Author: Growing Inland Achievement

About This Episode

Season 5. Episode 11.

In this episode of Education Insight, we’re joined by Alfredo Cruz, the Director of the Emmy-nominated and National Educational Television Association Award-winning public television show Learn with Me. Alfredo takes us behind the scenes of this innovative bilingual children’s program that blends live-action and animation to engage and educate young viewers in both English and Spanish.

As someone who has had a long and successful career in broadcasting, Alfredo shares his unique journey to becoming the director of Learn with Me and explains why it was important to create a bilingual show that feels authentic and culturally relevant for Spanish-speaking children. He also discusses the role of teachers in shaping and starring in the show, and how young voice actors and animators have contributed to its vibrant energy.

Tune in to hear how Learn with Me was built from scratch, the creative process behind choosing themes and topics for each episode, and why the show’s success goes far beyond just entertaining kids. You’ll also hear about the exciting future plans for the show and its potential spin-offs.

This episode offers a fascinating look at how Learn with Me is changing the landscape of children’s television and making an impact on education in both English and Spanish-speaking communities.

Featured Guest

Alfredo Cruz

Karina Augustus serves as the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Career Specialist at the University of California, Riverside. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Minor in Spanish. She later earned a Master of Science in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton. She has worked in both academic and student affairs and has worked in a variety of public institutions. Most recently she earned the Woman of Promise award from the Lakers and CoAmerica Bank for the pioneering work she has done for historically marginalized and undocumented communities. Karina is committed to being a change agent in the field and continuing to create equitable opportunities for students who have historically been underserved and/or underrepresented.

Watch the Episode

Interview Highlights

3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.

About This Episode

Season 5. Episode 10.

In this episode of Education Insight, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI with Guadalupe Saldivar and Karina Augustus, Career Services Specialists at UC Riverside. Recently, they shared their expertise at the PROPEL AI Symposium at CSU San Bernardino, where they explored AI’s significant impact on both education and workforce development.

The conversation covers a range of important topics, from how AI is already shaping industries today to the ethical challenges it presents. Guadalupe and Karina discuss whether AI could replace teachers or merely assist them, the hurdles schools face when implementing AI—especially in lower-income communities—and how both students and educators can ensure AI is used as a tool to enhance learning rather than shortcuts.

They also offer valuable insight into the changing job market, advising workers in automation-heavy industries on how to prepare for the future. Additionally, they touch on the important role universities play in helping students adapt to this technological shift. With AI increasingly influencing decisions in hiring, grading, and healthcare, Guadalupe and Karina share their thoughts on ensuring fairness and equity in its applications.

Looking ahead, they discuss what the future holds for AI in education and the workforce in the next 10 to 20 years. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the current and future impact of AI on education and the job market.

Featured Guest

Karina Augustus

Karina Augustus serves as the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Career Specialist at the University of California, Riverside. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Minor in Spanish. She later earned a Master of Science in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton. She has worked in both academic and student affairs and has worked in a variety of public institutions. Most recently she earned the Woman of Promise award from the Lakers and CoAmerica Bank for the pioneering work she has done for historically marginalized and undocumented communities. Karina is committed to being a change agent in the field and continuing to create equitable opportunities for students who have historically been underserved and/or underrepresented.

Guadalupe Saldivar

Guadalupe Saldivar serves as a Business Career Specialist at the University of California, Riverside. She specializes in career development and advising undergraduate students who are studying business and economics. She earned her Bachelor of Business degree from New Mexico State University and a Master of Arts degree in Student Affairs Administration at Michigan State University. Guadalupe is currently a Ph.D. student at Oregon State University in the Adult and Higher Education Ph.D. Program. Her research is focused on examining social mobility among low-income college students. Her work and research strive to identify the ways universities can support students in securing positive employment outcomes. She is a strong advocate for social mobility, income equality, and an expert in supporting college students navigating the workforce to promote career and educational attainment.

Watch the Episode

Interview Highlights

3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.

About This Episode

Season 5. Episode 9.

In this episode of Education Insight, Dr. M.D. Haque, an expert from the LaFetra College of Education at the University of LaVerne, offers valuable insights into the growing teacher workforce shortages facing California and the nation. As schools continue to grapple with the shortage of qualified educators, Dr. Haque provides a comprehensive look at the current state of the education system and the deep impact the shortage has on school communities.

He dives into the challenges of recruiting and retaining teachers and explores innovative solutions that have emerged, including hands-on training programs like apprenticeships and teacher residency programs. Dr. Haque discusses the importance of leadership development for teachers and how stackable credentials and micro-credentials can support their professional growth and retention.

This episode also examines the pressing issue of teacher burnout and what higher education institutions, such as the University of LaVerne, can do to ensure a qualified and sustainable teaching workforce for the future. Tune in to hear Dr. Haque’s expert perspectives on how collaborative efforts, innovative programs, and strategic solutions can help address the teacher shortage crisis and support the next generation of educators.

Featured Guest

Dr. MD Haque

Dr. MD Haque serves as the dean of the LaFetra College of Education at the University of La Verne. Before stepping into this role, he held several leadership positions, including director of the Institutional Review Board, associate dean, and interim dean of the college. He is also a professor of organizational leadership.

As dean, Dr. Haque is deeply committed to building strategic partnerships, expanding learning opportunities and career pathways, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and strengthening the college’s existing programs. His leadership is centered on innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence, ensuring that LaFetra College of Education continues to lead in preparing future educators and organizational leaders.

Dr. Haque holds an Ed.D. in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University, along with master’s degrees in business administration, business technologies, and public administration—reflecting his diverse expertise in leadership, technology, and organizational strategy.

Watch the Episode

Interview Highlights

3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://gia.echofactory.dev/gia-podcasts/

Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.