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The AZ Rural Leader Offi cial Publication of the Arizona Rural Schools Association SOG OG in this issue... FALL 2021 Page 1 • From the Executive Director Page 3 • Rural Imperative Initiative by Dr. Melissa Sadorf, ARSA President Page 7 • 2021 Teacher of the Year by Ty White, Wilcox Unified School District Page 10 • Hello Rural Educators by Barb Goodwin, PhD, Executive Director, ASPAA Page 11• ARSA Executive Board Members Page 14 • Society for Science and ARSA by Anna Pawlow (Rhymes), Director of STEM Literacy & Curriculum, Society for Science Page 20 • Making Teacher Preparation More Aff ordable, Accessible, and Flexible by Kevin Laack, Director of Student Recreuitment, Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Message from the Executive Director Dear Rural Leaders, I hope you are all well and things are running smoothly in your districts and communities. Throughout this school year, I kept thinking things would settle down and we could all get back to doing what we do best: solve problems and provide support to our students and communities. Unfortunately, things haven’t quite settled down. COVID and the political arena continue to cause areas for concern in our rural communities. However, I am proud of the rural leadership that has occurred throughout this time. Despite the obstacles, you are continuing to solve problems so you can support your rural students and communities. I appreciate all the work of our rural leaders. On another note, I want to thank everyone who joined us at our annual conference in Flagstaff. After a long two years, it was a pleasure to see everyone again. Our 2021 Teacher of The Year winner was Mr. Ty White, Wilcox USD. He will represent Arizona as a candidate for the National Rural Teacher of the Year next October in Green Bay, Wisconsin. At the conference we also inducted Jacquline Price, former La Paz County School Superintendent, into Our Hall of Fame. Sherri Dorathy, Miami USD superintendent, became the inaugural GCU Women in Rural Leadership Award winner. Dr. Rebecca Stone was presented with the well-earned ASU Champions of Innovation Award. Lastly, the Rosy Rubio Scholarship winner was Carmen Chaidez, Superior USD. We had a superb turnout, and we hope you can join us next September 15-17 at Little America and Flagstaff Ranch for the 27th annual conference and golf tournament. Calls for presentations for the next conference will open in February. We will also have all our membership, nominations, and conference registration forms revised and posted on the ARSA website at www.azruralschools.org. The legislative session has the capacity to be tumultuous. If Sean Rickert, Melissa Sadorf, or I can provide any clarification on legislation or policy, please let us know. In addition, if you need any assistance with creating a Request to Speak account, I’ll be happy to help. Enjoy the holidays and the new year. Wes Brownfi eld “Stronger Together!”

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Rural Imperative Initiative By Dr. Melissa Sadorf, ARSA President One of the foundations of the Arizona Rural Schools Association is the recognition of the critical role that teachers play in our rural schools across the state. Through our programs like the Teacher of the Year recognition and the Rosie B. Rubio scholarship that assists in the development of rural teachers, ARSA actively seeks to highlight the work our rural teachers do every day that make a positive impact on the lives of their students. One such effort has recently launched, and ARSA is proud to highlight their work. ARSA has partnered with the Rural Schools Collaborative, the National Rural Education Association and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to launch the Rural Imperative Initiative. This effort is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It is a multifaceted program that aims to build a compelling national narrative that is both evidential and aspirational, and connects the “story” of rural education to state, regional, and national policymakers and influencers. In order to amplify the influence of rural teachers, the Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC) identified five regions throughout the UI.S. to convene Rural Teacher Caucuses. These groups’ efforts will culminate in a “Policy Playbook” of local recommendations based on the specific challenges and opportunities in their area. Each partner organization received $10,000 in funding to support the work of teacher-leaders in the development of the Policy Playbook. The regional partners cover a wide range of rurality: Borderlands region: Arizona Rural Schools Association Appalachia region: The University of Tennessee – Chattanooga Black Belt region: The University of West Alabama Northern California region: North State Together & CSU Chico Rust Belt region: Missouri State University Page 3 “Advocating for rural education has been a long-standing priority for each of these five organizations, said Taylor McCabe-Juhnke, the RSC Executive Director. She further stated, “We are honored to work with such high caliber partners to create a meaningful platform for teacher advocacy.” We agree with Director McCabe-Juhnke! As the ARSA Lead for this project, Dr. Sadorf is thrilled to announce the teacher leaders that will be working on the Policy Playbook partnership. These outstanding rural educators have been recognized as leaders in their school communities as ARSA County Teachers of the Year or NAU Teacher of the Year. It is her honor and privilege to work with them in the creation of policy recommendations specific to the Borderlands region for inclusion in the Policy Playbook. Tracy Banker-Murtadza: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade teacher in the San Fernando School District Travis Brady: Character Coach in the Casa Grande Union High School District Gemma Gomez: 1st Grade teacher in the Salome Consolidated Elementary School District Rae Massey: Kindergarten teacher in the Topock School District Kaitlin McGill: 8th Grade Science and AG Science in the Crane Elementary School District Christina Musselman: 1st Grade teacher in the Lake Havasu Unified School District Cherri Redd: Science teacher in the Yavapai Accommodation School District Ty White: First and Second Year Chemistry in the Wilcox Unified School District (Mr. White was also awarded the ARSA Teacher of the Year for 2021.) (continued on page 5) “Stronger Together!”

REACH NEW HEIGHTS Join Grand Canyon University’s Participants in Learning, Leading and Serving (PLLS) alliance to receive exclusive educational benefits. PLLS Members Receive: • 10% tuition scholarships for faculty and staff¹ • 5% tuition scholarships for spouses of faculty and staff² • 5% tuition scholarships for parents of students³ We’re Enrolling! | Visit gcu.edu/ARSA to begin! Partner with our K12 Educational Development Department We collaborate with colleges and departments across the university to provide affordable or even free services that can help your school reach its full potential. View the full menu of services at gcu.edu/K12Services 1 MOU 3059 — Valid for applicants who are faculty, staff or governing board members of a PLLS member district in Arizona or Texas and submit a complete application. 2 MOU 3061 — Valid for applicants who are spouses of staff members of a PLLS member district within the state of Arizona and submit a complete application. 3 MOU 6011 — Valid for applicants who are employed as classified staff or paraprofessionals at a PLLS member district or school in Arizona or Texas and submit a complete application. Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. Important policy information is available in the University Policy Handbook at https://www.gcu.edu/academics/ academic-policies.php. The information printed in this material is accurate as of AUGUST 2021. For the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, tuition, scholarships and more, visit gcu.edu. ©2021 Grand Canyon University 21SEA0079 “Stronger Together!” Page 4

(continued from page 3 - Rural Imperative Initiative) Over the coming school year, the Borderlands Rural Teacher Caucus will explore the opportunities and challenges faces by teachers in rural communities across the region, including Arizona and California. They plan to collect data through surveys to the fi eld and will host multiple Listening Sessions with small groups of rural educators in all positions and levels. The data collected will then be compiled into recommendations and advocacy guidelines that can be used as a resource that can benefi t rural teachers and policymakers everywhere. If you are interested in lending your insights and expertise to the Borderlands Rural Teacher Caucus work, we welcome your voice! Please look for the survey that will be sent out by both the members of the Caucus and through ARSA. We would also encourage more in-depth participation by sitting on a Listening Session. Contact Dr. Melissa Sadorf (msadorf@roadrunners24. net) for more information or to sign up for a virtual Listening Session. We look forward to sharing the work of the Borderlands RTC in the upcoming months. We know that in rural, we are Stronger Together! Through the power of partnerships, collaboration, and elevating rural voices, we are able to achieve so much more than any one person working alone. Health Care Educators for Strong, comprehensive health care that fits your school's budget What if you could offer...  The richest benefit plans for Arizona schools.  A one-stop shop for all your employee health care needs, including: – Medical/prescription. – Wellness Program. – Dental. – Vision. . – SkinIO™ – Life. – EAP. – COBRA.  Innovative member programs, including: – Teladoc® .  The strongest national provider network available in Arizona, which may include access to the Banner|Aetna network. This program provides efficient and effective patient care at a more affordable cost. Together, we’re transforming health care in Arizona! ...with ASBAIT, you can! At ASBAIT, we're helping Arizona educators and their families to live healthier lives. Need more information? Contact: FLAGSTAFF Sean Shepard Meritain Health® Regional Vice President, Sales PHOENIX Sean.shepard@meritain.com 1.303.681.1799 TUCSON ASBAIT Trustees ASBAIT Schools www.meritain.com | © 2021–2022 Meritain Health, Inc. Visit asbait.org | @asbaithealth | asbait Page 5 – Hinge Health. “Stronger Together!”

Ensure Continuous Learning for All Students Accurate assessment to show what students hae learned Digital books and articles to support engaging practice Clear Insights to show the path ford for ey learner For additional information, just click on any of the Renaissance product logos below. Learn how we can help your students continue achieving reading growth this year. Mike Kuenzel | District Account Executive Schedule a time here. (866) 558-8455 mike.kuenzel@renaissance.com ©Copyright 2021 Renaissance Learning, Inc. All rights reserved. (800) 338-4204 www.renaissance.com Keri Nettles, EdD | Account Executive Schedule a time here. (816) 674-0102 keri.nettles@renaissance.com 432549.0221 “Stronger Together!” Page 6

2021 State Teacher of the year Ty White Wilcox Unifi ed School District I believe that every student deserves equitable opportunities to learn. I believe that every student needs to develop scientific literacy, just as we expect their literacy to develop in every other subject. I believe that I can be part of the solution in equalizing access to opportunities for students of different backgrounds. The Tosca Law Firm, PLC (928) 274-9696 www.toscalaw.com Serving Rural School Districts for Over Ten Years | Arizona School Risk Retention Trust Panel Counsel Call to schedule a consultation to determine how the Firm may best serve the legal needs of your school district. Page 7 “Stronger Together!”

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ARSA SuMMER CONFERENCE 2021 Page 9 “Stronger Together!”

Hello Rural Educators By Barb Goodwin, PhD Executive Director, Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association I am honored to introduce myself to you as the new Executive Director of the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association (ASPAA). We have been an established organization since the 1970’s and recently became a nonprofit. Our organization is comprised of individuals who serve in, or are connected with, the Human Resources, benefits, and payroll areas of PK-12 school systems throughout Arizona. Our 300+ members enjoy many benefits of annual membership including a 3-day Fall Conference, a 1-day Spring Conference, and Monthly Lunch and Learns. One of our current areas of focus is to increase our outreach to rural schools and districts throughout Arizona. We know that many of our rural friends have a very small staff or may be the only person handling HR, payroll, and benefits. Our goal is to provide outreach, support, and mentorship so these leaders don’t feel they are working in isolation. During our November Fall Conference, I was able to participate in our regional meetings which were filled with many rural district employees. It was apparent that many of our returning members rely heavily on the connections they have made through ASPAA from colleagues who offer guidance and feedback in the work they do. We had 42 new members join ASPAA is year and many voiced their delight at finding a group that will offer training and support. I was able to get some feedback on some very specific topics from some “Stronger Together!” Page 10 of our returning and new members. Becky Wilson, our Northern Regional Representative, leads the Cottonwood/ Oak Creek HR Department. Becky states that offering our Lunch and Learns via Zoom has been beneficial to our rural members. Due to distance, many of our members are unable to travel to Maricopa county once a month for a two-hour training. Now they attend via the internet and gather the same information without the burden of travel. Lindsay Bitterman, Director of Personnel in Lake Havasu City is one of our new members. Networking has not been easy for Lindsay who is new to her position. She states, “It has been challenging to find a similarly sized district with similar staffing challenges to exchange ideas with and share solutions to our challenges. ASPAA’s conference was a great first step in overcoming that feeling of isolation.” Lindsay appreciates the virtual opportunities to participate in the monthly luncheon. As we continue to expand our rural support she states, “They have been invaluable learning experiences. I think regional meetings, to dive deeper into the issues at the rural level, would add another layer of support in navigating my new role and finding strategic partners to brainstorm and collaborate with.” One avenue of support in place for our members is offered each Spring. The Personnel Academy targets those who are new to the field of HR or to working in a school district. Our Academy, which (continued on page 12)

Your ARSA Executive Board Past-President Kristen Turner Paloma Elementary School District President Melissa Sadorf Stanfi eld Elementary School District President Elect Sean Rickert Pima Unifi ed School District Secretary Kaitlin McGill Crane Elementary School District Treasurer Jaime Festa-Daigle Lake Havasu Unifi ed School District County Superintendent Representative Jacqui Clay Coshise County School Superintendent Higher Education Representative Patty Horn Northern Arizona University Executive Director Wes Brownfi eld ARSA ““STRONGER TOGETHER!”STRONGER TOGETHER! Water, Fire &Vandalism Restoration 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE Mold, Asbestos & Lead Abatement Complete Content Processing & 20,000 ft Storage Facility Licensed In-House Construction Restoration-Remodeling Division SE - Sean Rickert Advocacy Representative Pima Unifi ed School District Central - Stephanie Miller Congress Elementary School District SW - Kaitlin McGill Crane Elementary School District Business Partner Representative Ex-Offi cio Mike Chouteau 1GPA Regional Representatives NE - Robbie Koerperich Holbrook Unifi ed School District NW - Jaime Festa-Daigle Lake Havasu Unifi ed School District ROC #250660 B-1, ROC #153321 B-2, ROC #097838 B Your Restoration is Our Reputation 480.833.4538 www.eastvalleydisaster.com Contract #17-15P-02 Contract #ADEQ18-186321 Page 11 “Stronger Together!”

(continued from page 10 - Hello Rural Educators) starts on January 28, 2022, will take place virtually. The cohort will meet for 6 diff erent sessions and will culminate with a graduation at our Spring Conference on April 7th. Many topics are covered throughout the sessions by state level employees, school lawyers, and leaders in the fi eld of HR, payroll, and benefi ts. Some topics may include: ◊ Arizona Certifi cation 101 ◊ Appropriate Certifi cation and Equitable Distribution of Eff ective Teachers ◊ Professionalism in the Workplace ◊ Board Policies ◊ Marketing 101: Best Practices in Talent Acquisition ◊ The Hiring Process and Onboarding of New Employees ◊ Staffi ng; Elements of Position Control, Forecasting Personnel Needs ◊ Evaluations and Performance Improvement ◊ FMLA, ADA, Fair Labor Standards Act ◊ Conducting Investigations ◊ Substitute Teachers ◊ Teacher Performance Compensation ◊ Understanding Employee Benefi ts ◊ Dealing with the Affordable Care Act ◊ Wellness Programs ◊ Termination of Certifi ed and Classifi ed Personnel ◊ Industrial Compensation ◊ Return to Work Programs “Stronger Together!” Page 12 We understand that working in a school system requires innovation, fl exibility, constant learning, and a deep understanding of policies and procedures while wearing many hats. As dedicated staff members HR Departments work to provide quality knowledgeable service to employees often while learning on the job. As an organization our mission is to support our members as they, in turn, support their employees. We also seek to provide quality training and networking opportunities to assist them in their work. If you, or any employee you know might benefi t from what ASPAA has to off er we encourage you to visit our website at: www. aspaa.org. To fi nd out more information about our Personnel Academy please visit: https://www.aspaa.org/page/ASPAAAcademy Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a safe and happy New Year, Barb Goodwin, PhD Executive Director

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Society for Science and ARSA By Anna Pawlow (Rhymes), Director of STEM Literacy & Curriculum, Society for Science The Society for Science is partnering with the Arizona Rural School Association on a multi-year agreement starting August 2021 to support the vital work of ARSA and to bring additional STEM resources, programming and curricular support to middle and high schools in rural Arizona. Society for Science (Society) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education. Our vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement; to inform, educate, and inspire. We do this work through our award-winning Science News Media Group, unique outreach and equity programs, including Science News in High Schools, and world-class science competitions: the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF), and Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars). Our Affiliated Fair Network—which inspires students around the world to explore STEM research and also serves as a pipeline for ISEF and Broadcom MASTERS—is made up of approximately 400 local and regional fairs, globally. As part of the collaboration with ARSA, the Society for Science recently hired Kal Mannis to serve as the Society’s first Arizona Rural School STEM Fellow. The Rural STEM Fellow’s role is to assess the unique needs, preferences, and barriers to STEM engagement of rural Arizona teachers and students, and provide strategic support in augmenting existing STEM curricula with the Society for Science’s Science Education programming opportunities, primarily the Science News in High Schools program. “Stronger Together!” Page 14 Science News in High Schools is unique among STEM education programs in its ability to provide access to a trusted source of accurate, engaging science journalism. The program currently serves nearly 5,500 schools and 95 district or regional school cohorts lead by a STEM Fellow. Through the rich content of Science News and Educator Guide lesson plans tied to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science News in High Schools makes it possible for teachers to engage their students in the type of inquiry-based learning necessary for postsecondary persistence and success. Moreover, each Educator Guide lesson plan pairs our award-winning science journalism with comprehension, writing, discussion, and analytical exercises, which allow teachers to seamlessly integrate the Common Core State Standards for literacy into their classroom curricula and prepare students for the type of article analysis currently required by standardized tests. With Science News in High Schools, teachers can help students connect class content to the latest discoveries, making topics more current and relevant, and empower more young people to pursue STEM careers. Each school participating in Science News in High Schools receives: • 10 print copies of each Science News issue throughout the school year—providing access to the latest in-depth science reporting. • Year-round access to sciencenews.org and its full archives, allowing students to research science topics reported on since 1921. • Access to a Digital Educator Guide Library full of interdisciplinary lesson plans— (continued on page 17)

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(continued from page 14 - Society for Science and ARSA) each aligned with NGSS and paired to two reading levels of a Science News article, providing more equitable access to high-quality STEM content. • Programmatic newsletters that highlight the current Educator Guide and provide other teaching resources. • Access to a digital Educator Community to share ideas and best practices for integrating the program resources into their classroom and a webinar workshop series to further support and enhance collaboration between participating educators. Science News in High Schools program staff provide additional support to district and regional STEM coordinators to help their districts meet STEM and literacy goals, including professional development sessions for STEM teachers and/or department chairs; individual meetings to talk about district goals and how to help teachers integrate the resources; curated lists of articles and related lesson plan activities that align with district curricula; and program-related slides, recorded webinars, additional magazines or other resources for professional development. While we off er these services to all district coordinators that enroll in the program, we fi nd that STEM coordinators in smaller districts often serve dual roles as coordinators and teachers and rarely have time to take advantage of this extra level of support. To fi ll this service gap, the Rural STEM Fellow will work independently with the Arizona Rural Schools Association (ARSA) and attend and present at key Arizona conferences to build relationships with STEM and literacy teacher leads and district coordinators. The Society’s long-term goal is to collaborate and use Arizona Society for Science STEM Fellow’s results as a model to provide “district-level” support to rural schools nationwide. Page 17 Kal Mannis is well-versed and embedded in the Arizona rural school community and will be able to assess the needs, preferences, and barriers to engagement of rural district-level science coordinators, teachers and literacy specialists in order to strategically support them with the Society for Science’s Science News in High Schools program resources. Kal is the co-author and project director for the Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN, NSF drl#1612555) a project that seeks to support and understand STEM learning in rural communities. Prior to this, he was a middle school and high school science teacher, district technology director, and lead teacher in the White Mountains (over almost two decades). Currently residing in Cochise County, Kal has worked tirelessly to bring STEM opportunities that build capacity and empower learners of all ages in STEM. Anna Pawlow (Rhymes) is the Director of STEM Literacy & Curriculum at the Society for Science. She oversees the Science News in High Schools program and is responsible for managing the Society’s additional STEM work and partnerships in Arizona. With a formal background in science and many years of experience in teaching and curriculum development, Anna manages the development of NGSS-aligned education resources paired to Science News articles to support and encourage teachers to integrate current STEM applications into their regular curricula. You can reach Anna at arhymes@societyforscience.org. “Stronger Together!”

K-12 DINING COMMONS K-12 FOOD COURTS INTERIOR GRAPHICS AND SIGNAGE AmTab partners with school districts throughout the country to create modern, popular, and fun K-12 Dining Commons and K-12 Food Courts. A huge part of our brand is that all of our products are made in the USA. Combining our innovative and dynamic furniture solutions along with our wall décor and interior signage, on average, schools see an increase in participation by 15% - 25% in their nutrition services programs. “STRONGER TOGETHER!” LEADING INNOVATORS OF THE DINING COMMONS Our modernization projects with school districts help increase school revenues by getting more students eating breakfast and lunch, creating more efficient serving lines, reducing waiting times and reducing costs long term. Students love their new dining experience! All of our furniture and interior signage can be customized with logo branding, colors, shapes, sizes, and so forth. We look forward to partnering together! MSWBT12 ACB6 MFBSP245 MGST3652-42 MSWT1212 Various Color Options Deluxe Stool MRZT60 600 Eagle Drive • Bensenville, IL 60106 • (Office) 630 301-7600 • 800 878-2257 • www.amtab.com “Stronger Together!” Page 18

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Making Teacher Preparation More Affordable, Accessible, and Flexible By Kevin Laack, Director of Student Recruitment, Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College As part of its commitment to address the challenges facing Arizona’s education workforce, Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College has redesigned its teacher-preparation programs to make them more affordable and accessible to more people pursuing both undergraduate and graduatelevel teacher certification. Affordability The Arizona Teachers Academy at ASU scholarship students complete an initial teacher certification program and fulfill a commitment to teach in Arizona public schools after graduation. ATA at ASU tuition scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in programs that lead to teacher certification. Priority is given to Arizona residents. For undergraduates, priority is also given to students with junior standing or higher. That includes community college transfers and other transfers. Additionally, a combination of federal funds and Arizona Department of Education funds has allowed us to implement a program we call Preparing Early Childhood Educators for Arizona’s Indian Communities, or PEAIC. The program seeks to prepare 140 certified teachers who commit to teaching on tribal lands or in schools that serve a high proportion of Native American students. The PEAIC program provides funding and support “Stronger Together!” for students pursuing bachelor’s (continued on page 22) Page 20 covers tuition and fees when degrees in early childhood education or special education and elementary education. ATA at ASU scholarships are open to both tribal members and non-tribal individuals who work on indigenous lands or in schools that serve a large number of indigenous students. Overall, in addition to PEAIC, ASU’s more accessible teacher-certification programs include two remote formats for graduate-level teacher-certification programs and one remote format available to undergraduate students who live outside Maricopa County. • ASU Sync offers regularly scheduled evening classes via synchronous learning over Zoom. Instructors and students are not in the same physical space but do meet at the same time, offering a live learning experience with peers and faculty. This option is available for both undergraduate and graduate programs. • ASU Online offers classes via asynchronous instruction. Instructors and students are not in the same physical space and do not meet at the same time, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules. This option is available for graduate programs. The expansion of Arizona Teachers Academy tuition scholarships means that both undergraduates and graduate students will have all their tuition and fees covered if they commit to teaching in Arizona schools after certification.

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(continued from page 20 - Making Teacher Preparation More Affordable, Accessible, and Flexible) Undergraduate Programs In order to make ASU’s teacher-preparation programs available to in-state students living outside of Maricopa County, MLFTC will offer three of its undergraduate degree programs via ASU Sync. • Bachelor of Arts in Education, Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education: Allows students to earn dual certification to educate children, birth to age 8 or grade 3, in both general education and special education settings. • Bachelor of Arts in Education, Secondary Education: Allows students to earn certification and develop the knowledge and skills to successfully teach grades 6–12. • Bachelor of Arts in Education, Special Education and Elementary Education: Allows students to earn dual certification to educate children: Mild-Moderate Disabilities Special Education in grades K–12 and Elementary Education for grades K–8. Students develop the knowledge and skills to Arizona schools find that the barriers to becoming certified teachers are lowered or even eliminated. We are eager to work with schools to set up pathways for paraeducators so that: 1. Arizona Teachers Academy scholarships cover tuition and fees; 2. Paraeducators can continue working at schools during the school day; and 3. When appropriate and possible, paraeducators receive some level of internship credit for the jobs they are already performing. Graduate Programs MLFTC now also offers an online graduate certificate leading to teacher certification via ASU Online, an option that requires fewer credits and takes less time to complete than the options that also include a master’s degree: successfully teach elementary school kids, as well as children requiring special education in any grade. Most students who have an associate degree can transfer in those credits and complete either program in just two years, including internships, residencies and other requirements for earning a teaching certificate. Students will complete their residencies in person at schools near where they live. A path to “Grow Your Own” We know that, in order to address the shortage of qualified teachers, rural districts have long sought the ideal “grow your own” model in which they can develop people from their communities into successful teachers. In that spirit, one of our hopes for ASU Sync is that paraeducators currently working in “Stronger Together!” Page 22 • Graduate certificate (teacher certification): Designed for students who are already teaching elementary education or secondary education on an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate (or equivalent in other states). For those who wish to pursue a master’s degree with teacher certification, ASU will deliver several master’s programs remotely, through both ASU Sync and ASU Online. • MEd Elementary Education (teacher certification): Designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in any field and want to become licensed to teach grades K–8. • MEd Secondary Education (teacher certification): Designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in any field and want to become licensed to teach grades 6–12. • MEd Special Education (teacher certification): Designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree in any field

“To Assist, Train and Educate” Need a Hand? Finance, Purchasing, GFA Mohave Cooperative Contract 17M-PGPC-1215 Orders@pgpc.org 480.699.4458 www.pgpc.org and want to become licensed to teach special education or want to pursue dualcertification in special education and elementary education. A Commitment to Access and Quality Two things drove us to put a premium on affordability and accessibility. Commitment and capability. We have an obligation to do everything we can to strengthen Arizona’s education workforce. And, because of our excellence in remote instruction and our network of great school partners throughout the state, we are in a position to do this and do it well. These changes are designed to lower the barriers to entering the teaching profession while maintaining the quality of our programs, which is recognized nationally. We want to do everything we can to prepare students to succeed and persist in the teaching profession so they contribute to the strength communities in which they live. All remote-format teacher-certification programs also include on-site, in-person residencies conducted in schools. We want to preserve the best qualities of our rigorous on-site professional experiences while making it easier for more people to experience the curricula designed by our faculty. Basically, our program design lets students do the things remotely that can be done well remotely and requires students to do in person what can only be done well in person. To learn more: Phone: 480-965-9995 email: ASUeducation@asu.edu Web: education.asu.edu of the Page 23 “Stronger Together!”

Innovative Leaders for Educational Environments Inquisitive Minds Inspired By Creative Design We love our assignment to create environments that stimulate and empower learning, while focusing on design elements that support safety in our rural schools and communities. Sean Sugden, AIA, NCARB Education Design Expert CPTED Certified “Stronger Together!” Page 24 eapc.net

Data driven insights to help all kids learn Do more with the MAP® Suite. With superior coverage across core subjects and industry-leading accessibility features, it gives students more opportunities to demonstrate what they know and can do—in English and Spanish. The MAP Suite is the integrated solution to support pre-K–12 students throughout their academic journey, whether they’re working on, above, or below grade level. Get results you can see at NWEA.org © 2020 NWEA. NWEA and MAP are registered trademarks, and MAP Growth, MAP Skills, and MAP Reading Fluency are trademarks, of NWEA in the US and in other countries. KAP5218 Page 25 “Stronger Together!”

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Arizona Rural Schools Association 2041 W. Orange Drive Phoenix, AZ 85105 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX,AZ PERMIT NO.750 “STRONGER TOGETHER!” Upcoming Events: AASA National Conference February 17-19, Nashville, TN ASA Summer Conference June 12-14 AASBO Summer Conference July 20-23 ARSA Annual Conference September 15-17 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ “Stronger Together!”

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