategies for Small School Systems 29:15 Forecasting and Economic Planning in Schools 31:32 Staffing and Enrollment Challenges 33:20 Innovative Educational Programs and Partnerships 38:39 Teacher Recruitment and Retention Programs 46:11 Urban and Rural School Challenges and Solutions 50:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: This episode highlights the real-world consequences of education policy decisions and the critical role that school leaders, boards, and advocates play in navigating change. Margaret Buckton’s insights remind us that funding formulas are more than numbers—they shape staffing, student opportunities, and community trust. As districts face enrollment shifts, staffing shortages, and increasing mandates, thoughtful planning, honest communication, and strong partnerships are essential. Most importantly, this conversation reinforces that rural schools are not defined by what they lack, but by the care, commitment, and connection they offer students every day.Connect with Margaret:Margaret Buckton Bio: www.iowaschoolfinance.com/Margaret Margaret Buckton LinkedIn: /margaret-buckton-60b5b218/ ISFIS Website: www.iowaschoolfinance.com Twitter/X: @ISFISInc Facebook: www.facebook.com/isfisinc LinkedIn: /iowa-school-finance-information-services RSAI Website: https://www.rsaia.org RSAI LinkedIn: /rsaia

    54 min
  3. 𝟏40 | 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

    FEB 9

    𝟏40 | 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: In this powerful and deeply practical episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by Jack Moles, Executive Director of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA) and one of the most respected rural education leaders in the Midwest. Jack’s career spans the full arc of rural education—from classroom teacher and coach to principal, superintendent, and now statewide advocate. He led one of Nebraska’s most successful school consolidations and now works daily with rural superintendents navigating funding pressures, staffing shortages, legislative battles, and community trust. Together, Jack and Dr. Sadorf explore what it truly takes to keep rural schools strong: how to lead during consolidation, how to advocate at the Capitol, how to protect local control, and how to recruit and retain the next generation of educators—while never losing sight of the heart of rural communities. This episode is packed with real-world leadership lessons, policy insight, and hope for the future of rural education. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬: 00:00 Introduction to the Rural Scoop 02:18 Meet Jack Moles: From Teacher to Executive Director 02:48 Jack's Journey Through Various Roles 05:13 Challenges and Decisions in Leadership 07:41 The Big Merger: Johnson County Central 14:33 Mentorship and Support for Superintendents 16:40 Navigating Nebraska's Legislative Landscape 20:49 Effective Testimony and Advocacy 25:37 Consolidation: Making It Work 27:41 Veteran Board Members and New Beginnings 28:39 Community Identity and School Consolidation 32:44 Addressing the Rural Teacher Shortage 39:01 Building Trust in Rural Communities 40:44 Navigating Controversies and Communication 44:25 Funding Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Schools 47:46 Future Initiatives and Mentorship 53:24 The Rural Advantage 55:25 Conclusion and Call to Action 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: This episode is a masterclass in rural leadership, advocacy, and heart. Jack Moles reminds us that strong rural schools don’t happen by accident—they happen because of trust, communication, courageous leadership, and relentless advocacy for kids. From navigating consolidation with compassion to fighting for fair funding and building educator pipelines, Jack’s work shows what it means to lead with both head and heart. As Dr. Melissa Sadorf emphasizes, the future of rural education depends on leaders who stay rooted in their communities while pushing boldly for opportunity. And this conversation proves that even in the face of financial pressure, enrollment decline, and policy battles, rural schools can—and do—thrive.

    57 min
  4. 𝟏𝟑𝟗 | 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐒

    FEB 2

    𝟏𝟑𝟗 | 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐒

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by Erika Wright, an education justice organizer based in Noble, Oklahoma. Erika shares her journey from classroom training to school board service, grassroots organizing, and statewide advocacy through the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition and the Advanced Oklahoma Kids Coalition.Together, they explore how meaningful change happens at kitchen tables, school board meetings, and capitol buildings—especially in rural communities. Erika discusses coalition-building across rural and urban lines, the power of citizen advocacy, and what happens when policy rhetoric outpaces facts. The conversation also dives into high-profile religion-in-schools cases, the impact of Oklahoma’s tax credit (voucher-style) system on rural districts, and the importance of keeping students and communities at the center of policy decisions.This episode offers practical insights for educators, school leaders, and advocates who want to move from frustration to action and help remove barriers so more students can thrive.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Introduction to Erica Wright and Her Work02:05 Erica's Journey into Education Advocacy04:52 The Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition06:01 Advanced Oklahoma Kids Coalition07:25 Lessons from Rural Policy and Community Organizing10:14 Oklahoma Appleseed's Mission and Pillars11:56 Current and Future Policy Initiatives14:52 Litigation and Religious Charter Schools15:58 Community Engagement and Support19:13 Personal Reflections and Community Reactions26:07 Maintaining Coalition Unity Amidst National Attention29:41 Balancing Editorial and Advocacy30:47 Impact of Tax Credits on Rural Schools34:47 Accountability and Transparency in Education Funding38:32 Challenges and Frustrations in Oklahoma's Education System40:03 Youth and Community Voices in Policy Change43:59 Building and Maintaining Coalitions48:01 Future Projects and Positive Change53:04 The Rural Advantage and Final Thoughts𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This conversation with Erika Wright highlights what’s possible when advocacy is rooted in listening, trust, and local leadership. From rural school boards to statewide coalitions, Erika reminds us that sustainable change doesn’t require thousands of voices—just a committed few in every community who are willing to learn, speak up, and stay engaged.As Oklahoma navigates complex challenges around funding, policy, and public education, this episode underscores a powerful truth: when families, educators, and community members work together, organizing can become real, lasting change—for students and for the future of rural schools.

    58 min
  5. 𝟏𝟑𝟖 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚

    JAN 26

    𝟏𝟑𝟖 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Regina Washington-Arthur—a nationally respected public health leader and current head of the Rural Library Network—for a powerful conversation about service, equity, and rural innovation.Dr. Washington traces her journey from the hills of West Virginia to becoming the first African American to earn a Doctor of Public Health at the University of Kentucky. Along the way, she shares how faith, family, education, and service shaped her leadership, and how partnerships across public health, education, and community institutions can transform outcomes for rural students and families.The conversation explores how libraries serve as trusted community anchors, how public health and education are deeply interconnected, and why rural communities have a unique advantage when it comes to collaboration, belonging, and impact. Dr. Washington also highlights the work of the Rural Library Network and Partners for Rural Impact, offering a forward-looking vision for strengthening cradle-to-career systems nationwide.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Regina Washington01:53 Foundations of Leadership: Faith, Family, and Service08:55 Berea College: Expanding Purpose and Possibility17:41 Breaking Barriers at the University of Kentucky28:51 Building Healthy Communities at Scale39:06 Recruiting Student Pharmacists for Classroom Support39:30 Farm to School Initiatives in Kentucky40:33 The Role of Libraries in Community Health and Learning44:35 Building Durable School-Library Partnerships48:39 Introducing the Rural Library Network56:02 Annual eSummit and Upcoming Events01:02:13 Strategic Planning for Rural Impact01:07:24 The Rural Advantage: Personal Connections and Community Support01:15:53 Final Thoughts and Call to Action𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This episode of The Rural Scoop underscores a powerful truth: when communities align around shared purpose, rural places can lead transformative change. Dr. Regina Washington reminds us that libraries are more than buildings—they are trusted hubs of learning, health, and connection. Through intentional partnerships, data-informed strategies, and a deep respect for place, rural communities can build systems that ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.From public health to education to libraries, this conversation offers a compelling roadmap for leaders committed to equity, collaboration, and the enduring strength of rural America.

    1h 18m
  6. 𝟏𝟑𝟕 | 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢

    JAN 19

    𝟏𝟑𝟕 | 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Melissa Sadorf sits down with Casey Thomas Jacubowski, a lifelong rural educator whose career spans the classroom, district leadership, state policy, higher education, and advocacy. Drawing from his experiences in rural New York and beyond, Casey unpacks how urban-normative policies often fail rural schools—and what leaders can do instead.The conversation explores the realities of school consolidation, teacher recruitment and retention, and the unseen labor that sustains rural education systems. Casey shares practical, low-cost leadership moves that strengthen school culture, build trust, and support teachers as whole professionals. He also makes a compelling case for place-based learning, relevant civics instruction, and reframing rural education through an “advantage” lens rather than deficit thinking.This episode is a thoughtful blend of research, storytelling, and actionable insight for rural leaders who want to protect what makes their communities strong while preparing students for the future.𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Introduction to The Rural Scoop00:46 Meet Casey Jacobowsky: From Classroom to Policy Table02:56 Casey's Journey in Rural Education06:26 Challenges and Realities of Rural Schools09:41 Urban Norms vs. Rural Realities13:35 Consolidation in Rural Schools20:23 Teacher Retention Strategies28:05 Balancing Managerial and Instructional Leadership29:57 Advocating for Teachers and Students32:34 Addressing Poverty and Inequality in Schools35:33 Teaching Civics in Rural Schools38:25 Empowering Student Leadership and Community Involvement48:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Education54:26 The Rural Advantage𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:Rural schools are not broken—they are deeply resilient, innovative, and rooted in community. In this episode, Casey Jacubowski reminds us that the true strength of rural education lies in relationships, relevance, and place-based opportunity. When leaders focus on what they can control, honor the work of educators, and advocate using real stories, rural schools don’t just survive—they thrive.If this conversation sparked an idea or challenged your thinking, consider sharing it with a colleague or exploring one of Casey’s books. Your stories and experiences continue to strengthen the shared work of rural leadership.Remember: In rural leadership, our strength is in our shared story. When we lead together, we thrive together.

    1 hr
  7. 𝟏𝟑𝟔 | 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋

    JAN 12

    𝟏𝟑𝟔 | 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Arnold Hillman, a lifelong rural education leader, advocate, and coalition builder whose career spans more than six decades. From his early days as a classroom teacher to his work as a superintendent, intermediate unit executive, and founder of statewide advocacy organizations, Dr. Hillman reflects on what it truly means to serve rural communities.Dr. Hillman shares deeply personal stories that reveal his “north star” of service, discusses the often-overlooked realities of rural education finance and special education, and offers candid insights into advocacy, legislative testimony, and coalition-building. The conversation also explores his groundbreaking work in distance learning, scholarship pipelines for first-generation students, superintendent searches, and state-level rural education advocacy in both Pennsylvania and South Carolina.Throughout the episode, Dr. Hillman reminds listeners that rural education is fundamentally about place, people, and relationships—and that policy must fit the community it is meant to serve. The discussion concludes with a powerful reflection on the “rural advantage” and why rural communities continue to shape strong leaders, deep connections, and shared responsibility.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Arnold Hillman02:52 Early Life and Influences04:08 Advice for Rural Leaders05:23 Challenges in Rural Education09:54 Career in Education and Advocacy13:59 Special Education and Hidden Costs16:38 Testimony and Lobbying Experiences23:23 Starting Bright Futures and Scholarship Programs30:06 The Importance of Self-Advocacy30:31 Founding Scores in South Carolina31:07 Challenges in South Carolina's Education System32:20 Personal Connections in Rural Education37:18 Consolidation in Rural Schools42:36 Early Distance Learning Initiatives45:21 Superintendent Searches and Leadership48:56 Current Trends in Rural Education51:59 The Rural Advantage54:39 Conclusion and Call to Action𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:Dr. Arnold Hillman’s story is a powerful reminder that rural leadership is built on relationships, trust, and a deep understanding of place. From classrooms to capitol buildings, his work demonstrates that meaningful change happens when educators advocate together, honor community identity, and keep students at the center of every decision.As Dr. Sadorf reminds listeners, rural leaders don’t just manage systems—they steward communities. This episode challenges us to take one small step forward: build a relationship, ask a better question, or advocate more clearly for rural schools. When rural leaders share their stories and lead together, rural education doesn’t just survive—it thrives.

    57 min
  8. 𝟏𝟑𝟓 | 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨

    JAN 5

    𝟏𝟑𝟓 | 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Montana State University and former rural and Indigenous school leader. Together, they explore why culture, language, identity, and wellness are not “add-ons” in rural schools—but the operating system that shapes everything from leadership decisions to student belonging.Dr. Cummins shares his journey from serving in Indigenous and rural schools to preparing the next generation of school leaders. He unpacks the historical context of schooling for Indigenous communities, the lasting impact of colonization on education systems, and the importance of asset-based, humanizing approaches to leadership and discipline. The conversation also dives into Humanized Education, the framework he co-authored that blends mastery-based, growth-based, and strength-based learning into a practical, research-driven model.This episode offers powerful insights and concrete practices for rural leaders who want to design schools where students see themselves, feel valued, and are prepared to live meaningful, connected lives in their communities.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Introduction to the Rural Scoop00:50 Meet Dr. Jason Cummings02:24 The Importance of Community and Education04:58 Challenges and Perspectives in Rural Education07:25 Jason's Journey in Education11:55 Historical Context of Native American Education19:48 Decolonizing Leadership in Schools27:25 Misinformed Views on Native Education28:14 Decolonizing School Leadership28:29 Funding Sources for Native Education30:21 Importance of Indigenous Voices in Schools31:24 Language and Cultural Sensitivity in Education33:21 Introducing Humanized Education34:51 Framework of Humanized Education38:45 Cultural Responsiveness and Discipline42:20 Preparing Future Educational Leaders47:44 Commitment and Cultural Humility in Leadership𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This conversation reminds us that effective rural leadership starts with seeing students and communities as whole, capable, and deeply connected to place. Dr. Jason Cummins challenges educators to move beyond compliance, deficit thinking, and one-size-fits-all systems—and instead lead with humility, cultural awareness, and purpose.When schools honor language, identity, and community knowledge, they become places of belonging rather than extraction. As Dr. Cummins makes clear, humanizing education isn’t about lowering expectations—it’s about designing systems where students can truly thrive. For rural leaders, the work begins by listening, learning, and leading alongside the communities they serve.

    59 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Rural Scoop will bring new ideas, innovative curriculum, and current rural school issues to the table and will highlight what is working in rural communities with guests that are teachers, administrators and educational professionals. Come get the Scoop!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Melissa Sadorf
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    143
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Melissa Sadorf
  • Show Website
    The Rural Scoop