The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education

Title: Everyone Wants to Be Heard: Creating a Sense of Belonging for Our Students

Michelle Forcina brings 12 years of educational experience, with 8 years dedicated to Canyon Springs High School within the Moreno Valley Unified School District. In her role as Secretary III, Michelle’s dedication shines through in her commitment to ensuring smooth operations and student success. She cultivates strong relationships with substitute teachers, maintains office efficiency, and fosters a welcoming environment where all stakeholders feel valued. Michelle’s impact extends beyond administrative duties; she actively builds connections with students, embodying the values of compassion and dedication.

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

CHAPTERS:

01:50 - The Importance of Feeling Connected at School

02:28 - Nurturing Relationships With Substitutes

03:49 - Michelle's Journey from Sub to Principal's Secretary

04:16 - Everybody Wants to Be Seen and Heard

04:46 - The Story of Rodney

06:33 - The Importance of Celebrating Student Perseverance

07:32 - Providing a Safe Space for Students

08:33 - What Does Receiving the Educator of the Year Award Mean to You?

09:01 - Everyone Wants to Be Heard: Creating a Sense of Belonging for Our Students (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.

Connect with RCOE Online!

Throughout ROCE’s special summer podcast series, we tell the stories of our 2024 Riverside County Educators of the Year. These shows will share never before seen discussions with each of the eleven educators who were chosen through the rigorous educator of the year selection process. In this episode, we will introduce you to Teacher of the Year, Lorena Morales. She takes pride in her journey to teaching at the very same school she graduated as valedictorian. Ms. Morales works tirelessly to support all her students and is especially proud to be the instructional leader for the schools’ national AVID demonstration program. She knows the powerful role that leaders play in the classroom and that their effort makes a difference for our students. Tune in and meet Ms. Lorena Morales, Mathematics and AVID teacher as La Sierra High School in the Alvord Unified School District.

Continuing in our special summer educators of the year series, this episode of The Torch introduces you to Lindsay Hill, a fourth-grade teacher at Sundance Elementary School in the Beaumont Unified School District. Ms. Hill’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and a true passion for creating a safe, supportive space for her students. You won’t want to miss her personal journey and what it means to use your personal struggles as motivation to create a better world for others. These episodes share never before seen discussions with each of the eleven educators who were chosen through the rigorous educator of the year selection process.

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

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

01:45 - When did you discover you had dyslexia?

03:23 - Why is teaching your calling?

05:05 - How did you become a reading interventionist?

05:47 - Bringing the standards to life

06:18 - Teaching the whole child

06:43 - Engagement, positivity, and incentives

07:19 - Successful reading intervention strategies

08:22 - The California experience

08:46 - Becoming an author

10:27 - The “Diary of a Ship” lesson

11:10 - Receiving this award

12:36 - 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 Podcasts, 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

James Waedekin, honored as Riverside County Teacher of the Year, brings 17 years of dedication to education and currently teaching English at New Horizon High School in Banning Unified School District. Transitioning from a struggling actor/ writer in Hollywood, James found his calling in education, where he integrates his love for writing and theater into his teaching. He is recognized for his multifaceted contributions, including serving as PBIS Coordinator, running the Drama Club, advising the Yearbook, and developing Career Readiness Portfolios. James’s impact extends beyond the classroom; he is celebrated as an award-winning playwright and published children’s book author. Colleagues commend his integrity, devotion to students, and commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

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

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

01:50 - How did you get into teaching?

03:56 - Those who can, also teach.

06:58 - Approaching Alternative Education

07:46 - About the “Book About Me”

09:56 - An improvisational philosophy

12:28 - Creating a safe space for students

13:03 - The value of continuation schools

14:47 - Seeing your students succeed

16:44 - Advice for new teachers

18:10 - 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

Riverside County 2024 Principal of the Year Dr. Emily Price brings 25 years of education experience and innovative leadership as Principal of Megan Cope Elementary School. Inspired by “The Wizard of Oz,” she fosters a culture of academic excellence and student well-being, transforming the community engagement. Dr. Price’s emphasis on standards-based curriculum and personalized learning plans has led to significant academic progress, evidenced by improved Math and ELA results. Through daily Professional Learning Communities, she cultivates collaboration and collective teacher efficacy, ensuring every student receives personalized support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Dr. Price’s inclusive leadership style and dedication to continuous improvement have earned her praise from colleagues and district officials.

Title: Universal PreKindergarten: When Do Children Really Need to Begin School?

Featuring: JoAnne Lauer

Hosted by: Dominique Samario

When Do Children Really Need to Begin School? Tune in to this episode of The Torch with Dominique and our guest, JoAnne Lauer, the Assistant Superintendent of Early Education Services for the Riverside County Office of Education, as we dive into the opportunities for our youngest learners and their parents through the rollout and expansion of Universal PreKindergarten (UPK) and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs.

To Learn More About RCOE's Early Education Services:

https://www.rcoe.us/departments/early-education-services

Chapters:

00:00 - Universal PreKindergarten: When Do Children Really Need to Begin School? (Intro)

01:46 - JoAnne Lauer's Background

03:15 - What Is Universal PreKindergarten?

05:26 - Why Were UPK Programs Enacted?

07:54 - How Schools Are Adjusting to the Expansion of UPK

09:16 - How the Educators Are Adjusting to the Expansion

11:24 - Opportunities for Parents

13:44 - Preparing Children for Kindergarten

16:47 - Ensuring Equitable Learning for Our Young Learners

18:27 - Fire Round: Q1. What Teacher or Educator Had the Greatest Impact on Your Life?

19:18 - Fire Round: Q2. What Is Your Favorite Book?

20:17 - Fire Round: Q3. Where Is Somewhere You Go That Helps You Recharge?

22:11 - Universal PreKindergarten: When Do Children Really Need to Begin School? (Outro)

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.

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/

Catalina Cifuentes is the Executive Director of College and Career Readiness at the Riverside County Office of Education.

Is college worth it? That is one of the more significant questions of today as we discuss what the economic environment looks like for our future high school graduates. From the "New" FAFSA glitches to students who didn't know they had a full-ride college trip, Catalina Cifuentes talks about the different obstacles that students face when dealing with financial aid to go to college. The Executive Director of College and Career Readiness explains why going to college and obtaining a Bachelor's Degree will create a more positive future for careers.

Tune into this episode as Dominique and Catalina explore the financial aid world and how it can help high school graduates enter post-secondary education.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Is It Worth It? The Cost of College and What Is Right For Students

02:29 - How did Catalina get this role with the cost of college aspect?

03:12 - What sparked her passion for student support?

05:14 - Options for after college.

10:19 - Connecting with students.

17:04 - Student financial aid.

25:14 - 2024 FAFSA update.

30:46 - Advice for 2025 FAFSA.

34:34 - Final thoughts.

37:57 - Fire Round

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 #financialaid #fafsa

Jeffrey Vaca is the Chief Governmental Relations Officer at the Riverside County Office of Education.

The state of California will be operating in a $70+ billion deficit in the next year. How will this affect public education in the coming months? Will we see layoffs? Are programs being cut? Resources being taken away? Jeffrey Vaca, Chief Governmental Relations Office from Riverside County Office of Education, discusses how local CA school districts can navigate the limited budget they will be working with this coming year. Find out more on The Torch!

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 #budgetdeficit #schoolbudgets

In the first episode of The Torch, we speak with Sonia Rezkalah, Administrator of Family Engagement at the Riverside County Office of Education. Her role at RCOE brings her life full circle, from a youth greatly impacted by family engagement to now leading efforts to support innovative and impactful family engagement practices throughout Riverside County. As one of the original Freedom Writers, she shares experiences that have carried her through her life and career helping families through education. Family Engagement is designed to provide outreach and support for families with multi-faceted services to help educators and families work together to best serve our students.