Barbara Jones is a Research Manager at WestEd. She has expertise in the areas of rural education, formative assessment, culturally and linguistically sustaining education, adult learning, and balanced assessment systems. Jones’ work centers around resource development, research, and technical assistance for states and districts to support systems change and enhance student and community-centered education. She recently co-led the Region 15 Comprehensive Center’s Rural Educators' Community of Practice which served rural education leaders in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

An educator at all levels for almost three decades, Dr. Sadorf brings considerable expertise in leadership and teacher preparation, policy development and advocacy, and education in rural settings. No matter the age of the student, she works to engage and motivate learners with rigorous and relevant content built on a foundation of relationships in the classroom. Her commitment to giving back to the teaching profession has opened opportunities to mentor educators in both rural and urban settings, ensuring they gain the skills and background knowledge to hone their leadership. She serves as Adjunct Faculty for Northern Arizona University and Central Arizona College in a variety of courses concentrated on teacher preparation and educational leadership. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Arizona Affiliate of ASCD. In the past decade, Dr. Sadorf has focused on advocating for rural education and rural leaders. In that venue, she is involved with local, state, and regional organizations to help raise awareness on the unique challenges that rural educators face. She hosts a podcast that explores rural issues and holds monthly superintendent virtual round tables to ensure rural voices are being heard.