The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education

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/

Michael Sattley's leadership is characterized by a commitment to creating optimal learning environments through physical renovations and community engagement initiatives. Michael’s holistic approach integrates student involvement and STEM learning into construction projects, fostering collaboration and innovation. Colleagues commend his visionary leadership, attention to detail, and dedication to enhancing educational experiences and community pride. Michael Sattley brings 19 years of education experience and a strong focus on improving school facilities within the Hemet Unified School District.

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

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

01:37 - Communities have connections to schools

02:12 - Impacting the community

02:29 - Reinventing spaces

03:03 - The oldest schoolhouse in Hemet

03:31 - What we can learn from construction

04:11 - Taking feedback from the students

04:32 - Creating flexible, relevant spaces

04:51 - The importance of a school library

05:52 - The realities of construction

06:23 - Construction as a teaching opportunity

07:55 - Optimal learning environments

09:07 - Campus safety and security

10:31 - The politics of community facilities

11:11 - Hemet High School gym enhancements

11:44 - Building a legacy for the kids and the community

12:24 - 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/

Dr. Sharon Nakama brings 35 years of educational expertise, with a focus on special education coordination within the Moreno Valley Unified School District. Her leadership spans various organizations and initiatives, seamlessly integrating educators and parents to foster student growth. Dr. Nakama’s advocacy extends beyond the classroom, ensuring comprehensive support for students with disabilities through partnerships with key organizations. Her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment has catalyzed positive change, cultivating a culture of support and engagement districtwide. Colleagues commend her visionary leadership and dedication, reaffirming her role as a beacon of hope and inspiration for students with disabilities.

Join us now for this never-before-seen extended interview with Dr. Sharon Nakama, Ed.D. — only on The Torch.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - "The Torch" Podcast - Opening Theme

00:35 - Dominique's Introduction

02:02 - Dr. Sharon Nakama's Background

03:34 - The Life Skills Program

04:29 - Connecting Teachers to Resources

05:11 - The Importance of Fostering Respect

05:35 - Connecting Students and Families to Resources

06:47 - Connecting Students with the Department of Rehabilitation

08:09 - Addressing the Need for A.B.A. (Applied Behavior Analysis) Trainings

09:47 - Fostering Inclusion Through the Extravaganza11:16 - Growing Empathy Among the General Ed. Population

13:12 - Communicating Students' Abilities to the Parents

15:03 - Fighting the Stigma of Special Education

15:29 - The Hope for Continued Program Development

16:55 - Dr. Sharon Nakama's Message to the Listener

18:08 - Dominique's Outro

Listen to The Torch on:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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 affect education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgeable 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 #morenovalley #specialeducation #inclusivepractices #empathy

Riverside County Teacher of the Year Marie Stevenson brings 16 years of educational experience, with the last decade dedicated to teaching mathematics at Rancho Mirage High School in Palm Springs Unified School District. As a dynamic educator, Marie wears multiple hats, serving as the Math Department Chair, coach, club advisor, and active participant in various school committees. Her commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom, evident in her advocacy for mastery grading and fostering cross-curricular collaboration. Students praise Marie for her approachable nature and dedication to ensuring every student’s understanding. Colleagues highlight her ability to guide and inspire fellow educators, emphasizing her role as a catalyst for professional growth.