We provide numerous ways for our members to get involved in NREA, as well as several members-only benefits. The more we work together, the more we can benefit rural education throughout our nation.
Liaison with Regional Educational Libraries
We coordinate many of our activities with the Regional Education Laboratories’ rural education program development specialists and coordinators, several of whom are NREA members. Many NREA members serve on regional rural education advisory panels, subcommittees, and task forces.
National Forum to Advance Rural Education (Annual Conference)
We encourage all members to participate in the NREA Annual Conference, which we hold in a different state each year. We invite members to provide workshops, seminars, research reports, and other major presentations. The convention includes:
- the annual Research Symposium;
- prominent national congressional representatives, state governors, chief state school officers, U.S. Department of Education officials; and
- speakers from leading national businesses, corporations, and educational associations.
NREA Advocacy Coalition
The NREAC monitors federal legislation related to rural education. Learn more.
NREA Awards
The NREA provides a few key awards programs each year. Learn more.
NREA Foundation
The Foundation seeks grants, gifts, and bequests to help fund research, scholarships, and incentives in the field of rural education.
NREA Teams
NREA members may serve voluntarily on NREA teams. We select team members from the general membership.
NREA Weekly Update
Join our membership to receive this exclusive twice-weekly newsletter with the latest happening at NREA and in rural education across the nation. Members may also submit to be featured (subject to approval).
Participation on Federal Review Panels
NREA members frequently serve on national and federal education review panels, such as the following:
- National secondary and elementary school recognition programs
- Exemplary Chapter I programs
- Review panels for federally funded programs
- Department of Education-sponsored planning committee workshops, seminars, and national conferences
Peer Contacts
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.
Regional and State Conferences
We keep NREA members informed of national, regional, and state rural education conferences. These include state meetings of the NREA State Affiliate Associations.
Rural Education Research Centers
NREA has established criteria for the identification and endorsement of National Rural Education Research Centers at universities and colleges and within other public and private agencies.