𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf is joined by Dr. Jason Cummins, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Montana State University and former rural and Indigenous school leader. Together, they explore why culture, language, identity, and wellness are not “add-ons” in rural schools—but the operating system that shapes everything from leadership decisions to student belonging.
Dr. Cummins shares his journey from serving in Indigenous and rural schools to preparing the next generation of school leaders. He unpacks the historical context of schooling for Indigenous communities, the lasting impact of colonization on education systems, and the importance of asset-based, humanizing approaches to leadership and discipline. The conversation also dives into Humanized Education, the framework he co-authored that blends mastery-based, growth-based, and strength-based learning into a practical, research-driven model.
This episode offers powerful insights and concrete practices for rural leaders who want to design schools where students see themselves, feel valued, and are prepared to live meaningful, connected lives in their communities.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to the Rural Scoop
00:50 Meet Dr. Jason Cummings
02:24 The Importance of Community and Education
04:58 Challenges and Perspectives in Rural Education
07:25 Jason's Journey in Education
11:55 Historical Context of Native American Education
19:48 Decolonizing Leadership in Schools
27:25 Misinformed Views on Native Education
28:14 Decolonizing School Leadership
28:29 Funding Sources for Native Education
30:21 Importance of Indigenous Voices in Schools
31:24 Language and Cultural Sensitivity in Education
33:21 Introducing Humanized Education
34:51 Framework of Humanized Education
38:45 Cultural Responsiveness and Discipline
42:20 Preparing Future Educational Leaders
47:44 Commitment and Cultural Humility in Leadership
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation reminds us that effective rural leadership starts with seeing students and communities as whole, capable, and deeply connected to place. Dr. Jason Cummins challenges educators to move beyond compliance, deficit thinking, and one-size-fits-all systems—and instead lead with humility, cultural awareness, and purpose.
When schools honor language, identity, and community knowledge, they become places of belonging rather than extraction. As Dr. Cummins makes clear, humanizing education isn’t about lowering expectations—it’s about designing systems where students can truly thrive. For rural leaders, the work begins by listening, learning, and leading alongside the communities they serve.