The LET's Talk Podcast

In this week's episode, meet Frank Hernandez, dean of TCU's College of Education and Dr. Gulley's former professor and dissertation chair when he worked at SMU. Hernandez, a first-generation college student, is an expert on Latinos in school leadership and an equity and social justice advocate. His leadership goal is growing school leaders who use "inclusive thinking" with high expectations for every single student through an affirmation of his or her individual needs and drivers of success. ...

Back by popular demand this summer is Episode 21, featuring Dr. Ángel Rivera, recently promoted to serve MISD as deputy superintendent when Beth Nicholas retires this summer. From military experience to work with the United Nations and varying-sized Texas school districts, Dr. Rivera is a student of languages with a true appreciation for various cultures. Sharing his perspective from his wealth of experiences from around the world, learn why he wants to replace the word tolerance with appreci...

This summer, we will replay a few of our favorite episodes of the LET’s Talk Podcast, starting this week with Abram Joseph. When we recorded this episode in January, Abram was principal at the Mesquite Academy; he has since been named principal at Mesquite High School. Find out why this has been our most-listened-to episode by checking it out for the first time or enjoying it again!

When this podcast debuted last August, Superintendent Dr. David Vroonland was the first guest. Dr. V returns in this episode, citing the progress of LET's first busy and effective year. Hear more about LET's focus on dignity, which he calls the "secret sauce" to create a sense of belonging for all students and adults in the Mesquite ISD community.

When Keisha LaVergne takes the reins as Gray Elementary's principal next school year, she will bring impressive leadership credentials and a well-rounded perspective. The Louisiana native who has taught in three states is raising three sons--two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Hear her startling realization of neurological disabilities in her family and her influence with LET toward that end.

For about 20 years, Rick Benavidez has served in various teaching and counseling roles at Mesquite ISD. Learn why he feels "called" to his current position; he is in his first year as a high school counselor at North Mesquite High School, his alma mater. This Latino who grew up in Mesquite especially enjoys serving students at the cusp of young adulthood. Hear more about his favorite advice to use with his students and colleagues, including "Listen to understand" and "Strengthen your em...

This week's guest is third grade teacher Aziza Basha, an educator at her alma mater, Cannaday Elementary. This Palestine immigrant, who moved to Texas at age 5, explains why she proudly wears a hijab, the head covering worn in public by some Muslim women. While being open about this wardrobe fixture, she never addresses any religious aspect with her students. She also advocates celebrating cultural differences with honest conversations.

Trustee Kevin Carbó is proud of his Puerto Rican heritage, Mesquite ISD and the Board in more ways than one. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he lived in Puerto Rico and Florida before moving to Mesquite, where he and his wife of 39 years raised two Mesquite High School cadet majors and graduates. Learn why he has been “all the way in” advocating for public schools since 1996 when he was first elected to serve MISD and why he believes the Board has been named one of the top five in Texas multiple ...

In this week’s episode, meet 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.   

In this week’s episode, we meet Joseph Vincelli, an important influence on Mesquite ISD’s award-winning music education program. This Berklee College of Music graduate, professional jazz musician and author spent time performing across the globe before founding The Artist Outreach, a non-profit organization. Learn more about the power of music in learning and how Vincelli’s organization cultivates creativity in MISD students and champions equity and diversity.