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

The Rural Scoop

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 education leaders from Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah, who share their experiences, challenges, and learnings about strengthening rural education systems.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Overview of the Rural Community of Practice:

• Established in 2020 by Region 15 Comprehensive Center at WestEd.
• Aimed to connect educators across four states—Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.
• Focused on addressing rural education challenges and promoting collaboration.

1. Highlighting Transformative Topics:

• Teacher Recruitment and Retention: Exploring strategies to attract and retain talent in rural districts, including mentoring programs and leveraging local paraprofessionals.
• Community Asset Mapping: Empowering communities to identify and utilize local strengths and resources.
• Breaking Barriers in Poverty: Utilizing toolkits to create supportive environments for students facing socioeconomic challenges.
• Advocacy and Policy Influence: Bridging gaps between state agencies and rural districts to improve understanding and resources.

1. Key Reflections from Education Leaders:

• Jamie Wilber (Arizona Department of Education): Emphasized the importance of relationships in teacher retention and the need to tailor strategies for small, resource-limited districts.
• Kristen Turner (Arizona Superintendent of Paloma Elementary School District): Shared successes in using poverty toolkits to address truancy and foster supportive classroom environments.
• Eric Bonniksen (California Superintendent of Placerville School District): Discussed the role of rural schools as community hubs and highlighted successful cross-state learning opportunities.
• Quinn Kellis (Utah State Board of Education): Advocated for the importance of SEA leadership in voicing rural needs and facilitating resource allocation.
• Fredina Frye-Romero (Nevada Department of Education): Focused on growing local teacher pipelines in tribal areas and leveraging unique cultural ties to strengthen educational outcomes.
• Marie Caldwell (California Superintendent of Siskiyou Union High School District): Highlighted the power of collaboration and diversity in workforce development and the importance of community-based solutions.

1. Thematic Takeaways:

• Rurality varies widely, yet shared challenges create opportunities for collective problem-solving.
• Relationships and localized solutions are central to addressing systemic rural education issues.
• Sustaining networks like the Rural Community of Practice ensures continuous innovation and mutual support.

Closing Summary: This episode underscores the transformative power of collaboration in rural education. Through the Rural Community of Practice, educators have built bridges across geographies, shared innovative solutions, and deepened their understanding of rurality. As the initiative sunsets, the conversation reinforces the importance of maintaining these connections to sustain progress. The shared sentiment? Stronger together.