Welcome to another episode of the TAMIU Fertile Grounds Series Podcast! This episode features Host Lance Kelly in conversation with Cordelia Perez, Chief of Police at TAMIU, and Memo Treviño, Founder of Laredo Learns, as they explore the importance of early literacy and community involvement in childhood cognitive development.

Cordelia shares how TAMIU Police go beyond their duties of policing and patrolling by offering supportive services like The Little Library and providing rides to students to ensure they reach their destinations safely. She emphasizes the department’s commitment to enhancing both safety and education on campus.

Later, Memo discusses Laredo Learns’ mission to promote daily reading and school readiness. He highlights the impacts of partnerships with organizations like H-E-B and offers practical advice for families and community members to encourage reading at home, helping children succeed from an early age.

Join us for an inspiring conversation on community-driven efforts to enhance education and support student success!

To learn more about Laredo Learns, visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/coedu/laredolearns.shtml 

to learn more about TAMIU, visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/ 

Host: Lance Kelly

Guests: Cordelia Perez, Chief of Police at TAMIU

Memo Treviño, Founder of Laredo Learns

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 02:07) Introduction

(02:08 - 05:07) Community Engagement with The Little Library

(05:08 - 07:17) TAMIU Police and Overall Student Safety

(07:18 - 10:49) Promoting Daily Reading

(10:50 - 12:30) Encouraging Family Members to Read

(12:31 - 13:56) Investing in Childhood Education

(13:57 - 15:28) Addressing Challenges in Family/Child Interactions

(15:29 - 21:40) Helping Children with School Readiness

(21:41 - 26:07) How Laredo Learns is Encouraging Daily Reading

(26:08 - 29:29) Laredo Learns Partnering with Local Groups

(29:30 - 31:35) Future Goals for Empowering Student Success

(31:36 - 32:59) How Non-Direct Parents Can Be Role Models for Children

(33:00 - 33:54) Closing

Welcome to another episode of the TAMIU Fertile Grounds Series Podcast! Host Lance Kelly is joined by Victoria Camacho, Early Childhood Dean at Laredo ISD, Rosalinda Gomez, Parent Liaison at Cigarroa High School, and Genesis Ruiz, a Student Worker at TAMIU.

Victoria and Rosalinda kick off the discussion by sharing the impactful work Laredo ISD is doing to help students and families get ready for school. From hosting read-aloud events to directly engaging with parents, their efforts are making a difference before students even set foot in the classroom.

Next, Genesis Ruiz joins the conversation to talk about her role as a student worker at TAMIU and her involvement in an early reading event at HEB. She also offers her perspective on how the community can unite to support early literacy and why more students should participate in these initiatives.

Tune in to this insightful episode filled with strategies for empowering students and families and to learn more or connect with department heads at Laredo ISD check out their website: https://www.laredoisd.org/ and to learn more about TAMIU visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/ 

Host: Lance Kelly

Guests: Victoria Camacho, Early Childhood Dean at Laredo ISD

Rosalinda Gomez, Cigarroa High School Parent Liaison

Genesis Ruiz, Student Worker at TAMIU

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 01:08) Introduction

(01:09 - 03:42) Prepared Kids to Enter School

(03:43 - 07:43) Unique Barriers in Laredo

(07:44 - 13:19) Increasing Enrollment and Engaging Parents

(13:20 - 16:10) Read Out Louds

(16:11 - 18:11) The Head Start Program

(18:12 - 22:27) Engaging Outside the Classroom

(22:28 - 29:13) Goals for Increasing School Readiness

(29:14 - 34:03) Collaborating Across Departments

(34:04 - 39:29) Connect and Get Involved

(39:30 - 40:43) Rewards of the Journey

(40:44 - 42:59) The Role of Student Volunteers

(43:00 - 46:24) Working at the H-E-B Event

(46:25 - 48:20) The Importance of Daily Reading

(48:21 - 49:59) Little Libraries

(50:00 - 50:56) The Heart Behind It

(50:57 - 52:24) Spreading the Word

(52:25 - 52:44) Closing

Welcome to another episode of the TAMIU Fertile Grounds Series podcast! Host Lance Kelly is joined by Eric Castillo, Child Find Coordinator at CACOST Early Head Start, and Gabriela Perez, Clinical Director at SCAN (Serving Children and Adults in Need).

We begin with Eric, who discusses his work with Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and Project Niños, focusing on raising awareness and educating others about recognizing developmental issues in young children. He passionately shares the impact of this mission and how his own experiences as a parent have deepened his understanding of early development.

Next, Gabriela talks about her role at SCAN and her involvement in Project HOPES (Healthy Outcomes through Prevention and Early Support). She highlights how these programs provide developmental screenings and support for families, helping children build social and emotional skills from infancy through toddlerhood. Gabriela also details the wide range of services offered to families and the significance of her work in fostering healthy childhood development.

To get resources from ECI visit this link: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

To learn more about SCAN click on the link below

www.scan-inc.org 

Host: Lance Kelly

Guests: Eric Castillo, Child Find Coordinator at CACOST Early Head Start Program

Gabriela Perez, Clinical Director at Serving Children and Adults in Need

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 00:56) Introduction

(00:57 - 03:22) Early Identification and Intervention

(03:23 - 06:32) Community Partners

(06:33 - 08:20) A Beautiful Mission

(08:21 - 10:31) National ECI

(10:32 - 13:20) It Starts Early

(13:21 - 14:32) Learn More 

(14:33 - 15:31) Project HOPES

(15:32 - 17:47) Serving Children and Adults in Need

(17:48 - 19:11) Increasing Access and Information

(19:12 - 23:32) Social and Emotional Learning

(23:33 - 25:31) Collaborating with the Community

(25:32 - 26:37) Increasing Partnerships

(26:38 - 27:54) Bringing Awareness

(27:55 - 28:47) Connect with SCAN

(28:48 - 29:06) Closing

Welcome to the first episode of the TAMIU Fertile Grounds Series podcast! Three guests join host, Lance Kelly, to explore the multifaceted approach to enhancing community well-being in Laredo. Dr. James O’Meara, Dean of Education at TAMIU, Reynol Vela, Owner of Vela Safety Education, and Dr. Richard Chamberlain, Managing Director of Public Health for the City of Laredo, offer valuable insights into how education, public health, and community resources can come together to make a meaningful impact.

The conversation delves into the role of educators as catalysts for change, the challenges faced by families in diverse household structures, and the importance of accessible resources like Bright by Text in supporting early childhood development. A few highlights of this episode include discussions on community engagement through local libraries, innovative safety education programs, and the ongoing efforts of Laredo Public Health to bridge gaps and serve all community members. Tune in to learn about the strategies and solutions shaping a brighter future for Laredo's families.

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

To learn more about Bright by Text click on the link below

https://brightbytext.org/

Host: Lance Kelly

Guests: Dr. James O’Meara, Dean of Education at TAMIU

Dr. Richard Chamberlain, Managing Director of Public Health for the City of Laredo

Reynol Vela, Owner of Vela Safety Education 

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 01:08) Introduction

(01:09 - 04:24) Rich, Fertile Community in Laredo 

(04:25 - 07:28) Planning for Success Early On 

(07:29 - 09:08) Little Libraries & Ventanilla de Orientación Educativa

(09:09 - 13:30) Community Engagement Opportunities  for Students 

(13:31 - 18:01) Everyone in Laredo is an Educator 

(18:02 - 21:53) Sharing Stories with the Community

(21:54 - 25:20) Vela Safety Education 

(25:21 - 28:46) Different Solutions for Different Types of Families

(28:47 - 30:58) Bright by Text Advice through Pregnancy to Teenagers

(30:59 - 32:27) Bridge the Gap by Access to Local Services

(32:28 - 34:54) Laredo Public Health Communication and Marketing

(34:55 - 37:30) Solving Early Childhood Issues by Local Solutions

(37:31 - 40:35) Bright By Text Access Option

(40:36 - 42:50) Laredo Public Health 

(42:51 - 47:10) Challenges Accessing Healthcare

(47:11 - 51:00) Educating the Mothers in the Laredo Community

(51:01 - 56:20) Creating and Improving Assessments to Close Gaps

(56:21 - 57:14) Closing

Welcome to a new podcast episode of the TAMIU School Counselor Series! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Seth Sampson and our excellent guest, Josue Lopez, who is currently a student in the School Counseling program at TAMIU. In this episode, Dr. Sampson and Josue talk about what constitutes a good counselor and how TAMIU’s program is empowering Josue to succeed. Make sure to listen carefully as you tune in, and remember to like and subscribe!

To learn more about the Master of Science in School Counseling program at TAMIU check out this link: https://online.tamiu.edu/programs/education/master-of-science-in-school-counseling/ 

Guest: Josue Lopez, School Counseling Student, Texas A&M International University

Host: Dr. Seth Sampson, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M International University

Timestamps: 

(00:00 - 00:32) Introduction

(00:33 - 02:53) Josue’s Journey to Counselor

(02:54 - 05:00) TAMIU Leading by Example

(05:01 - 06:46) Roles of a School Counselor

(06:47 - 08:51) Integrating the Texas Comprehensive Model

(08:52 - 10:27) The Importance of Social Emotional Learning

(10:28 - 11:14) Mental Health Leadership in School Counseling

(11:15 - 15:39) Emotional Intelligence as a Counselor

(15:40 - 17:00) Advice to New Counselors

(17:01 - 19:29) Being Proactive in Counseling

(19:30 - 20:04) Closing

Welcome to a new podcast episode of the TAMIU School Counselor Series! In this episode, host Dr. Seth Sampson of TAMIU is joined by guest Carla Lopez, a student in the school counseling program at TAMIU. Dr. Sampson and Carla discuss a variety of topics related to school counseling, and Carla gives significant insight into her experience as a student of TAMIU’s school counseling curriculum and how it has directly applied to her current career as an educator. Make sure to leave a like and subscribe, and leave a comment with something you learned from this episode!

To learn more about the Master of Science in School Counseling program at TAMIU check out this link: https://online.tamiu.edu/programs/education/master-of-science-in-school-counseling/ 

Guest: Carla Lopez, School Counseling Student, Texas A&M International University

Host: Dr. Seth Sampson, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M International University

Timestamps: 

(00:00 - 00:32) Introduction

(00:33 - 2:28) Passion Behind Being a Counselor

(02:29 - 04:40) Observations in TAMIU’s MS School of Counseling

(04:41 - 06:21) Diving into the Role of a School Counselor

(06:22 - 08:55) The Value of System Support

(08:56 - 11:40) Integrating Social Emotional Learning

(11:41 - 13:45) Serving as a Mental Health Advocate

(13:46 - 16:32) Integrating the Competencies of SEL

(16:33 - 20:06) Advice for Pursuing the MS in School Counseling

(20:07 - 20:27) Closing

Welcome to another of the TAMIU School Counselor Series Podcasts! In this episode, listeners are invited to join host Dr. Seth Sampson, TAMIU School Counseling Program Coordinator, as he speaks with Eliza Villalobos, TAMIU Student. Eliza shares her inspiration for becoming a school counselor and how the TAMIU program has allowed her to accomplish this. Eliza continues by talking about her past experiences and how they shaped her perspective towards the individual student and making an impact in their life. Listen in to Eliza’s ideas on how to implement her learning into the real world and her advice for those looking to become a counselor. Listen now to hear more!

To learn more about the Master of Science in School Counseling program at TAMIU check out this link: https://online.tamiu.edu/programs/education/master-of-science-in-school-counseling/ 

Host: Dr. Seth Sampson, TAMIU School Counseling Program Coordinator

Guest: Eliza Villalobos, TAMIU Student

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 00:30) Introduction

(00:31 - 01:44) Getting Into Counseling

(01:45 - 02:46) One-on-One Interactions

(02:47 - 04:17) Benefits of the Program

(04:18 - 05:03) Advocates for Students

(05:04 - 09:16) College Ready, Career Ready

(09:17 - 10:29) Applying SEL Lessons

(10:30 - 11:51) Prioritizing Students

(11:52 - 13:29) Incorporating SEL Into the Curriculum

(13:30 - 14:49) Advice for Future Counselors

(14:50 - 15:14) Closing

Welcome to the premiere episode of the TAMIU School Counselor Series Podcast! In this first installment, listeners are invited to join host Cullen Martin as he speaks with Dr. Seth Sampson, the Coordinator of TAMIU's School Counseling Program. Dr. Sampson sheds light on the program's master's curriculum, detailing the team's triumphs over challenges and growing the program. Additionally, he underscores the role of counselors and the significance of fostering relationships within education. Tune in for an enlightening exploration you won't want to miss!

To learn more about the Master of Science in School Counseling program at TAMIU check out this link: https://online.tamiu.edu/programs/education/master-of-science-in-school-counseling/ 

Guests: 

Dr. Seth Sampson, TAMIU School Counseling Program Coordinator

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 00:21) Introduction

(00:22 - 02:24) Get to Know Dr. Sampson

(02:25 - 03:49) Social-Emotional Leaders

(03:50 - 08:40) Transition to Online

(08:41 - 09:58) Overcoming Challenges

(09:59 - 12:22) Assessing the Program

(12:23 - 16:11) Social Emotional Learning

(16:12 - 19:31) Staying Up to Date

(19:32 - 21:57) Advice for Future Counselors

(21:58 - 22:19) Closing

Welcome back to episode six of Conversations on Education: The Journey Towards Sustainable Transformation! This two-part episode begins with host Ben Wiggins interviewing recent TAMIU graduate Haziel Mota, later transitioning into an interview with both Haziel and her mother, Mayela. The first half of the episode dives into the story of Haziel’s background, her educational journey, and her challenges along the way. Haziel highlights different topics, such as being a first-generation college student, scholarships, and challenges she overcame that motivated her to continue her education. Haziel received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education and expressed gratitude for the amazing support and guidance she received from TAMIU. In the second half of the episode, we also welcome Haziel’s mother, Mayela Mota, who joins us to share some valuable lessons as to how parents can support and empower their kids who receive an education away from home. You will not want to miss this episode and learn more about the amazing opportunities available at TAMIU!

Guests: 

Haziel Mota, Recent Graduate Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education

Mayela Mota, Haziel’s Mother

Time stamps: 

Part 1:

(00:00 - 00:20) Welcome Haziel!

(00:21 - 01:58) Navigating Post Graduation Paths

(01:59 - 05:10) Origin Story & Why TAMIU

(05:11 - 07:11) Relationships That Feel Like Home

(07:12 - 11:35) Gift of Student Mentors & Academic Resources

(11:36 - 14:06) Advice for Future Students

(14:07 - 14:24) Thank you Haziel

Part 2: 

(14:25 - 14:44) Welcoming Haziel and Mayela Mota

(14:45 - 16:20) Brief Taste of Haziel’s Back Story 

(16:21 - 18:38) Warm Welcome to the Program and Overcoming Adversity 

(18:39 - 20:10) Mental Health Resources at TAMIU 

(20:11 - 22:07) Advice for New Students and Parents

(22:08 - 22:28) Thank You for Joining US!

Welcome back to episode six of Conversations on Education: The Journey Towards Sustainable Transformation! Host, Ben Wiggins, engages in a discussion with special guests, including Academic Success Coaches Arcelia Gonzalez and Virginia Lopez, recent graduate Anais Barrera, and her husband, Sergio Barrera. The episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of educational journeys, from helping students discover their paths to overcoming obstacles. Arcelia emphasizes the importance of envisioning oneself in the classroom, Anais expresses gratitude for her transformative experience, and Virginia encourages self-reflection to follow one's career path. The episode covers mental health resources, breaking stigmas, guiding students to success, and the variety of counseling and academic resources available. With insightful personal stories, the episode shares a deep dive into students' lives while enrolled in TAMIU. 

You won't want to miss this new and informative episode!

Host: Ben Wiggins

Guests: Arcelia Gonzalez, Academic Success Coach

Anais Barrera, Recent Graduate 

Sergio Barrera, Anais’ Husband 

Virginia Lopez, Academic Success Coach

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 00:35) Introduction

(00:36 - 02:40) Finding the Right Fit

(02:41 - 03:41) Mental Health Resources

(03:42 - 05:40) Breaking Stigmas to Help Students

(05:41 - 09:09) Guiding Students to Success  

(09:10 - 11:36) Helping Students Overcome Obstacles

(11:37 - 12:31) Welcome Barrera Family  

(12:32 - 14:30) Amazing Journey at TAMIU

(14:31 - 16:14) Support all around the Program

(16:15 - 17:46) Growth in Knowledge and Experiences

(17:47 - 18:55) Different Counseling Options

(18:56 - 20:20) Advice for Future Students 

(20:21 - 21:58) Guiding Students and Accommodations 

(21:59 - 23:35) Different Academic Resources Available

(23:36 - 25:55) Persevering Hardships

(25:56 - 27:40) Advice for Current Students 

(27:41 - 27:50) Outro

In this episode of the TAMIU podcast, we visit with Ricardo Aquino, Lizzy Sanchez, and Katherine Aleman, all recent TAMIU graduates and hear their thoughts on TAMIU and the programs it offers! Learn about the bright futures of these individuals and the different programs they took with TAMIU. If you are interested in going to college and want to find the right university for you, be sure to watch! TAMIU is full of diverse and caring faculty and has a lot to offer.  

Guests: 

Ricardo Aquino, Graduate, TAMIU

Lizzy Sanchez, Graduate, TAMIU

Katherine Aleman, Graduate, TAMIU

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 00:20) Introduction

(00:21 - 05:16) Finding all Aspects of Education - Ricardo Aquino 

(05:17 - 12:35) How TAMIU is Helping Students - Lizzy Sanchez 

(12:36 - 19:09) The Best Support in Education - Katherine Aleman

Welcome back to episode four of Conversations on Education: The Journey towards Sustainable Transformation! We are joined by special guests, Seth Sampson, Assistant professor at TAMIU, Cindy Dominguez, CCMR Coordinator at Laredo ISD, and Jerry Castaneda, HR Coordinator at Laredo ISD. 

 In this episode, our guests discuss how the TAMIU and Laredo ISD partnership is equipping students and teachers for success. They also discuss the topic of first-year teaching, offer some advice to people at home, and much more. You won't want to miss this new and very informative episode!

Guests: 

Seth Sampson - Assistant professor at TAMIU

Cindy Dominguez - CCMR Coordinator at Laredo ISD

Jerry Castaneda - HR Coordinator at Laredo ISD

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 03:42) Introductions

(03:43 - 06:43) What Is Happening Now?

(06:44 - 09:08) Enhancing Instructional Quality Among First-Year Teachers

(09:09 -12:08) Communicating Admission Requirements to Potential Teacher Candidates

(12:09 - 14:02) Partnering With Laredo ISD Districts

(14:03 - 16:27) Changes Made In the Past Years 

(16:28 - 24:10) A Message For People At Home

(24:11 - 25:41) Laredo ISD New Teacher Induction Practices

(25:42 - 31:54) A Message For Students

(31:55 - 33:14) Outro

Welcome back to episode 3 of Conversations on Education: The Journey towards Sustainable Transformation! We are joined by special guests Christian Faltez COE Chairman, TAMIU, and Erica Remington Cooperating Teacher, Laredo ISD. and we are very grateful for their time.

In this passion-filled episode, our guests discuss how the university evaluates their teachers so they only produce the best, for the students of the future, they also discuss topics like the relationship between Laredo ISD and the University, the experience of being a teacher, and much more. You won't want to miss this new episode!

Guests: 

Christian Faltez - COE Chairman, TAMIU

Erica Remington - Cooperating Teacher, Laredo ISD

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 01:28) Introductions

(01:29 - 03:57) What does a cooperating teacher do?

(03:58 - 05:51) How TAMIU evaluates teachers

(05:52 - 07:50) Evaluating teacher reliability 

(07:51 - 10:55) The relationship between TAMIU and School Districts 

(10:56 - 15:24) The experience of being a teacher in Laredo 

(15:25 - 16:04) Closing

Welcome back to a Texas A&M International University Podcast show, in this episode Dr. Cody Perry, Assistant Professor of The College of Education, and Dr. Adriana Vela, Assistant Principal of United Independent School District go in-depth on how data analysis goes in the education system, and how this data helps them build better teachers to give kids brighter futures. They also discuss the impact the pandemic had on kids and how the time off has affected them.

Dr. Adriana and Dr. Cody inform us about how we need to change with the times instead of trying to stop them, they discuss how they are teaching future teachers how to adapt and overcome, see the benefits of new technology, and so much more. This is a fantastic episode for those curious about the future of education and how teachers use data to improve the student environment. Don’t miss out, enjoy this new episode!

Guests: 

Dr. Cody Perry - Assistant Professor of The College of Education 

Dr. Adriana Vela - Assistant Principal United Independent School District 

Time stamps: 

(00:00 - 02:18) Introductions 

(02:19 - 05:28) Evaluating student data

(05:29 - 10:46) Teaching teachers 

(10:47 - 14:48) How to use data to build better teachers

(14:49 - 19:05) The why behind education 

(19:06 - 27:01) Evolution of teaching and state expectations 

(27:02 - 30:44) The impact of the pandemic on schools 

(30:45 - 34:43) Embracing new technology 

(34:44 - 38:46) The difficulties of teaching in the new world

(38:47 - 39:18) Ending

Welcome to the FIRST-EVER episode of this show brought to you by Texas A&M International University! Here we highlight Conversations on Education and the Journey Toward Sustainable Transformation. Today’s host, Garrett Hottle, welcomes in James O’Meara, Dean of the College of Education here at TAMIU, and Jose Cerda, Executive Director of Secondary Education of Laredo ISD. This episode shines a bright light on some of the success stories behind the partnership between TAMIU and Laredo ISD. These two entities have created a successful pipeline to prepare teachers for the future. 

Throughout the episode you’ll see James and Jose tackle topics like teacher training, addressing teacher pay, a high teacher retention rate, High School programs that lead to a career in education, and strengthening community relationships. You simply will learn so much from this robust conversation. Follow along as this partnership might provide some of the answers to the questions concerning today’s teacher market nationwide!

Guests:

Garrett Hottle - Host 

Jose Cerda - Executive Director of Secondary Education of Laredo ISD

James O’Meara - Dean of the College of Education at TAMIU

Time Stamps:

(00:00 - 00:37) Introducing the Guests

(00:38 - 01:30) Where Are You From?

(01:31 - 03:48) What Is It Exactly That You Do?

(03:49 - 08:10) Relationship Between TAMIU and Laredo ISD

(08:11 - 10:56) Teacher Training: Mixed Reality Simulation 

(10:57 - 14:18) Developing Teaching Talent 

(14:19 - 17:31) Cutting Edge Partners: Laredo ISD

(17:32 - 23:27) The Bright Spot: Facilitating the Processes of Becoming a Teacher

(23:28 - 25:11) Laredo ISD’s Partnership Getting Results and Creating Community

(25:12 - 27:28) Embracing the Sense of Community in a Learning City

(27:29 - 28:02) Outro, Call to Action