The LET's Talk Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dr. LaDonna Gulley and Ted Madden
Welcome to The LET’s Talk Podcast, inspired by Mesquite ISD’s Leadership and Empowerment Team, or ‘LET’ for short. Our guests include educators, students and community members sharing their experiences from their perspectives. Each week, hosts Dr. LaDonna Gulley and Ted Madden deliver authentic discussions about empowerment, inclusion, and equity in the Mesquite ISD community and beyond.
Join Dr. Gulley and Ted on the final episode of The LET's Talk Podcast for the 2022-23 school year as they reflect on their favorite moments from this exciting season. From insightful interviews to inspiring discussions, they revisit the highlights that made this season truly memorable.
On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, Dr. Andrea Hensley, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services, shares an inspiring story about how getting to know people from different backgrounds changed her "why." She learned the importance of listening with empathy and understanding through a pregnant woman on trial, which led her to pursue prison ministry and make a positive impact on inmates' lives. As an experienced educator and leader, Dr. Hensley emphasizes the importance of truly listening to each other and planting seeds of hope that may have a lasting impact on our students.
Carlos Bañuelos is a Family Support Liaison for Mesquite ISD, born in San Antonio to Mexican parents. When he was a child, his mother relied on food and low-income assistance programs to make ends meet while she continued learning English to enroll in college. Although they could have returned to Mexico after his parents divorced, he admires his mother's perseverance to earn a college degree to stay in the U.S. and make a living with her children. His upbringing helps him relate to the more than 1,000 MISD students identified as McKinney Vento or in foster care. Hear from Bañuelos, who is also a cancer survivor, as he talks about living a life of service and “doing what you can for others.”
Erica Asante is a children’s book author and a global health leader. Born in the United States but of Ghanaian heritage, she has always embraced and shared her culture. Erica, who has traveled to 20 countries and five continents, has observed that to assimilate, people often lose their culture and language. During the pandemic, she was inspired by her son to write a children’s book, Threads of Me, after he was asked what his favorite food was but was too shy to name his favorite African dish. Hear how she hopes to bring global awareness for children to be proud of their heritage and share it with others.
Gilberto Prado joined Mesquite ISD near the end of the first semester, but his personality and leadership qualities allowed him to hit the ground running. He came to Mesquite after only 4.5 months in Northwest ISD. Despite his brief time there, his coworkers loved him, showing the kind of immediate impression he makes. Prado is the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, which sounds like a job that is both very important and very boring (Ted asks him about this). When he was nine years old, Prado’s family moved from Mexico to Dallas, and his educational foundation came from elementary and middle school in Dallas ISD and high school at St. Mark’s School of Texas. Prado also talks about his unique leadership style and how he has integrated into the Mesquite community in only a few months.
Chris Bingham teaches art at Mesquite High School, and he's also a practicing professional artist. In his mind, that makes him a much better art teacher. The Oak Cliff native who got in trouble for doodling in class now has large murals across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Chris would argue that we're all artists in one way or another and feels like it's his job to bring it out of all his students.
NBC 5 reporter and weekend anchor Vince Sims joins his old friend Ted Madden and Dr. Gulley. As a polished presence in local media in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, Vince is still country at heart, as he grew up on a farm in Southeast Arkansas. Vince's career has included stops in Monroe (Louisiana), Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. His compassion, along with his patience and grace, has helped him successfully navigate a career in TV that can sometimes be contentious.
Caleb Turner has come a long way from kindergarten parent-teacher conferences. Caleb is currently co-pastor at Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church and is in line to become a pastor when his father retires in June. Caleb admits to being a bit of a troublemaker in school; he says he wasn't a bad kid, just more of a class clown. Turner was a football and track athlete at Mesquite High and then Horn High before going to college on a track scholarship. He spent a night in jail, served in the military, got married and had two kids; so he knows what it's like to be a troubled kid who turns out to be an influential man. Those life experiences serve him well with all his parishioners, making him relatable and even more respectable, despite some of his previous failings.
West Mesquite Principal Karen Morris was an original member of the LET Committee – founded in June 2020 – but her desire for equitable treatment for everyone dates back to her youth in Burleson. As she said, "Everybody in the town looked just like me. So when I had the opportunity to go to the University of Texas, I went running." The former Spanish teacher enjoys the reaction she gets from students when she speaks to them in Spanish, and appreciates the grace they and their parents show her when her Spanish isn't perfect.
On this episode of The Let's Talk Podcast, hear the powerful story of Mabel Morales, a bilingual teacher at Hanby Elementary. Morales, who lost her mother at one year old, found her safe haven at school as she struggled growing up in a toxic home in her native country of Bolivia. At 18 years, to escape this situation, Morales fled to the United States. Hear how this working mother learned English and fulfilled her American Dream of graduating with a college degree. Now with over 20 years as an educator, she relies on her personal experience of hiding her emotions by being the “class clown'' to develop a relationship and nurture students in her classroom.
Deidra Rucker, Mesquite ISD Assistant Athletic Director, joins us on this episode of The LET’s Talk Podcast. An SMU college basketball alum, Rucker began her 20-year coaching career as a high school varsity head coach. Rucker shares an insight into her motherhood journey and how being a single mother changed her priorities, leading her to walk away from one of the most high-profile basketball programs in the state to coach middle school B and C teams. Realizing that a job title did not define her, Rucker says she discovered a new passion in mentoring young coaches, helping her redefine her career goals. Hear how her approach to being comfortable with the uncomfortable has guided her life and how she hopes to raise a more empathetic and compassionate son through traveling.
On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, meet Jeremy Anderson, education consultant and this year's convocation speaker. Anderson shares his experience as a troubled student and the relationships his teachers built that led him to overcome his challenges. Learn about the belief system and what it means to "Teach by faith and not by sight" as he urges educators to find innovative ways to reach their students. Also, hear why he says the heart of the Mesquite Promise is "refreshing” to learn about.
On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, get to know the story behind Vanguard High School's dean Clint Elsasser. Listen to how a struggling dyslexic student who failed third grade discovered his passion and managed to graduate from college on the dean's list within four years despite being placed on academic probation. A dedicated youth minister and former construction worker, Elsasser reflects on his role as a missionary at ground zero in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York. Learn how now, as the Dean of Schools at VHS, he relies on his experience to understand and empathize with students he comes across–including his daughter, who was on the brink of dropping out of school before enrolling at Vanguard High School.
On this week's podcast, Terrence Williams, principal of Mesquite Academy, speaks about his experience growing up in West Texas and attending Midland Legacy, formerly known as Midland Lee High School. Learn why Williams, who graduated with a degree in Information Systems, says transitioning to an educator's role was the ‘best decision ever’. Now, a few months into his new role, he tells us about the unique challenges of Mesquite Academy and how he is working to build students up as they prepare for the real world.
On this week's podcast, Horn High School Director of Football Operations and Running Back Coach Khan Rollerson credits his discipline to the birth of his son. Growing up without a father figure and being a young single father, Rollerson was determined to be a role model for his child. Hear how he is focusing on building leadership skills within the HHS football program as he explains how “being a leader grows men” and learn why he says the Mesquite Promise is a building block for success.
Mesquite High School history teacher and head soccer coach Philip El-Aya grew up in Mesquite – a world away from where he was born in Lebanon. In this week's podcast, he shares the moving story of his family leaving a war-torn country when he was only 2 years old and how their journey to U.S. citizenship shaped his deep appreciation for America. Learn how his background and life experiences help Coach El-Aya connect with young people and create a sense of belonging for his players and students. #MadeInMesquite
Our first guest on the debut episode of Season 3 of the LET’s Talk Podcast is Mesquite ISD Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Janine Fields. Her journey began in a small farming town in Washington where she was the first in her family to attend college. Learn about how her summer jobs shaped her work ethic and what she’s learned about the hard-working people in Mesquite ISD. Dr. Fields also shares her passion for innovative learning and commitment to providing opportunities for all students.
Guest Peggy Brooks has served as the station manager of KEOM 88.5 FM for 14 of her 30-year tenure with the Mesquite ISD radio station. Before she retires this month, she shares a little history of the station and what makes it a unique opportunity for MISD students and our community. Hear how an MISD program for paraprofessionals to gain teaching certificates helped launch her distinguished career in radio. A similar program has just started in MISD.
Thanks to compassionate MISD administrators who believed in her even as an angry teen, Maxcie Taylor is poised to give back to the Mesquite community in a multi-level capacity. She’s a 2014 graduate of Poteet and recently was crowned the 2022 Ms. Curve Texas Regency International. Hear how Maxcie is using her platform to help local entrepreneurs, non-profits and young people plus why she and her family are thrilled to be back in the area after living in North Carolina.
Why is Dr. Rivera’s vision for the district resonating with the campus leaders and student families he’s visiting with? What has he already learned about the power of the new Mesquite Promise? How is he working with Mayor Alemán to leverage the strong school district/city relationship for an even brighter future for our community? In the LET’s Talk podcast episode released today, learn the answers to these questions as well as what else drives Dr. Rivera in this new job he loves.
Last January, guest Courtney Allen took the reins as Horn High School athletics coordinator and head football coach. Hear why Coach Allen calls Horn "a sleeping giant" with exceptional potential for success in sports and how the parents and students have rallied around his leadership during his first semester. He explains how his motto of "We're Not Going to Lose a Day" is building momentum with his student-athletes and coaches. Find out how he's focusing on character building and community service with a goal for his Horn male and female students "to set a shining example in the community." Coach Allen, a former coach of the recent first-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys Tyler Smith, tells us why he predicts success for him.
In this episode, our guest is an education legend and friend of Mesquite ISD: the recently retired Dr. Dawson Orr. His multi-state and international career includes leadership roles in Texas, where he most recently launched the doctorate in education program at SMU. Born in Columbia, South America, Dr. Orr started teaching at a difficult time when Black and white students had been "separated by law and didn't understand each other." Some of his career highlights include starting a school in Mexico, building global competency in leaders and students, and helping heal a school district hurt from a generation before. Hear why he is proud of his service in a "noble profession" as well as his views on the future of education.
Today's guest Chandra Courtney has a brilliant mind--and heart to go with it. Hear how her Caribbean childhood, "melting pot" family and teaching excellence philosophy inspire her to teach her Mesquite High students much more than science. "See people as potential advocates and allies; Agree to listen and look for solutions; Persevere when people doubt you; Take a risk on yourself because the world is so quick not to."All this advice helps her students advance in school and want to stay connected with her far past graduation. Not surprisingly, this wife of a Horn High School chemistry teacher and mother of a 2-year-old son was MISD's 2021 Secondary Teacher of the Year and pursuing her doctorate in social justice.
Teaching students ranging from fragile learners and at-risk youth to the gifted and talented. Raising two daughters--one adopted and bi-racial; the other biological and white like both parents. Opening a new-concept high school in Mesquite as second in command. Guest Patrick Haney, a North Mesquite graduate and current Vanguard High School assistant dean, takes both life and professional challenges in stride. Hear secrets to his success as a leader in raising student achievement. And hear why he takes his job seriously but not himself.
Finishing her first year as Horn High School principal, Deeadra Brown tells how she has excelled in that role as a Black female. Hear how she overcame challenges and now feels successful after working with students and staff to reset expectations in academics and behavior. Although an honors student in high school, the Texas native was initially placed in remedial college classes. Her goal as principal is for her students not to go through what she did; she is driven for them to leave Horn "college-ready" if that's the path they choose. Learn more about Brown, who attended college on a basketball scholarship, and her journey from teacher and coach to administrator.
In this episode, meet Frank Sandoval, West Mesquite High School's athletic coordinator and head football coach since January 2020. Hear about his life tragedy at age 14 that he says "fuels" his five brothers, sister and him to work hard, succeed and give back to others with love. Learn how this Farmersville, Texas, native and family man is building a culture at West Mesquite aligned with LET's mission of acceptance of all and belief in others. Hear more about why he and his coaches commit to giving student-athletes "purposely positive praise."
Meleah Minyard--a Horn High senior recently accepted into Oklahoma City University's prestigious theatre program--has been known to use her performance skills for social change. To her, you are never too young or too old to learn how you personally can help break down inequities for success. Hear how and why she boldly challenged white people like herself at the George Floyd rally in June 2020. Also, learn about the new Mesquite Promise initiative.
During Women’s History Month, we celebrate vital roles women play. Today's guest is the newest Mesquite ISD Board Trustee Teia Collier--a professional writer specializing in the automotive industry and a strong advocate of Mesquite and our school district. Hear her motivating perspective as a North Mesquite High School graduate with parents who taught and coached within MISD and children who attend here now. Learn how MISD helped her overcome the challenges of raising a “micro-preemie” son and much more. Hear how this single parent's goal--to raise her children to thrive without her--mirrors the MISD Board's focus to develop successful high school graduates ready to take on the world.
In Part 2 of our conversation with Dale Hansen, the retired WFAA sports anchor discusses a range of topics: he disagrees with the notion that affirmative action infers lower quality, he discusses how the movie Bridge of Spies changed his outlook on life, and he encourages people to find happiness every day. Find out why Hansen believes everyone in this country should donate two years of their lives to this country, whether it be community service or armed service. And learn his favorite message to high school students: enjoy the experience because high school is the only thing in life you can do only once.
In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Dale Hansen, the sometimes-controversial, always-opinionated retired WFAA Channel 8 sportscaster. The reasons why he has used his platform to speak about issues facing minority or disadvantaged groups may not be what you expect. Dale says his three years in the U. S. Navy opened his eyes to the inequities in society, and those eyes – and his mouth – have been wide open ever since. Also stay tuned for next Tuesday, March 8, when part two of this interview will air.
Did you know Arlington--40 miles from Mesquite--is America's 11th most diverse city? Today's guest Dr. Jason Shelton is chair of Arlington's Unity Council and director of UTA's Center of African American Studies. Learn how he leads people from all walks of life to be on the same page for greater success. Also an associate professor of sociology, Dr. Shelton talks about the Contemporary Black Experience course he created and now teaches at UTA, offers his views of Black History Month and more.
It's Black History Month, and today's guest details its origins and how it is honored by MISD staff and students. And who better to learn from than MISD's very own Social Studies Coordinator Daniel Norwood. Norwood, a proud West Mesquite High School graduate and former North Mesquite High School history teacher, stresses the importance of factual history over opinions and the value of learning multiple perspectives.
Today's guest Kelly Long is a proud 1994 Mesquite High School graduate, and she exudes excitement for her current job as Poteet High School principal. Find out how she's leading the next generation and why she credits the challenging upbringing of her husband and high school sweetheart with turning her into a better educator.
In this week’s podcast, meet Junior Ezeonu, a rising star city leader in the DFW area, who mesmerized MISD students when he spoke to them at last fall’s Emerging Leaders Conference. Born in Nigeria, Ezeonu came to the United States at age 2. Following in his immigrant family’s footsteps, he places community service as a number one life quest. At just 22, Ezeonu serves as a city councilman for Grand Prairie. Hear how he enjoys serving as a positive role model to young Black men especially and why. He also gives advice on how to overcome age bias.
Meet Amber Sims, a 2005 Mesquite High School graduate on a leadership quest our community and MISD's LET initiative can be proud of. Her non-profit Young Leaders, Strong City (YLSC) provides seminars and other community outreach to provide a place of belonging and fellowship for high school students from across the DFW Metroplex. Hear how YLSC has touched 4,000 young people and how its influence can be a game-changer for student attendance and academic performance.
For 13 years, today's guest Jennifer Mobley has played a significant role in creating equity for MISD students. As the director of federal programs and family support, she oversees a generous budget allowing wide-ranging support to MISD students and staff. Mobley's use of federal funds--from new clothes and free counseling to waived instrument rental fees and more--goes beyond leveling the playing field for all students. Hear about ways she innovatively push-starts these student families even further to give them the power to positively change their lives.
This week's guest and podcast co-host Dr. Gulley have something important in common: both know the positive power of Teach for America. Both women taught for the organization, but guest Lacey Pittman Tomanek chose to continue up the ranks to vice president. Tomanek, a seventh generation Texan, and Gulley discuss why over 80% of Teach for America Corps members continue in their careers working for educational equity. They also share how both work to break down barriers to student success.
In today's podcast, meet Dr. Sana Syed, a Pakistani-American whose multiple life struggles and successes seem impossible for just 39 years of life. Learn why her dad immigrated from Pakistan and how she overcame trauma from being different than other children in America. Find out how she credits education for giving her the autonomy and freedom to make a difference. For one, she is the founder and CEO of Kimiya International, a nonprofit focused on human rights advocacy through film and trauma therapy.
What's new in Mesquite? City Manager Cliff Keheley shares that plus what he credits for the area's fast growth and exciting future. The city's strong partnership with Mesquite ISD, he says, supports his goal of "ensuring people have a good quality of life." For one, he's proud that there is a playground less than a mile from every home. Learn how the city works to be inclusive of all resident perspectives--gaining input from multiple age ranges, cultures and backgrounds--to build Mesquite's vision and community standards. "That's for citizens to decide," he said.
In this week's episode, learn why Porter Elementary Counselor Melina Ontiveros--an Asian raised in the Philippines--is a proud American and Mesquite resident. Living with just younger siblings at age 15 after her mom died, she's also proud to now serve in a role she refers to as 'the person I needed' during her childhood struggles. The former teacher with 30 years of experience in education loves to impress upon her students through her example that 'nothing is impossible' if you work hard and believe in yourself.
In his 29th year working in the DFW area in education and first with Mesquite ISD, meet Mike Jasso, our assistant superintendent-administrative services. Hear about his first impressions, wide-ranging job duties, leadership philosophies that align with LET's, aspirations for the district and more. His high school football coach's advice as his team aspired to make the playoffs guides him professionally and personally: 'Is anyone working harder than you? No. Then why can't it be you?'
In his 29th year working in the DFW area in education and first with Mesquite ISD, meet Mike Jasso, our assistant superintendent-administrative services. Hear about his first impressions, wide-ranging job duties, leadership philosophies that align with LET's, aspirations for the district and more. His high school football coach's advice as his team aspired to make the playoffs guides him professionally and personally: 'Is anyone working harder than you? No. Then why can't it be you.'
In today's episode, hear from an impressive duo from Mesquite ISD: Director of Counseling Kristy Davis and Family Support Facilitator Kem Edwards. Learn more about the hearts and minds behind MISD's award-winning counseling staff working diligently to help students feel connected to their teachers and schools. Learn also how counselors follow LET’s mission to help students maximize their potential. Find out about the free support MISD offers student families and staff. If you need help for a student or your family, they recommend you first reach out to a campus counselor.
In this week's episode, meet West Mesquite High School coach and teacher Jeremiah Villareal. The third-generation Hispanic has served as the Wranglers' head soccer coach for the past five years, and this school year began teaching a new elective called Mexican-American Studies. Hear how he credits support from MISD staff and students and his faith to help him overcome an acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis at age 16. You'll also learn his philosophies on life, teaching and coaching that seem wise well beyond his age of 33.
In this week's episode, School Board President Eddie Rose shares his interesting path to Board service. The 26-year Mesquite firefighter, who has spent the past 13 years as an arson investigator, is no stranger to education. The son of a former principal (dad) and piano teacher (mom) and husband of a Poteet High School assistant principal believes that "schools are the center of the community." The father of two MISD graduates and one current Kimbrough student is especially proud that the Mesquite ISD Board "filters politics out" and makes decisions based on what's best for all students. He also cites MISD initiatives drawing attention from the education community and districts "around the world."
The confidence and positivity coming from guest Dr. Lauren Chism can easily put your mind at ease about Mesquite ISD students making it through these tough times of a pandemic. The principal of Cannaday Elementary, who has also served Kimball and Shands elementaries and Terry Middle School, earned her doctorate in educational leadership at SMU with podcast co-host Dr. LaDonna Gulley. Hear how Dr. Chism uses her leadership role with educators and students to infuse the joy of learning into the student learning recovery process. Learn how she uses trauma-informed care and behavioral intervention best practices, helping students with behavioral difficulties thrive in the general education classroom.
Jean Pricer is the podcast's first tricultural guest. She shares her experiences as a Filipino-American born and raised in Garland, Texas, and the challenge to acclimate to the people who she said didn't "look like me." Hear why she is familiar with the Tagalog language but has better mastered Spanish and English. Learn what is new about Mesquite ISD's pre-K programs and how powerful they can be to 3- and 4-year-olds.
Carolina Portillo came into her role as MISD's director of bilingual and ESL (English as a second language) services with what seems like the perfect background. Coming to America 14 years ago from Venezuela for a better life, she is an English learner and also a parent of two English learner daughters. The former accountant, who taught elementary school in MISD before moving into administration, says becoming bilingual can be "exhausting" because it takes much more than learning the language. Learning a culture includes figuring out "how to laugh at a joke" and "go to a party" different than ones from your home country. She describes MISD's bilingual program for elementary ages and ESL program for all grades and how all these students are learning a "superpower."
ReadPlayTalk (RPT) is one of the most important initiatives underway in Mesquite ISD, and like LET, aims for equity in education. RPT's leader, Lindsay Brimer Paris, is no stranger to our community or school district. Learn why the 2005 Mesquite High School graduate and former cheerleader and homecoming queen returned to MISD as the community liaison in what she refers to as her "dream job." Hear multiple ways to get involved in RPT to best prepare our future and current Mesquite ID students for school and life.
He may wear a suit and tie 90% of the time, but North Mesquite High School Principal Kenneth Washington prides himself on being highly relatable to students and staff. Changing schools some 15 times growing up in a military family, he has "never met a stranger." Hear about his experience at Hampton University (HU), a historically black private university. At HU, the second African American high school principal in Mesquite ISD learned to begin presenting himself in the best way to be taken seriously. Another strong influence has been his dad, a high school dropout, who excelled in the military and passed down a strong work ethic and reverence for education and building community. You'll also learn from Dr. Gulley about the Emerging Leaders program new this school year on all Mesquite ISD high school campuses.
In this week's episode, get to know Shaw Elementary Principal Kim Banuelos. The granddaughter of a former Irving ISD deputy superintendent is quite a leader herself; she enjoys leadership in the fields of equity and inclusion. She describes a proud moment "listening to her spirit" to summon the courage and examine the power of privilege with a group of leaders. Learn also what's special about Shaw, including the strong educational backgrounds and diversity of staff.
In today’s episode, learn why Poteet High School history teacher Eric Hayes is passionate about equity in education and life. Learn about his well-rounded perspectives from growing up as “the only Caucasian kid in a Hispanic neighborhood” and now being in an interracial marriage with an African American wife. He discusses how his life has been enriched by raising a daughter with Down Syndrome and a son.
For maximum teaching, he says he needs to learn “context before content,” meaning he needs to know each student’s story and best form of learning and motivation. He enjoys serving as a role model to his students with advice such as, “Words matter. The words you say become the world you live in.”
The first episode of the 2021-22 school year features Sgt. Torrey Rhone, the first African American of the Mesquite Police Department to attain the rank of sergeant. Rhone grew up during tumultuous times of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s in Los Angeles when gang violence and crack cocaine were prevalent. Hear how losing his childhood best friend and college best friend to violence helped lead him into the field of law enforcement. As a role model, he aspires to show kids you don’t need to be a victim of your circumstances and you can rise above them. He also shares insights about what it’s like to be a police officer—the good and the bad.
In case you missed this popular episode, learn how Dr. Valarie Nelson's leadership is changing the perception of Mesquite ISD’s Learning Center and evolving its culture. Find out how The Learning Center supports the goals of LET in discipline equity plus more about her nearly 30 years in education. Raised in a family of educators, Dr. Nelson earned her doctorate from SMU, just like co-host Dr. LaDonna Gulley.
In this new episode, meet the creator and host of the wildly popular podcast “History That Doesn’t Suck.” Utah Valley University Professor Greg Jackson is the assistant professor of integrated studies and assistant director of national security studies; he calls himself a “highly trained academic who doesn’t put on airs.” Jackson says listeners of his podcast, with nearly 100 episodes to date, are mostly Americans. His audience also includes Brits, Canadians, Germans and Australians. Learn why he says without a strong historical perspective, a successful government is impossible. Want to better understand others? Look at their history, he recommends. If we as Americans want to become a stronger family, he says to love--a far more effective method than berating others for their differences.
In this new episode, it’s easy to become inspired by guest Dr. Gina Bennett in more ways than one. First, find out how this former administrative assistant at MISD's Agnew Middle School will soon become a history professor at Kennesaw State University near Atlanta. Second, learn her advice to use objectivity and look at multiple perspectives--skills she has acquired as a historian--to help us better navigate today’s controversial discussions. For example, she advises others to constantly consider, “How would someone other than myself view this, and what exactly is the evidence?” Hear also why she believes there has never been a time in the history of the world when we had it all figured out.
In a replay of one of our most inspiring episodes, get to know the story behind Mesquite High School’s Head Football Coach/Athletic Director DeMarcus Harris. According to Harris, the drama associated with his challenging upbringing—with a mom on drugs and a dad in prison—is “movie material.” This misbehaving high school athlete from Pittsburg, Texas, was kicked off multiple teams before converting his “last chance” during senior year into something special as a football player. Thanks to a highly competitive personality, intelligence and a loving community driving him, Harris earned an academic scholarship to Austin College, where he continued to play football. Learn why he thinks he’s coaching at the perfect place for him and how his student-athletes and diverse coaching staff will be by his side giving back to the Mesquite community, where he’s excited to raise his family.
In this week's episode, meet Frank Hernandez, dean of TCU's College of Education and Dr. Gulley's former professor and dissertation chair when he worked at SMU. Hernandez, a first-generation college student, is an expert on Latinos in school leadership and an equity and social justice advocate. His leadership goal is growing school leaders who use "inclusive thinking" with high expectations for every single student through an affirmation of his or her individual needs and drivers of success. To Hernandez, there is no such thing as a "universal life experience," so hear his advice on working to better understand others.
Back by popular demand this summer is Episode 21, featuring Dr. Ángel Rivera, recently promoted to serve MISD as deputy superintendent when Beth Nicholas retires this summer. From military experience to work with the United Nations and varying-sized Texas school districts, Dr. Rivera is a student of languages with a true appreciation for various cultures. Sharing his perspective from his wealth of experiences from around the world, learn why he wants to replace the word tolerance with appreciation and much more. Find out also why he says the journey to remove biases comes from within.
This summer, we will replay a few of our favorite episodes of the LET’s Talk Podcast, starting this week with Abram Joseph. When we recorded this episode in January, Abram was principal at the Mesquite Academy; he has since been named principal at Mesquite High School. Find out why this has been our most-listened-to episode by checking it out for the first time or enjoying it again!
When this podcast debuted last August, Superintendent Dr. David Vroonland was the first guest. Dr. V returns in this episode, citing the progress of LET's first busy and effective year. Hear more about LET's focus on dignity, which he calls the "secret sauce" to create a sense of belonging for all students and adults in the Mesquite ISD community.
When Keisha LaVergne takes the reins as Gray Elementary's principal next school year, she will bring impressive leadership credentials and a well-rounded perspective. The Louisiana native who has taught in three states is raising three sons--two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Hear her startling realization of neurological disabilities in her family and her influence with LET toward that end.
For about 20 years, Rick Benavidez has served in various teaching and counseling roles at Mesquite ISD. Learn why he feels "called" to his current position; he is in his first year as a high school counselor at North Mesquite High School, his alma mater. This Latino who grew up in Mesquite especially enjoys serving students at the cusp of young adulthood. Hear more about his favorite advice to use with his students and colleagues, including "Listen to understand" and "Strengthen your empathy muscle by using it," among others.
This week's guest is third grade teacher Aziza Basha, an educator at her alma mater, Cannaday Elementary. This Palestine immigrant, who moved to Texas at age 5, explains why she proudly wears a hijab, the head covering worn in public by some Muslim women. While being open about this wardrobe fixture, she never addresses any religious aspect with her students. She also advocates celebrating cultural differences with honest conversations.
Trustee Kevin Carbó is proud of his Puerto Rican heritage, Mesquite ISD and the Board in more ways than one. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he lived in Puerto Rico and Florida before moving to Mesquite, where he and his wife of 39 years raised two Mesquite High School cadet majors and graduates. Learn why he has been “all the way in” advocating for public schools since 1996 when he was first elected to serve MISD and why he believes the Board has been named one of the top five in Texas multiple times. He credits a diversity of experience--from a first responder to an educator to business owners and more--that helps this team of seven excel.
In this week’s episode, meet Wilmar Mejia, a McDonald Middle School Spanish teacher and proud Guatemalan. Initially calling his migration to the United States 19 years ago “the ultimate failure," learn why he loves teaching in Mesquite ISD. As one of the podcast's biggest fans, it's hard not to be inspired by his continuous quest for studying all cultures to better honor every person he teaches or meets.
In this week’s episode, we meet Joseph Vincelli, an important influence on Mesquite ISD’s award-winning music education program. This Berklee College of Music graduate, professional jazz musician and author spent time performing across the globe before founding The Artist Outreach, a non-profit organization. Learn more about the power of music in learning and how Vincelli’s organization cultivates creativity in MISD students and champions equity and diversity.
In this episode, get to know the story behind Mesquite High School’s new Head Football Coach/Athletic Director DeMarcus Harris. According to Harris, the drama associated with his challenging upbringing—with a mom on drugs and a dad in prison—is “movie material.” This misbehaving high school athlete from Pittsburg, Texas, was kicked off multiple teams before converting his “last chance” during senior year into something special as a football player. Thanks to a highly competitive personality, intelligence and a loving community driving him, Harris earned an academic scholarship to Austin College, where he continued to play football. Learn why he thinks he’s coaching at the perfect place for him and how his student-athletes and diverse coaching staff will be by his side giving back to the Mesquite community, where he’s excited to raise his family.
In this week's episode, Chassordee Willie tells us about her "dream job" as Mesquite ISD's director of recruitment and retention.Besides sharing her deep love of Mesquite and Mesquite ISD, she enjoys finding teachers with her same passion and potential. She especially likes to help teachers become successful because "that ensures MISD students will be successful" as well. Learn why the former Shaw Elementary principal has chosen to spend 24 years in MISD and what she thinks sets MISD apart from other districts she competes with for employee talent.
In this week’s episode, Florence Elementary fourth grade teacher Maria Gomez takes center stage. She shares her pride and accomplishments in being a Mexican-American teacher in West Texas and for now for three years in Mesquite. As an educator and lifelong learner, she especially enjoys studying the cultures and races from all her students' perspectives so she can bring out their best. She stresses to her students the importance of learning to think critically and asking even adults tough questions.
Gomez, who attended kindergarten in Mexico and was raised in Uvalde, Texas, is a first-generation high school and college graduate. She earned her degree from Angelo State University.
In this week’s episode, learn how Dr. Valerie Nelson's leadership is changing the perception of Mesquite ISD’s Learning Center and evolving its culture. Find out how The Learning Center supports the goals of LET in discipline and equity, plus more about her nearly 30 years in education. Raised in a family of educators, Dr. Nelson earned her doctorate from SMU, just like co-host Dr. LaDonna Gulley.
In this week's episode, meet Eric Grant, a history teacher at West Mesquite High School. This self-proclaimed "All-American-looking white man and history nerd" offers wise, profound cultural insights beyond what you might expect from an ordinary 29-year-old millennial. Learn how a college internship teaching African American students in Tennessee changed his life and created a personal quest: rally his students into joining him in voting to make a difference. He says education is a career he never knew he wanted but has changed into something he loves every day.
Episode 21 features Assistant Superintendent of Innovation and Leadership Dr. Ángel Rivera. From military experience to work with the United Nations and varying-sized Texas school districts, Dr. Rivera is a student of languages with a true appreciation for various cultures. Sharing his perspective from his wealth of experiences from around the world, learn why he wants to replace the word tolerance with appreciation and much more. Find out also why he says the journey to remove biases comes from within.
Executive Director of Instructional Technology Cara Jackson talks about how MISD worked quickly through the pandemic to overcome an "inequity in tech" and the ultimate benefits to students, student families and staff.
Replay of Episode 1: Superintendent Dr. David Vroonland Introduces LET. Hear what inspired "Dr. V" as he is known across the Mesquite ISD community to create the Leadership and Empowerment Team (LET). You'll learn how students and staff and the local community will be better for the influence of LET.
In Episode 19, learn about Director of Library Services Mary Woodard’s leadership goals and how goals for MISD's national award-winning district libraries align with LET. She says MISD's library operations live by the 1939 Library Bill of Rights, offering resources for all people and all points of view. But it was her “woke” experience that has inspired this 34-year MISD educator and her librarian team even more. Her ultimate mission is to train all MISD students “how to think critically about information and be able to use it to improve their lives.”
In Episode 18, learn why Principal Abram Joseph refers to The Mesquite Academy as a program instead of a school. Also hear why he’s more proud that some of his former students are now black educators like himself than overcoming his start in life as a sharecropper’s son. His life missions include helping students realize they have the power to determine their own destiny.
Episode 17 features a conversation between the district’s new Leadership & Empowerment Director Dr. LaDonna Gulley and co-hosts Daniel Norwood, MISD social studies coordinator, and Ted Madden of the district’s Communications Department. Dr. Gulley opens up about her 30-year background in education that includes a dissertation on equity in the classroom. She also shares some of her LET goals to inspire “cultural intelligence” and more.
MISD Education Foundation Executive Director Randy Lewallyn is the special guest of the 16th episode of the LET’s Talk podcast. This Poteet High School alumnus shares how the foundation is taking to heart LET’s mission of equity to all students through its grant process. Thanks to generous community members and MISD employees, the foundation has funded millions for innovation in MISD classrooms and won’t stop fundraising in this pandemic despite its challenges.
In Episode 15, we hear from North Mesquite High School's award-winning U.S. history teacher Shanisha Neal. In her first year of teaching last year, North Mesquite High School named her the First Class Teacher of the Year. Hear what makes her special and why Mesquite ISD is looking for more minority teachers just like her.
Episode 14 features Director of Guidance & Counseling Kem Edwards, who shares how MISD has reimagined school counseling and now has an award-winning program with a focus on equity for all students. She announces a new program for MISD staff members--free counseling!
Episode 13. Despite dealing with this year's all-new, state-mandated high school English Language Arts curriculum and educator challenges in the season of COVID-19, hear how Kyle Fritsche still finds the time and focus to open teacher and student minds like never before.
Episode 12. Poteet Graduate & Texas Tech Freshman Nia Threatt shares what it was like growing up as a black teenager in Mesquite ISD schools. As a member of the district's Leadership & Empowerment Team (LET), her opinions are helping shape future initiatives of the Leadership & Empowerment Team.
Mesquite native and MISD's first Latino principal Emilio Duran talks about his career in Mesquite ISD and why LET is important.
Episode 10 features A.C. New Middle School Principal Regina Jackson, a black administrator in MISD, who describes how she serves as a role model to minority students.
Hosts Daniel Norwood and Ted Madden of Mesquite ISD preview what inspired the LET's talk podcast and some of the great discussions coming every Tuesday.