The Rural Scoop

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

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. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧

    5d ago

    𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this compelling episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Sadorf sits down with Cassie Owens Moore, a middle school librarian from Seneca, South Carolina, whose work is redefining what a school library can be. With nearly two decades of experience as an English Language Arts teacher before transitioning into librarianship, Cassie shares how her passion for reading, equity, and student belonging transformed her school library into a thriving hub of literacy, identity, and community.The conversation explores the role of libraries as spaces of representation, intellectual freedom, and cultural understanding. Cassie offers firsthand insight into book challenges, misconceptions about graphic novels, and the importance of giving students access to stories that reflect both their own experiences and the lives of others. She also discusses how collaboration with teachers, administrators, and counselors has helped her achieve remarkable student engagement and improved literacy outcomes.Listeners will walk away inspired by Cassie’s advocacy for books as tools of empowerment, connection, and social justice—and by her belief that every student deserves stories that make them feel seen.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:53 From Nursing to Teaching02:58 Classroom Library Spark05:06 A Student Becomes Reader09:33 Building an Inclusive Library13:26 Books as Mirrors and Windows15:35 Supporting Multilingual Readers19:08 Graphic Novels Are Books21:31 Middle Schoolers Want Real Talk24:12 Social Justice Energy25:52 Why Books Matter26:18 How Challenges Happen30:01 When Books Get Pulled31:46 Defining Intellectual Freedom33:38 Parent Choice Example36:12 Long Way Down Case40:10 Admin Support and Data46:09 Launching Cool Books47:33 Rural Advantage Community50:44 Closing Call to Action𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This episode highlights the profound impact that one dedicated educator can have on an entire school community. Cassie Owens Moore reminds us that libraries are far more than collections of books—they are spaces of belonging, empowerment, and possibility. Her work demonstrates how access to diverse stories can nurture empathy, critical thinking, and confidence in students of all backgrounds.Through her advocacy for intellectual freedom and her commitment to meeting students where they are, Cassie exemplifies the heart of rural education: deep relationships, strong community ties, and a relentless belief in every learner’s potential. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when we protect access to stories, we protect the right of every child to imagine, connect, and grow.

    53 min
  2. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐨 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝟗𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬?

    Jun 1

    𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐃𝐨 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝟗𝟎 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬?

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Melanie Matta, Superintendent and Principal of Hope Elementary School District in California. Melanie shares her journey into leadership, the realities of leading in a small rural district, and the deeply human side of leadership that often goes untaught.Drawing from her new book Unwritten: The Leadership Entry Plan No One Gave You Until Now, Melanie unpacks the importance of trust, relationships, and listening before leading. She offers powerful insights on rebuilding broken systems, navigating inequities in rural education, and creating a culture where both staff and students thrive.From advocacy at the state level to personal vulnerability as a leader, this conversation highlights what it truly means to lead with heart while still driving results.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro02:02 Melanie Origin Story03:48 Advocacy for Rural Schools06:04 Mentors and People First09:26 Dual Role Reality13:19 Unfair Comparisons and Funding18:10 Why She Wrote Unwritten21:15 Rebuilding Trust at Hope25:55 Listen Learn and Vulnerability29:26 Hidden Alcoholism Fallout29:50 COVID Reopening Under Pressure30:23 Quiet Divorce Breaking Point31:42 Vulnerability With Staff34:45 Why She Wrote The Book35:51 One Question To Diagnose37:56 Building Culture With Systems38:35 Data Transparency Kids Own It43:13 Recruiting And Retaining Staff47:46 Support Over Bureaucracy49:33 Advocacy In Polarized Times54:09 Defining Rural Advantage56:01 Closing Thanks And Takeaways𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about systems—it’s about people. Melanie Matta emphasizes that trust, relationships, and authenticity are the true foundations of sustainable leadership. In rural education especially, the ability to stay connected, be flexible, and lead with empathy creates a distinct advantage.For leaders stepping into new roles or navigating complex challenges, the message is clear: listen first, build trust intentionally, and never lose sight of the human side of the work. When leaders stay grounded in purpose and community, meaningful change becomes possible.

    58 min
  3. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐂

    May 25

    𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐂

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Hayley Spira-Bauer, a leader in virtual education and a passionate advocate for equitable access in schools. While Hayley’s background is rooted in urban education, her work with districts across the U.S. has given her a powerful perspective on the realities facing rural communities—especially in special education and staffing.Together, they explore the systemic challenges rural schools face, from talent shortages to limited access to services, and how innovative solutions like virtual instruction can bridge those gaps when done right. Hayley shares real-world examples, practical insights for district leaders, and a compelling vision of what strong partnerships and sustainable systems can look like.This conversation highlights not just the struggles, but the ingenuity, resilience, and “rural advantage” that make these communities uniquely powerful.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Rural Advocacy Intro02:26 Haley’s Career Journey05:55 Awakening in Rural Alaska09:09 Debunking Rural Myths10:16 Rural Innovation in Texas12:48 Special Ed Staffing Gaps15:05 Who Gets Hit First17:27 Virtual Special Ed Done Right20:55 Nonnegotiables for Quality25:30 Red Flags and Course Correction28:01 Virtual IEP Documentation30:23 Building Team Belonging33:24 Why Rural Shortages Persist38:51 Capacity Building Not Crutches42:38 Vendor Contract Must Haves46:57 Leader Burnout And AI51:38 Defining Rural Advantage53:38 Final Takeaways And Subscribe𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This episode is a powerful reminder that rural education is not defined by limitations, but by resilience, creativity , and community strength. Hayley challenges us to rethink how we view access, talent, and innovation—especially in places often overlooked.For school leaders, the message is clear: strong partnerships, high expectations, and a deep commitment to students can transform even the most complex challenges into opportunities for growth.And for all of us, it’s a call to better understand—and elevate—the stories and successes coming out of rural schools.

    54 min
  4. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬

    May 18

    𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Lisa Parady, Executive Director of the Alaska Council of School Administrators, to explore what it truly takes to lead schools in one of the most remote and challenging education landscapes in the United States.From communities only accessible by plane to schools facing critical infrastructure challenges, Lisa shares powerful insights into the realities of rural education in Alaska. The conversation dives into funding inequities, teacher recruitment and retention struggles, cultural integration in curriculum, and the importance of honoring Indigenous heritage through frameworks like the NuBE Learning Framework.Lisa also highlights the urgent need for stable funding, safe and functional facilities, and a strong educator pipeline—while reminding us of the “rural advantage”: deep relationships, resilience, and community connection.This episode is a compelling look at how leadership, advocacy, and innovation come together to support students in even the most remote corners of the country.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Alaska Leadership Intro02:20 Lisa Parity Background05:06 Place Based Learning North Slope09:57 What ACSA Does14:32 BSA Funding Fight19:18 Facilities Maslow Needs23:14 Recruiting and International Hiring26:26 Testimony That Moved Lawmakers30:05 Alaska Reads Act Literacy36:30 Student Wellness and Safety39:42 Next Two Years Planning Ahead45:19 Rural Advantage Meaning47:07 Closing Thanks and CTE50:00 Final Takeaways Outro𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:Dr. Lisa Parady brings Alaska’s educational realities into sharp focus, showing how leadership in rural settings demands adaptability, advocacy, and deep community connection. From funding battles to cultural innovation, her insights highlight both the challenges and the powerful opportunities within rural education.As Dr. Sadorf reminds us, meaningful change begins with conversation—whether it’s rethinking funding strategies, improving facilities, or strengthening educator pipelines. When rural leaders share their stories and work together, they don’t just overcome barriers—they build stronger, more connected communities for every student.

    52 min
  5. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐚 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨

    May 11

    𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐚 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Mike Beighley, Superintendent of the Whitehall School District in rural Wisconsin. Mike shares his journey into leadership and the bold shifts he’s leading to transform education in a rural setting. From embracing discomfort and redefining student success to launching an Emerging Technology Lab and fostering deep community partnerships, Mike offers a powerful look at what it means to lead with courage, clarity, and purpose.This conversation explores how rural schools can move beyond traditional models toward personalized, future-ready learning—while maintaining the strong relationships that make rural communities unique. If you're looking for practical, real-world strategies to drive meaningful change, this episode delivers.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Welcome to Rural Scoop01:47 Mike’s Leadership Path02:49 Mentors and Rural Pace04:44 Wake Up Call at Ashley07:07 Leading in Rural Reality10:27 Building Community Trust12:07 Making the Case for Change15:04 Personalized Learning Pilot20:52 Supporting Teachers Through Risk23:06 Emerging Tech Lab Origins27:43 Sustaining Partner Relationships30:42 Lessons from Cardinal Manufacturing32:32 AI in a Rural District37:51 State Rules and Testing Tension41:37 Funding and Budget Priorities44:35 First Steps for Superintendents47:09 What Rural Advantage Means48:34 Closing and Call to Action𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This episode highlights that meaningful change in education doesn’t come from perfect plans—it comes from courageous leadership, clear purpose, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. Mike Beighley’s work demonstrates that rural schools are uniquely positioned to innovate, leveraging strong relationships and community trust to create impactful, future-ready learning experiences.As Dr. Sadorf reminds us, transformation starts with one small step. When leaders focus on what truly matters for students and work together with their communities, rural education doesn’t just adapt—it thrives.

    51 min
  6. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄

    May 4

    𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this solo episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf challenges a long-standing narrative in education—that rural schools are behind and need to catch up. Instead, she argues that rural education has been leading in many of the practices the broader field is now trying to adopt, including relationship-based learning, whole-child support, and community engagement.Drawing from data, lived experience, and national research, she highlights the strengths of rural schools while also acknowledging the real challenges they face. This episode is both a call to rethink assumptions and a reminder that rural educators bring valuable expertise that deserves recognition, investment, and study.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Welcome and Thesis02:09 What Rural Really Means02:57 The Data Behind Rural06:20 Conference Wake Up Call08:24 Whole Child by Default10:07 Place Based Learning12:01 Integrated Roles Leadership14:03 Community as Partner15:42 Resourcefulness and Ingenuity16:38 Real Challenges and Equity19:50 What the Field Must Do23:10 Final Rally and Wrap𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:Rural education is not a problem to be fixed—it is a powerful, proven model that the broader field can learn from. While challenges exist, rural schools continue to lead in relationships, community connection, and meaningful learning. This episode calls on educators, researchers, and policymakers to shift their perspective, recognize rural expertise, and invest in what is already working.

    26 min
  7. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

    Apr 27

    𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Chris Lagoni to unpack the real challenges facing rural school systems—and the practical solutions leaders should be paying attention to.Chris shares his journey from classroom teacher to national rural education leader, offering a ground-level perspective on policy decisions that directly impact small communities. The conversation dives into critical topics like school funding inequities, consolidation myths, housing shortages, teacher retention, and the unintended consequences of school choice policies.This episode goes beyond theory and focuses on actionable insights—from local tax solutions and community partnerships to broadband infrastructure and leadership pipelines. If you care about sustaining rural schools while improving opportunity for students, this is a must-listen.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Indiana Rural Squeeze02:04 Meet Chris Lagoni03:18 Choice Versus Consolidation06:13 Two Fixes for Funding10:00 The Dollar Building Law15:17 Debt Rules and Fiscal Cliff21:26 Consolidation Myths and Metrics26:20 Teacher and Leader Pipeline28:43 Teacher Pay Flexibility30:05 Retention First Five Years30:44 Housing Stock Solutions34:25 Broadband Strategy Costs39:54 Community Partnership Playbook43:24 NREA Priorities Rural Strength46:56 Advocacy Without Politics51:59 Defining Rural Advantage54:27 Closing Actions Thanks𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This conversation highlights a powerful truth: rural education isn’t about limitations—it’s about intentional design. Chris Lagoni emphasizes that with the right policies, partnerships, and leadership mindset, rural schools can thrive while staying deeply connected to their communities.The path forward isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s local, collaborative, and rooted in real-world needs. For leaders, the challenge is clear: translate complexity into action, advocate with clarity, and never underestimate the strength of community-driven education.

    57 min
  8. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮

    Apr 20

    𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮

    𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Cleve Pilot, Director of the Fairfield Career & Technology Center in South Carolina, to explore the evolving role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in rural communities.Dr. Pilot shares his journey from a rural student learning welding and typing to becoming a nationally respected CTE leader. Drawing from his experience as a counselor, administrator, and educator, he explains how modern CTE programs create meaningful career pathways for students—whether they pursue college, certifications, or direct entry into the workforce.The conversation dives into rebranding vocational education, aligning programs with local workforce needs, creating strong industry partnerships, and ensuring students graduate with real skills and real opportunities. Dr. Pilot also discusses how rural districts can develop sustainable programs that strengthen both students and local economies.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 CTE Promise Paycheck02:08 Cleve Journey Skills04:02 Counseling To CTE05:40 School Based Enterprises08:00 Rural CTE Training11:49 Branding Paradigm Shift15:43 Labor Market Alignment18:32 Equity Early Access19:48 Exposure Middle School20:56 Partnerships Without Burnout22:17 Work Based Learning24:24 Counselor Lens Pathways27:59 IEPs High Demand Success29:53 IEP to Leadership31:03 Measuring What Matters33:18 Tracking Real Placements34:46 Budgeting for Durability37:34 Keeping Talent Local41:04 Fairfield Playbook Steps43:20 Avoiding Copycat Traps46:04 Books and Hey Grover54:21 Reset for Teacher Wellness58:21 Rural Advantage and WrapClosing Summary:Dr. Cleve Pilot reminds us that career and technical education is far more than an alternative pathway—it is a powerful bridge connecting education to real-world opportunity.By aligning programs with workforce needs, exposing students to career options early, and building strong community partnerships, rural schools can create pathways that allow students to thrive both locally and beyond. Dr. Pilot’s leadership demonstrates how modern CTE programs can transform lives, strengthen communities, and redefine what success looks like for students.

    1h 1m
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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
    158
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Melissa Sadorf
  • Show Website
    The Rural Scoop

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