The Rural Scoop

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Cat Hoth and Anne Landers from Junior Achievement of Arizona to explore Money in Motion, a mobile financial-literacy simulation built specifically for rural and tribal communities. This hands-on experience brings budgeting, critical thinking, and real-world decision-making directly to students—from 3rd grade all the way through high school.Cat and Anne detail how the simulation travels to even the most remote communities to deliver an immersive lesson on managing money, navigating wants vs. needs, planning for adulthood, and understanding future careers. They also share stories of student “aha!” moments, community partnerships, volunteer involvement, workforce implications, and what they hope the long-term impact will be for rural learners.This episode is a rich look at how one mobile program is sparking real conversations around money, opportunity, and the “rural advantage” of tight-knit communities rallying behind their schools.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy for Rural Families02:13 Meet the Experts: Kat and Ann's Journey with Junior Achievement04:59 The Impact of Hands-On Financial Education10:28 A Day in the Life: Money in Motion Simulation18:03 Adapting Financial Literacy for Different Age Groups26:53 Impact of Financial Literacy Programs on Schools27:29 Heartwarming Feedback from Schools and Families29:31 Building on a Strong Foundation30:44 Long-term Benefits and Strategic Partnerships33:41 Challenges of Serving Rural and Tribal Communities39:22 Community Engagement and Volunteer Impact43:09 Connecting Financial Literacy to Workforce Development46:15 How to Bring Financial Literacy Programs to Your School51:01 The Rural Advantage and Final Thoughts𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This episode highlights how immersive, real-world financial literacy can transform the way rural and tribal students understand their futures. Through JA’s Money in Motion, kids practice budgeting, evaluating needs vs. wants, planning for families, and envisioning career paths—all within their own school gym.Cat and Anne remind us that rural communities have a unique advantage: deep relationships, strong community bonds, and the agility to innovate quickly. When these strengths meet real-world learning experiences, powerful things happen for students.Whether you’re a rural educator, school leader, or community partner, this conversation offers inspiration and practical insight into bringing relevant, meaningful financial education to your students.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this powerful conversation, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Alissa Hanrahan, principal in Chattooga County Schools (GA), to get real about what school safety actually looks like in rural districts today.Alissa takes us far beyond hardware, handbooks, and compliance checklists. She opens the door to the daily culture work of safety—emotional intelligence, self-regulation, relationship capital, simple routines, and clear communication that holds when the pressure is highest.Together, they explore threat assessment practices, mental health realities, crisis-ready routines, partnerships that fill resource gaps, and the emotional load leaders carry long after the event is over. If you're a rural school leader—or love someone who is—this episode is a must-listen.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Introduction to Rural School Leadership01:35 Alyssa Hanrahan's Journey into School Safety03:36 Building Relationships for School Safety04:51 Effective School Safety Practices10:08 Challenges in Rural School Safety12:13 Addressing Mental Health in Rural Schools19:09 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Crisis Management22:31 Innovative Partnerships for Student Support26:07 Evolving Understanding of Emotional Intelligence27:52 Gathering and Acting on Feedback28:41 Modeling Calm and Clarity for Safety30:27 Identifying and Mitigating Risks33:26 Effective Communication During Crises35:42 Designing and Messaging Drills37:23 Reunification Plans and Challenges40:14 Maximizing Safety Dollars42:35 Indicators of a Safe School Culture45:06 Emerging Trends and Risks48:52 The Rural Advantage𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This episode with Alissa Hanrahan offers a grounded, inside look at the real work of school safety in rural communities. Rather than focusing on equipment alone, Alissa pushes us toward the systems and habits that create security long before a crisis—relationships, emotional regulation, clear structures, human-centered partnerships, and honest feedback.Her message is clear: 𝑹𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉, 𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒉 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒖𝒏𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅.If you’re revising your safety plan, leading in a rural place, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a powerful guide to building a culture that holds on your worst day.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this inspiring episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Beth Benedix, a professor emerita, nonprofit founder, and producer of the documentary North Putnam. Together, they explore the intersection of rural schools, community identity, and the transformative power of storytelling.Beth shares the surprising journey that led her into filmmaking, how her nonprofit The Castle shaped the documentary’s approach, and why North Putnam School District became the heart of this story. She reflects deeply on rural dynamics, culture building, the importance of relationship-driven education, and why rural communities hold powerful advantages in today’s polarized climate.Whether you're a rural educator, community leader, or advocate, this conversation offers practical insight, hope, and a blueprint for strengthening school–community partnerships.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Introduction to The Rural Scoop01:38 Meet Beth Benedicts: Educator, Author, and Film Producer01:49 The Inspiration Behind the Documentary04:59 Choosing North Putnam: A Case Study Approach07:12 Beth's Rural Community Experience10:24 Surprises and Insights from Filming13:31 Interdependence of Schools and Communities19:14 Culture Building in Rural Schools22:24 Defying Deficit Narratives in Rural Education27:23 Practical Impact and Action Steps32:34 The Castle's Mission and Partnerships45:09 Hope for the Future of Rural Education46:46 The Rural Advantage: Relationships and Community48:37 Conclusion and Call to Action𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This episode reminds us that rural schools are not isolated institutions—they are community epicenters. Through Beth’s experiences producing North Putnam, we see how intentional relationships, authentic storytelling, and asset-based thinking can shift narratives about rural education.Listeners are encouraged to take this episode back to their teams and ask:“What would it look like for our town to show up for its kids in new ways this year?”Then choose just one step—and begin.Rural advantage is not geography.It’s belonging, shared responsibility, and the everyday decision to see each student clearly.𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐡 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞:Beth’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-benedix-48a4948/The CastleLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecastlearts/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecastlearts/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.castle.community/Website: https://www.castlearts.org/The Stories from North PutnamFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551043263950Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_stories_from_north_putnam/

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Shelly Munoz, STEM Curriculum Coordinator for Brainerd Public Schools, to explore what real, meaningful STEM looks like in a rural community. Shelly shares how her district builds coherent STEM pathways from elementary through high school, creates community-embedded learning, engages families, designs programs around equity, and fosters true systems thinking without relying on huge budgets or flashy gadgets.From fish anatomy projects on tribal lands, to 3D-printed lures tested with local fishing guides, to welding, aviation, robotics, forestry, digital literacy, and place-based STEM collaborations—Shelly reveals how rural schools can activate the resources they already have to create rigorous, joyful, hands-on learning that connects directly to real careers and community needs.She also breaks down:- How to start a STEM program next month with minimal resources- What mistakes and “flops” look like and how to turn them into growth- How to bring families into STEM- Why early exposure matters (especially before Grade 5)- The power of teacher collaboration as the number-one systems lever- How rural strengths—creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and heart—create a unique advantage𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Welcome to The Rural Scoop00:53 Introducing Shelly Munoz, STEM Curriculum Coordinator02:26 Defining STEM and Addressing Equity in Rural Communities04:39 Building Coherent STEM Systems and Early Wins07:04 The Fishing & 3D-Printed Lure Project: Place-Based STEM in Action08:57 Shelly’s Journey from Classroom Teacher to STEM Leader12:04 Innovating in Rural Settings and Embracing Lifelong Learning13:47 Overcoming Resistance and Supporting Teacher Confidence15:55 Bringing Rigor to Hands-On STEM Learning18:14 Partnering with Community Organizations and Local Experts21:00 Recognizing Teachers as the Backbone of STEM Programs22:48 Navigating Flops, Failures, and Design Iteration23:57 Starting a STEM Program with Minimal Resources26:22 Engaging Families Through STEM Nights and Take-Home Kits30:14 Equity by Design: Ensuring Families Can Participate31:58 Mapping STEM Pathways from K–12 to Careers34:44 Building Industry Partnerships for Student Opportunities38:12 The Importance of Early STEM Exposure Before Grade 540:09 Choosing the Most Important System Lever: Teacher Collaboration41:45 Identifying Who’s Missing in the Room44:22 If Given $5,000: High-Impact, Place-Based STEM Projects46:57 Celebrating Teachers and Starting STEM Programs Small48:36 Shelly’s Definition of the Rural Advantage50:14 Closing Reflections and How to Connect with Shelly𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:This episode highlights how rural communities already have the raw materials—literally and figuratively—to build powerful STEM programs that connect learning to local industries, natural resources, traditions, and opportunities. Shelly Munoz shows that with intentionality, collaboration, and community partnerships, schools can create rigorous, joyful, and equitable STEM experiences without needing enormous budgets.The conversation encourages listeners to examine:- Who is (and isn’t) included in STEM- How place-based prompts could unlock deeper learning- How to map curiosity to credentials to real local jobs- How to build pathways that help students return home and reinvest in their communitiesRural advantage isn’t theoretical—it’s hands-on, community-centered, and deeply human. This episode inspires leaders and educators to start exactly where they are and create STEM that grows from the ground their students stand on.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:In this inspiring episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf welcomes Jayme Braida, principal of Columbus Elementary in Southern Iowa and the 2024 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year. Jayme shares her deeply personal story — from growing up in a small rural community marked by both strong connections and generational trauma, to leading a school that embodies belonging, purpose, and hope.Through authenticity and resilience, Jayme illustrates how intentional leadership, community engagement, and a trauma-informed mindset can transform rural education. From her memoir Seen, Heard, Valued: One Child’s Journey from Overlooked to Outstanding to her advocacy for equity, inclusion, and teacher wellbeing, Jayme reminds us that excellence in rural schools isn’t about resources — it’s about relationships.𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:00:00 Welcome to The Rural Scoop00:48 Introducing Principal Jayme Braida02:20 Growing Up Rural and Finding Purpose05:12 Overcoming Trauma and Building Resilience08:27 The Teacher Who Believed in Me12:34 Journey from Teacher to Rural Principal15:40 Returning Home to Serve the Community18:02 Balancing Leadership and Small-Town Life20:45 Lessons for New Rural Leaders23:19 The Challenge of Change and Mindset Shifts26:48 Building Equity and Representation in Schools30:07 Addressing Poverty, Trauma, and Resource Gaps33:41 Funding, Policy, and Rural Realities36:10 Family Engagement and School as Community Hub39:28 Creating Positive School Culture with Capturing Kids’ Hearts42:04 Celebrating Teachers and Building Staff Morale44:25 Sharing the Story of Rural Excellence45:42 The Rural Advantage and Closing Reflections𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:Jayme Braida’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership in rural schools is both personal and purposeful. Her journey from a child overcoming adversity to an award-winning principal underscores the power of connection, intentionality, and community pride. As Dr. Sadorf concludes, “The rural advantage isn’t just a phrase — it’s a promise.”