The Rural Scoop

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
What does it take to lead a rural school where every decision, every relationship, and every student truly matters? In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Will Darter, superintendent, author of The Empowered Rural Education Leader, and host of the Rural Education Leaders Podcast. Together, they explore why rural leadership is uniquely positioned to create meaningful, lasting change—not despite limited resources, but because of the deep relationships, flexibility, and community connection that define rural schools.
Will shares his journey from urban classrooms to rural leadership, the inspiration behind his book, and practical strategies for building strong school culture, leading school boards, supporting teachers, and creating sustainable systems that prevent burnout. Throughout the conversation, he reminds listeners that rural education isn't about doing more with less—it's about doing what matters most for every child.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Big Things Small Schools
01:24 Meet Will Darter
02:58 From Urban to Rural
04:44 Why Rural Is Different
07:10 Mentors and Calling
09:52 Why Empowered Matters
12:04 Who the Book Is For
15:00 Rooted Vision Starts Kids
17:12 Building Staff Culture
20:21 Working With the Board
23:39 First Board Meeting Tips
25:37 Systems to Beat Burnout
28:17 Every Child Counts
28:54 Connection First Leadership
30:52 Rejecting Rural Deficit
33:38 Hopeful Advocacy Strategy
37:50 Plans That Move Fast
38:46 Solving Staffing Shortages
43:10 Crossroads And Opportunity
47:42 First 100 Days Advice
51:04 Tell Your Own Story
52:49 Defining Rural Advantage
55:35 Wrap Up And Next Steps
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Rural leadership isn't defined by the size of a district—it's defined by the impact leaders have on students, educators, and entire communities. Dr. Will Darter reminds us that authentic leadership begins with relationships, grows through service, and succeeds when every decision keeps children at the center. Whether you're an experienced superintendent, an aspiring leader, or simply passionate about public education, this conversation offers practical wisdom and renewed encouragement to lead with courage, connection, and purpose.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Rural Scoop, leave a review, and share this conversation with another educator who believes that big things truly do come from small 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

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping education, workforce development, and society—but how can rural schools navigate these changes without getting caught up in hype or fear?
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Christian Pinedo, Vice President of External Affairs and Advocacy at AIEDU, to discuss what AI readiness really means for schools. Drawing from his experiences as a classroom teacher, researcher, and national advocate, Christian shares practical insights on AI literacy, student preparedness, policy development, assessment, and the unique strengths rural communities bring to innovation.
Together, they explore how educators can approach AI thoughtfully, build community-centered strategies, protect student privacy, and prepare students for a future that is evolving faster than ever before.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 AI Shift in Rural Schools
00:59 Meet Christian Pinedo
01:56 From Classroom to AI Research
04:39 ChatGPT Changes Everything
07:31 AI Basics Before You Use It
08:38 What AI Readiness Means
12:24 Future Skills Beyond Coding
18:32 Rural and Indigenous Catalyst Lessons
27:14 Rural Constraints and Creative Solutions
30:32 Where Superintendents Should Start
33:30 Community Engagement
34:33 Vendor Guardrails
36:38 Use Case Policies
39:34 Rethinking Assessment
45:53 AI Literacy Skills
51:37 Policy Landscape
57:24 AIEDU Next Steps
01:00:32 Rural Advantage
01:03:46 Closing Thoughts
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
As AI continues to reshape education and the workforce, rural schools have an opportunity to lead with the qualities they already possess: strong relationships, community trust, adaptability, and innovation born from necessity. Christian Pinedo reminds us that AI readiness is not about chasing every new tool or trend—it’s about building understanding, fostering critical thinking, and ensuring that students develop the human-centered skills that technology cannot replace.
For rural educators, the path forward begins with values, community engagement, and a commitment to preparing students not just for today’s technology, but for a lifetime of learning in a rapidly changing world.
Subscribe to The Rural Scoop for more conversations with rural leaders, innovators, and educators who are shaping the future of 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

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with education policy leader Rachel Rush-Marlowe to discuss the critical role rural community colleges play in student success and community sustainability. Rachel shares how her personal rural upbringing shaped her passion for postsecondary access and explains why community colleges serve as far more than educational institutions — they are economic drivers, cultural hubs, and vital infrastructure for rural communities.
The conversation explores the challenges rural colleges face, including enrollment declines, transportation barriers, staffing shortages, and the growing need to support students as whole people. Rachel also highlights innovative partnerships between K–12 schools and community colleges, the importance of dual enrollment and student voice, and why relationship-building remains the true “secret sauce” behind successful rural education initiatives.
Together, Melissa and Rachel examine how policymakers, educators, and communities can better support rural students not just in reaching college, but in persisting through it and thriving afterward.

𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Rural College Cliff
01:48 Rachel’s Rural Journey
06:38 Colleges as Town Anchors
07:50 Closure and Proximity
09:47 K12 Partnerships and Dual Enrollment
14:17 First Semester Culture Shock
18:26 Designing for Working Adults
21:39 Reading Enrollment Data Wisely
26:41 Equitable Dual Credit Access
34:01 Data Blind Spots and Better Metrics
38:46 Student Voice and Trust
43:37 Rural Advantage and Wrap Up

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation highlights the essential role rural community colleges play in shaping the future of rural America. Rachel Rush-Marlowe reminds listeners that rural student success depends not only on access to education, but on relationships, trust, community partnerships, and systems designed around students’ real lives.
From dual enrollment and transportation challenges to student voice and institutional data practices, the episode emphasizes that meaningful rural solutions are often local, deeply relational, and rooted in community collaboration. As Dr. Melissa Sadorf concludes, supporting rural students means thinking beyond graduation and building stronger pathways between schools, colleges, and communities so students can truly thrive.

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

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Alex Reader to explore how intentional STEM programming and family engagement can strengthen rural schools. Alex shares his journey from engineering into education entrepreneurship and discusses how his company, STIX, partners with rural communities to create affordable, hands-on STEM experiences that spark career exploration and build student confidence.
The conversation highlights the unique strengths of rural students, the importance of relationship-centered leadership, and why community partnerships are essential for expanding opportunities. Alex also reflects on the power of family STEM nights, the value of making authentic asks of community partners, and how rural schools can create sustainable systems that inspire both students and families.
This episode is a thoughtful discussion about innovation, trust, and the “rural advantage” that emerges when schools intentionally connect learning, families, and future workforce pathways.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Why Rural Advocacy
01:52 Alex Reeder Origin Story
05:05 First Rural Partnership
06:45 What STIIX Does
08:46 Family Engagement Matters
10:28 Trust And Culture Shifts
12:42 Sustainable Rural Leadership
15:10 Rural Student Strengths
16:39 Choosing The Right Partners
20:22 Career Identity And Trades
22:54 Community Partnerships That Work
27:50 Measuring Impact And Metrics
30:27 Future Kits And Next Steps
34:06 Rural Advantage Closing
36:23 Final Takeaways And Outro
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation reminds us that rural education thrives when innovation is rooted in relationships. Alex Reader’s perspective underscores that meaningful STEM education is not about expensive technology—it’s about creating accessible, engaging opportunities that connect students, families, and communities.
Through thoughtful partnerships, intentional family engagement, and a commitment to helping students envision their futures, rural schools can cultivate powerful learning environments where every student sees their potential.
The episode closes with a powerful reminder: rural advantage is found in community connection, resilience, and the shared belief that when rural schools lead together, they thrive together.

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

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Erin Iler Smith, an educator in Chattooga County, Georgia, who transformed an underutilized school garden into a thriving greenhouse and outdoor learning space. What began as a vision for hands-on learning evolved into a community-supported initiative that connects students to STEM education, agricultural pathways, workforce development, and meaningful community partnerships.
Erin shares how she secured local support, built sustainable systems, created inclusive learning opportunities for all students, and developed mentorship connections between elementary, middle, and high school students. She also discusses the challenges of maintaining a large-scale project, lessons learned along the way, and why rural communities offer unique advantages for authentic, place-based learning.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Rural Innovation Intro
01:02 Meet Erin Eller Smith
01:42 Why She Teaches
03:42 Garden Spark Moment
06:18 Funding And Partners
09:27 Teaching In Greenhouse
12:50 Designing For Inclusion
14:12 Community Collaboration
16:43 Ag Pathway Alignment
21:34 Workforce Connections
24:13 School Reputation Boost
26:18 Making It Sustainable
29:27 Do Over Lessons
32:42 Advice To Start Small
36:40 Defining Rural Advantage
39:33 Closing Thanks And Subscribe
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Erin Iler Smith’s greenhouse project demonstrates how rural schools can leverage local strengths to create meaningful educational opportunities. By combining hands-on learning, community partnerships, student leadership, and workforce connections, she has built more than a garden—she has created a living classroom that empowers students to explore their interests, develop practical skills, and envision future career pathways.
This episode serves as a reminder that some of the most impactful innovations in education begin with a simple idea, a committed educator, and a community willing to grow together. 

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

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Lindsay Colyer, Mississippi's Rural Teacher of the Year and a science teacher at the Mississippi School of the Arts.
Dr. Colyer shares her journey from earning a Ph.D. and working in higher education to finding her calling in rural classrooms. She discusses the realities of teaching multiple science subjects, building engaging and hands-on learning experiences, supporting students through strong routines and relationships, and advocating for rural educators across Mississippi.
The conversation explores teacher workload, student access challenges, the importance of instructional time, creative classroom strategies, and why community remains one of rural education's greatest strengths. Dr. Colyer also reflects on what her Rural Teacher of the Year recognition means and how she plans to use her platform to support fellow educators.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Rural Excellence Spotlight
00:56 Meet Dr Collier
02:00 Science Origin Story
04:25 Teachers Who Shaped Her
06:57 Rural Teacher Honor
10:39 Realities Of Rural Teaching
15:41 Inside Her Classroom
22:02 Equity And Access Gaps
26:18 Staying Hopeful In Hard Times
30:07 What Leaders Should Prioritize
35:09 Using The Platform
40:18 Rural Advantage And Farewell
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Dr. Lindsay Colyer's story is a powerful reminder that rural educators are doing extraordinary work every day. Through her passion for science, commitment to students, and advocacy for fellow teachers, she demonstrates how excellence flourishes when strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and community support come together. Her perspective highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing rural education while reinforcing a simple truth: rural schools are filled with innovation, resilience, and educators dedicated to helping every student succeed.


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

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this solo episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf explores a powerful metaphor shared by education leader Jeffrey Matteson: America’s shift from the “front porch” to the “back deck.” Using this image, Melissa reflects on how society has become increasingly private, curated, and disconnected from the everyday interactions that once built strong communities.
Drawing on her experience as a rural superintendent, she discusses the importance of unplanned conversations, shared public spaces, and the role of schools as the last remaining community gathering places in many rural towns. Melissa argues that rural communities still possess valuable lessons about connection, belonging, and living alongside people with different perspectives. She challenges educators and community leaders to protect these spaces and relationships, emphasizing that community is not just a concept—it is a practice that requires intention and participation.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Why Community Matters
02:42 Front Porch Metaphor
04:58 Back Deck Shift
06:22 Curated Life Costs
09:28 Third Places Disappear
11:14 School Last Porch
12:45 Rural Proximity Asset
15:13 Practical Steps Leaders
18:28 Closing Reflections
20:22 Final Thanks
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode serves as a thoughtful reminder that strong communities are built through consistent, everyday interactions rather than grand initiatives. Melissa Sadorf argues that while society has increasingly moved toward privacy and curated experiences, rural communities continue to demonstrate the value of shared spaces, face-to-face relationships, and civic engagement. Schools, in particular, have become vital gathering places where communities can still practice the essential work of being neighbors. Her message is clear: community is not something we simply value—it is something we actively create and sustain through our willingness to show up, connect, and remain open to one another.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Rural America is often discussed as a single story, but the reality is far more complex. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Sarah Melotte, writer and data editor for The Daily Yonder, to explore the population shifts reshaping rural communities across the country.
Drawing from her recent reporting, Sarah explains why rural America can be growing overall while nearly half of all rural counties continue to lose population. The conversation examines the roles of natural decrease, out-migration, immigration, economic transitions, housing pressures, and workforce challenges. Sarah also shares insights on how data can help school leaders, policymakers, and community members better understand local trends rather than relying on national narratives.
The discussion highlights the importance of looking beyond headlines, understanding regional differences, and using data storytelling to uncover the realities facing rural communities today.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome and Overview
02:16 Meet Sarah Milott
04:25 Rural Myths and Data
06:41 Half Losing Population
08:36 Immigration Drives Growth
10:15 Natural Decrease Explained
14:02 Schools as Community Anchors
16:06 Tracking County Data
18:35 Appalachia and Extraction
20:57 Recreation Boom Tradeoffs
25:28 Cost of Living Poll
29:22 Telling Stories With Data
33:42 Defining Rural Precisely
36:24 Whats Next for Sarah
37:39 Rural Advantage Closing
39:27 Contact and Final Wrap
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Sarah Melotte reminds us that understanding rural America requires looking beyond averages and headlines. Whether discussing population shifts, economic transitions, housing challenges, or community resilience, the most important stories often emerge when data is examined at the local level. For rural educators, policymakers, and community leaders, this episode offers practical insights into the demographic forces shaping their communities and reinforces the importance of using both data and storytelling to inform decisions that strengthen rural places for future generations.

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

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Melissa Sadorf sits down with three influential leaders from the North Dakota Small Organized Schools (NDSOS): Mike Heilman, Mike Bitz, and Brandt Dick.
Together, they explore the vital role small rural schools play in their communities, the realities of legislative advocacy, and the challenges facing education in North Dakota—including teacher shortages, funding constraints, and student enrollment declines. The conversation also highlights the importance of local decision-making, strong community ties, and strategic leadership transitions within NDSOS.
This episode offers a candid, insightful look into how rural education leaders are navigating change while continuing to prioritize quality education for every student.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Meet the NDSOS Leaders
02:19 Mike Heilman Origin Story
03:47 Brant Dick Small School Roots
05:19 Mike Bitz Next Chapter
06:30 What Lawmakers Should Know
09:58 Why Serve on the Board
11:52 What NDSOS Actually Does
17:09 Superintendent Calls Right Now
18:56 North Dakota Strengths
22:08 Pressures on Rural Districts
25:25 How NDSOS Sets Priorities
30:32 Showing Up at the Capitol
32:21 Closures and Consolidation Choices
36:43 Transportation Costs and Funding
41:09 School Choice and Rural Impact
44:20 Guardrails for Public Dollars
46:35 Leadership Transition Ahead
49:27 Next Two Years Challenges
53:35 Defining the Rural Advantage
56:24 Final Thanks and Signoff
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation underscores a powerful truth: rural schools are not a secondary part of education—they are the foundation of many communities. Through collaboration, advocacy, and deep community ties, leaders like those at NDSOS continue to champion equitable education despite significant challenges.
As education systems evolve, the commitment to local decision-making, strong relationships, and student-centered leadership remains essential. Rural schools may face unique obstacles, but they also possess a unique strength—their people.

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

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this compelling episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Sadorf sits down with Cassie Owens Moore, a middle school librarian from Seneca, South Carolina, whose work is redefining what a school library can be. With nearly two decades of experience as an English Language Arts teacher before transitioning into librarianship, Cassie shares how her passion for reading, equity, and student belonging transformed her school library into a thriving hub of literacy, identity, and community.
The conversation explores the role of libraries as spaces of representation, intellectual freedom, and cultural understanding. Cassie offers firsthand insight into book challenges, misconceptions about graphic novels, and the importance of giving students access to stories that reflect both their own experiences and the lives of others. She also discusses how collaboration with teachers, administrators, and counselors has helped her achieve remarkable student engagement and improved literacy outcomes.
Listeners will walk away inspired by Cassie’s advocacy for books as tools of empowerment, connection, and social justice—and by her belief that every student deserves stories that make them feel seen.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:53 From Nursing to Teaching
02:58 Classroom Library Spark
05:06 A Student Becomes Reader
09:33 Building an Inclusive Library
13:26 Books as Mirrors and Windows
15:35 Supporting Multilingual Readers
19:08 Graphic Novels Are Books
21:31 Middle Schoolers Want Real Talk
24:12 Social Justice Energy
25:52 Why Books Matter
26:18 How Challenges Happen
30:01 When Books Get Pulled
31:46 Defining Intellectual Freedom
33:38 Parent Choice Example
36:12 Long Way Down Case
40:10 Admin Support and Data
46:09 Launching Cool Books
47:33 Rural Advantage Community
50:44 Closing Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode highlights the profound impact that one dedicated educator can have on an entire school community. Cassie Owens Moore reminds us that libraries are far more than collections of books—they are spaces of belonging, empowerment, and possibility. Her work demonstrates how access to diverse stories can nurture empathy, critical thinking, and confidence in students of all backgrounds.
Through her advocacy for intellectual freedom and her commitment to meeting students where they are, Cassie exemplifies the heart of rural education: deep relationships, strong community ties, and a relentless belief in every learner’s potential. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when we protect access to stories, we protect the right of every child to imagine, connect, and grow.

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