TREA | Where Rural Matters Podcast

TIPS 101: Purchasing Made Personal for Texas Rural Schools

In this episode of the Where Rural Matters podcast, TREA leaders sit down with Allison Ames of TIPS to break down what TIPS is and why it’s been a long-time partner of rural districts across Texas. Allison explains how TIPS helps schools buy faster, stay compliant, and reduce the burden of running RFPs, while also ensuring purchases are defensible and audit-ready through competitively awarded contracts and verified pricing. You’ll also hear how TIPS supports rural districts with lean staff, helps bring local and regional vendors into compliant procurement, and offers a Texas rewards program that allows members to accrue rewards dollars based on spend. The conversation wraps with ways new superintendents can get started, how to connect with regional program managers, and where to meet the TIPS team at Midwinter and upcoming conferences. Featured Guests: Allison Ames (TIPS), Bonnie Walker (TREA), Bill Tarleton (TREA)

Lamar State College Port Arthur - Dual Credit

In this episode of Where Rural Matters, we highlight how Lamar State College Port Arthur partners with districts across Texas to offer academic and technical dual credit pathways. Students can take courses at their high school, on the LSCPA campus, or online—earning high school and college credit at the same time. We discuss how dual credit helps students transition smoothly into college, complete certificates or associate degrees faster, and gain real-world CTE skills that prepare them for high-demand careers.

Accelerating Literacy with Just Right Reader

In this episode, we sit down with Terri King Hunt from Just Right Reader to explore their SBOE-approved, TEKS-aligned library of engaging decodable books and instructional resources. Terri shares how these decodable resources are designed to accelerate the reading achievement of all students and create joyful reading opportunities for students, families, and teachers. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or literacy leader, you’ll hear practical insights on making reading fun and engaging. Looking for resources that are already transforming classrooms? Don’t miss Just Right Reader’s most popular collections: * K–2 Decodable Library [https://justrightreader.com/collections/just-right-book-collection-decodable-books?filter.p.tag=grade-kindergarten&filter.p.tag=grade-1st-grade&filter.p.tag=grade-2nd-grade&filter.p.tag=product-classroom-libraries&filter.p.tag=grade-1st-grade&filter.p.tag=grade-2nd-grade&filter.p.tag=grade-kindergarten] – hundreds of fun, skill-aligned titles that build strong foundations. * 3–5 High-Interest Decodable Chapter Books [https://justrightreader.com/products/high-interest-chapter-books?_pos=2&_fid=03ba33185&_ss=c&variant=44560160260337] – engaging chapter books that keep older students motivated while practicing decoding. * Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs [https://justrightreader.com/pages/take-everywhere-packs] – perfect for bridging school and home with family-friendly activities. * Language Acquisition Books [https://justrightreader.com/collections/just-right-book-collection-decodable-books?filter.p.tag=product-language-acquisition] – supporting multilingual learners with decodables in English and Spanish. Explore these resources and request free samples today at www.justrightreader.com [http://www.justrightreader.com]. This conversation is brought to you in partnership with TREA.

Teachworthy – Tackling the Teacher Shortage in Rural Texas

In this episode of Where Rural Matters, Executive Director Bill Tarleton sits down with Dr. Nugget Cunningham from Teachworthy and Dr. Jason Hewitt, Superintendent of Shepherd ISD, to discuss innovative solutions for the rural teacher shortage. Learn how Teachworthy and Indiana Wesleyan University are partnering with districts to certify both degreed and non-degreed staff through affordable, grow-your-own programs. Dr. Hewitt shares how Shepherd ISD is transforming paraprofessionals into certified teachers and building a sustainable pipeline of homegrown educators. This episode highlights real solutions, inspiring outcomes, and the power of local investment in the future of rural schools.

RMC of Texas and the Power of Preparedness

Dr. Shaun Barnett of RMC of Texas joins TREA to break down how their co-op supports rural districts with flexible, high-quality property and casualty insurance—plus why strong service matters more than low premiums.