Absenteeism and life barriers can be a problem in education—but what can schools do to reverse the trend and ensure every student succeeds? In this episode of The Torch podcast, discover how educators are transforming the future of education by addressing absenteeism and supporting foster, homeless, and marginalized youth. Join this inspiring conversation with Elizabeth Bartholomew, Director of Pupil and Administrative Services, as she shares insights into building trust, leveraging data, and fostering connections to keep students engaged and thriving. Learn actionable strategies and success stories from Riverside County schools that are making a difference for families and communities.

What if every student graduated with the tools to manage money, build credit, and achieve financial health? Join us on this episode of The Torch as we explore the transformative power of financial literacy in education. Discover how schools and communities are partnering to teach students critical financial skills—from saving and credit to investments and beyond.

Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. is the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington, co-founder and president of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, a prolific public speaker, and anti-slavery advocate.

What if Frederick Douglass's legacy could help end modern slavery? In this gripping episode of The Torch, Dominique Samario welcomes Kenneth B. Morris Jr., the descendent of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington and co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. Together, we will uncover how his organization is tackling human trafficking through the power of education.

Learn how the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives blends historical storytelling with modern advocacy and is empowering students to recognize and fight exploitation while inspiring a new generation of changemakers. Packed with eye-opening insights and actionable solutions, this episode shows how history’s greatest abolitionists are still shaping the fight for freedom today.

Hit play to discover how you can join the movement to end modern slavery—starting in the classroom!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Education Vs. Exploitation: Bridging History and Modern Advocacy (Intro)

01:20 - Kenneth B. Morris, Jr.'s Background

02:28 - Why Is Your Organization Called the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives? What Is Your Link?

04:29 - How Did That Transition Come About?

07:06 - What Was the Inciting Moment That Inspired You to Take Action?

10:13 - How Did You Combine the Legacies of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington to Address Modern Slavery and Human Rights Issues?

13:13 - How Are You Turning Your Ancestors’ Legacies Into Action Today?

16:55 - How Are Students Using Creativity to Combat Human Trafficking?

19:49 - How Did the Protect Program Revolutionize Anti-trafficking Education?

22:33 - How Does the ‘Power of One’ Curriculum Empower Young Leaders?

24:53 - How Can Educators Introduce These Sensitive Topics in an Age-Appropriate Way?

28:00 - How Can History Inspire Hope in Challenging Times?

30:59 - Fire Round: Question 1: Who Was One of Your Most Impactful Teachers or Educators in Your Life?

31:53 - Fire Round: Question 2: What Is Your Favorite Book?

33:16 - Fire Round: Question 3: What Is One of Your Favorite Quotes?

34:41 - Education Vs. Exploitation: Bridging History and Modern Advocacy (Outro)

Hosted by Dominique Samario, The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show that dives into different topics in education. From family engagement to new laws that affect education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgeable about these topics.

Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Connect with RCOE Online!

Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us

Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE

Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/

#humantraffickingawareness #stophumantrafficking #stopexploitation #endslavery #frederickdouglass #modernslavery #youthempowerment #bethechange

On this next episode of The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education, we bring on Amanda Wade to talk about Community Schools Partnership. As a Coordinator, Amanda is constantly looking for ways to improve the learning experience for our students across Riverside County with resources that will help students and their families thrive in their education.

Dr. AnnMaria De Mars is an American technology executive, author, Olympic bronze medalist judoka, and former UFC Bantamweight world champion. She is the president and founder of 7 Generation Games. She has a Ph.D. and M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of California, Riverside.

In this episode of The Torch, host Dominique Samario welcomes Dr. AnnMaria De Mars, president of 7 Generation Games and a passionate advocate for integrating technology and education. Known for her deep appreciation of mathematics, Dr. De Mars discusses how her love for math inspired innovative approaches to game-based learning, making complex concepts accessible and engaging for students.

Together, they explore the intersection of gaming and education, discussing the innovative ways games can engage students, support educators, and address critical issues in modern classrooms. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on how technology can transform traditional approaches to education.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Why Math Matters: The Game-Changing Benefits of Gamification in Education (Intro)

01:29 - Dr. AnnMaria de Mars' Background

04:22 - From Whim to Success: The Serendipitous Path to Higher Education

06:18 - How Do We Make Education Relevant for Every Student?

09:35 - How Can EdTech Unlock Student Potential?

13:01 - Can Game Development Drive Equity in Education?

14:36 - The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Rural Education

17:40 - Why Should Students Care About Math?

20:14 - How Do You Know When Students Are Truly Engaged?

23:49 - What Is Next for Dr. AnnMaria de Mars?

27:40 - Why Great Teachers + Smart Tech = Classroom Success

31:49 - Fire Round: Question 1: What Teacher or Educator Had the Most Impact on Your Life?

33:17 - Fire Round: Question 2: What Is Your Favorite Book?

33:49 - Fire Round: Question 3: What Is Your Favorite Quote?

34:44 - The Truth About EdTech: Passion Over Profits in the Classroom

36:04 - Why Math Matters: The Game-Changing Benefits of Gamification in Education (Outro)

Listen to The Torch on:

Apple Podcasts: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnApple

Spotify: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnSpotify

Hosted by Dominique Samario, The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show that dives into different topics in education. From family engagement to new laws that affect education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgeable about these topics.

Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Connect with RCOE Online!

Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us

Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE

Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/

#RCOEtheTorch #RCOE #ai #artificialintelligence #interactivelearning #educationaltechnology #edtech #gamebasedlearning

Title: The Power of One: Empowering Students Through History

Featuring: Amanda Corridan

Hosted by: Dominique Samario

Where are we at with artificial intelligence (A.I.)? How did we get here? How can A.I. be used as a tool to better society and the learning experience? What ethical considerations are being addressed regarding A.I.? What resources are being provided to educators regarding A.I. in education? What has the feedback been like? Amanda Corridan, Chief Academic Officers for the Riverside County Office of Education's Educational Services department answers these questions and more on this episode of The Torch.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Artificial Intelligence & Education: Future Learning With A.I. in Schools - Intro

01:19 - Amanda Corridan's Background

03:52 - Where Are We at With A.I. and How Did We Get Here?

08:03 - How Can A.I. Be Used as a Tool to Better Society and the Learning Experience?

12:57 - Do You Think Emotional Intelligence and Relationship-Building Become Even More Essential With the Rise of Artificial Intelligence?

15:39 - What Ethical Considerations Is Your Team Addressing Regarding A.I.?

18:14 - What Resources Are We Providing to Educators Regarding A.I. in Education?

21:06 - What Feedback Have You Received From Districts and Educators?

23:28 - What Advice Would You Give Educators Feeling Overwhelmed by Constant Changes in A.I. and Education?

25:19 - The Fire Round

28:59 - Wrap-Up

29:21 - Artificial Intelligence & Education: Future Learning With A.I. in Schools (Outro)

Listen to The Torch on:

Apple Podcasts: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnApple

Spotify: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnSpotify

The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show diving into different topics on education. From family engagement to new laws being put in that affects education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgable in these topics.

Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Connect with RCOE Online!

Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us

Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE

Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/

How do we connect the dots between our earliest learners, all the way through our college years and beyond? When do you know if you should pursue more school? How important is representation on your local school district board of trustees? Dr. Noemi Hernandez Alexander answers these questions and more this month on The Torch. Dr. Hernandez Alexander is an Associate Professor of Public Administration, and Director of Online Education for History and Government, at Cal Baptist University. She is also a member of the Riverside Unified School District Board of Trustees, and a mother of children attending RUSD schools.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

01:14 - How do we connect the dots between our earliest learners all the way through our college years and beyond?

01:45 - How did you get to this position?

03:30 - When did you know you should pursue more school?

05:07 - How do you help students transition into a university?

08:05 - How did representation factor into your decision to become a school district trustee?

09:43 - How has your position on a school board informed your work at the university?

13:56 - Career pathways for students.

16:28 - Creating a thriving community through education and partnerships.

20:49 - Experiencing “Footsteps To Freedom”

26:23 - The perspective of being a school board trustee.

28:14 - Fire Round Questions

31:05 - Thank you for joining us

Listen to The Torch on:

Apple Podcasts: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnApple

Spotify: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnSpotify

The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show diving into different topics on education. From family engagement to new laws being put in that affects education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgable in these topics.

Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Connect with RCOE Online!

Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us

Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE

Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/

#RCOEtheTorch #RCOE

Gabriella Zlaket grew up as the daughter of a farmworker and immigrant family. She graduated from Arlington High School in the Riverside Unified School District before attending the University of California, Berkeley, and Harvard University. Since 2003, she has served as a school counselor at her alma mater, where she is an advocate for the counseling position and provides personalized support to prepare students for success in school and life. She employs a data-driven approach to identify gaps in student services and works to create programs and systems to ensure graduation and college/career readiness for all students—including in her role as the lead counselor for English Learners. Gabriella is described as someone with “a heart and soul about students and empowering them to achieve their goals and dreams.”

Cindy Vasquez has been serving as Executive Assistant in the Jurupa Unified School District for the past 8 years. She has 23 years of experience in education. In her multifaceted role supporting Assistant Superintendents, Cindy plays a pivotal role in facilitating communication and professional development while serving as a bridge between the district, schools, and the community. Her impact extends beyond administrative duties; Cindy’s bilingual proficiency and empathetic approach enable her to support Spanish-speaking students and parents, ensuring effective communication and fostering strong schoolhome relationships. She excels in crisis management, providing reassurance and confidentiality during emergencies. Cindy’s meticulous planning and coordination contribute to initiatives like the Visual and Performing Arts program, enriching educational experiences for students.

Ryan Mulvanny, honored as Riverside County Certificated Administrator of the Year, brings 16 years of education experience, with a focus on inclusive leadership and continuous improvement. As Director II of Professional Development and Learning in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District, Ryan prioritizes equity and diversity in education, fostering culturally responsive teaching practices and integrating technology for diverse student needs. His emphasis on high expectations and ongoing professional development has led to improved teaching practices and student outcomes. Colleagues praise Ryan’s transformative leadership, recognizing his commitment to every student’s success and his instrumental role in enhancing educational experiences districtwide.

Join us now for this never-before-seen extended interview with Ryan Mulvanny — only on The Torch.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

01:43 - Lake Elsinore Unified School District Mottos

03:19 - Strategizing in professional development

04:34 - Holding a professional development event for the district

05:27 - Where most PD fails is the lack of followup

05:56 - Using evidence-based instructional strategies

06:59 - Finding more time for your students

07:45 - Lessons we learned from COVID

08:55 - What Ryan is most proud of

10:08 - These kids are our future

11:00 - What it means to be the 2025 Riverside County Certificated Administrator of the Year

11:30 - Thank you for joining us

Listen to The Torch on:

Apple Podcasts: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnApple

Spotify: https://go.rcoe.us/TheTorch-OnSpotify

The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show diving into different topics on education. From family engagement to new laws being put in that affects education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgable in these topics.

Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

#RCOEtheTorch

Connect with RCOE Online!

Visit RCOE.us: https://www.rcoe.us

Find RCOE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideCOE

Follow RCOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverside_coe/