Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Krista Leh, CEO of Resonance Ed and nationally recognized SEL consultant, to explore how social and emotional learning (SEL) can be woven into the daily life of schools—especially in rural communities. Krista shares her journey from high school social studies teacher to SEL leader, her philosophy that SEL is “not a program, it’s who we are,” and practical ways educators can integrate SEL without adding to their workload. From conducting SEL audits to fostering community-driven practices, Krista provides actionable strategies to help educators and leaders support both student and staff wellbeing.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Rural Scoop
01:52 Meet Crystal Lay: From Teacher to CEO
04:24 The Importance of SEL in Education
06:02 Integrating SEL in Schools
10:34 SEL Audits and Coaching in Rural Schools
20:06 Challenges and Strategies for SEL Implementation
22:35 Supporting Educators' Wellbeing
25:07 Fostering Collaboration and Co-Creation
29:58 Advice for Rural Educational Leaders
34:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-leh/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/resonance_ed/
Closing Summary:
This conversation with Krista Leh underscores that SEL is not an “extra” on a teacher’s plate—it’s the plate itself. By integrating social and emotional skills into every aspect of school life, educators can create stronger connections, improve student engagement, and sustain staff wellbeing. Krista’s message is clear: SEL works best when it’s authentic, embedded in daily routines, and reflective of the community’s unique identity. In rural settings, where relationships and community bonds run deep, SEL becomes a powerful tool for building the resilience and agency our students need to thrive.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Dr. Greg Wyman, superintendent of the J.O. Combs Unified School District and author of the Substack Celebrating Traditional K–12 Public Education. With over four decades of service, Greg shares his leadership journey across Arizona’s rural and suburban schools, the principles that have shaped his career, and his vision for the future of rural education. From building trust in communities to advocating for policy changes, Greg offers practical wisdom for current and aspiring education leaders, while challenging the false narratives that often surround public schools.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:21 Greg Wyman's Career Journey
03:34 Foundations of Leadership
06:31 Building Trust in Rural Communities
09:57 The Hashtag Forward Initiative
13:22 Human-Centered Leadership
16:13 The Importance of Storytelling in Education
20:56 Challenges and Policy Debates in Education
24:42 Staying Informed and Involved
27:48 The Importance of Community and Positivity
28:17 Balancing Accountability and Flexibility in Education
29:21 The Role of Hard Work and Lifelong Learning
32:35 The Value of Relationships in Advocacy
35:27 Building Knowledge and Solutions for Effective Leadership
39:06 Celebrating Wins and Maintaining Positivity
41:43 Mentorship and Succession Planning in Education
43:39 Advice for Aspiring Rural Leaders
46:48 Future of Rural Education: Challenges and Opportunities
50:35 The Rural Advantage: Building Strong Relationships
53:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources:
Substack: wymang.substack.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-wyman-ba114b34/
BlueSky: @greg-wyman.bsky.social
Closing Summary:
Dr. Greg Wyman’s story is one of resilience, relationship-building, and unwavering advocacy for public education. Through decades of service in districts both large and small, he has modeled the power of trust, community engagement, and keeping people at the center of leadership. His insights on policy, storytelling, and the “rural advantage” offer a roadmap for leaders determined to strengthen their schools despite challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned superintendent or an aspiring rural educator, Greg’s message is clear: build relationships, tell your story, and never stop fighting for your community’s children.

Episode Summary:
In this critical episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf speaks with Jaime Green, a passionate superintendent from Trinity County, California, about the vital importance of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Act. Jaime shares his district’s challenges in the face of expired federal funding, why this legislation is essential for over 4,400 school districts, and how rural communities are mobilizing to push for action.
Through stories of advocacy, community resilience, and calls to lawmakers, this conversation highlights what’s at stake if the SRS Act isn’t renewed—and what rural leaders and listeners can do right now to help.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Rural Scoop
01:00 Meet Jamie Green: Advocate for Rural Education
02:36 The Reality of Trinity Alps Unified School District
05:21 The Secure Rural Schools Act: History and Importance
09:00 Challenges and Advocacy for Funding
15:41 Call to Action: Mobilizing Support
28:56 Conclusion: The Lifeline of Rural Education
Closing Summary:
This episode is a powerful reminder that rural schools—and the children they serve—cannot afford to be forgotten. Jaime Green urges listeners to contact their representatives and demand a vote on the SRS Act. The funding promised in 1908 must be upheld today to keep rural education viable.
Subscribe to The Rural Scoop, share this episode, and help spread the word—because when we advocate