In this episode of the Learning Can't Wait podcast, host Hayley Spira-Bauer continues her miniseries on rural education with Dr. Amy Azano, a professor at the School of Education at Virginia Tech and the founding director of Virginia Tech's Center for Rural Education. Dr. Azano shares her journey from a small town in the Shenandoah Valley to becoming a leading scholar in rural education. She discusses how her upbringing shaped her passion for supporting rural educators and students.

Dr. Azano highlights the unique challenges and opportunities in rural education, emphasizing the importance of valuing the cultural and geographical contexts of rural areas. She explains how this understanding should shape educational policies to better serve rural communities.

The conversation also covers the initiatives of the Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech, including specialized courses, research, and outreach programs like a summer enrichment camp for high-achieving rural middle school students. Dr. Azano underscores the importance of equity in rural education, addressing funding disparities and fostering inclusive environments for all rural learners.

Produced by Fullmind

Learn more:

Teaching in Rural Spaces: Thriving in Classrooms, Schools, and Communities

Lua Project