The National Rural Education Association (NREA) is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Thinkering Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping educators transform their own ideas into meaningful, community-driven solutions.
Rather than providing schools with prepacked programs or one-size-fits-all initiatives, Thinkering Collective believes the best ideas already exist within our rural classrooms and communities. It focuses on giving educators the support, connections, and resources needed to bring those ideas to life. Through its flagship Fellowship program, a growing media network, and a partner ecosystem of more than 200 organizations, Thinkering helps educators refine innovative ideas, connect them to mentors and peers, secure opportunities for collaboration, and scale projects that create lasting impact on their rural students and communities.
“Some of the most innovative, resilient, and community-centered learning experiences in the world are happening in rural schools,” said Thinkering Collective Chief Visionary Officer Evin Schwartz. “This partnership is about ensuring educators and students have access to the people, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive, regardless of geography.”
This partnership reflects a shared belief that educators are best positioned to shape the future of learning when they are trusted, connected, and supported. “When we connect passionate educators through strong communities and shared purpose, we create environments where young people can discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and build meaningful futures. We’re incredibly excited to partner with NREA to help amplify the voices, stories, and impact emerging from rural communities across the country,” said Schwartz.
Leading up to the National Forum to Advance Rural Education (NFARE) in San Antonio this October, Thinkering Collective will feature rural leaders, members, and partner organizations through its podcast and Substack, highlighting the creativity in rural communities. During NFARE, the Thinkering media team will capture stories directly from the floor from educators who are building innovative solutions in their schools. Those conversations will culminate in a post-conference publication produced by Thinkering Collective, exploring the future of rural leadership and ensuring that those stories reach audiences well beyond the conference.
For NREA, the collaboration aligns closely with its mission to advocate for rural students, educators, and communities while elevating the innovative working happening across rural America.
“Rural educators are some of the most inventive people I know, and too often their best ideas never get the audience or the runway they deserve,” said NREA Executive Director Dr. Melissa Sadorf. “What drew me to the Thinkering Collective is that they start from the same place we do. They trust educators, they listen first, and they help good ideas become real projects with real community impact. Bringing their team to NFARE means our rural educators will not just attend a conference. They will be heard, their stories will travel, and their work will help shape the national conversation about what is possible in rural education.”
NREA is committed to building strategic partnerships that strengthen opportunities for rural communities and rural children. Through this collaboration with Thinkering Collective, both organizations hope to expand access to meaningful connections, elevate rural success stories, and open more doors for rural educators and NREA members to inspire educator-led innovation. Thank you to Thinkering Collective for joining us in our mission to advocate for every rural learner, educator, and community.
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The National Rural Education Association (NREA) was originally founded as the Department of Rural Education in 1907. It is the oldest established national organization in the United States. As the trusted voice for rural education, the NREA advocates for every rural learner, educator, and community. The NREA envisions strong rural schools and communities where education is the catalyst for resilience, opportunity and success.
