In this episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. George Thomas, a leader in Career and Technical Education (CTE), as he shares insights on the purpose, impact, and future of CTE in today’s education landscape.In addition to discussing systems and strategy, Dr. Thomas reflects on how early exposure to career‑focused learning influenced his own perspective as an educator and leader. Drawing from his experiences as a young adult, he speaks to the power of relevant, hands‑on learning and the role CTE can play in helping students discover direction, confidence, and opportunity.This episode is ideal for educators, administrators, counselors, industry partners, and anyone invested in expanding equitable access to meaningful career pathways.

Ready to see what real youth empowerment looks like? This high‑energy series spotlights leaders turning big ideas into daily impact—blending financial literacy, purpose‑driven leadership, and community power to help young people own their futures.We kick off with Lupe Mares, President of Junior Achievement of the Desert Southwest, whose 30+ years—from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (El Paso Branch) to LiftFund and JA—prove what’s possible when financial education meets smart partnerships. Lupe breaks down what students need to thrive in a global economy over the next decade and how cross‑sector collaboration turns readiness into results.Then we shift into motion with Israel Castro, West Point graduate and Founder of Strive Now. Israel takes leadership out of the textbook and into everyday life—mentorship, character, community. He shares practical, values‑based strategies you can use right away to help teens lead with intention at school, at home, and in the world. As CEO of The Diligent Company, he shows how aligning vision, values, and culture builds momentum that lasts.We close with heart and hustle through Alma Garcia, Director of Youth Community Programs at GECU. From her first job in fast food at 16 to certified housing counselor and MBA candidate, Alma’s journey is a masterclass in resilience. She reveals why financial literacy changes trajectories, how she balances career and family, and what it takes to lift others as you grow—so more youth not only dream big, but do big.Bottom line: when money skills, mentorship, and mission collide, young people don’t just get ready for the future—they build it. If you’re an educator, parent, nonprofit leader, or community champion, this podcast gives you the stories, tools, and spark to help the next generation thrive.Hit play—and let’s power possibility.

In this powerful episode, we spotlight three educators who are redefining what it means to prepare students for the future—through innovation, purpose, and true commitment to opportunity.We begin with Francisco Nolasco, a seasoned STEM expert with more than two decades of experience in math, engineering, computer science, and robotics. Francisco breaks down the real work behind creating future‑ready students: expanding work‑based learning, connecting STEM skills to high‑wage careers, and building authentic partnerships between schools and industry. His insights are a must‑hear for anyone passionate about career pathways that actually change lives.Then, we shift to Rudy Nuñez, whose unique journey from Deputy Sheriff to educator brings new meaning to purpose‑driven leadership. Now a Professional Development Consultant for CCMR, Advising, and CTE, Rudy shares how mentorship, structure, and real‑world pathways help students discover a future they can believe in. From the Sheriff’s Office to the classroom, his story shows how lived experience can transform student success.Finally, we feature Iliana Gonzalez, an educational leader whose journey from ESL student at 12 to consultant and advocate is a testament to resilience and equity. With 17+ years serving diverse learners and a passion for instructional technology and SEL, Iliana offers educators practical, meaningful strategies for creating classrooms where every student thrives. Her focus on engagement, best practices, and innovation reflects exactly what today’s global learners need.Together, these conversations highlight what’s possible when educators lead with purpose and vision—building pathways, removing barriers, and empowering students to step boldly into college, careers, military service, and life.Perfect for educators, leaders, and anyone committed to student success, this episode delivers inspiration you can feel and strategies you can use.

Special Guest: Rhonda Leon from the Texas Education Agency, as the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant manager (CLSD), shares insights at the West Texas Reading Symposium!

Below are some of the key topics discussed on this episode:

• How the Science of Reading and Research-Based Instructional Strategies Support Reading Education
• How the open education resources incorporate the RLA Research-Based Instructional Strategies

RLA Research-Based Instructional Strategies are

• RBIS #1: Foundational Skills
• RBIS #2: Text-Complexity
• RBIS #3: Knowledge Coherence
• RBIS #4: Text-Based Responses

Make sure to Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share with other Educators so they can benefit from this fascinating discussion also! Let us know what you learned from this episode and the West Texas Reading Symposium this year!

LIVE from the 2025 West Texas Reading Symposium, join Lillian Frazier and Texas Education Agency Associate Commissioner of Curriculum & Instruction Nicholas Keith.

Some of the topics covered in this episode include:

• The Texas Reading Initiative grant funded the West Texas Reading Symposium
• Reviewed literacy challenges in K-12 education
• Guest speaker Mr. Keith (Associate Commissioner of Curriculum and Instruction) provided insight on:
• • On the vision of Strong Foundations
  • high-quality instructional materials
  • RBIS
  • The evolution of the curriculum in the upcoming years
• Discussed strategies and supports for striving readers

Make sure to Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share with other Educators so they can benefit from this fascinating discussion also! Let us know what you learned from this episode and the West Texas Reading Symposium this year!

Author Meagan O’Toole Pitts and illustrator Ashton Kaleigh, both El Paso natives, speak with Dr. Jose Velasquez, Director of ESC19’s Academic Instruction and School Support Department (AISS), about their book Carmelita, aimed specifically for 5th grade readers. The book tells the tale of the protest about the harsh treatment of Mexicans at El Paso bathhouses in 1917 from the perspective of a girl who is 5 years old in the present day. In addition to discussing the creation of the book, the topic of biliteracy and bilingualism is discussed as a reflection of local culture.

La Dra. Mónica Laura, experta en educación bilingüe, y el Dr. José Velásquez, director del Departamento de Instrucción Académica y Apoyo Escolar de ESC19, platican acerca de las mejores prácticas, para ambos padres y maestros, sobre el apoyo de la literacidad en más de un idioma. La Dra. Lara es autora de varios libros, entre ellos ¡Toma la palabra!: Enlazando la oralidad y la lectoescritura.

The TEKS Resource System State Team sits with Region 19’s TEKS RS Leadership Team to discuss current education matters. In this podcast, we talk about House Bill 3, the future of education and STAAR 2.0. We also take a look forward and provide updates on the future of TEKS Resource System, how it fits into our educational landscape and an exciting announcement by the state leads.