2026 National Rural Teacher of the Year Award
It’s that time of year again – the 2026 Nomination Form for the National Rural Teacher of the Year is open now! Submit your nomination by June 30.
NREA News
NREA Partners with Go Green Initiative to Bring Healthy Learning Environments to Rural Schools
The National Rural Education Association (NREA) is proud to announce a new Strategic Partnership with The Go Green Initiative (GGI). This partnership will assist rural schools across the country in fostering safer, healthier learning environments for their students.
NREA Partners with Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation and Fight Child Abuse to Bring Student Safety Educational Materials to Rural Schools Nationwide
This partnership underscores NREA’s commitment to student health, safety, and success across the country.
NREA Announces Four New Executive Board Members for 2025
The National Rural Education Association is pleased to announce four new members of the NREA Executive Board, who will begin their term on January 1, 2026.
FFA Students from 11 States Advocate for Secure Rural Schools Act in Washington D.C.
A delegation of Future Farmers of America (FFA) students from across the nation recently converged on Capitol Hill, advocating for
NREA Joins Coalition of Hundreds Condemning Cuts to Supports for Students with Disabilities
TUCSON, AZ – The National Rural Education Association (NREA) proudly advocates for all students in rural and small schools, regardless
National Rural Education Association Releases 2025 Why Rural Matters Report
TUCSON, AZ –The National Rural Education Association (NREA) is proud to launch the 2025 Why Rural Matters report, a project
Introducing the 2025 National Rural Teacher of the Year
Each year, the National Rural Teacher of the Year program honors the very best in rural education across the country,
NREA Board Nominations Open Until October 9
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.
A Message from Dr. Melissa Sadorf, NREA Executive Director
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.