ESC19 Podcast

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 StrategiesRLA Research-Based Instructional Strategies areRBIS #1: Foundational SkillsRBIS #2: Text-ComplexityRBIS #3: Knowledge CoherenceRBIS #4: Text-Based ResponsesMake 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 SymposiumReviewed 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 yearsDiscussed strategies and supports for striving readersMake 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.

El Dr. José Velásquez, director del Departamento de Instrucción Académica y Apoyo Escolar de ESC19, y Joselyn Zúñiga, maestra de primaria del año 2023 ESC19 y maestra de quinto grado en San Elizario ISD, analizan cómo el lenguaje se entrelaza con la identidad y la cultura.

El Dr. José Velásquez, Director del Departamento de Instrucción Académica y Apoyo Escolar de ESC19, y la Dra. Adriana Alvarez, de la Universidad de Colorado, platican sobre el desarrollo y la pedagogía de la bilateralidad y las relaciones entre las familias y las escuelas con un enfoque orientado a la equidad y basado en las fortalezas de las comunidades bilingües.

ESC19 Professional Development Consultant Gabriela Camacho discusses Reading Intervention for Elementary schools with education expert Lauren Artzi. Here are some resources mentioned in the podcast. • Link to RELs (https://link.edgepilot.com/s/ee5687bb...) and REL Southwest (https://link.edgepilot.com/s/58dc49ce...) • Link to all of the available WWC practice guides (https://link.edgepilot.com/s/221f5e93...) • Link to Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4–9 practice guide (https://link.edgepilot.com/s/8ca4d7dc...) • Contact information: Lauren Artzi ([email protected]), Rebecca Bates ([email protected]) and Billie Jo Day ([email protected])

La Dra. Mónica Laura, experta en educación bilingüe, y Silvia Zacarias, Consultora de Educación Profesional ESC19, platican sobre las mejores prácticas para los maestros de dos idiomas. Lara es autora de varios libros, entre ellos ¡Toma la palabra!: Enlazando la oralidad y la lectoescritura.

Gabriela Camacho, Consultora de Desarrollo Profesional de Región 19 y Carlos Compaiñ, Especialista Curricular de Región 19, platican sobre los beneficios de los pasatiempos y la importancia que tienen en el bienestar de las familias. Carlos y Gabi comparten ejemplos y anéctodas personales sobre pasatiempos divertidos, desde baile a fotografía.

This special ESC19 Podcast features a candid conversation with 2023 ESC19 Teacher of the Year winners about their teaching careers and best classroom practices. They share inspirational personal stories about what motivates them and their best hard-learned lessons on how to be a great educator. Guests: 2023 ESC19 Elementary Teacher of the Year Joselyn Zuñiga, San Elizario ISD 2023 ESC19 Secondary Teacher of the Year Hector Juarez, Canutillo ISD ESC19 Podcast Host: Silvia Zacarias, ESC19 Professional Development Consultant

Las consultoras de desarrollo profesional ESC19, la Dra. Paola L. Vásquez y Gabriela Camacho, analizan los programas académicos para estudiantes dotados y talentosos en las escuelas públicas. Aclaran los conceptos erróneos de lo que es el programa y quién puede unirse.

ESC19 Professional Development Consultants Dr. Paola L. Vasquez and Silvia Zacarias discuss Gifted and Talented academic programs in public schools. They clarify misconceptions of what is the program and who can join.

Montserrat Garibay, from the United States Department of Education, shares her journey from being a young child immigrant from Mexico City and an emergent language student in the U.S. to becoming a teacher and now an advocate of bilingual education on a national level. Garibay is the Acting Assistant Deputy Education Secretary and Director for the Office of English Language Acquisition and Senior Advisor for Labor Relations at the US Department of Education.

ESC19 Professional Development Consultants Silvia Zacarias and Gabriela Camacho have a wonderful discussion with special guests from the Texas Education Agency. For more information visit: https://www.esc19.net/domain/470 Show Featured Guests: •Rhonda Leon, Implementation Specialist Instructional Materials & Implementation •Nowlan Savage HQIM Grants and Operations Project Manager Instructional Strategy & Implementation

Gabriela Camacho, Consultora de Desarrollo Profesional de Región 19 y Daniely Guiterrez, Especialista de Salud Mental, Participación Familiar y Comunitaria platican sobre recursos gratuitos para la comunidad y la familia. También comparten sobre la conferencia que dirige Daniely en Región 19 titulada "FACES" (Families and Communities Engaged in Schools "Familias y comunidades involucradas en las escuelas"). Esta conferencia brinda talleres de interés para las familias y educadores. Para mayor información siga el siguiente enlace: https://www.esc19.net/Page/407