Jacquelyn R. Burr Moorman Educator (6th gr.), Coordinator (6th-12th School Improvement) Maquoketa Valley Community School District Delhi, IA
Co-Presenter: Tiersa Frasher
Providing Individualized Professional Development Through Rural District Partnerships
Principals acknowledgethat teachers, especiallythose newto the profession, have varying professionaldevelopment needs. Unfortunately, for manyruraldistricts, funding is oftena barrier to providingthe training teachers need. Through localpartnerships between countyschools, districts could share the costs associated with addressing the needs of all
teachers.
Brian Uriegas Associate Professor Stephen F. Austin State University La Vernia, TX
Bridging the Rural Educational Gap: Let's Get Connected
This session hopes to bring a diverse group of educational stakeholders together to
address a common barrier for rural student populations. This session will highlight
the lack or absence of effective resources available to the rural learner. Through
brainstorming, discussion and collaborative methods, we can decrease this distinct,
but critical student need, by providing a better plan to support and serve these future
leaders and professionals.
Tiffanie L. Witt Adult, Nontraditional, Transfer Student Center Coordinator Austin Peay State University
Leveraging School Leadership and Partnerships to Advance Rural Student Success: Insights
from the ACES Program
This session examines how the Attaining College Entry and Success (ACES) program uses
school leadership and school-university partnerships to address systemic barriers,
improve college readiness, and support rural students. Funded by the U.S. Department
of Education, ACES provides comprehensive support to enhance college enrollment, transition,
and persistence in collaboration with rural schools.
Sharonda Pruitt, Assistant Professor East Texas A&M University Commerce, Texas
Co-Presenter: Kriss Kemp-Graham, Professor East Texas A&M University
Teach Where It Matters: Elevating Rural Teacher Preparation Through Apprenticeships
and Community Partnerships
This session explores Teach Where It Matters, CEN's rural teacher apprenticeship program
providing a livable wage while candidates complete training. Featuring student voice
videos, audience Q&A, and collaborative discussions, participants will examine strategies
for mentorship, funding, and sustainability to strengthen rural teacher pipelines
and elevate community-driven educator preparation.
Rachael McClain President Collegiate Edu-Nation Roscoe, TX
Co-Presenter: Brittany Williams Collegiate Edu-Nation
Collaborating with Communities: Tackling the Rural Teacher Shortage Through Partnerships
This presentation will share the findings and strategies organized by the University
of Nebraska at Kearney’s Nebraska Education Teacher Shortage Grant Committee, highlighting
how diverse stakeholders—including educators, parents, administrators, organizations,
and businesses—can collaborate to address the teacher shortage and support community
efforts to strengthen education in Nebraska. Participants will also brainstorm ideas
from their communities on how to engage and support school efforts with the teacher
shortage.
Chelsea Feusner Assistant Professor in Educational Administration University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney, NE
Co-Presenters: Aprille Phillips, Janet Eckerson, Chandra Diaz, Jami Holbein Swanson Professors University of Nebraska at Kearney
Breaking Barriers: Developing Teacher Leaders and Expanding Access to School Leadership
Discover how a groundbreaking online principal preparation graduate program is transforming
rural school leadership in TN! Explore barriers to licensure, uncover hidden leadership
talent, and gain strategies to build a sustainable pipeline of principals. Leave with
solutions to explore for expanding access and developing strong school leaders in
rural communities.
Christi Maldonado Assistant Professor Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN
Co-Presenter: Laura Barnett Austin Peay State University
Bridging the Gap: Implementing Rural Apprenticeships for Tomorrow’s Workforce
Explore the power of teacher apprenticeships in tackling teacher shortages in rural
school districts. Participants will gain practical strategies, discover how to strengthen
collaboration between universities and rural schools, and actionable steps to address
teacher shortages in your community. The Tennessee story is inspiring: Enrollment
in rural GYO apprenticeships skyrocketed from 49 to 169 in just one year!
Kate Hall, Director University of Tennessee System - Grow Your Own Center Knoxville, TN
Co-Presenter: Charlene Russell Middle TN Regional Manager
Teacher Recruitment in South GA
Evans County Charter School system uses its charter waiver status in a variety of
ways in order to recruit and retain teachers, including Paraprofessionals as teachers
of record, PLTs, and the 'Top 10' reasons to work in Evans County as a recruitment
tool. Bobby Costlow Asst Superintendent Evans County Charter School System Claxton, GA
Bridging the Gap: A Competency-Based Approach to Elevate Teacher Education in Rural
Alabama
Discover how the University of West Alabama’s competency-based education program addresses
rural Alabama’s teacher shortage by empowering paraprofessionals through on-the-job
training. Learn how experiential credit, district partnerships, and flexible online
learning are transforming teacher education, enriching rural schools, and fostering
sustainable pipelines for high-quality educators.
Jan Miller Director of Competency Based Education University of West Alabama Livingston, AL
Co-Presenter: Reenay Rogers
Breaking Geographic Barriers: Leveraging Digital Technology to Enhance Career Development
and Work-Based Learning in Rural Education
Rural school districts face unique challenges in providing equitable career exploration
and work-based learning opportunities for their students. Geographic isolation, limited
local industry exposure, and resource constraints often create barriers to comprehensive
career development programs. This session explores how digital platforms, specifically
Pathful's virtual career development solution, can transform rural education by connecting
students with diverse career pathways and authentic workplace experiences regardless
of their geographic location.
Bryanne Zihmer Director of Sales Pathful, Inc. Raleigh, NC
Co-Presenter: Jessica Lairson Colleton County Public Schools Coordinator of Exceptional Learning
Scaffolding Success: Using AI to Differentiate Instruction for ELLs in Rural Classroom
Discover how AI-powered applications and generative AI can empower rural educators
to scaffold learning, differentiate instruction, and engage English Language Learners
(ELLs). This session provides practical strategies, real-world examples, and collaborative
activities to inspire innovation and create equitable, inclusive classrooms tailored
to the unique needs of rural communities.
Terri Easter Assistant Professor of Education Rockford University Rockford, IL
Empowering Teacher Preparation by Building Tech-Savvy Educators with EdTech Studio
This presentation will showcase a selection of successful tech events that assist
current and future educators, as well as local communities, from an EdTech perspective.
Participants will gain knowledge of current tech tools and learn how teacher preparation
programs can provide better support for educators.
Hanrui He Assistant Professor Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TN
AI in Rural K-12 Education: Empowering Educators, Transforming Communities
Thissessionexplores how AIcanempowerruraleducatorsand transform learningexperiences. Participantswilldiscoverinnovativestrategiestointegrate AI into teaching,enhancestudentengagement,andbuildstrongcommunitypartnerships.Thesessionoffers actionableinsights andpracticalapproachesforensuringequitable accesstoAI-driven educationin ruralschools.
Mary L. Young Head of K-12 Education, South T-Mobile Warrenton, NC
From Miami to Appalachia: Leveraging AI in Rural Education
This session explores how rural educators and administrators can use ChatGPT to enhance
student engagement, productivity, and communication. Attendees will learn prompt engineering
strategies, receive 20 ready-to-use prompts, and participate in a hands-on activity
to create AI-driven solutions tailored to their educational needs.
Erik Kormos Associate Professor, Educational and Assistive Technologies Ashland University Ashland, OH
Enhancing Online Undergraduate Education: Examining the Efficacy of Video Analysis
and Reflection in Practice-Based Teacher Education Strategies
In this interactive session, participants will develop an understanding of the Practice-Based
Course Model and use scenarios to support preservice early childhood teachers in rural
communities through the facilitation reflection on individual teaching practices.
Dawn Berry Assistant Professor Early Childhood Multicultural Education New Mexico Highlands University Las Vegas, NM
Co-Presenter: Angela Redondo New Mexico Highlands University
Learn howtoempower K-2 educators and afterschoolprofessionals with asystematic,research-basedapproachtoteachingliteracy. Explorebite-sizedmicrolearningmodules,hands-onstrategies, andready-to-useresourcesthatcloseliteracygapsandbuildconfidentreaders.Leavewith actionable toolstoenhanceprofessionaldevelopmentandelevate studentoutcomes.
Eric Patnoudes Senior Manager Social Impact Partnerships Discovery Education
Partnerships in Your Neighborhood: Libraries and Tutors
This session will describe the work and successfulpartnerships with onelocal elementaryschool as well as with Partners forRuralImpact, Save theChildren, andother agencies. The presenter willdiscuss how you can achieve this success where YOU are.
Lisa Leuck Founder Read to Lead LLC Elkader, IA
Cultivating Stronger Communities: Integrating Farm to School Programs for Student
Well-Being and Educational Enrichment
Discover how Farm to School programs transform rural education by enhancing student
nutrition, fostering hands-on learning, and driving local economic growth. This session
explores strategies for building strong community partnerships, integrating agricultural
education, and overcoming challenges to create healthier students, thriving schools,
and resilient rural communities.
Gina Shell Consultant & School Nutrition Professional Expert Fruitful Solutions Consulting, LLC Montgomery, AL
Ecosystem Surrounding Esports and STEM and the Role of Partnerships
Join me to dive deeper into Esports, 7 partnership ideas to create an ecosystem surrounding
Esports and STEM and the role of partnerships. As a former Director of STEM Schools
and Girls Who Game global lead, I used strategies to create, support, and enhance
programs for underserved students through the use of SME's, community, volunteers,
and boards.
Cari Warnock Education Ambassador to XS Schools in the US CDW Education Fruitland Park, FL
STEM Education for Rural Learners
This session examines the extent to which rural students are an underserved population
in STEM education from K-12 to postsecondary education and in the workforce. Data
is explored from K-12 AP and IB course availability, standardized test scores, as
well as college enrollment and completion data and labor market statistics.
Rachel Rush-Marlowe, Executive Director ResearchEd NE
MORE ABOUT THE RURAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE
The Center for Rural Education was founded to encourage post-secondary goals for rural
Tennessee students, support pre-service teaching candidates from rural areas, enhance
the professional opportunities for rural teachers, and contribute to the profession
with rural research. The annual conference assists the Center for Rural Education
in achieving these goals. This conference intends to foster collaboration and innovation
for rural schools nationwide, as we bring together a diverse group of practitioners,
researchers, policy makers, and educational leaders. Registrants will have the opportunity
to interact with innovative educators and leaders working in rural schools and communities.
The conference is designed to provide valuable information, research and strategies
for aspiring and current teachers, school administrators, district leaders, university
professors, rural education researchers, and community partners.
Dr. Cheryl Lambert, Center for Rural Education Coordinator