Welcome back to The Path Forward podcast with Dr. Rick Fernandez! In this episode, Dr. Fernandez welcomes Bill Tarleton, Executive Director of the Texas Rural Education Association (TREA), for a candid conversation about the challenges, innovations, and opportunities in rural education.

Bill shares his journey from special education teacher to superintendent and now leader of an organization serving over 400 rural districts. He highlights TREA’s mission to provide advocacy, leadership, and sustainability for schools, with a focus on equipping districts to thrive in unique contexts.

From navigating legislation that often overlooks small schools, to leveraging local partnerships, Bill sheds light on how rural districts adapt with creativity and resilience. He discusses recent policy changes like the STAR test overhaul, unintended consequences of new laws, and the pressing challenge of teacher shortages. Listeners will also hear inspiring stories of communities rallying together during crises, the impact of programs that grow local teachers, and why rural superintendents gain unmatched leadership experience by “wearing all the hats.”

This episode is an insightful look into the grit, innovation, and community spirit that define rural education in Texas.

Host: Dr. Rick Fernandez 

Guest: Bill Tarleton, Executive Director of the Texas Rural Education Association

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

(00:00–01:05) Intro

(01:06–03:29) Bill’s Background and TREA’s Mission

(03:30–04:46) Advocacy, Leadership, and Sustainability

(04:47–10:12) Legislative Impacts on Rural Schools

(10:13–13:39) STAR Test Reform and Challenges

(13:40–16:55) Community Resilience in Crisis

(16:56–19:58) Teacher Shortages and Grow-Your-Own Programs

(19:59–22:20) Rural Student Success Stories

(22:21–25:36) Leadership Lessons from Small Districts

(25:37–27:47) Closing Reflections