National Rural Education Association

Join Us for the 2025 National Forum to Advance Rural Education

The National Forum to Advance Rural Education isn’t just a conference—it’s a dynamic, high-energy experience where passion fuels innovation and ideas spark real change.

CoSN August 2025 Updates

Check out the monthly resources from our partners at CoSN.

A Message from Dr. Melissa Sadorf, NREA Executive Director

Dear NREA Members, It is a true privilege to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association. My career in education spans more than three decades, rooted en ...

CoSN July 2025 Updates

Check out the monthly resources from our partners at CoSN.

NREA Welcomes 2025 Dissertation Submissions for the Chance Memorial Dissertation Award


Through the NREA Foundation, the Chance family funds the Chance Memorial Dissertation Award in recognition of doctoral research that significantly contributes to rural education and addresses issues ...

Welcome to the National Rural Education Association.

The voice of all rural schools and communities across the United States.

In an increasingly confusing system, the National Rural Education Association helps rural educators navigate through the noise by finding and helping them use the resources needed to educate today’s students. Whether that’s a rundown on current legislation and how it affects rural communities or guidance on how to meet specific educational needs within your community, our national organization can help. We also help in the publication of your research because we believe in the value of shared knowledge. We are your advocates—your voice—in education.

NREA's Impact by the Numbers

9.7 million

students enrolled in rural schools

1000+

members in 50 states and 5 countries

42

NREA State Affiliates

240

university/college members

Get Involved Today!

Join as an individual or with your organization.

The NREA provides frequent opportunities for rural educators to communicate with each other through its journals and newsletters, regional and national meetings, and conventions. Through our national and international network, our members share common concerns, issues, and current practices in rural education—a valuable and worthwhile benefit linking you to numerous state, regional, and national entities working on a day-to-day basis for the interests of rural and small schools.

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