The Rural Educator is the official journal of the National Rural Education Association. In January 2004, Dr. Patti Chance, from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Department of Educational Leadership, became the journal's editor. The Spring 2004 (Volume 25, Number 3) journal was the first issue published from UNLV.  Along with the move, the journal took on a new look which showcases today's rural schools on its cover.

The Rural Educator is a peer reviewed journal published three times per year. The journal is particularly interested in receiving manuscripts related to the impact of federal and state reform policies on rural schools, funding and finance issues related to rural schools, and issues related to specific rural populations. Guidelines for submission can be obtained on this website.