For decades, New Mexico has ranked at or near the bottom in education, a reality we have become far too comfortable with. But we know the story doesn’t end there. All across our state incredible leaders, educators and parents are working to improve our education system and New Mexico Rising will feature their stories. Each episode will feature an interview with someone leading great work in New Mexico’s education system. Join us as we come together as a community and write a new story for New Mexico students with a steadfast optimism that we can and must do better for our children.
Semester 1: Episode 9
Siempre Use Su Voz (with Isaac Rivas-Savell)
Meet the founder and CEO of Voz Collegiate Preparatory School, Isaac Rivas-Savell! Isaac shares his journey of starting a high-performing charter school in Albuquerque and the challenges he has overcome. He also discusses the progress that has been made and the importance of family legacy.
Semester 1: Episode 8
New Goals for APS (with Yolanda Montoya-Cordova)
In Episode 8, we chat with the President of the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education, Yolanda Montoya-Cordova. She discusses her path to serving as a board member and APS’ new plan to improve student outcomes.
Semester 1: Episode 7
Preparing New Mexico Students to Reach Their Potential (with Secretary Dr. Arsenio Romero)
Meet Dr. Arsenio Romero, New Mexico’s new Secretary of Education! Secretary Romero joins us to discuss his new role and what he plans to accomplish for the students and families of New Mexico. In this episode you will learn more about our new Secretary of Education including his background, educational experience, and how he plans to tackle the monumental task of improving education in the Land of Enchantment.
Semester 1: Episode 6
2023 Legislative Update (with Matt Pahl)
Matt Pahl, Executive Director of Public Charter Schools of New Mexico joins us to provide our listeners with an update on New Mexico’s legislative session! Tune in to hear a summary of the big education ideas being debated and how Amanda and Matt think they will impact New Mexico Schools.
Semester 1: Episode 5
A Proof Point School In ABQ’s South Valley (with Jade Rivera)
Jade Rivera, Founder and Executive director of Albuquerque Collegiate Charter School, joins us to discuss what led her to start a high performing school in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Jade shares more about the excellent results her school has achieved, especially in early literacy and what she believes is possible for New Mexico students. Jade also shares with listeners tips for school enrollment season and reviews the process and timing for charter school applications.
Semester 1: Episode 4
What I Knew to Do Was Entirely Wrong (with Bella Chandler)
Bella Chandler, kindergarten teacher at S.Y. Jackson Elementary in Albuquerque, NM shares her vulnerable journey to learning about the Science of Reading and how it completely changed the way she teaches reading in her classroom. 14 years into her career, Bella realized that everything she knew to do was wrong. After lots of training Bella is now seeing phenomenal results in her classroom and believes New Mexico can dramatically improve literacy rates across the state if we adopt the Science of Reading.
Semester 1: Episode 3
Leading Change in Your Hometown (with Matthew Montano)
Matthew Montano, Superintendent of Bernalillo Public Schools has been leading his hometown school district for a year and half. In this episode he chats with us about the challenges of taking over the leadership of an underperforming school district, how it feels to lead in his hometown and so much more.
Semester 1: Episode 2
Reaching for the Stars (with Yasine Armstrong)
Yasine Armstrong, vice-chair of the Sidney Gutierrez Charter School governing board – has an incredible array of professional experiences which includes everything from working for Former Governor Bill Richardson to co-launching her own company, BabyPage. Yasine is also incredibly involved in the community and is passionate about improving New Mexico’s education system. In this episode she shares more about the incredible work of Sidney Gutierrez Charter School and why she believes this public charter school in Roswell, NM can serve as an example of what is possible for all New Mexico students.
Semester 1: Episode 1
Bringing Educational Excellence Back Home (with Danielle Gonzales)
Danielle Gonzales, APS board member, has dedicated her career to improving education across the county. Recently, she moved home to put her experiences to use where it matters most, her hometown. Danielle is a proud product of APS and earned her Master’s in Education from the University of Notre Dame. In this episode she shares more about her personal and professional experiences, why she decided to come home and run for the school board, and the work happening to improve student outcomes at APS, including the district’s new strategic plan.