Rural Schools, Powerful Voices: NEA President Princess Moss and IEA President Peggy Hoy

Rural public schools are more than places where students learn. They are often the heart of their communities. But rural educators face distinct challenges, from staffing shortages and competition for educators across state lines to limited resources and political decisions that don't always reflect the realities of their schools.In this episode of the IEA Reporter Podcast, IEA President Peggy Hoy and newly elected National Education Association President Princess Moss join host Mike Journee during Moss' visit to North Idaho.They discuss what rural educators need to thrive, why listening directly to educators matters, and how stronger organizing and deeper connections with communities can give educators a more powerful voice in decisions affecting their schools.Moss and Hoy also talk about educator recruitment and retention, school funding and resources, vouchers, the impact of House Bill 516, and why educators shouldn't be afraid to tell their stories and use their professional expertise to advocate for their students and public schools.As Moss puts it: rural public schools aren't problems to solve. They're communities to invest in.