New Mexico Rising

John Binnert, Executive Director of Cottonwood Classical Charter School, joins us for a conversation about what the state can learn from Cottonwood Classical and how students at Cottonwood are outperforming students from across the world! Tune in and learn about what an International Baccalaureate diploma is and what it means for students at Cottonwood Classical. 

We also continue our new “Questions from the Field” segment. In this episode, we answer a listener's question about LETRS training and how teachers are adapting to the training. 

Kimberly Finke, APS principal, joins Amanda for a conversation about her experience “transforming” Whittier Elementary School after it was identified as one of the four worst schools in New Mexico. Kim discusses what she’s learned from her experiences in schools within and outside of APS and the systems utilized in strong schools. She also shares her thoughts on whether or not there is hope for New Mexico schools. 

Angela Lopez, Field Director for Public Charter Schools of New Mexico joins Amanda for a conversation about school enrollment season. It’s never too early to consider all the options for your child’s education next school year. Amanda and Angela discuss enrollment timelines for charter schools, magnet schools and even some private schools. Tune in to learn more about how to find the school that is best for your child!

Newly named Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools, Dr. Gabriella Durán Blakey joins us for a conversation just days after she was announced as superintendent of New Mexico’s largest school district. Dr. Blakey shares more about her history in teaching in Washington and New Mexico, opening a charter school and her goals for the district in her new role. 

New Mexico Secretary of Education, Dr. Arsenio Romero returns to the studio for a timely conversation about the Public Education Department’s priorities for the legislative session. Amanda and Secretary discuss the need for continued implementation of structured literacy across the Land of Enchantment and the Governor’s goals for literacy in New Mexico. 

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Kristin Algier, partner at national education nonprofit, TNTP joins Amanda to talk about the Opportunity Myth. What’s the opportunity myth you ask? Listen in to find out and hear Kristin and Amanda discuss how to improve classroom instruction across New Mexico schools. We talk about the bright spots and the challenges in ensuring every New Mexico student has access to grade appropriate assignments, strong instruction, deep engagement and teachers with high expectations. 

Matthew Pahl, Executive Director of Public Charter Schools of New Mexico, joins us for a conversation about the state’s charter schools. Matt and Amanda discuss some recent polling data demonstrating what New Mexicans think about charter schools and Matt does some myth busting about charter schools. We also dive into the upcoming charter enrollment season! Tune in to learn more about charter schools and get some tips on how to navigate charter school lotteries! 

In this episode we are joined by APS Board of Education member, Courtney Jackson. Courtney was elected to the APS Board of Education in 2021. In this episode. Courtney discusses the challenges of serving on the school board, the district's new strategic plan, and the search for the next superintendent. She reflects on the new momentum in the state’s largest district and reflects on why it’s critical that the community hold the district accountable to continuing the progress.

Dr. Jessie Barrie, Head of School at Albuquerque’s Bosque School, joins us to chat about what the school’s tagline “challenging education” means and expanding access to quality education. We also discuss the successes of Bosque School, the nonprofits that were incubated at Bosque and Dr, Barrie’s hopes for New Mexico’s students. 

BREAKING NEWS: Academic performance results have been released by the NMPED. In this episode, Kelsey McCaffrey, Principal in Residence at Albuquerque Collegiate Charter Schools joins Amanda to discuss the results and what they mean for New Mexico’s students, teachers, and district leaders. Tune in to learn more about New Mexico’s academic performance! 

Juaquin Moya, founder of Horizons Albuquerque, joins us for a conversation about what’s possible for students in Albuquerque when they are provided the support they need. Juaquin reflects on starting Horizons Albuquerque, a transformational, community-centered education program proven to close the opportunity gap. Juaquin also shares about his experiences attending and working with both private and public schools. 

This episode of the New Mexico Rising Podcast is a fun one! Derrell Bradford, President of 50CAN joins us as a guest host!  Derrell interviews our Executive Director, Amanda Aragon. The two of them chat about Amanda’s background, her passion for education, and the work NewMexicoKidsCAN is doing to improve education in New Mexico.

Allison Caldwell, a structured literacy coach, has over 15 years of experience in the education field. This episode is all about literacy! Allison shares her experiences as a literacy coach, what is being done to improve New Mexico’s literacy rates and the importance of elevating this conversation for educators, parents and all community members.  

We also discuss the upcoming screening of the Right to Read documentary, which will be held on Tuesday, October 10, at the Hispanic Cultural Center. 

Isaac Rivas-Savell, founder and executive director of Voz Collegiate Charter School joins us for a fun and heartfelt conversation about his journey to start a high performing charter school in Albuquerque. We chat about the challenges he had to overcome, the progress that has been made and the legacy of the family members that came before us. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the importance of using your voice.