The Redefining Rural Podcast

In today's episode, Michelle Murphy, Kirk Banghart, and Denille LePlatt are joined by Ken Haptonstall (Executive Director, Colorado River BOCES) to discuss the integration of career and technical education (CTE) in rural communities. Haptonstall's extensive experience and expertise with rural school districts in Colorado brings an eye-opening perspective to this conversation. Haptonstall emphasizes the importance of workforce development and industry certifications for students, infusing career connected learning into schools, and the challenges and solutions these initiatives face in a state predominantly focused on college readiness. Tune in to learn more about the real-world experience Haptonstall hopes to bring to rural schools in Colorado.

We are back for our fifth season of Redefining Rural! In the opening episode Kirk, Michelle, and Denille talk with David Blackburn, the Superintendent of Salida Schools District, about the power of Career Connected Learning and the critical impact that the state grants have made to this work! We will also discuss how the end of these grants will hurt students across the state and possible solutions to keep the work going.  

Have you ever thought, “I want to become a teacher but I don't want to leave my rural community”? In this episode, Valerie Sherman and Cindy Gutierrez from CU Denver talk about the exciting T-PREP program - a pathway for individuals and local talent who live and work in rural Colorado to earn a Bachelor's degree and teacher licensure without needing to uproot or commute! Learn about how T-PREP leverages relationships with local community colleges, provides flexibility for families and working folks, and utilizes the role you may already perform in schools to meet licensure requirements. https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural

New Episode Alert! Tamara Durbin from NE BOCES shares creative teacher recruitment strategies with us! Through a partnership with Robert Fulton at UNC, 19 junior and senior students received an immersive experience in rural education this month. Get excited about the future of rural recruitment and retention by listening to the full episode here: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural

Listen to this month's Redefining Rural Podcast where Kirk talks to Erica Ryan, Post-Secondary Workforce Specialist at CDE. In this episode they discuss the new Teacher Recruitment, Education, and Preparation program (TREP) that offers the opportunity for high school students to have two years of higher education paid for by the state. Check out this podcast to learn more about TREP!

Listen to the latest episode of Redefining Rural with Denille, Michelle, and Kirk as they speak to Dr. Katie Anderson-Pence, the Associate Dean at the University of CO, Colorado Springs, and Dave Slothower, the Superintendent of Calhan School District. The guest speakers talk about a robust Registered Apprenticeship Program that focus' on supporting paraprofessionals becoming licensed teachers and the positive effects this will have on teacher retention moving forward.

This season we're focusing on exciting teacher recruitment and retention projects around the state of Colorado. In this episode you will hear from Paul Major about a new project that provides housing for educators. Todd Bittner, the superintendent of the Norwood School District in South West CO, describes the housing availability in his community and the innovative solutions to provide support for single teachers looking to move to and teach in the area. Listen to this episode to learn more about this unique project!

Redefining Rural is back for season four! Join Michelle Murphy of the Colorado Rural Alliance, Denille LePlatt of the South Central BOCES, and Kirk Banghart, Chief Facilitator of the Colorado Rural Education Collaborative, to learn about teacher recruitment and retention programs that are making a difference throughout the state of Colorado in rural communities.  To learn more, listen to the entire episode here: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural

Learn about the final two of the five students who have received the Redefining Rural Scholarship through the amazing work they've put into their schools and local communities. Ashlynn and Tuff share in individual videos what steps they've taken to improve their communities and what their goals are moving forward. https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural  

In Part one of our two part episode we will introduce you to three of the five students from rural communities around Colorado that have truly shown what it means to “redefine rural” and have received the Redefining Rural Scholarship. Nick, Elizabeth, and Mohammad are all recent graduates who have taken initiative to improve their communities and are going to continue their efforts as they move forward in their next adventure. We are in awe of these student leaders and are proud to support their continued education and work. https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural

Listen to this month's episode of Redefining Rural Podcast focused on innovation and college and career readiness. Hear from Jess Morrison, Allanah Roman, and Krista Kay and their experience being part of the Southwestern Colorado Education Collaborative and what their vision for this collaborative moving forward! 

This month's Redefining Rural Podcast goes over the amazing work that's being done within the I-76 Corridor. You will hear from Elliot Zettas and Kirk Banghart with @genschools about the projects they have been working on to increase College and Career programming. Becky Langlois and Rena Frasco will also share their experience being a part of I-76 Collaborative and how it has impacted their districts directly. To learn more, listen to the entire episode here: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural

Hear from the Superintendents from the East and West Grand School Districts: Frank Reeves & Liz Bauer. In this episode Frank and Liz discuss the Homegrown Talent Initiative, the work they've done separately and as a team within Grand County, and how they are creating community in and outside of their schools.  To learn more, listen to the entire episode here: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural

“Jennifer Nesselhuf & Lauren Votruba: Pathway to Prosperity at Santa Fe Trails BOCES” is out now!! Lauren, Assistant Director, and Jennifer, Special Project Coordinator, both share their roles and the changes that are being made at Santa Fe Trails BOCES in order to support students and their goals for the future. Students explore a variety of career opportunities and experience real life problem solving through these new programs.  To learn more, listen to the entire episode here: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural

“College and Career Readiness Programing at Santa Fe Trails BOCES” Watch and listen to Lauren Votruba and Jennifer Nesselhuf of the Santa Fe Trails BOCES talk about their amazing Pathways to Prosperity program with Redefining Rural's Kirk Banghart. To listen to the entire episode, be sure to click the link in the bio and follow Redefining Rural on all our platforms: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural 

We are back for another great season of Redefining Rural ! Join Michelle, Denille and Kirk to hear about the up coming season.

“Honoring Dr. Rocco Fuschetto: Ignacio School District” is out now!! Before he retires, we were able to interview Superintendent Dr. Rocco Fuschetto of Ignacio School District. In this episode, we reflect on Dr. Rocco's incredible life story and experiences in education. An Italian immigrant who came to America with nothing, Dr. Rocco currently has been in education for 49 years and is the recipient of the Demont Award from the Colorado Association of School Boards. To learn more, listen to the entire episode here: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural

 We got to interview rural innovator Michael Lamond from Salida Middle School about the three-part project he did with his students inspired by the book “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park. Lamond had his students read the book, do a “Water Walk” carrying 5 gallons of water up Tenderfoot Mountain, and raise money for wells in Sudan, to which they raised over $7 thousand! Lamond did this project in order to give his students the perspective of those who don't have accessible water nearby in their country. To learn more, listen to the entire episode here: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural #salidamiddleschool #salida #salidacolorado #ruralcolorado #ruralinnovators #innovators #ruraleducation #educationprojects #coloradoeducation #redefiningrural

“A Spotlight on Rural Innovators: Brittany Lang” is out now on all platforms! We had the pleasure of interviewing Brittany Lang, a local 8th Grade Science Teacher in Cortez, Colorado about her innovative Water Podcast project she is doing with her students! In the episode, Brittany Lang talks about the power of letting students create their own path through project oriented learning https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural   #cortez #cortezschool #cortezcolorado #coloradoeducation #redefiningrural #ruraleducation #teachers #teachersfollowteachers #innovativeteachers #projectorientedlearning #middleschool #colorado #ruralteachers

“A Spotlight on Rural Innovators: Gregg Cannady” is out now on all platforms! Listen to Michelle Murphy interview Gregg Cannady, an energetic and passionate teacher doing AMAZING things with outreach to rural students and communities while working at the STEM School in Highlands Ranch. To listen to the entire episode, be sure to click this link and follow Redefining Rural on all our platforms: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural #highlandsranch #redefiningrural #coloradoeducation #ruralteachers #ruraleducators #stemschool #ruralcolorado #stemschoolhighlandsranch

Buena Vista School District: The Power of In Person Learning! Watch and listen to Superintendent Lisa Yates of Buena Vista School District talk about the Power of In-Person Learning with Redefining Rural's Kirk Banghart and Denille LePlatt. To listen to the entire episode, be sure to click this link and follow Redefining Rural on all our platforms: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural

In a brand-new episode of Redefining Rural called “Meeker School District: The Power of In Person Learning”, we interview Superintendent Chris Selle about his ongoing efforts to support his staff and students at Meeker School District since the pandemic began last spring. To listen to the entire episode, be sure to click this link and follow Redefining Rural on all our platforms: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural #meekerschooldistrict #redefiningrural #coloradoeducation #inpersonlearning

The day is finally here! Our newest episode, The Power of In Person Learning: Elizabeth School District is here! In our biggest episode yet, we interviewed administration, students and teachers from Elizabeth School District. Despite the struggles of the past year, everyone involved at Elizabeth School District was passionate about the importance of preserving in person learning for a variety of reasons. To listen to the entire episode, be sure to click this link and follow Redefining Rural on all our platforms: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural #redefiningrural #elizabethschooldistrict #coloradoeducation #inpersonlearning

“What I would say to any leader is to be as truthful as possible and available as possible and to stay with it. This too shall pass, and I really think we will learn some great lessons” Superintendent Shila Adolf out of the Valley School District RE-1 with honest and inspiring words about how we as educators can manage challenging times. This too shall pass! To listen to the entire episode, be sure to click this link and follow Redefining Rural on all our platforms: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural #redefiningrural #ruraleducation #valleyschooldistrict #coloradoeducation #superintendents

Leslie Nichols of Gunnison Watershed School District perfectly describes how the past year has spotlighted the power of in person learning. The relationships between students and teachers are truly what keep the learning environment magical and inspiring for everyone involved. To listen to our whole interview with Leslie Nichols, be sure to check out and follow Redefining Rural on all our platforms: https://linktr.ee/redefiningrural

Today is the day! Redefining Rural, the only podcast dedicated to rural education, has returned after a long hiatus. It's been a long school year already, and we've got a lot to talk about! Copy the link to listen on other platforms.  www.linktr.ee/redefiningrural

On the July episode of Redefining Rural, Darrin Peppard, Superintendent of the West Grand School District, and Elsie Goines, Superintendent of the Las Animas School District talk leading through challenging times as we relaunch the 2020-2021 school year. You can find this episode on YouTube or download on your favorite podcast platform! Follow us on Facebook and twitter too. This is one you won't want to miss!

In the June 2020 episode of Redefining Rural, Kirk Banghart of the Colorado Rural Education Collaborative, and Denille Leplatt of Rural Services at the Colorado Department of Education  connect with Dr. Allen Pratt, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association and Dr. Brad Mitchell, Senior Strategist at Battelle for Kids, to discuss the state of rural education across the US. Tune in to learn more about what is happening in rural education in Colorado and beyond!

In the May 2020 episode of Redefining Rural, Kirk, Michelle, and Denille discuss the current state of rural education amid the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrating the resiliency of rural school districts along the way. Did you know Redefining Rural is celebrating one year since its launch? The support from listeners is overwhelming and Redefining Rural is grateful to be able to provide this platform to elevate, celebrate, and change the way we think about rural education in our state. You can find all of our past twelve episodes on your favorite podcast platform.  

On the April episode of Redefining Rural sponsored by CSU-Global, listen to how the Bayfield, Elizabeth, and Greeley-Evans school districts are tackling the challenge of continuous learning. Superintendents Aten, Bissonnette, and Pilch talk through the tremendous work of their staffs, broadband access challenges for families, and the grit among the education community that so rapidly pulled together a whole new system of learning for students, staffs, and families through the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Don't forget to like and follow Redefining Rural on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

Dalton Risner, starting Left Guard for the Denver Broncos and Brian Christensen, Superintendent of the Akron School District join Redefining Rural co-hosts Denille LePlatt and Michelle Murphy to discuss how growing up in tiny Wiggins, Colorado gave Dalton a competitive edge and impacted his life, career, foundation, and message.  Hear how his message translates into the work and vision of the Akron School District and positively impacts students.

Redefining Rural is a Colorado State University - Global Campus sponsored series. This series is focused on bringing awareness to the rural communities of Colorado in the education sector. In today's episode, Kirk Banghart of the Colorado Rural Education Collaborative, and Michelle Murphy of Colorado Rural Alliance,  speak with Lisa Escårcega, Executive Director of the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) and  a candidate for State Board of Education. As Executive Director of CASE, she represents more than 2,400 Colorado education leaders in Colorado, in both rural and metro areas. Join us for a conversation about Lisa's experiences with rural education and what she feels she can bring to the State Board of Education.    Please feel free to reach out:  Michelle Murphy  Kirk Banghart  Denille LePlatt

Michelle Murphy of Colorado Rural Schools Alliance and Denille Leplatt of Rural Services at the Colorado Department of Education sit down today with Colorado Governor Jared Polis. They discuss his general philosophy of "Colorado for All" and specifically the administration's Rural Economic Blueprint. In addition to efforts improving the lives of all Coloradans and supporting rural communities, Governor Polis is focused on efforts supporting early childhood education. Listen in to learn more about Governor Polis' priorities for rural Colorado and rural education.

Redefining Rural is a Colorado State University - Global Campus sponsored series. This series is focused on bringing awareness to the rural communities of Colorado in the education sector. In today's episode, Kirk Banghart of the Colorado Rural Education Collaborative, Michelle Murphy of Colorado Rural Alliance, and Denille Leplatt of Rural Services at the Colorado Department of Education come to us live from the Colorado Association of School BoardsAnnual Conference to talk more about opportunities for kids in rural Colorado. Special guests include the Craig Middle School Engineering Group, including several of the students along with their sponsor, Ms. Cristina Vanzo, and John Whitler of the Vilas School District and Ogallala Commons to discuss youth engagement and workforce development. Please feel free to reach out: Michelle Murphy Kirk Banghart Denille LePlatt

Today's episode comes from the recent conference, the National Forum to Advance Rural Education. Join- Kirk Banghart with the Colorado rural Education Collaborative, Michelle Murphy with the Colorado Rural Alliance and Denille Laplatt with the Colorado Department of Education as they talk to three experts of note from the conference: Shelley Badgett - Director of Instruction in Federal Programs in Marion County, KY - on their district's work on stakeholder engagement, including their concept of a "Dream Bus." Paolo DeMaria - Ohio's Superintendent of Public Instruction - talking about rural innovations. Allen Pratt - Executive Director at the National Rural Education Association - on what's exciting currently in rural education.

School Funding and Proposition CC. Redefining Rural is a Colorado State University - Global Campus sponsored series. This series is focused on bringing awareness to the rural communities of Colorado in the education sector. Today's episode is centered around school funding. Special guests include Lisa Weil, Executive Director of Great Education Colorado and Glenn McClain, Superintendent of Platte Valley School District. Join Michelle Murphy of Colorado Rural Alliance and Denille LePlatt of Rural Services at the Colorado Department of Education as we talk about how Colorado schools are funded, as well as why you should vote yes on Proposition CC.

Today's episode is centered around rural leadership and women in leadership. Special guests include Carrie Yantzer, Director of Professional Learning and Operations at Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE), and Linda Reed, Superintendent at Archuleta School District. Join Michelle Murphy of Colorado Rural Alliance, Kirk Banghart of Colorado Rural Education Collaborative, and Denille LePlatt of Rural Services at the Colorado Department of Education as we talk about the importance of diverse leadership in rural education.

Today's episode is centered around the BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) Grant Program, which is partially funded by the marijuana tax. Special guests include Kathy Gebhardt, BEST Board Chair and George Welsh, Superintendent of the Cañon City School District. Join Michelle Murphy of Colorado Rural Alliance, Kirk Banghart of Colorado Rural Education Collaborative, and Denille LePlatt of Rural Services at the Colorado Department of Education as we talk about building excellent schools today.

Redefining Rural is a Colorado State University - Global Campus sponsored series. This series is focused on bringing awareness to the rural communities of Colorado in the education sector. The heart of this episode is the four day week with special guests Nikki Johnson, Superintendent of Campo School District, and Frank Reeves, Superintendent of East Grand School District. Join Michelle Murphy of Colorado Rural Alliance, Kirk Banghart of Colorado Rural Education Collaborative, and Denille LePlatt of Rural Services at the Colorado Department of Education as we talk about the four day week.

This series is focused on bringing awareness to the rural communities of Colorado in the education sector. The basis of this episode is mental health in the education sector with special guest Elaine Belansky of University of Denver's Morgridge College of Education. Join Michelle Murphy of Colorado Rural Alliance, Kirk Banghart of Colorado Rural Education Collaborative, and Denille LePlatt of Rural Services at the Colorado Department of Education as we talk mental health. Feel free to reach out to any of our guests: Michelle Murphy mmurphy@coruralalliance.org Kirk Banghart kbanghart@generationschools.org Denille LePlatte LePlatt_D@cde.state.co.us

Redefining Rural is a Colorado State University - Global Campus sponsored series. This series is focused on bringing awareness to the rural communities of Colorado in the education sector. This episode focuses on introductions, but more importantly, why you should get involved and help support our rural students and educators. Join Michelle Murphy of Colorado Rural Alliance, Kirk Banghart of Colorado Rural Education Collaborative and Denille LePlatt of Rural Services at the Colorado Department of Education as we introduce Redefining Rural.