The Rural Scoop

Join me as I get the Scoop with Julie Bacon, Leadership Development Specialist for the Arizona School Boards Association. In her role, Julie works with individual board members to build their leadership capacities and is also responsible for conference planning, customized full board trainings, and presenting to community groups on the role of school boards. She has trained boards in all stages of board development, from a board with new members or superintendent who are looking to establish best practices to boards with veteran members who want to engage in continuous improvement. Julie has worked with boards all over the state, from large urban to small rural and all sizes in between. Julie is also serving her third term on the Paradise Valley Unified School District governing board and has been board president twice. Well-versed in public education policy and advocacy, she started her career in public education as a parent leader and public schools advocate before being elected to the board. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, both her parents were teachers and she has a daughter who is currently teaching sixth grade in Arizona. Julie holds both bachelor and master’s degrees in social work and has worked in hospitals and schools as a social worker. Get the Scoop on rural Governing Board onboarding and some of the unique challenges rural Boards face!

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

© 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved.

The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles.

For permission requests, please contact:

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (520) 266-0081

Join me as I get the Scoop from Dr. Rick Dalton, the CEO and President of CFES Brilliant Pathways. We discuss how his organization is partnering with rural schools in over 40 states and is helping to get students on a path to either college or career. The CFES model, where educators collaborate around essential Core Practices, has led to thousands of students from rural communities reaching their fullest potential. We also talk about the book he has authored on rural school communities around College and Career opportunities. His work, to be published in Spring 2021, will highlight the ways the rural community as a whole benefits when students are set on a pathway to success. Come get the Scoop and find out why the future for rural students can be Brilliant!

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

© 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved.

The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles.

For permission requests, please contact:

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (520) 266-0081

Come get the Scoop as I talk with Superintendent Kim Alexander of Roscoe ISD in Roscoe, Texas. He talks about the reasons for the development of a cutting edge offering for the students of Roscoe who can graduate with an Associates or Bachelors degree while attending school with EDU Nation! Listen as he discusses the variety of apprenticeships, work force partnerships, challenges and successes of the model, and how EDU Nation is scaling up across Texas and nationally! You won't want to miss this superintendent talk about how taking a risk in Roscoe has paid off, not only in his rural community, but in many others! As he says, "Schools are not just schools in rural communities, they are also a driver of economic development!" Come get the Scoop!

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

© 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved.

The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles.

For permission requests, please contact:

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (520) 266-0081

Garnett Burns is currently the Project Director of Enforcement Actions for the Arizona State Board of Education. She has have over 20 years of law enforcement experience working in victim advocacy, narcotics, gang intelligence and internal affairs. She served as the first K9 officer for her agency prior to becoming an Internal Affairs Investigator. She took her law enforcement experience with her to the Arizona Department of Education and restructured the Investigative Unit as the Chief Investigator prior to joining the State Board of Education, where she currently serves. In this episode, Director Burns discusses the work she does with educator discipline, shares some statistics the she has seen with cases that are coming before the Arizona State Board or Education and it’s Professional Practices Advisory Committee, and talks about the future of Enforcement Actions. Come get the Scoop with Director Garnett Burns!

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

© 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved.

The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles.

For permission requests, please contact:

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (520) 266-0081

Join me as John White and Dreama Gentry discuss the importance of providing opportunities for post-secondary access to rural students. Using the work that is being done by the Partners for Education out of Berea College in Kentucky as a guidepost, we talk about what can be done to highlight the ways these paths to college can improve students' lives, rural economics, and rural community outcomes.Mr. White is a national communications consultant working primarily in education, helping clients address their most urgent needs and generating media coverage of innovation and progress. He has worked with local, state and national journalists for more than 20 years, increasing the public’s understanding of key policies and programs while promoting and protecting the reputations of both public and private organizations.John served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Communications at the U.S. Department of Education in the Obama Administration (2009-2013). He ledcommunications for the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, represented U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the White House Rural Council and was theSecretary’s designee to the Interagency Coordinating Council for the Appalachian Regional Development Initiative. He traveled to more than 40 states visiting schools and colleges, communicating federal policies and seeking feedback to improve programs. John also served as Chief of Staff to Maryland State Superintendent Lillian Lowery at theMaryland State Department of Education (2013-2015). He guided the agency’smessaging during a time of tremendous change and progress, including implementation of new college and career-ready standards based on the Common Core, new Partnershipfor Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments, and new teacher and principal evaluation systems in all local school systems.As executive director of Partners for Education, Dreama Gentry leads Berea College’s educational outreach into Appalachian Kentucky. Partners for Education supports the educational aspirations of 50,000 students across eastern Kentucky using an annual budget of $40 million. An Annie E. Casey Children and Family Fellow, Gentry also serves on the board of directors for the Fahe, a community development non-profit, and the Pine Mountain Settlement School. She is a member of the equity coalition convened by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, which seeks to ensure Kentucky’s school accountability system provides educational excellence to all students. Recently, she organized the annual Rural College Access and Success Summit, an event that brings together approximately 400 participants from across the country to improve the educational opportunities available to students from rural communities. Gentry holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Berea College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky. Come get the Scoop on what is happening in rural education!

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

© 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved.

The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles.

For permission requests, please contact:

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (520) 266-0081

Come get the Scoop on Dr. Bruce Johnson, the Dean of the College of Education, Professor of Environmental Learning and Science Education, and Paul L. Lindsey and Kathy J. Alexander Chair at the University of Arizona. Dr. Johnson has a PhD in Education Psychology with a minor in Science Education, an MS in Environmental Education, and a BS in Elementary Education. He was previously a middle school teacher in Phoenix and Page, Arizona; elementary teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and director of outdoor schools in New Mexico and Australia. Dr. Johnson’s research includes the teaching and learning of ecological concepts, development of environmental values/attitudes and actions, and teacher preparation and development. Dr. Johnson teaches in graduate programs in environmental learning and science education and also teaches courses in research design and elementary science methods. He also serves as Director of the Earth Education Research and Evaluation (EERE) Team, which conducts research on children’s ecological understandings, environmental values/attitudes, and environmental actions and has provided evaluation services to centers and schools throughout the United States and in Australia, Bolivia, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Nepal, and Spain. Currently, the EERE Team is also conducting an evaluation of a dietary treatment for Type II diabetes.Dr. Johnson and I have a great discussion in this episode on the different programming that is being offered for rural teachers and potential rural teachers through the University of Arizona! Learn about these opportunities and how they can be leveraged in your rural area! You don’t want to miss The Scoop!

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

© 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved.

The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles.

For permission requests, please contact:

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (520) 266-0081

Learn about the work that Arizona State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Hoffman has done over the last year since being elected to office, and hear about what is planned for the year ahead! Superintendent Hoffman talks about the innovative positions created at the AZ Department of Education, potential solutions to rural challenges, the successes she has had during the past year, and how she has re-imagined her role as Superintendent. We also discuss the 2019 Why Rural Matters Report put out by the Rural School and Community Trust and how Arizona ranks in some key areas. Don't miss the opportunity to reconnect with Superintendent Hoffman as we kick off Season Three here on the Rural Scoop!

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

© 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved.

The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles.

For permission requests, please contact:

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (520) 266-0081

Join us for a special series of interviews as we get to know our Arizona County School Superintendents! In this episode we get to talk to the Pima County Superintendent of Schools, Dustin J. Williams. Superintendent Williams is a native Tucsonan who graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1992. Williams has worked with youth in our community for more than 20 years. Always interested in education, he earned both his Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Arizona and a Master of Educational Leadership Degree from Northern Arizona University. Williams began his work in youth coaching, was an elementary school teacher for seven years, followed by pursuing school leadership where he served as the assistant principal of a local preparatory high school. Dustin’s passion for education and his desire to improve Arizona’s K-12 education system led him to run for public office. He was elected as the Pima County School Superintendent in November 2016. Superintendent Williams continues to be passionate about championing quality education in our community. He is excited to announce his 2020 candidacy for superintendent as he looks forward to continuing his service to our community. Come get the Scoop on Pima County’s Superintendent of Schools!

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

© 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved.

The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles.

For permission requests, please contact:

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (520) 266-0081

Join us for a special series of interviews as we get to know our Arizona County School Superintendents! Jill Broussard was elected the Pinal County Superintendent of Schools in November, 2011. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, graduating cum laude from both programs. Since taking office Superintendent Broussard has initiated a transitional education program for the H.O.P.E. School and Esperanza School correctional facilities, championed Civic engagement alongside Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and spearheaded the new Pinal County Business and Education Partnership between business leaders, educators, and government officials, among many others. Here true passion for children is what drives her to work with the districts in Pinal County to provide safe, enriching and engaging opportunities to help prepare today’s youth and tomorrow’s future leaders.In addition to her duties of County Superintendent, Jill served as a council member for the First Things First Pinal Regional Council, as a member of the Certification Advisory Committee to the Arizona State Board of Education, is the current President on the Executive Council for the Association of Educational Service Agencies, the President of the Arizona Association of County School Superintendents, and represents Pinal County school as a Governor appointed member of the Arizona State Board of Education. Jill is the mother of two teenage boys and has welcomed 9 exchange students into her home. Until recently her husband served in the Arizona National Guard. On the weekends she has been busy as a youth sports coach and Sunday School Teacher. As a wife, mother, coach and teacher she is committed to providing the best service and support to the children of Pinal County and believes that the future of our country lies in the success of our educational system. Come get the Scoop on Pinal County’s Superintendent of Schools!

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

© 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved.

The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles.

For permission requests, please contact:

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (520) 266-0081

The Rural Scoop is joined by Dr. David R. Schuler in a conversation around a number of topics including Redefining Ready! and the power of community service. Dr. Schuler is the 2018 Illinois and National Superintendent of the Year. Known for his ability to inspire and build leaders, he spearheaded Redefining Ready!, the national movement to redefine what it means for students to be college, career and life ready while serving as the 2015-2016 President of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Dr. Schuler leads the national Redefining Ready! Cohort and facilitates the Aspiring Superintendents Academy through AASA, where he shares his perspective on leadership and helps develop the next generation of school leaders. Dr. Schuler is in his 20th year as a superintendent and has served in rural, urban and suburban settings. Currently in his fifteenth year leading High School District 214, Illinois’ largest high school district, he developed an innovative instructional philosophy around personalized learning experiences focused on career pathways, early college credit, and industry credentials that enables students to discover their futures while still in high school. In addition, District 214 now teaches computer science to all 12,000 students, and its six schools were among only seven in the nation to pilot an iOS app development curriculum, initiatives which were recognized by the White House. By partnering with over 1,000 businesses and organizations, students in his district gain valuable experiences and insight to potential careers ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to entrepreneurship. For example, the first winner of the District 214’s Startup Showcase, the capstone pitch night for students taking their entrepreneurship courses, went on to ink a deal with three of the sharks from ABC’s hit show Shark Tank. Leading by example, Dr. Schuler is also an entrepreneur having founded Transeo, a startup focused on innovative solutions in the education technology space. His work on Redefining Ready! has been published in several publications, and he has testified about college and career readiness before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. In Illinois, his district is active in advocating for the interests of his students, staff and public education. Under his leadership, District 214 helped write, champion and pass legislation requiring every public Illinois college and university to accept Advanced Placement scores of 3 or higher. You can get in touch with Dr. Schuler at [email protected]. Come get the Scoop on some innovative ideas for promoting positive student outcomes!

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

© 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved.

The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles.

For permission requests, please contact:

Dr. Melissa Sadorf

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (520) 266-0081