The LET's Talk Podcast

ReadPlayTalk (RPT) is one of the most important initiatives underway in Mesquite ISD, and like LET, aims for equity in education. RPT's leader, Lindsay Brimer Paris, is no stranger to our community or school district. Learn why the 2005 Mesquite High School graduate and former cheerleader and homecoming queen returned to MISD as the community liaison in what she refers to as her "dream job." Hear multiple ways to get involved in RPT to best prepare our future and current Mesquite ID students ...

He may wear a suit and tie 90% of the time, but North Mesquite High School Principal Kenneth Washington prides himself on being highly relatable to students and staff. Changing schools some 15 times growing up in a military family, he has "never met a stranger." Hear about his experience at Hampton University (HU), a historically black private university. At HU, the second African American high school principal in Mesquite ISD learned to begin presenting himself in the best way to be tak...

In this week's episode, get to know Shaw Elementary Principal Kim Banuelos. The granddaughter of a former Irving ISD deputy superintendent is quite a leader herself; she enjoys leadership in the fields of equity and inclusion. She describes a proud moment "listening to her spirit" to summon the courage and examine the power of privilege with a group of leaders. Learn also what's special about Shaw, including the strong educational backgrounds and diversity of staff.

In today’s episode, learn why Poteet High School history teacher Eric Hayes is passionate about equity in education and life. Learn about his well-rounded perspectives from growing up as “the only Caucasian kid in a Hispanic neighborhood” and now being in an interracial marriage with an African American wife. He discusses how his life has been enriched by raising a daughter with Down Syndrome and a son. For maximum teaching, he says he needs to learn “context before content,” meaning he ...

The first episode of the 2021-22 school year features Sgt. Torrey Rhone, the first African American of the Mesquite Police Department to attain the rank of sergeant. Rhone grew up during tumultuous times of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s in Los Angeles when gang violence and crack cocaine were prevalent. Hear how losing his childhood best friend and college best friend to violence helped lead him into the field of law enforcement. As a role model, he aspires to show kids you don’t need to be a ...

In case you missed this popular episode, learn how Dr. Valarie Nelson's leadership is changing the perception of Mesquite ISD’s Learning Center and evolving its culture. Find out how The Learning Center supports the goals of LET in discipline equity plus more about her nearly 30 years in education. Raised in a family of educators, Dr. Nelson earned her doctorate from SMU, just like co-host Dr. LaDonna Gulley.

In this new episode, meet the creator and host of the wildly popular podcast “History That Doesn’t Suck.” Utah Valley University Professor Greg Jackson is the assistant professor of integrated studies and assistant director of national security studies; he calls himself a “highly trained academic who doesn’t put on airs.” Jackson says listeners of his podcast, with nearly 100 episodes to date, are mostly Americans. His audience also includes Brits, Canadians, Germans and Australians. Learn wh...

In this new episode, it’s easy to become inspired by guest Dr. Gina Bennett in more ways than one. First, find out how this former administrative assistant at MISD's Agnew Middle School will soon become a history professor at Kennesaw State University near Atlanta. Second, learn her advice to use objectivity and look at multiple perspectives--skills she has acquired as a historian--to help us better navigate today’s controversial discussions. For example, she advises others to constantly cons...

In a replay of one of our most inspiring episodes, get to know the story behind Mesquite High School’s Head Football Coach/Athletic Director DeMarcus Harris. According to Harris, the drama associated with his challenging upbringing—with a mom on drugs and a dad in prison—is “movie material.” This misbehaving high school athlete from Pittsburg, Texas, was kicked off multiple teams before converting his “last chance” during senior year into something special as a football player. Thanks to a hi...

Today we're replaying one of our most popular podcast episodes of 2021 that features Wilmar Mejia, a McDonald Middle School Spanish teacher and proud Guatemalan. Initially calling his migration to the United States 19 years ago “the ultimate failure," learn why he loves teaching in Mesquite ISD. As one of the podcast's biggest fans, it's hard not to be inspired by his continuous quest for studying all cultures to better honor every person he teaches or meets.