<p>๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ฌ๐จ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฒ:<br>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.<br>Beth shares the surprising journey that led her into filmmaking, how her nonprofit The Castle shaped the documentaryโs 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 todayโs polarized climate.<br>Whether you're a rural educator, community leader, or advocate, this conversation offers practical insight, hope, and a blueprint for strengthening schoolโcommunity partnerships.<br>๐๐ข๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฌ:<br>00:00 Introduction to The Rural Scoop<br>01:38 Meet Beth Benedicts: Educator, Author, and Film Producer<br>01:49 The Inspiration Behind the Documentary<br>04:59 Choosing North Putnam: A Case Study Approach<br>07:12 Beth's Rural Community Experience<br>10:24 Surprises and Insights from Filming<br>13:31 Interdependence of Schools and Communities<br>19:14 Culture Building in Rural Schools<br>22:24 Defying Deficit Narratives in Rural Education<br>27:23 Practical Impact and Action Steps<br>32:34 The Castle's Mission and Partnerships<br>45:09 Hope for the Future of Rural Education<br>46:46 The Rural Advantage: Relationships and Community<br>48:37 Conclusion and Call to Action<br>๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฒ:<br>This episode reminds us that rural schools are not isolated institutionsโthey are community epicenters. Through Bethโs experiences producing North Putnam, we see how intentional relationships, authentic storytelling, and asset-based thinking can shift narratives about rural education.<br>Listeners are encouraged to take this episode back to their teams and ask:<br>โWhat would it look like for our town to show up for its kids in new ways this year?โ<br>Then choose just one stepโand begin.<br>Rural advantage is not geography.<br>Itโs belonging, shared responsibility, and the everyday decision to see each student clearly.<br>๐๐จ๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ญ๐ก & ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฅ๐:<br>Bethโs LinkedIn:<br><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-benedix-48a4948/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-benedix-48a4948/</a><br>The Castle<br>LinkedIn:ย <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecastlearts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecastlearts/</a><br>Facebook:ย <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecastlearts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/thecastlearts/</a><br>Instagram:ย <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.castle.community/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/the.castle.community/</a><br>Website:ย <a href="https://www.castlearts.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.castlearts.org/</a><br>The Stories from North Putnam<br>Facebook:ย <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551043263950" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551043263950</a><br>Instagram:ย <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_stories_from_north_putnam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.instagram.com/the_stories_from_north_putnam/</a></p>
