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 transformative power of teaching. From her childhood dream of becoming a teacher to the profound relationships she's built with students and families, Rikkie’s story is one of resilience, heart, and commitment to her craft. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just curious about life in rural schools, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of why rural matters. Key Discussion Points 1. Path to Teaching: Rikkie shares her early passion for education and the moment she knew teaching was her calling—starting in first grade with stuffed animal students. 2. Urban vs. Rural: Drawing on her experience teaching in North Las Vegas and Chino Valley, she explains why rural settings offer unique opportunities for deeper community connection. 3. Building Relationships: As both a teacher and a parent in her community, Rikkie highlights the value of visibility, connection, and trust with students and families. 4. Wearing Many Hats: From coaching sports to supporting livestock projects, Rikkie exemplifies the multifaceted role of rural educators. 5. Challenges in Rural Education: - Budget limitations and supply shortages. - Teacher recruitment and retention struggles. - Housing barriers—and the creative solution of teacher tiny homes in her district. 6. Creative Solutions: Rikkie shares how community partnerships, local support, and resourcefulness help her overcome obstacles. 7. The Power of CTE & STEAM: She celebrates the rise of career and technical education and student exposure to real-world career paths. 8. Professional Development in Rural Areas: Rikkie discusses attending workshops like those at Lowell Observatory and using state resources and online learning to stay current and connected. 9. Mentoring Future Teachers: She recounts the joy of mentoring a former student, emphasizing the importance of support and inspiration for the next generation of educators. 10. The Rural Advantage: Rikkie defines it as being “small and mighty”—a phrase that encapsulates the strength and tight-knit spirit of rural schools. Closing Summary Rikkie Jensen’s journey reminds us that rural education is filled with heart, innovation, and impact. Her story showcases how dedicated teachers can shape not just classrooms but entire communities. By fostering relationships, embracing creativity, and mentoring others, Rikkie represents the best of what rural education has to offer. Her message is clear: with purpose, passion, and perseverance, rural educators can—and do—make a world of difference.…

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 dinner table to launching financial education programs statewide, this episode highlights her passion for public service, the importance of financial literacy, and the values that drive her leadership. Key Discussion Points: 1. Family & Early Influences: - Raised in a small business household; parents owned a grocery store for over 30 years. - Learned practical financial lessons from a young age — including saving, budgeting, and tracking expenses manually. 2. Path into Politics: - Inspired by a high school internship with then-Governor George Deukmejian of California. - Early work in the Governor’s Office on education policy and budget issues set the stage for her future in public service. 3. Leadership & Legacy: - Served in the Arizona State Legislature, becoming the first Asian American Senate Majority Leader. - Focused on restoring financial education in Arizona schools after previous cuts to personal finance curriculum. 4. State Treasurer Work: - Oversaw Arizona's investments and finances, ensuring transparency and efficiency. - Created the Financial Literacy Task Force to promote money management skills across age groups. 5. Financial Education Initiatives: - Led efforts to pass legislation requiring personal finance education in Arizona high schools. - Partnered with public officials and nonprofits to expand access to financial resources statewide. 6. Advice to Aspiring Leaders: - Stay rooted in your values and remember your “why.” - Seek mentors and take initiative — whether through internships, volunteering, or speaking up in your community. Closing Summary: Treasurer Kimberly Yee's story is one of perseverance, vision, and unwavering commitment to empowering Arizonans through financial literacy. Her experiences underscore how personal history, mentorship, and values-based leadership can shape impactful public service. Whether you're an aspiring leader, educator, or civic-minded listener, her message is clear: know your worth, embrace your voice, and lead with purpose.…

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 government, is the first to focus on helping students in small towns transition from high school to college, graduate, and find good jobs. The guests explain why this research matters, how it can help rural schools and students, and the ways they are collecting information to make sure it really works. Key Discussion Points: Introducing the Guests & Their Work: Dr. Mara Tieken (Bates College) researches rural education, school closures, and rural access to higher education. Alyssa Ratledge (MDRC) focuses on post-secondary success for rural students and institutions. Dr. Sabrina Klein (MDRC) specializes in strengthening the K-12, higher education, and workforce pipeline in rural settings. The Significance of the IES Research & Development Center: First center focused on high school-to-college transition, college completion, and workforce development in rural areas. Emphasizes the unique challenges faced by rural students and institutions. Focuses on two specific regions: the Mountain West and the Deep South. Engaging Rural Communities in Research: The center includes two advisory committees: a research advisory group and a practitioner advisory group . Dissemination partners help ensure findings reach policymakers, educators, and rural institutions. Research findings will be accessible in practical formats to directly benefit rural educators and decision-makers. Common Misconceptions About Rural College Access: The myth that rural communities do not value education. Economic factors play a significant role in lower college enrollment rates. Rural students often face unique logistical and financial challenges in accessing higher education. The Underrepresentation of Rural Students in Higher Ed Research: Historically, policies have been designed for larger, urban populations. Rural colleges and communities often lack the resources to participate in large-scale studies. There is a need for research that specifically addresses the distinct challenges and strengths of rural education. Mara & Sabrina’s Upcoming Study on Community-Based College Access Organizations: Investigating organizations in Oregon and Idaho that support rural students. Identifying effective practices that promote college success. Findings will highlight how these organizations serve as crucial "bridges" for students. Closing Summary: The conversation in this episode is just the beginning of an essential and ongoing discussion about rural higher education. The guests emphasize that research-driven, community-centered approaches are vital to ensuring rural students have the opportunities and support they need to succeed. They also encourage listeners to get involved by sharing their experiences, providing feedback, and staying engaged with the center's work. How to Get Involved: Email ruralhighered@mdrc.org to share your thoughts, questions, or experiences. Follow upcoming findings from the IES Research and Development Center. Attend relevant conferences such as the Rural Summit in Alaska or the NREA Conference . Subscribe to The Rural Scoop podcast to stay informed on future discussions. This episode highlights the importance of rethinking what success looks like for rural students and ensuring that higher education policies reflect the unique needs and aspirations of rural communities. Stay tuned for more insights in upcoming episodes of The Rural Scoop !…

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 innovative platforms and explains how they enhance access to standards-aligned resources for educators, especially in rural communities. From digitizing academic standards to providing free, high-quality lesson planning tools, these resources are set to transform teaching and learning experiences across the state. Key Discussion Points: 1. Introduction to Passport & ADEL Passport : A digital framework that transforms Arizona’s academic standards into an accessible, interactive format. ADEL : A free online library providing lesson planning resources, standards-aligned content, and assessment tools for educators. 2. The Need for These Tools in Arizona Education Addressing resource scarcity in rural schools. Helping new educators and career-changers transition into the teaching profession. Reducing dependency on outdated PDFs for academic standards. 3. Features & Benefits of Passport Digitizes Arizona’s state standards for seamless integration with LMS systems like Canvas. Ensures educators always have access to up-to-date standards . Allows vendors and school systems to automatically sync with the latest updates. 4. Features & Benefits of ADEL Provides free access to lesson plans, instructional resources, and student assessments. Offers a teacher-friendly AI-powered lesson planning tool for quick and efficient curriculum design. Enables collaboration among teachers for resource sharing and refinement . Includes Sparkle , an AI-assisted assessment tool that generates student-friendly activities and helps with grading. 5. Personalization & Classroom Adaptation Customizable lesson plans and assessments for diverse student needs. Leveled reading materials and multilingual support for language learners. Allows teachers to store and modify their resources for future use. 6. Addressing Challenges in Rural Education Equitable access for rural educators through free, high-quality content . Upcoming ADEL Resource Summit to expand available resources. The importance of word-of-mouth and educator feedback in improving these tools. 7. Professional Development & Training Webinars, site visits, and training sessions available for educators. Opportunities for educators to contribute to and shape the future development of Passport and ADEL. 8. The Future of Passport & ADEL Plans to integrate performance level descriptors for assessments. Introduction of an item bank with sample test questions . Continued enhancements based on educator feedback. 9. Final Thoughts on Rural Education & Innovation Eric shares his perspective on the “rural advantage” —highlighting the strength, resilience, and innovation of educators in rural communities. A call to action for educators to explore Passport and ADEL , integrate them into their schools, and reach out for support. Closing Summary: Passport and ADEL represent a transformative shift in how educators access, plan, and implement curriculum aligned with Arizona’s academic standards. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching career , these tools are designed to save time, improve lesson quality, and foster collaboration .…

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 long distances. He shares insights on creating powerful learning experiences for students and reflects on the community strength that defines rural schools. Erick also honors his father as a profound personal inspiration and highlights the value of service-driven professional development for educators.…

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 reflects on the profound impact of her agriculture teacher, Mr. Downs, whose message of perseverance continues to inspire her. Rikkie also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and advocacy within rural education, encouraging educators to attend ARSA for the valuable connections and shared strategies that empower rural communities to work together toward positive change.…

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. Drawing from his experience as a rural educator and administrator, Robert highlights the unique sense of community and collaboration that defines rural schools. He reflects on the impactful teachers who shaped his perspective and encourages educators to attend ARSA to connect with others, share solutions, and recognize that rural education is part of a larger, supportive network.…

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 districts. She reflects on the profound impact her middle school teacher, Miss Harrison, had on her personal growth, highlighting the power of connection in education. Ildi also speaks to the importance of ARSA as a space for educators to network, share ideas, and engage in high-quality professional development tailored to rural communities.…

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 in rural schools, where strong relationships with families and local businesses enhance student success. Rachel also emphasizes the importance of conferences like ARSA for networking and professional growth, expressing her commitment to returning next year with her entire team after experiencing the collaboration and support among fellow educators.…

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 that integrate seamlessly into existing practices. They share their experiences collaborating with rural communities like the Copper Corridor to foster student success and retain local talent. Reflecting on influential teachers in their own lives, they emphasize the transformative power of education and the connections made at ARSA. Emily and Amber encourage rural educators to attend ARSA for its invaluable opportunities to network, share ideas, and drive innovation in rural education.…

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 business teacher inspired her by believing in her potential and highlights the importance of the conference for networking, sharing knowledge, and connecting with fellow educators facing similar challenges. Keren also expresses her excitement about presenting at this year's event and encourages rural educators to attend for the invaluable learning and collaboration opportunities.…

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 upbringing, he emphasizes the impact of educators who go the extra mile, sharing how his algebra teacher, Ms. Henson, profoundly shaped his educational journey. Jeff also highlights the importance of collaboration and networking at ARSA, encouraging rural educators to attend for the valuable resources, partnerships, and inspiration the conference provides.…

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 resources. They share insights on the unique sense of community in rural areas and the importance of collaboration in overcoming challenges. Reflecting on their own school experiences, both highlight the lasting impact of supportive teachers. Elizabeth and Jenna also emphasize the value of networking at ARSA, encouraging rural leaders to attend and share strategies for success in a dedicated space designed specifically for rural educators.…

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 teacher shortages without the need for additional full-time hires. He reflects on his upbringing in the Ozarks, the value of collaboration in rural communities, and the powerful impact of teachers like his grandmother and Dr. Dorsey Templeton, who shaped his educational journey. Glen also emphasizes the importance of shared learning and mutual support at ARSA, making it a vital resource for rural educators facing common challenges.…

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 collaboratively address educational goals. She highlights her work with Holbrook Unified School District, where community leaders came together to create lasting partnerships for student success. Tracey also reflects on the profound impact her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Voss, had on her life, emphasizing the power of educators to inspire personal growth. She encourages rural educators to attend ARSA for the invaluable connections and shared learning opportunities that empower communities to work together effectively.…