Battelle for Kids

Leading Rural Together

For most rural school districts in this country, collaboration is not a choice, it is a necessity. Collaboration helps to elevate the voice of rural districts, uplift and empower isolated educators, administrators, and students. To make 21st century learning a reality for rural students, we must lead together.

In this spirit, Battelle for Kids and the National Rural Education Association (NREA) will host the 2019 National Forum to Advance Rural Education and 111th NREA Convention and Research Symposium on October 24–26, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky.

This annual event creates a space for collaboration and innovation with a diverse community of national experts, K–12 and higher education practitioners, leading researchers, policymakers, and philanthropic leaders. Participants come together to learn and share ideas on topics at the forefront of rural education and to ensure 21st century learning is a reality for all rural students. experts, K–12 and higher education practitioners, leading researchers, policymakers, and philanthropic leaders. Participants come together to learn and share ideas on topics at the forefront of rural education and to ensure 21st century learning is a reality for all rural students.

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Key Dates

February 19–March 26, 2019
Call for Proposals

May 2019
Accepted Proposals Announced

February–June 30, 2019
Early Bird Registration

July 1–October 4
Standard Registration

Registration is Coming Soon!

Join us if you want to connect with national experts, leading researchers, K–12 and higher education practitioners, policymakers, and philanthropic leaders. You can engage with a diverse community and share your stories on 21st century leadership, practice, research, and policy in rural education.

If you share our passion for advancing rural education, we hope you will join us and inspire people to strengthen rural education.

Calling all presenters! Share your stories and ideas for leading rural education together

Call for Proposals Now Open
February 19–March 26, 2019

submit proposal

Key Dates

February 19
Call for Proposals Opens

March 26
Deadline to Submit Proposal

Early May
Presenters Notified

Inspire and impact rural education leaders and practitioners by sharing your research, stories, resources, and ideas on 21st century learning. Sound like you? If so, submit a proposal to present at the 2019 National Forum to Advance Rural Education.

This year’s event theme is Leading Rural Together, which will focus on collaborating and developing local solutions that are sustainable in the rural context. The year’s event will feature sessions that help attendees envision, empower, and engage in innovative practices that address the unique needs of rural communities.