𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this inspiring episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Beth Benedix, a professor emerita, nonprofit founder, and producer of the documentary North Putnam. Together, they explore the intersection of rural schools, community identity, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Beth shares the surprising journey that led her into filmmaking, how her nonprofit The Castle shaped the documentary’s approach, and why North Putnam School District became the heart of this story. She reflects deeply on rural dynamics, culture building, the importance of relationship-driven education, and why rural communities hold powerful advantages in today’s polarized climate.
Whether you're a rural educator, community leader, or advocate, this conversation offers practical insight, hope, and a blueprint for strengthening school–community partnerships.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to The Rural Scoop
01:38 Meet Beth Benedicts: Educator, Author, and Film Producer
01:49 The Inspiration Behind the Documentary
04:59 Choosing North Putnam: A Case Study Approach
07:12 Beth's Rural Community Experience
10:24 Surprises and Insights from Filming
13:31 Interdependence of Schools and Communities
19:14 Culture Building in Rural Schools
22:24 Defying Deficit Narratives in Rural Education
27:23 Practical Impact and Action Steps
32:34 The Castle's Mission and Partnerships
45:09 Hope for the Future of Rural Education
46:46 The Rural Advantage: Relationships and Community
48:37 Conclusion and Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode reminds us that rural schools are not isolated institutions—they are community epicenters. Through Beth’s experiences producing North Putnam, we see how intentional relationships, authentic storytelling, and asset-based thinking can shift narratives about rural education.
Listeners are encouraged to take this episode back to their teams and ask:
“What would it look like for our town to show up for its kids in new ways this year?”
Then choose just one step—and begin.
Rural advantage is not geography.
It’s belonging, shared responsibility, and the everyday decision to see each student clearly.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐡 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞:
Beth’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-benedix-48a4948/
The Castle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecastlearts/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecastlearts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.castle.community/
Website: https://www.castlearts.org/
The Stories from North Putnam
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551043263950
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_stories_from_north_putnam/