𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Shelly Munoz, STEM Curriculum Coordinator for Brainerd Public Schools, to explore what real, meaningful STEM looks like in a rural community. Shelly shares how her district builds coherent STEM pathways from elementary through high school, creates community-embedded learning, engages families, designs programs around equity, and fosters true systems thinking without relying on huge budgets or flashy gadgets.
From fish anatomy projects on tribal lands, to 3D-printed lures tested with local fishing guides, to welding, aviation, robotics, forestry, digital literacy, and place-based STEM collaborations—Shelly reveals how rural schools can activate the resources they already have to create rigorous, joyful, hands-on learning that connects directly to real careers and community needs.
She also breaks down:
- How to start a STEM program next month with minimal resources
- What mistakes and “flops” look like and how to turn them into growth
- How to bring families into STEM
- Why early exposure matters (especially before Grade 5)
- The power of teacher collaboration as the number-one systems lever
- How rural strengths—creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and heart—create a unique advantage
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome to The Rural Scoop
00:53 Introducing Shelly Munoz, STEM Curriculum Coordinator
02:26 Defining STEM and Addressing Equity in Rural Communities
04:39 Building Coherent STEM Systems and Early Wins
07:04 The Fishing & 3D-Printed Lure Project: Place-Based STEM in Action
08:57 Shelly’s Journey from Classroom Teacher to STEM Leader
12:04 Innovating in Rural Settings and Embracing Lifelong Learning
13:47 Overcoming Resistance and Supporting Teacher Confidence
15:55 Bringing Rigor to Hands-On STEM Learning
18:14 Partnering with Community Organizations and Local Experts
21:00 Recognizing Teachers as the Backbone of STEM Programs
22:48 Navigating Flops, Failures, and Design Iteration
23:57 Starting a STEM Program with Minimal Resources
26:22 Engaging Families Through STEM Nights and Take-Home Kits
30:14 Equity by Design: Ensuring Families Can Participate
31:58 Mapping STEM Pathways from K–12 to Careers
34:44 Building Industry Partnerships for Student Opportunities
38:12 The Importance of Early STEM Exposure Before Grade 5
40:09 Choosing the Most Important System Lever: Teacher Collaboration
41:45 Identifying Who’s Missing in the Room
44:22 If Given $5,000: High-Impact, Place-Based STEM Projects
46:57 Celebrating Teachers and Starting STEM Programs Small
48:36 Shelly’s Definition of the Rural Advantage
50:14 Closing Reflections and How to Connect with Shelly
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode highlights how rural communities already have the raw materials—literally and figuratively—to build powerful STEM programs that connect learning to local industries, natural resources, traditions, and opportunities. Shelly Munoz shows that with intentionality, collaboration, and community partnerships, schools can create rigorous, joyful, and equitable STEM experiences without needing enormous budgets.
The conversation encourages listeners to examine:
- Who is (and isn’t) included in STEM
- How place-based prompts could unlock deeper learning
- How to map curiosity to credentials to real local jobs
- How to build pathways that help students return home and reinvest in their communities
Rural advantage isn’t theoretical—it’s hands-on, community-centered, and deeply human. This episode inspires leaders and educators to start exactly where they are and create STEM that grows from the ground their students stand on.