Education Exploration: Recent Episodes
Matthew Castilleja, M.A.
On this podcast, we explore and learn about people serving in different career industries. The conversations focus on what it takes to reach our pathways and goals to educational and professional success. • Career + Life + Learning
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Education_Explo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/education_explo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EducationExplo
Duration: 00:45:13
Guest: Jacqueline Garcia, Instructional Technology Specialist – Round Rock, TX
On this podcast, we explore and learn about people serving in different career industries. The conversations focus on what it takes to reach our pathways and goals to educational and professional success. • Career + Life + Learning
Website:
- www.mattedutech.com
- bit.ly/TheEEpodcast
Social Media:
Education Exploration
- Twitter: @Education_Explo
- Instagram: @education_explo
- Facebook: @EducationExplo
Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host)
- Twitter: @MattEduTech
- Instagram: @mattedutech
- Facebook: @MattEduTech
In Episode 7, Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host) interviews Jaqueline Garcia, Instructional Technology Specialist at the Round Rock Independent School District in Round Rock, TX. She has facilitated and implemented the Computer Science Program at Brushy Creek Elementary to provide unplugged and plugged unique activities in each grade level during the school day. Jacqueline has fourteen years classroom experience in a Bilingual/Dual Language setting in grades 3-5.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Guest Introduction [00:00:46]
- Life in College [00:01:23]
- Major in College [00:04:33]
- Why did you choose to major in Education? [00:05:44]
- Overcoming Adversity [00:10:37]
- Studying at an Elite University [00:14:45]
- Classes in the College of Education & Student Teaching [00:19:03]
- Looking Back on Transitioning from College to the K-12 Classroom [00:23:50]
- Moving School Districts and to a New City [00:26:54]
- Leading a Bilingual Program with Technology and the Lessons Learned [00:31:04]
- Being apart of a district’s NextGen Program [00:36:08]
- Closing with Inspirational Words [00:42:01]
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- Texas A&M University
- San Antonio College
- University of The Incarnate Word
- Blinn College
Duration: 00:41:09
Guest: Gaby Gonzalez, Teacher Support Specialist – Houston, TX
On this podcast, we explore and learn about people serving in different career industries. The conversations focus on what it takes to reach our pathways and goals to educational and professional success. • Career + Life + Learning
Website:
- www.mattedutech.com
- bit.ly/TheEEpodcast
Social Media:
Education Exploration
- Twitter: @Education_Expl
- Instagram: @education_explo
- Facebook: @EducationExplo
Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host)
- Twitter: @MattEduTech
- Instagram: @mattedutech
- Facebook: @MattEduTech
In Episode 6, Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host) interviews Gaby Gonzalez (@ClassNKeyboards), Teacher Support Specialist at the Houston Independent School District in Houston, TX. Gaby began teaching in 2016 and began creating new, innovative methods to get students inspired to show their peers what they know. In May 2019, she earned her M.Ed for Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Learning, Design, and Technology from the University of Houston. Gaby looks forward to leading professional developments about implementing meaningful technology into classrooms across the Houston area.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Guest Introduction [00:00:42]
- College Background [00:01:29]
- Life as a College Student [00:03:04]
- Time Management in College [00:05:18]
- Transitioning from College to Career [00:06:55]
- Why Teach Kindergarten? [00:10:17]
- A Day in the Life of Teaching Kindergarten [00:12:34]
- Teaching Life Lessons in the classroom [00:16:32]
- How have life experiences helped you as a teacher? [00:20:36]
- How to compliment teacher and student technology skills? [00:25:07]
- Making the decision to go to grad school [00:31:02]
- Shifting to a new role [00:35:52]
- Closing with Inspirational Words [00:39:43]
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- University of Houston
- Seesaw
- WeVideo
- Nearpod
Duration: 00:33:54
Guest: Lena Dominguez, Round Rock ISD – Round Rock, TX
On this podcast, we explore and learn about people serving in different career industries. The conversations focus on what it takes to reach our pathways and goals to educational and professional success. • Career + Life + Learning
Website:
- www.mattedutech.com
Social Media:
Education Exploration
- Twitter: @Education_Explo
- Instagram: @education_explo
- Facebook: @EducationExplo
Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host)
- Twitter: @MattEduTech
- Instagram: @mattedutech
- Facebook: @MattEduTech
In Episode 5, Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host) interviews Lena Dominguez, instructional coach at Round Rock ISD in Round Rock, TX. Lena Dominguez has a BBA in Management from Texas State, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Lamar University. After college, Lena did 10 years in corporate America focusing on adult education. Realizing her heart wasn’t in it, she then went into education and started teaching middle school math in Round Rock ISD. She has a true passion for studying and practicing equitable teaching strategies within the class and also loves integrating technology into her math lessons.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Guest Introduction [00:00:48]
- College Journey [00:01:18]
- Why a Business Degree? [00:02:57]
- Life After College [00:03:48]
- Skills Developed Working in Adult Education [00:05:46]
- Transitioning from Corporate America to the Classroom [00:07:37]
- Classroom Experience on a Title I Campus [00:11:20]
- Developing a Teaching Style [00:14:04]
- From Classroom Teacher to a Leadership Role [00:20:43]
- Looking Back on Life, Career, & Goals [00:26:17]
- Advice on Getting Into a Career in Education [00:30:02]
- Closing with Inspirational Words [00:32:27]
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- Texas State University
- Lamar University
- Nearpod
- Kahoot
- Quizizz
- GSuite for Education
- Desmos
- Texas Teachers of Tomorrow
- National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity
Duration: 00:36:20
Guest: Gene Centeno, the University of Texas – Austin, TX
On this podcast, we explore and learn about people serving in different career industries. The conversations focus on what it takes to reach our pathways and goals to educational and professional success. • Career + Life + Learning
Website:
- www.mattedutech.com
Social Media:
Education Exploration
- Twitter: @Education_Explo
- Instagram: @education_explo
- Facebook: @EducationExplo
Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host)
- Twitter: @MattEduTech
- Instagram: @mattedutech
- Facebook: @MattEduTech
In Episode 4, Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host) interviews Gene Centeno, music graduate student at the University of Texas in Austin, TX. Gene Centeno, a San Antonio native, but living and thriving in the greater Austin area as a music educator and performer. He has performed with many musical artists and icons and has also maintained a profession in education all the while.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Guest Introduction [00:00:40]
- Career Background [00:01:05]
- College Background [00:04:16]
- Performance Experience & The Impact on College [00:10:12]
- Being a Better Student with Experience [00:11:58]
- Career Experiences [00:13:12]
- First Teaching Experience [00:14:25]
- Teaching Middle School vs High School [00:16:55]
- Takeaways from Career & Performance Experiences [00:19:04]
- Balancing Teaching & Performing [00:21:14]
- What You Know Now [00:23:37]
- How has performing influenced your teaching? [0025:31]
- Future Plans [00:27:50]
- Reminiscing with Podcast Host about Guest’s first teaching experience [00:29:46]
- Closing with Inspirational Words [00:35:07]
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- The University of North Texas
- Texas State University
- San Antonio College
- Texas Teachers of Tomorrow
- Prince
- Grupo Fantasma
Duration: 00:41:53
Guest: Alexander Yanez, LEE High School – San Antonio, TX
On this podcast, we explore and learn about people serving in different career industries. The conversations focus on what it takes to reach our pathways and goals to educational and professional success. • Career + Life + Learning
Website:
- www.mattedutech.com
Social Media:
Education Exploration
- Twitter: @Education_Explo
- Instagram: @education_explo
- Facebook: @EducationExplo
Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host)
- Twitter: @MattEduTech
- Instagram: @mattedutech
- Facebook: @MattEduTech
In Episode 3, Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host) interviews Alexander Yanez, associate band director at LEE High School in San Antonio, TX. He is in his 19th year in music education. Alex is a graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor's degree in music Ed with an emphasis in jazz studies. Alex’s professional affiliations are with Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Jazz Educators Associations, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Guest Introduction [00:00:43]
- College Experience [00:01:51]
- Finding “Yourself” in College [00:08:15]
- Skill Development in College [00:12:00]
- The Concept of “Servitude” [00:16:26]
- A Day in the Life [00:21:19]
- How to get into Band Directing? [00:28:26]
- Closing with Inspirational Words [00:37:37]
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- Texas State University
Duration: 00:39:51
Guest: Cesar Gonzalez, MacArthur High School – San Antonio, TX
On this podcast, we explore and learn about people serving in different career industries. The conversations focus on what it takes to reach our pathways and goals to educational and professional success. • Career + Life + Learning
Website:
- www.mattedutech.com
Social Media:
Education Exploration
- Twitter: @Education_Explo
- Instagram: @education_explo
- Facebook: @EducationExplo
Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host)
- Twitter: @MattEduTech
- Instagram: @mattedutech
- Facebook: @MattEduTech
In Episode 2, Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host) interviews Cesar Gonzalez, percussion director at MacArthur High School in San Antonio, TX. Born in Coahuila, Mexico, Cesar moved to San Antonio, TX, at the age of 4. After graduating from Fox Tech High School, he attended San Antonio College and later transferred to Texas State University to study music. While at Texas State, Cesar was a part of various university performance ensembles as well as several independent, non-profit music programs. He also taught part-time and composed music for high school percussion programs in the surrounding areas. Cesar graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Studies with a Texas All-Level Teaching Certification.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Guest Introduction [00:00:48]
- Education and Career Background [00:01:27]
- College Life [00:03:53]
- DCI and WGI (Summer and Winter Months of College) [00:06:52
- Transitioning from College to Career [00:14:54]
- Teaching Experience and the Influence on a Career [00:17:55]
- Saying “Yes” to Opportunities [00:21:30]
- Advice on becoming a Band/Percussion Director [00:23:55]
- Teaching and Modeling Best Practices Within Your Craft [00:28:56]
- The Evolution of Education and Teaching Band [00:32:33]
- Closing with Inspirational Words [00:35:13]
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- Drum Corps International
- Winter Guard International
- Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps
- Violet Crown Independent Percussion
- Texas State University
- San Antonio College
- Outliers – Malcolm Gladwell Book
Duration: 00:02:58
Guest: Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host)
On this podcast, we explore and learn about people serving in different career industries. The conversations focus on what it takes to reach our pathways and goals to educational and professional success. • Career + Life + Learning
Website:
- www.mattedutech.com
Social Media:
Education Exploration
- Twitter: @Education_Explo
- Instagram: @education_explo
- Facebook: @EducationExplo
Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host)
- Twitter: @MattEduTech
- Instagram: @mattedutech
- Facebook: @MattEduTech
In Episode 1, Matthew Castilleja, M.A. (Podcast Host) welcomes listeners to the podcast. He also discusses the "why" and the "what" behind starting a podcast. Matthew shares a little insight into his background in education, career, and introduces the logistics of episode content coming soon.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Welcome to the Podcast [0:20]
- The Why [0:33]
- The What [0:59]
- About the Host [1:28]
- Logistics [2:17]
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- Northwest Vista College
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Angelo State University
- Concordia University Texas