Best Dr Melissa Sadorf Podcasts (2025)

1
113 | Healing Hate Through History in Rural Classrooms with Leigh Routman 36:41

Play Pause

8d ago36:41

36:41

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 distric…

1
112 | The Hidden Cost of College for Rural Youth with Dr. Mara Tieken 57:39

15d ago57:39

57:39

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 pse…

1
Strong Roots, Steady Leadership: Welcoming ARSA’s New Interim Director Henry Dunkerson 16:07

19d ago16:07

16:07

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 …

1
111 | From Bricklaying Roots to Rural Leadership with Todd Dugan 1:01:39

22d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

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 s…

1
110 | Confronting Racial Injustice in Rural Schools with Mara Tieken and Sheneka Williams 1:04:37

29d ago1:04:37

1:04:37

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 mon…

1
109 | Personalizing Pathways for Rural Learners with Jessica Howe 47:47

1M ago47:47

47:47

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 stu…

1
108 | A Rural Solution to College Completion 1:10:28

2M ago1:10:28

1:10:28

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 conversatio…

1
107 | Nurturing Local Talent to Strengthen Rural Education with Dave Dumon 40:54

2M ago40:54

40:54

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 i…

1
106 | Harnessing AI for Educational Excellence in Rural Schools with Christian Jackson 1:02:34

2M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

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 Ari…

1
105 | The Rural Advantage in Educator Support Systems with Eric Brooks 1:02:38

2M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

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 shapin…

1
104 | Bridging the Higher Education Gap in Rural America with Alyssa, Nick, & Travis 56:29

3M ago56:29

56:29

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 c…

1
103 | Fostering Student Success in Small Towns with Rikkie Jensen 33:52

3M ago33:52

33:52

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 transformati…

1
102 | Creating Career Pathways for Students in Rural Arizona with Treasurer Kimberly Yee 40:13

3M ago40:13

40:13

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 dinn…

1
E101 | Bridging the Gap: Improving College Access for Rural Students with Alyssa, Mara & Sabrina 37:15

4M ago37:15

37:15

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 governme…

1
E100 | Leveraging Technology to Support Arizona’s Rural Teachers with Eric Stuebner 41:02

4M ago41:02

41:02

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 inn…

1
E99 | ARSA episode with Erick Francis 25:31

4M ago25:31

25:31

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 lo…

1
E97 | ARSA episode with Rikkie Jensen 5:53

4M ago5:53

5:53

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 reflect…

1
E98 | ARSA episode with Robert Di Bacco 11:38

4M ago11:38

11:38

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.…

1
E95 | ARSA episode with Ildi Laczko-Kerr 8:09

5M ago8:09

8:09

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 distri…

1
E96 | ARSA episode with Rachel Willis 8:22

5M ago8:22

8:22

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…

1
E94 | ARSA episode with Emily Sankey & Amber Morrow 18:13

5M ago18:13

18:13

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 th…

1
E93 | ARSA episode with Keren Walker 4:54

5M ago4:54

4:54

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 busines…

1
E91 | ARSA episode with Jeff Williams 7:16

5M ago7:16

7:16

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 upb…

1
E92 | ARSA episode with Elizabeth Glaesman and Jenna Arico 11:23

5M ago11:23

11:23

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 reso…

1
E89 | ARSA episode with Glen Lineberry 8:45

5M ago8:45

8:45

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 teach…

1
E90 | ARSA episode with Tracey Beal 8:24

5M ago8:24

8:24

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 collaborat…

1
E88 | The Ripple Effect of FAFSA on Arizona's Workforce with Julie Sainz 50:33

6M ago50:33

50:33

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 d…

1
E86 | ARSA episode with Karen Gifford 7:43

6M ago7:43

7:43

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 i…

1
E87 | ARSA episode with Georgia da Silva 9:07

6M ago9:07

9:07

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 refle…

1
E85 | ARSA episode with Patty Horn and Pam Powell 11:12

6M ago11:12

11:12

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 sup…

1
E84 | ARSA Episode with Dr. Kelly Burns 6:53

6M ago6:53

6:53

In this special episode of The Rural Scoop, host Ty White interviews Dr. Kelly Burns, district executive officer of the Yavapai Accommodation School District, as they discuss her long-standing connection with the ARSA Resilient Rural Conference. Dr. Burns shares her insights on the value of small rural communities, the importance of collaboration i…

1
Episode 83: Multiple Perspectives on Expanding Leadership Development in Rural Education Systems 1:13:02

7M ago1:13:02

1:13:02

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 educa…

1
Episode 82: The Enduring Legacy of Rural Teachers in Lake Havasu with Sara Darnell 31:54

8M ago31:54

31:54

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 2…

1
Episode 81: The Challenges of Retaining Quality Teachers in Rural Schools with Laura Layden 23:58

8M ago23:58

23:58

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 …

1
Season 6, Episode 27: Addressing Chronic Absenteeism in Rural Schools 1:04:52

11M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

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…

1
Season 6, Episode 26: The Role of Playgrounds in Child Development 48:06

1y ago48:06

48:06

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 playgro…

1
Season 6, Episode 25: The Consequences of School Consolidation 1:06:48

1y ago1:06:48

1:06:48

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, socia…

1
Season 6, Episode 24: Innovative Solutions for Rural Education 57:12

1y ago57:12

57:12

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 wor…

1
Season 6, Episode 23: Higher Education's Role in Rural Revitalization 48:08

1y ago48:08

48:08

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 developme…

1
Season 6, Episode 22: Enhancing Education Savings for Arizona Families 55:30

1y ago55:30

55:30

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. Sh…

1
Season 6, Episode 21: Transforming Rural Education through Holistic Child Initiatives 53:15

1y ago53:15

53:15

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 im…

1
Season 6, Episode 20: Preparing the Next Generation of Rural Leaders in Arizona 38:00

1+ y ago38:00

38:00

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…

1
Season 6, Episode 19: From Business to Rural Education: A Superintendent's Journey 51:32

1+ y ago51:32

51:32

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 …

1
Season 6, Episode 18: New Approaches to Delivering Quality Education in Rural Areas 44:33

1+ y ago44:33

44:33

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 …

1
Season 6, Episode 17: Rural Renewal: Revamping Schools with Sara and Bob 44:12

1+ y ago44:12

44:12

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…

1
Season 6, Episode 16: The Winding Career Path to Rural Teaching with Allison Mitkowski 43:29

1+ y ago43:29

43:29

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…

1
Season 6, Episode 15: Sparking Connections Through Rural Teaching with Josie McClain 34:45

1+ y ago34:45

34:45

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…

1
Season 6, Episode 14: Alyssa Cassels Orchestrates Growth in Rural Music Program 37:44

1+ y ago37:44

37:44

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 …

1
Season 6, Episode 13: From the Midwest to the Desert: Kate Peake's Journey to Rural Arizona 33:21

1+ y ago33:21

33:21

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 la…

1
Season 6, Episode 12: Cultural Awareness in the Classroom with Karen Estridge 29:47

1+ y ago29:47

29:47

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 scho…