Episode Summary

In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf welcomes Eric Brooks, Director of Educator Recruitment and Retention at the Arizona Department of Education. With over 25 years of experience in education, Eric shares his unique journey from leading a school on a college campus to instructional coaching overseas, and now shaping statewide policy and practice in Arizona. The conversation explores the persistent challenges and innovative solutions in recruiting and retaining educators in rural communities—highlighting the power of community, the importance of support systems, and how rural schools can play to their strengths.

Key Discussion Points

• Eric’s Career Journey: From principal to state leader and his diverse experience, including overseas teaching.

• The Isolation of Educators: Why teaching and leadership can feel lonely, especially in rural settings, and the importance of supportive spaces.

• Creating Community and Belonging: How rural communities excel at helping teachers feel part of something larger than the school.

• Challenges in Recruitment: Housing shortages, limited social life for young teachers, and geographic isolation.

• Retention Strategies: The value of professional learning, collaboration across districts, and creating mentor networks.

• Community of Practice: How the Arizona Department of Education is facilitating statewide learning communities to improve recruitment and retention efforts.

• The Apprenticeship Program: A new ‘earn while you learn’ model designed to better prepare teachers before they enter the classroom as teacher of record.

• Modernizing Support Systems: Updates coming to the Teacher Input Application (TIA) to ease administrative burdens on rural leaders.

• The Rural Advantage: Why being part of a rural school community offers connection, belonging, and professional growth opportunities.

Closing SummaryEric Brooks offers a compelling look at the role rural schools play in shaping strong educator pipelines. His insights remind us that while rural schools face unique hurdles, they are also uniquely positioned to build deep relationships and foster lasting impact. Whether through mentorship, shared learning, or simply inviting new educators into the fabric of the community, rural leaders have powerful tools at their disposal. Don’t miss this episode if you're looking to reimagine what’s possible for educator recruitment and retention in your rural school.