National Rural Education Association
banner
nrea.net
National Rural Education Association
@nrea.net
The NREA (National Rural Education Association) was originally founded as the Department of Rural Education in 1907. It is the oldest established national organization of its kind in the United States.
NREA Executive Director Dr. Melissa Sadorf was recently quoted in this @ncnewsline.com article about the rural teacher shortage. Dr. Sadorf insists that federal support is needed to strengthen the rural teacher workforce. Read more:
ncnewsline.com/2025/11/10/f...
December 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM
From our Illinois State Affiliate, AIRSS: Bureau Valley has become a standout example of innovation and growth in CTE, demonstrating that even smaller schools can offer robust, forward-thinking programs. Read more: airssedu.org/post/winter-...
December 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 We are thankful for the amazing teachers & admins serving our rural children; for our State Affiliates advocating on behalf of schools in their state; and for our members & partners helping advance NREA's vision of strong rural schools & communities. 🙏
November 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The monthly resources from our partners at CoSN are now available! Please visit our website for more detailed information: nrea.net/cosn-novembe...
November 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
The Engaging With Revolutionary History Teacher Fellowship seeks to provide professional learning opportunities in U.S. History and Civics to educators from predominantly rural and remote locations. Learn more and apply by December 12: retroreport.org/engaging-wit...
November 26, 2025 at 12:00 AM
#FeelGoodFriday from our Arizona State Affiliate, @azruralschools.org: At Mohave Valley School District, rural resourcefulness has turned into improved attendance rates, better grades, and higher enrollment through their Innovation Lab project. Learn more: www.azruralschools.org/news/mohave-...
November 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Back Forty Action believes real change begins in America's small towns and family farms. Their "Save the Heartland" campaign is happening now, including meetings with elected officials, rural farmers, teachers, healthcare workers, and students to advocate for better policy: www.backfortyaction.org/
November 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Congratulations again to all who received recognition at the 2025 #RuralEdForum!

National Rural Teacher of the Year - Jeff Granrud
Dissertation Awards - Clint Whitten & Devan Jones
President-Elect Award - Dr. Bill Chapman
President Award - Dr. Devon Brenner
Leadership Award - David Ardrey
November 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
NREA Executive Director Dr. Melissa Sadorf traveled to Dierks, Arkansas, last week to celebrate the T-Mobile Friday Night 5G Lights winner. Congratulations to Dierks High School on your award of a $1 Million athletic field remodel! 🎉
November 17, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Join AIRSS to learn more about Holocaust Learning Experience, a free resource available for your classroom. HLE extends beyond raw facts, promoting critical thinking, moral consciousness, and resilience, with empathy at its core. Learn more and RSVP here: hlewebinar.rsvpify.com/
November 15, 2025 at 12:00 AM
This workshop will explore the pivotal role of inclusive communication in advancing effective and equitable climate action. The workshop highlights topics of interest identified by Midwest educators, but is open and applicable to national audiences! us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
November 12, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Dr. G. Cleve Pilot, Director of CTE at the Fairfield Career and Technology Center, submitted this article to the NREA Blog about transforming how students view career and technical education. Read more: nrea.net/transforming...
November 11, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Back Forty Action is hosting a major advocacy event in Washington, D.C. to defend rural America against harmful policies threatening our farms, schools, and hospitals. Learn more: www.savetheheartland.com/
November 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The Call for Proposals is now live for 6th annual virtual Rural Education Conference, scheduled for March 16, 2026! Submission deadline for proposals is Dec. 1, 2025. Learn more and submit now: www.apsu.edu/education/ru...
November 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Spring Grove Area School District in south-central Pennsylvania is now accepting applications for the role of Superintendent. Learn more and apply to the PA Association of Rural & Small Schools by November 30: drive.google.com/file/d/1eMR6...
November 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
CEN is hiring! Lead a dedicated team, engage a passionate national network, & make a lasting impact on Rural America. Learn more and apply here: edu-nation.org/about-colleg...
November 3, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Your donation to the NREA Foundation directly supports rural educators through the National Rural Teacher of the Year program. Donate today! nreafoundation.betterworld.org/
October 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The monthly resources from our partners at CoSN are now available! Please visit our website for more detailed information: nrea.net/cosn-october...
October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Did you see the recently released Why Rural Matters 2025 report? It highlights key trends, challenges, and opportunities for rural education across America. Read it here to see what’s shaping the future of rural education: nrea.net/wrm-2025/
October 28, 2025 at 4:01 PM
On behalf of NREA, AIRSS Executive Director David Ardrey delivered a keynote address at the Missouri Association of Rural Education Conference this week! AIRSS is the NREA's IL State Affiliate, and MoARE is our MO State Affiliate. Thank you to MoARE for having Mr. Ardrey.
October 24, 2025 at 9:53 PM
The 2025 Rural Library Network eSummit is back on December 3 from 12:00-5:30 PM ET!

Join rural library leaders, staff, and partners from across the country for a powerful day focused on one thing: the transformational role of libraries in building thriving communities.

🔗 cvent.me/YMaO9A
October 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
NREA is standing up for students' rights. Read the full article to learn how these cuts will impact students with disabilities, what the coalition is advocating for, and how you can get involved: nrea.net/nrea-joins-c...
October 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Closing this Friday, October 24: Applications are open now for RSC's 2026 Grants in Place program, an initiative that celebrates and supports rural educators who are leading the way in Place-Based Education. Learn more and apply: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
October 22, 2025 at 3:01 PM
In this episode of The Rural Voice, we interview Jeff Granrud, the 2025 National Rural Teacher of the Year. He believes small, authentic moments, like painting with students or wearing math pajamas, foster the most meaningful connections: nrea.simplecast.com/episodes/s05...
October 21, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Today, FFA students from 11 states visited Washington, D.C. to discuss the reinstatement of SRSA funding with Speaker of the House Michael Johnson. What an amazing opportunity for rural schools advocacy! Thank you to these dedicated young people and their school districts. 🤩
October 20, 2025 at 10:48 PM