𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Melanie Matta, Superintendent and Principal of Hope Elementary School District in California. Melanie shares her journey into leadership, the realities of leading in a small rural district, and the deeply human side of leadership that often goes untaught.
Drawing from her new book Unwritten: The Leadership Entry Plan No One Gave You Until Now, Melanie unpacks the importance of trust, relationships, and listening before leading. She offers powerful insights on rebuilding broken systems, navigating inequities in rural education, and creating a culture where both staff and students thrive.
From advocacy at the state level to personal vulnerability as a leader, this conversation highlights what it truly means to lead with heart while still driving results.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
02:02 Melanie Origin Story
03:48 Advocacy for Rural Schools
06:04 Mentors and People First
09:26 Dual Role Reality
13:19 Unfair Comparisons and Funding
18:10 Why She Wrote Unwritten
21:15 Rebuilding Trust at Hope
25:55 Listen Learn and Vulnerability
29:26 Hidden Alcoholism Fallout
29:50 COVID Reopening Under Pressure
30:23 Quiet Divorce Breaking Point
31:42 Vulnerability With Staff
34:45 Why She Wrote The Book
35:51 One Question To Diagnose
37:56 Building Culture With Systems
38:35 Data Transparency Kids Own It
43:13 Recruiting And Retaining Staff
47:46 Support Over Bureaucracy
49:33 Advocacy In Polarized Times
54:09 Defining Rural Advantage
56:01 Closing Thanks And Takeaways
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about systems—it’s about people. Melanie Matta emphasizes that trust, relationships, and authenticity are the true foundations of sustainable leadership. In rural education especially, the ability to stay connected, be flexible, and lead with empathy creates a distinct advantage.
For leaders stepping into new roles or navigating complex challenges, the message is clear: listen first, build trust intentionally, and never lose sight of the human side of the work. When leaders stay grounded in purpose and community, meaningful change becomes possible.

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, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Hayley Spira-Bauer, a leader in virtual education and a passionate advocate for equitable access in schools. While Hayley’s background is rooted in urban education, her work with districts across the U.S. has given her a powerful perspective on the realities facing rural communities—especially in special education and staffing.
Together, they explore the systemic challenges rural schools face, from talent shortages to limited access to services, and how innovative solutions like virtual instruction can bridge those gaps when done right. Hayley shares real-world examples, practical insights for district leaders, and a compelling vision of what strong partnerships and sustainable systems can look like.
This conversation highlights not just the struggles, but the ingenuity, resilience, and “rural advantage” that make these communities uniquely powerful.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Rural Advocacy Intro
02:26 Haley’s Career Journey
05:55 Awakening in Rural Alaska
09:09 Debunking Rural Myths
10:16 Rural Innovation in Texas
12:48 Special Ed Staffing Gaps
15:05 Who Gets Hit First
17:27 Virtual Special Ed Done Right
20:55 Nonnegotiables for Quality
25:30 Red Flags and Course Correction
28:01 Virtual IEP Documentation
30:23 Building Team Belonging
33:24 Why Rural Shortages Persist
38:51 Capacity Building Not Crutches
42:38 Vendor Contract Must Haves
46:57 Leader Burnout And AI
51:38 Defining Rural Advantage
53:38 Final Takeaways And Subscribe
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode is a powerful reminder that rural education is not defined by limitations, but by resilience, creativity , and community strength. Hayley challenges us to rethink how we view access, talent, and innovation—especially in places often overlooked.
For school leaders, the message is clear: strong partnerships, high expectations, and a deep commitment to students can transform even the most complex challenges into opportunities for growth.
And for all of us, it’s a call to better understand—and elevate—the stories and successes coming out of rural 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:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Lisa Parady, Executive Director of the Alaska Council of School Administrators, to explore what it truly takes to lead schools in one of the most remote and challenging education landscapes in the United States.
From communities only accessible by plane to schools facing critical infrastructure challenges, Lisa shares powerful insights into the realities of rural education in Alaska. The conversation dives into funding inequities, teacher recruitment and retention struggles, cultural integration in curriculum, and the importance of honoring Indigenous heritage through frameworks like the NuBE Learning Framework.
Lisa also highlights the urgent need for stable funding, safe and functional facilities, and a strong educator pipeline—while reminding us of the “rural advantage”: deep relationships, resilience, and community connection.
This episode is a compelling look at how leadership, advocacy, and innovation come together to support students in even the most remote corners of the country.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Alaska Leadership Intro
02:20 Lisa Parity Background
05:06 Place Based Learning North Slope
09:57 What ACSA Does
14:32 BSA Funding Fight
19:18 Facilities Maslow Needs
23:14 Recruiting and International Hiring
26:26 Testimony That Moved Lawmakers
30:05 Alaska Reads Act Literacy
36:30 Student Wellness and Safety
39:42 Next Two Years Planning Ahead
45:19 Rural Advantage Meaning
47:07 Closing Thanks and CTE
50:00 Final Takeaways Outro
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Dr. Lisa Parady brings Alaska’s educational realities into sharp focus, showing how leadership in rural settings demands adaptability, advocacy, and deep community connection. From funding battles to cultural innovation, her insights highlight both the challenges and the powerful opportunities within rural education.
As Dr. Sadorf reminds us, meaningful change begins with conversation—whether it’s rethinking funding strategies, improving facilities, or strengthening educator pipelines. When rural leaders share their stories and work together, they don’t just overcome barriers—they build stronger, more connected communities for every student.

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 Mike Beighley, Superintendent of the Whitehall School District in rural Wisconsin. Mike shares his journey into leadership and the bold shifts he’s leading to transform education in a rural setting. From embracing discomfort and redefining student success to launching an Emerging Technology Lab and fostering deep community partnerships, Mike offers a powerful look at what it means to lead with courage, clarity, and purpose.
This conversation explores how rural schools can move beyond traditional models toward personalized, future-ready learning—while maintaining the strong relationships that make rural communities unique. If you're looking for practical, real-world strategies to drive meaningful change, this episode delivers.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome to Rural Scoop
01:47 Mike’s Leadership Path
02:49 Mentors and Rural Pace
04:44 Wake Up Call at Ashley
07:07 Leading in Rural Reality
10:27 Building Community Trust
12:07 Making the Case for Change
15:04 Personalized Learning Pilot
20:52 Supporting Teachers Through Risk
23:06 Emerging Tech Lab Origins
27:43 Sustaining Partner Relationships
30:42 Lessons from Cardinal Manufacturing
32:32 AI in a Rural District
37:51 State Rules and Testing Tension
41:37 Funding and Budget Priorities
44:35 First Steps for Superintendents
47:09 What Rural Advantage Means
48:34 Closing and Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode highlights that meaningful change in education doesn’t come from perfect plans—it comes from courageous leadership, clear purpose, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. Mike Beighley’s work demonstrates that rural schools are uniquely positioned to innovate, leveraging strong relationships and community trust to create impactful, future-ready learning experiences.
As Dr. Sadorf reminds us, transformation starts with one small step. When leaders focus on what truly matters for students and work together with their communities, rural education doesn’t just adapt—it thrives.

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, Dr. Melissa Sadorf challenges a long-standing narrative in education—that rural schools are behind and need to catch up. Instead, she argues that rural education has been leading in many of the practices the broader field is now trying to adopt, including relationship-based learning, whole-child support, and community engagement.
Drawing from data, lived experience, and national research, she highlights the strengths of rural schools while also acknowledging the real challenges they face. This episode is both a call to rethink assumptions and a reminder that rural educators bring valuable expertise that deserves recognition, investment, and study.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome and Thesis
02:09 What Rural Really Means
02:57 The Data Behind Rural
06:20 Conference Wake Up Call
08:24 Whole Child by Default
10:07 Place Based Learning
12:01 Integrated Roles Leadership
14:03 Community as Partner
15:42 Resourcefulness and Ingenuity
16:38 Real Challenges and Equity
19:50 What the Field Must Do
23:10 Final Rally and Wrap
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Rural education is not a problem to be fixed—it is a powerful, proven model that the broader field can learn from. While challenges exist, rural schools continue to lead in relationships, community connection, and meaningful learning. This episode calls on educators, researchers, and policymakers to shift their perspective, recognize rural expertise, and invest in what is already working.

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, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Chris Lagoni to unpack the real challenges facing rural school systems—and the practical solutions leaders should be paying attention to.
Chris shares his journey from classroom teacher to national rural education leader, offering a ground-level perspective on policy decisions that directly impact small communities. The conversation dives into critical topics like school funding inequities, consolidation myths, housing shortages, teacher retention, and the unintended consequences of school choice policies.
This episode goes beyond theory and focuses on actionable insights—from local tax solutions and community partnerships to broadband infrastructure and leadership pipelines. If you care about sustaining rural schools while improving opportunity for students, this is a must-listen.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Indiana Rural Squeeze
02:04 Meet Chris Lagoni
03:18 Choice Versus Consolidation
06:13 Two Fixes for Funding
10:00 The Dollar Building Law
15:17 Debt Rules and Fiscal Cliff
21:26 Consolidation Myths and Metrics
26:20 Teacher and Leader Pipeline
28:43 Teacher Pay Flexibility
30:05 Retention First Five Years
30:44 Housing Stock Solutions
34:25 Broadband Strategy Costs
39:54 Community Partnership Playbook
43:24 NREA Priorities Rural Strength
46:56 Advocacy Without Politics
51:59 Defining Rural Advantage
54:27 Closing Actions Thanks
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation highlights a powerful truth: rural education isn’t about limitations—it’s about intentional design. Chris Lagoni emphasizes that with the right policies, partnerships, and leadership mindset, rural schools can thrive while staying deeply connected to their communities.
The path forward isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s local, collaborative, and rooted in real-world needs. For leaders, the challenge is clear: translate complexity into action, advocate with clarity, and never underestimate the strength of community-driven 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, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Cleve Pilot, Director of the Fairfield Career & Technology Center in South Carolina, to explore the evolving role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in rural communities.
Dr. Pilot shares his journey from a rural student learning welding and typing to becoming a nationally respected CTE leader. Drawing from his experience as a counselor, administrator, and educator, he explains how modern CTE programs create meaningful career pathways for students—whether they pursue college, certifications, or direct entry into the workforce.
The conversation dives into rebranding vocational education, aligning programs with local workforce needs, creating strong industry partnerships, and ensuring students graduate with real skills and real opportunities. Dr. Pilot also discusses how rural districts can develop sustainable programs that strengthen both students and local economies.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 CTE Promise Paycheck
02:08 Cleve Journey Skills
04:02 Counseling To CTE
05:40 School Based Enterprises
08:00 Rural CTE Training
11:49 Branding Paradigm Shift
15:43 Labor Market Alignment
18:32 Equity Early Access
19:48 Exposure Middle School
20:56 Partnerships Without Burnout
22:17 Work Based Learning
24:24 Counselor Lens Pathways
27:59 IEPs High Demand Success
29:53 IEP to Leadership
31:03 Measuring What Matters
33:18 Tracking Real Placements
34:46 Budgeting for Durability
37:34 Keeping Talent Local
41:04 Fairfield Playbook Steps
43:20 Avoiding Copycat Traps
46:04 Books and Hey Grover
54:21 Reset for Teacher Wellness
58:21 Rural Advantage and Wrap
Closing Summary:
Dr. Cleve Pilot reminds us that career and technical education is far more than an alternative pathway—it is a powerful bridge connecting education to real-world opportunity.
By aligning programs with workforce needs, exposing students to career options early, and building strong community partnerships, rural schools can create pathways that allow students to thrive both locally and beyond. Dr. Pilot’s leadership demonstrates how modern CTE programs can transform lives, strengthen communities, and redefine what success looks like for students.

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, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Cory Kulig to explore what it truly looks like to lead meaningful change in a rural school district. Rather than simply adopting new programs, Cory shares how thoughtful leadership decisions, community partnerships, and structural shifts have helped move his districts toward a more future-ready model.
Cory discusses the urgency behind rethinking traditional education, the importance of building teacher confidence during major instructional shifts, and how competency-based learning can empower students. He also highlights the role of emerging technologies, personalized learning, and real-world application in preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce.
This conversation offers practical insight for leaders navigating staffing challenges, tight budgets, and community expectations—while still keeping student ownership and engagement at the center.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Meet Corey Kulig
02:01 Career Path and Risks
03:35 Why Incremental Change Fails
05:24 Handling Pushback and Unlearning
07:04 Student Ownership Wins
08:40 Rural Constraints to Advantages
11:32 Messaging the Why
13:24 Personalized Learning Shift
17:16 Competencies and Feedback
18:38 Supporting Teachers to Risk
21:06 Scheduling Time to Explore
22:38 Community and Employer Partners
25:41 AI and Tool Vetting
27:19 Unlocking CTE with Schedules
29:29 Standards vs Compliance
32:00 Trust and Culture Building
36:39 Budgeting for Learning Return
38:57 Evidence Beyond Test Scores
41:54 Advice for Rural Leaders
43:36 Defining Rural Advantage
45:08 Closing and Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Cory Kulig’s work demonstrates that meaningful school transformation doesn’t begin with programs—it begins with leadership clarity, trust, and a willingness to rethink long-standing structures. By focusing on student ownership, teacher support, and community alignment, his districts are building systems designed for the future rather than the past.
For rural leaders especially, this episode is a powerful reminder: constraints can become catalysts when paired with intentional design and courageous leadership.

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, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Megan Duncan, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA). With more than two decades of experience spanning classroom teaching, district leadership, and state-level administration, Dr. Duncan brings a comprehensive perspective on the realities facing today’s education leaders.
The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities in rural education, including fiscal pressures, leadership churn, geographic barriers, and the growing need for strong administrator pipelines. Dr. Duncan shares how AAEA is working to bridge policy and practice, support superintendents in real time, and elevate practitioner voices through initiatives like their new podcast and the Arkansas Advantage project.
Listeners will gain practical insights into leadership in rural systems, strategies for navigating policy implementation, and why staying anchored to a clear “North Star” is essential for superintendent success.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Why Administrators Matter
01:31 Meet Dr Megan Duncan
01:58 From Classroom to Statewide
04:34 Turning Policy Into Practice
05:59 Rural Leaders Top Concerns
08:47 What Rural Arkansas Looks Like
14:19 Rulemaking Translation Playbook
20:39 Rural Leadership Strengths
23:39 Building the Admin Pipeline
28:23 Supporting Hidden Operations
31:24 Podcast and Advocacy Stories
35:31 Advice for New Superintendents
40:45 Next Year and Legislative Prep
42:50 Defining the Rural Advantage
44:30 Final Takeaways and Outro
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Dr. Megan Duncan offers a grounded and hopeful look at the future of educational leadership in Arkansas and beyond. Her message is clear: strong systems depend on connected leaders, clear communication, and an unwavering focus on students. Through AAEA’s networking, professional learning, and storytelling efforts, the organization is working to ensure that rural administrators are supported, informed, and never isolated in their work.
For new and veteran leaders alike, this conversation is a powerful reminder that while the challenges in education are complex, collaboration, clarity, and commitment to students remain the most effective path forward.

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, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Jacob Kantor, the self-described “District Office Door Opener” (Chief DODO), to unpack what it really takes for edtech vendors to earn trust with school systems in 2026. Jacob shares how he vets companies, why relationship-building still beats flashy demos, and what many founders misunderstand about district buying cycles—especially after ESSER funding dried up and AI tools flooded the market.
The conversation dives into practical guardrails for vendors, the importance of doing deep district research, and how rural and small systems require a different level of intentionality. If you sell into schools—or are evaluating vendors—this episode offers a candid playbook for building partnerships that last beyond the pilot phase.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Meet the District Door Opener
01:33 Origin of Chief Dodo
04:32 Is Your Product Ready
07:15 Pre-Meeting Guardrails
12:08 Post-ESSER Buying Reality
19:18 Trust Killers and Builders
21:39 Using AI for District Research
26:11 Selling to Rural Districts
28:52 Rural Market Proof
31:06 Utah Broadband Mindset
33:01 Pricing and Consortium Deals
34:54 Outcomes Based Contracts
38:39 PD for Rural Fidelity
43:02 Buy In Through Story
46:11 Conferences That Move Deals
51:22 Next 18 Months in Edtech
54:20 Defining Rural Advantage
56:33 Closing and Next Steps
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation makes one thing clear: selling into schools in 2026 requires far more than a polished demo. District leaders—especially in rural systems—are demanding proof, preparation, and authentic partnership. Jacob Kantor’s playbook emphasizes deep research, relationship-first conversations, and clear evidence of impact as the new baseline for vendor credibility.
For companies willing to do the homework and commit for the long haul, the opportunity is still enormous. But the era of “shiny tool” selling is over. Trust, transparency, and demonstrated results now drive the deals that actually last.

𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞:

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

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