The National Forum to Advance Rural Education is one of the country’s leading rural education conferences. The event is designed to create an environment for collaboration and innovation with a diverse community that includes national experts, K–12 and higher education practitioners, leading researchers, policymakers, and philanthropic leaders from around the country.
Walk away with the latest insights, best practices, research, and more to help you lead and support your districts, schools, or organizations. With general sessions from national thought leaders, engaging learning sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and access to our exhibitors and partners, attendees will leave inspired and energized with new ideas, strategies, and connections. Join us in person in Savannah, GA on October 31-November 1, 2024 and consider attending the pre-conference on October 30.
Who Should Attend?
- Rural district, building, and teacher leaders
- Business, civic, and community leaders
- State department of education leaders
- Local, state, and national boards of education leaders
- Established collaboratives/networks of education, business, and community organizations
- Economic development leaders and venture capitalists
- Rural and non-rural education associations
- Philanthropic organizations
- Leaders from institutes of higher education
- Others interested in strengthening rural education, economic/ workforce development, and civic/community engagement effort
Pre-Conference: Wednesday, October 30
12-1pm Registration & Welcome Refreshments
1–2:15 p.m. General Session
2:30-4:30 p.m. Select a Track
Track 1: Research & Data
Track 2: Advocacy
4:30-6 p.m. Early Registration & Welcome Party
Thursday, October 31
7:30–8:30 a.m. Registration & Breakfast
8:30–10 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks – Keynote: Dr. Adolph Brown
10:15–12:30 p.m. Learning Sessions
12:30-1 p.m. Lunch
1–2:30 p.m. General Session: From Polarization to Progress
2:45–5 p.m. Learning Sessions
5–6:30 p.m. Attendee Reception & NREA Silent Auction
Friday, November 1
7:30–8:30 a.m. Registration & Breakfast
8:30–10 a.m. Opening Remarks & General Session: Student & Educator Panel
10:15–12:30 p.m. Learning Sessions
12:30-1 p.m. Lunch
1–2 p.m. Closing Keynote: Brandon Fleming
Note: All times are Eastern Standard Time (EST). Times are subject to change.
The 2024 National Forum to Advance Rural Education is hosted by the National Rural Education Association and Rural Schools Collaborative, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education.