NREA Policy and Advocacy: An Interview With Outgoing Executive Director Dr. Allen Pratt

In December 2024, Dr. Allen Pratt stepped down as Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association (NREA). During his eight years as executive director, the membership of NREA grew, and the organization became increasingly visible in state and national rural education policy. Policy Brief editor Devon Brenner sat down with Dr. Pratt to learn more about the advocacy work of NREA and key issues facing rural schools. Below is an excerpted transcript of that conversation.