𝟏𝟐𝟖 | 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐚

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: In this inspiring episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf welcomes Jayme Braida, principal of Columbus Elementary in Southern Iowa and the 2024 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year. Jayme shares her deeply personal story — from growing up in a small rural community marked by both strong connections and generational trauma, to leading a school that embodies belonging, purpose, and hope. Through authenticity and resilience, Jayme illustrates how intentional leadership, community engagement, and a trauma-informed mindset can transform rural education. From her memoir Seen, Heard, Valued: One Child’s Journey from Overlooked to Outstanding to her advocacy for equity, inclusion, and teacher wellbeing, Jayme reminds us that excellence in rural schools isn’t about resources — it’s about relationships. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬: 00:00 Welcome to The Rural Scoop 00:48 Introducing Principal Jayme Braida 02:20 Growing Up Rural and Finding Purpose 05:12 Overcoming Trauma and Building Resilience 08:27 The Teacher Who Believed in Me 12:34 Journey from Teacher to Rural Principal 15:40 Returning Home to Serve the Community 18:02 Balancing Leadership and Small-Town Life 20:45 Lessons for New Rural Leaders 23:19 The Challenge of Change and Mindset Shifts 26:48 Building Equity and Representation in Schools 30:07 Addressing Poverty, Trauma, and Resource Gaps 33:41 Funding, Policy, and Rural Realities 36:10 Family Engagement and School as Community Hub 39:28 Creating Positive School Culture with Capturing Kids’ Hearts 42:04 Celebrating Teachers and Building Staff Morale 44:25 Sharing the Story of Rural Excellence 45:42 The Rural Advantage and Closing Reflections 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Jayme Braida’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership in rural schools is both personal and purposeful. Her journey from a child overcoming adversity to an award-winning principal underscores the power of connection, intentionality, and community pride. As Dr. Sadorf concludes, “The rural advantage isn’t just a phrase — it’s a promise.” 𝐂𝐨𝐩𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 & 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞: © 2026 Melissa Sadorf / The Rural Scoop. All rights reserved. The content of The Rural Scoop, including podcast episodes, audio recordings, transcripts, show notes, graphics, and other original materials, is protected by copyright. No portion of this content may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Brief quotations or other uses may be permitted under applicable fair-use principles. For permission requests, please contact: Dr. Melissa Sadorf Email: [email protected] Phone: (520) 266-0081