About This Episode
Season 5. Episode 6.
In this episode of Education Insight, we explore Idyllwild Arts Academy, one of the most prestigious arts high schools in the U.S., with Pamela Jordan, the President of the Academy. Pamela shares the story behind Idyllwild Arts, what sets it apart from other schools, and how it offers students an immersive experience that blends academic rigor with artistic passion. The academy’s international student body and its ability to evolve with new art forms like digital media and emerging music styles make it a truly unique institution.
Pamela also discusses the challenges art-intensive schools face today and how Idyllwild Arts addresses these issues while nurturing the next generation of creative talent. She highlights some of the impressive faculty members and shares inspiring success stories of alumni who’ve gone on to thrive in the arts. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about how Idyllwild Arts helps students pursue careers in the arts and why it’s considered one of the top arts academies in the nation. Learn more about the academy at www.idyllwildarts.org.
Featured Guest
Pamela Jordan
President and Head of School, Idyllwild Arts Academy
Pamela Jordan was appointed President of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation in July, 2014. In 2016, she also assumed the role of Head of School. Prior to joining IAF, she worked at Chicago Academy for the Arts (CAA) for twenty-three years, serving as Head of School for thirteen years. Pamela received a Bachelor of Music from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma and a Master of Education from Northeastern Illinois University. She has served on the boards of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States, Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools, is the immediate past president for the Board of Arts Schools Network, and is currently on the Board of Directors for the California Association of Independent Schools. Pamela has served as a resource panelist to the School of the Arts, Singapore where she also delivered the keynote address for the school’s first bi-annual Arts Forum.
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.