Arizona

Our Arizona Hub is led by the Arizona Rural Schools Association and the Northern Arizona University Rural Resource Center.

Arizona Rural Schools Association

The Arizona Rural Schools Association serves to advocate for and support districts across the state's rural and Indigenous communities, and as Arizona Regional Hub works in partnership with the Northern Arizona University Rural Resource Center. Melissa Sadorf, President of ARSA and a rural superintendent, serves as the Arizona Hub's primary contact.

The Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA) is focused on helping rural schools identify and meet their educational goals, improve communication between rural schools and policymakers, and coordinate the sharing of resources. Their partnership with RSC builds upon the existing good work in Arizona, including the Regional Policy Playbook project. ARSA also serves as the Arizona National Rural Education Association State-Affiliate.

  • A one-stop resource shop for rural school district leaders that features resources to assist leaders in their daily work

  • The Rural Education Leaders Community, a joint collaboration between ARSA, Grand Canyon University’s Canyon PD, and the California Small School Districts Association.

  • The Final Mile, a collaboration with ARSA, which aims to deliver dependable internet to every Arizona student

  • The Rural Scoop Podcast, hosted in collaboration with ARSA and by Melissa Sadorf

Spotlight

ARSA Executive Director Melissa Sadorf engages participants to uncover their personal advocacy styles

Teachers Are Advocates

Recently, the Arizona Rural Schools Association led a workshop empowering teachers to find their voice as advocates.

Arizona’s rural educators are stepping up to make their voices heard! The Arizona Rural Schools Association’s annual Winter Advocacy Workshop is a one-of-a-kind event designed to empower teachers and school leaders with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to engage in meaningful policy advocacy. This year’s workshop, hosted by the Helios Foundation in Phoenix, brought together a passionate group of educators—some seasoned advocates, others just beginning their journey—who are committed to making a difference for their students and communities. Through insightful discussions, hands-on training, and a strong network of support, participants left feeling more prepared than ever to champion the needs of rural schools. Read the full story to see how these educators are turning advocacy into action!

Read More

More news and stories from our Southwest Regional Hub:

Arizona School Leaders Share in Excitement for GRAD Partnership

Kristin Turner and Jaime Festa-Daigle, who lead RSC’s GRAD Partnership work in Arizona, share quotes from student success team leaders

New Faces, Familiar Places: Celebrating RSC Hub Retirements And New Leads

This summer, Rural Schools Collaborative bids farewell to several Regional Hub leaders and welcomes in new leadership at key partner institutions

GRAD Partnership Rural Spotlight: Globe High School, AZ

At Globe High School in Arizona, a new GRAD Partnership school, history is still alive and being created every day.
ARSA Executive Director Melissa Sadorf engages participants to uncover their personal advocacy styles

Teachers Are Advocates: Arizona Rural Schools Association Leads Winter Advocacy Workshop

Recently, the Arizona Rural Schools Association led a workshop empowering teachers to find their voice as advocates.