Author name: NREA Team

Each year, the National Rural Teacher of the Year program honors the very best in rural education across the country,

In accordance with the NREA by-laws, Article III, Section 9, the election of Executive Board members shall follow the Election 3 cycle to include: Recognized Research Center Representative (Currently Held by Amy Price Azano), State Affiliate Representative B (Open), and State Agency Representative (Open). This Cycle 3 group will be elected to a three-year term to begin January 1, 2026. Also, a President-Elect Designate shall be elected. The President Elect-Designate begins the 5-year Presidents cycle.

Dear NREA Members, It is a true privilege to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association. My career in education spans more than three decades, rooted entirely in service to rural communities—as a classroom teacher, site principal, and rural superintendent in Arizona. I’ve had the honor of leading at multiple levels, including as the Executive Director of the Arizona Rural Schools Association, where I worked to elevate rural voices, grow statewide networks, and build partnerships that supported local leadership and student success.

Through the NREA Foundation, the Chance family funds the Chance Memorial Dissertation Award in recognition of doctoral research that significantly