ESC19 Podcast

As a dedicated Veterinary Assistant/Agriculture Ed. Teacher Ms. Ramos is not only teaching students about animal care, health, and science—she’s opening doors to real-world careers in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and beyond. Through hands-on learning, industry-aligned instruction, and a deep commitment to student success, she is preparing the next generation of professionals with both the technical skills and compassion needed to thrive.In this episode, we’ll explore her journey into veterinary science education, how she brings learning to life in her classroom, and the impact she’s making in her students’ lives and her community.So whether you’re an educator, a student, or someone passionate about animals and career pathways—this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

In this special student-led episode, a member of the El Dorado High School Robotics Team takes the host seat to interview her fellow female teammates about their journey into robotics—how they joined, what they’ve learned, and the confidence they’ve gained along the way.

From learning to code and assemble complex machines to competing as a team, these students share how robotics opened doors they never expected. Their conversation highlights an important reality in STEM: women remain underrepresented in many technology fields. According to workforce studies, women make up only about 25–30% of the STEM workforce, with even fewer in robotics and engineering specialties. Yet teams like theirs are helping change that story.

What makes this discussion especially powerful is how approachable the students make robotics sound. They explain that you don’t have to be a coding expert or a straight-A math student to get started—just curious, willing to learn, and ready to collaborate.

This inspiring conversation shows how robotics programs empower students of all genders and academic backgrounds to explore engineering, problem-solving, and innovation—while discovering talents they didn’t know they had. #WeR19

Join us for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, collaboration, and the future of technology—straight from the students building it. #WeR19

In this episode, Frank Nolasco, Professional Education Consultant at ESC19, sits down with members of the El Dorado High School Robotics Team to explore the exciting world of robotics, where gears, coding, engineering, and creativity come together in high-stakes competition. Guided by their coach, Roberto Reyes—the El Dorado High School Teacher of the Year—these talented students share what it takes to design, build, and program robots capable of solving real-world challenges. They discuss the teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation that power their success in robotics competitions.

Robotics is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting pathways in career and technical education, opening doors to high-demand careers in engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. This team also highlights the growing presence of female students in robotics, proving that innovation thrives when diverse voices and perspectives come together. 

We are spotlighting a leader who has truly helped shape Career and Technical Education in our region. Joining us is Ms. Brenda Gonzalez, CTE Coordinator for Socorro ISD. With an extensive career dedicated to advancing CTE, Ms. Gonzalez bxrings not only years of educational expertise but also invaluable experience from the private sector. Her unique perspective bridges industry and education, enriching opportunities for both students and educators. We’re excited to hear her insights, her journey, and her vision for the future of CTE. Join us!

In this episode of Education Matters, join us as we talk to Dr. Olga Valerio and Jose CassoLopez as they unpack EPCC’s approach to workforce and continuing education — from program design to employer collaboration — and how those efforts are opening doors for students and local industry. Stories, lessons learned, and concrete ideas for building equitable career pathways.

In this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. George Thomas, a leader in Career and Technical Education (CTE), as he shares insights on the purpose, impact, and future of CTE in today’s education landscape.In addition to discussing systems and strategy, Dr. Thomas reflects on how early exposure to career‑focused learning influenced his own perspective as an educator and leader. Drawing from his experiences as a young adult, he speaks to the power of relevant, hands‑on learning and the role CTE can play in helping students discover direction, confidence, and opportunity.This episode is ideal for educators, administrators, counselors, industry partners, and anyone invested in expanding equitable access to meaningful career pathways.

Ready to see what real youth empowerment looks like? This high‑energy series spotlights leaders turning big ideas into daily impact—blending financial literacy, purpose‑driven leadership, and community power to help young people own their futures.We kick off with Lupe Mares, President of Junior Achievement of the Desert Southwest, whose 30+ years—from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (El Paso Branch) to LiftFund and JA—prove what’s possible when financial education meets smart partnerships. Lupe breaks down what students need to thrive in a global economy over the next decade and how cross‑sector collaboration turns readiness into results.Then we shift into motion with Israel Castro, West Point graduate and Founder of Strive Now. Israel takes leadership out of the textbook and into everyday life—mentorship, character, community. He shares practical, values‑based strategies you can use right away to help teens lead with intention at school, at home, and in the world. As CEO of The Diligent Company, he shows how aligning vision, values, and culture builds momentum that lasts.We close with heart and hustle through Alma Garcia, Director of Youth Community Programs at GECU. From her first job in fast food at 16 to certified housing counselor and MBA candidate, Alma’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. She reveals why financial literacy changes trajectories, how she balances career and family, and what it takes to lift others as you grow—so more youth not only dream big, but do big.Bottom line: when money skills, mentorship, and mission collide, young people don’t just get ready for the future—they build it. If you’re an educator, parent, nonprofit leader, or community champion, this podcast gives you the stories, tools, and spark to help the next generation thrive.Hit play—and let’s power possibility.

In this powerful episode, we spotlight three educators who are redefining what it means to prepare students for the future—through innovation, purpose, and true commitment to opportunity.We begin with Francisco Nolasco, a seasoned STEM expert with more than two decades of experience in math, engineering, computer science, and robotics. Francisco breaks down the real work behind creating future‑ready students: expanding work‑based learning, connecting STEM skills to high‑wage careers, and building authentic partnerships between schools and industry. His insights are a must‑hear for anyone passionate about career pathways that actually change lives.Then, we shift to Rudy Nuñez, whose unique journey from Deputy Sheriff to educator brings new meaning to purpose‑driven leadership. Now a Professional Development Consultant for CCMR, Advising, and CTE, Rudy shares how mentorship, structure, and real‑world pathways help students discover a future they can believe in. From the Sheriff’s Office to the classroom, his story shows how lived experience can transform student success.Finally, we feature Iliana Gonzalez, an educational leader whose journey from ESL student at 12 to consultant and advocate is a testament to resilience and equity. With 17+ years serving diverse learners and a passion for instructional technology and SEL, Iliana offers educators practical, meaningful strategies for creating classrooms where every student thrives. Her focus on engagement, best practices, and innovation reflects exactly what today’s global learners need.Together, these conversations highlight what’s possible when educators lead with purpose and vision—building pathways, removing barriers, and empowering students to step boldly into college, careers, military service, and life.Perfect for educators, leaders, and anyone committed to student success, this episode delivers inspiration you can feel and strategies you can use.

Special Guest: Rhonda Leon from the Texas Education Agency, as the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant manager (CLSD), shares insights at the West Texas Reading Symposium!

Below are some of the key topics discussed on this episode:

• How the Science of Reading and Research-Based Instructional Strategies Support Reading Education 
• How the open education resources incorporate the RLA Research-Based Instructional Strategies

RLA Research-Based Instructional Strategies are

• RBIS #1: Foundational Skills
• RBIS #2: Text-Complexity
• RBIS #3: Knowledge Coherence
• RBIS #4: Text-Based Responses

Make sure to Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share with other Educators so they can benefit from this fascinating discussion also! Let us know what you learned from this episode and the West Texas Reading Symposium this year!

LIVE from the 2025 West Texas Reading Symposium, join Lillian Frazier and Texas Education Agency Associate Commissioner of Curriculum & Instruction Nicholas Keith.

Some of the topics covered in this episode include:

• The Texas Reading Initiative grant funded the West Texas Reading Symposium
• Reviewed literacy challenges in K-12 education 
• Guest speaker Mr. Keith (Associate Commissioner of Curriculum and Instruction) provided insight on:
• On the vision of Strong Foundations
•  high-quality instructional materials
•  RBIS
•  The evolution of the curriculum in the upcoming years
• Discussed strategies and supports for striving readers

Make sure to Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share with other Educators so they can benefit from this fascinating discussion also! Let us know what you learned from this episode and the West Texas Reading Symposium this year!