Shows
The Family Court PodcastTexas will start suspending students who are homeless or come from unstable homes in SeptemberStarting in September, Texas schools will have greater authority to suspend younger students and those without stable housing due to House Bill 6, a new law allowing out-of-school suspensions for students below third grade and for those classified as homeless. This law replaces a 2019 regulation that limited suspensions for homeless students to serious offenses, such as violence, drugs, or weapons. The intent behind the new legislation is to assist teachers in managing classrooms more effectively, especially in the wake of challenges posed by the pandemic.Although the previous law will no longer be enforced, districts...2025-07-1203 min
Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast9-PSP-Leading ECISD Forward: Dr. Keeley Boyer on Education, Experience & Partnering w/PSP #educateWelcome to the Permian Strategic Partnership Podcast! In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Dr. Keeley Boyer, the new superintendent of Ector County Independent School District (ECISD).
Dr. Boyer shares her passion for education, her strategic vision for ECISD, and how she plans to strengthen student outcomes through innovation, leadership, and strong community partnerships.
We also dive into her collaboration with the Permian Strategic Partnership—and how together, they’re working to create lasting impact for students and families across the region.
We also learn about how Dr. Boyer's experience as a st...2025-05-2323 min
Level Up Your LearningEsports: Game OnGrab your headset and join NTO's Esports coach and a few of their all-star team members as they chat game highlights, team banter, and what it’s really like competing in high school esports. It’s laughs, strats, and clutch moments on and off the screen!2025-03-2813 min
The Path ForwardOh Donna ISDWelcome back to The Path Forward! In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Angela Dominguez, Superintendent of Donna ISD, to discuss how the district is pioneering new educational models to better prepare students for the future. From the launch of Fine Arts, Science, and Sports Academies to plans for a World Languages Academy, Dr. Dominguez shares how Donna ISD is aligning education with industry needs, fostering innovation, and engaging the community. Learn how the district is tackling staff development, parent concerns, and enrollment growth while ensuring students graduate ready for college, c...2025-03-1125 minLevel Up Your LearningLeading from the Ector Middle LibraryHear about the new renovations at Ector Middle Library, how the librarian plans to partner with teachers, and the hopes for all the students who get to use the library.2025-02-2516 minThe Path ForwardChallenge Accepted!Welcome back to The Path Forward! In this milestone 100th episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Keeley Boyer, Interim Superintendent of Ector County ISD. From her journey starting as a history teacher in Texarkana to leading one of Texas's most innovative districts, Dr. Boyer shares insights on teacher retention, principal development, and creating sustainable educational systems. Learn about Ector County's groundbreaking Principal Incentive Allotment program and how the district achieved having 44 teachers earning over $100,000 through strategic compensation. Don't miss this compelling discussion about growing talent from within and investing in educational excellence!...2025-02-1818 minLevel Up Your LearningAI in EducationJoin us for an engaging discussion on how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of education. We'll dive into how AI is being integrated into the classroom, its benefits and challenges. Also, check out this article that was mentioned in our discussion.
https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/From-chalkboards-to-chatbots-Transforming-learning-in-Nigeria
2025-01-2236 minLevel Up Your LearningBlended Learning Unpacked: Transforming Education in ECISD
Podcast Title: Blended Learning Unpacked: Transforming Education in ECISD
Description:
Explore how blended learning is transforming ECISD classrooms. We break down what blended learning is (and isn’t), highlight effective digital tools, and discuss the UTeach course's role in empowering educators. Perfect for anyone curious about modern teaching strategies!
2024-12-1117 minLevel Up Your LearningDigital Citizenship
Join Shelly and the Cameron Elementary 5th Grade teachers as they discuss their success with Digital Citizenship.
2024-11-1508 minLevel Up Your LearningStudent EngagementJoin Christina and the Crockett Middle School RLA Team share fun ways to enhance student engagement2024-09-2612 min
The Rio Grande PodcastActress Dannie McCallum from Edinburg, TX!Marvel’s Echo- and Tom Hanks’ Here Actress Dannie McCallum is an Edinburg native who has excelled in the world of film/theatre since her time with ECISD. Now in LA, Dannie is a full-time actress who has already taken on multiple roles in her exciting career. Today, she hops on the podcast to spend some time with the place she calls home. Get to know her as she reflects on her journey and shares her story with the community she loves. She’s as homegrown as it gets and we want to thank for her everything she’s doing t...2024-08-0555 min
The Valley's Morning News RewindMcAllen announces new transit routes, we get an economic update from McAllen, ECISD had a ribbon cutting for their new collegiate high school, we look back at the Border Health Preparedness effort, and how is Region One helping school districts get ready for the new school year.Mario Delgado, McAllen transit director talks about the new routes for McAllen transit.City manager Roy Rodriguez gives an economic update from McAllen, and he discusses the new pet ordinance.ECISD Superintendent Dr. Mario Salinas talks about the grand opening of the ECISD, UT-RGV collegiate high school.Major Steve Walker with the Texas state guard talked about Operation Border Health Preparedness effort.Dr. Dan King from Region One talked about how they are helping school districts get ready for the school year . 2024-08-0253 minLevel Up Your LearningSummer ReadingJoin Viktoria and Jamie Henry from the Ector County Public Library as we discuss the summer reading program and ways students can participate!2024-05-1509 minLevel Up Your LearningEarly Development for Little LearnersIn this episode Shelly talks with Natalie and Isabel about the importance of Early Childhood development and offer important strategies for parents to support their little ones growth.
2024-04-2514 min
Chuck Yates Needs A JobKevin Searcy, Odessa’s School Bond ElectionI had heard all about the Midland County school bond election last winter. $1.4 billion for new buildings, upgrading old ones, new technology. I didn’t realize that right next door the Ector County Independent School District had a similar election for $423 million that passed too. A large part of the proceeds will be used for the Career & Technical Education Center. CTE sounds totally dope - trains high school kids for real world stuff like welding, rig operations, electrical, roustabouting. Longtime active Odessa resident Kevin Searcy was kind enough to come on and walk me all through the ECISD’s initi...2024-04-2438 minLevel Up Your LearningA Trip to TCEA with Becky RamirezJoin us for a recap from TCEA, discussing the sessions we attended and how we will incorporate the ideas in our district. 2024-03-2824 minLevel Up Your LearningArtificial Intelligence in the Classroom with Andrew BradfordBrittany and Andrew talk about how Artificial Intelligence has been a game-changer in the classroom. They also share different AI tools to get started. 2024-02-2714 minLevel Up Your LearningPromethean Podcast with Kaylea BrooksJoin our Digital Learning Specialist, Marissa Lopez and her cohost Kayla Brooks, an ECISD educator as they discuss the new Promethean Panels for ECISD. 2024-01-2910 minLevel Up Your LearningDigital Inclusion: Empowering Special Education with TechnologyJoin our DL Specialist Rachel and Special Education Teacher Christine Matta as they talk through some amazing digital tools to support special education students.
2023-12-1304 minLevel Up Your LearningEverything Techy with Gifted and Talented StudentsJoin our DL Specialist Christina and Advanced Academic Specialist Vanessa Brower as they talk through some amazing digital tools to support gifted scholars. 2023-11-0210 min
Charter Moms ChatsEast Central ISD Schools Of Choice, With Amanda HolmanEast Central ISD Schools of Choice offer unique learning opportunities to prepare students to thrive in a dynamic economy. Amanda Holman, Ed.D., Director of College, Career, and Military Readiness at East Central ISD, joins us to discuss the specialized learning models at ECISD Schools of Choice and offer advice to families about how to apply for enrollment.2023-10-2529 minLevel Up Your LearningSocial Emotional Learning & Digital CitizenshipJoin Webby and Liz Gray to dive into the importance of SEL and digital citizenship. Just in time for Digital Citizenship Week😉🤓💻⭐
Check out our Digital Citizenship Week Website: ecisddl.tech/digcitweek20232023-10-1307 minLevel Up Your LearningBlended Learning with Mandy HinojosOur special guest for this episode is Mandy Hinojos, ECISD's Blended Learning Coordinator. Gaby Barry puts Mandy in the hot seat and asks all the questions about this hot topic!2023-10-0214 minThe Valley's Morning News RewindWe focus on domestic violence awareness and we look at Edinburg CISD's new career and technology campusHidalgo County District Attorney Terry Palacios talked about domestic violence awarenessArminda Lozano with Edinburg CISD talked about the new career and technology campus at ECISD.2023-09-2949 min
Wait, WHAT!?Wait,WHAT!? Episode:59In episode 59 the show starts off with the weekly recap. Courtney has beef with Lord of the Rings and Damien doesn’t like the idea of separating SPED education from general education. Courtney’s Mind focuses again on questionable practices by school officials in ECISD and Courtney wants more veteran teachers to take inexperienced teachers under their wings. The Millennial Moment has Damien question the 2024 Republican field. The show comes to a close with no recommendations2023-08-301h 35Level Up Your LearningWelcome to 23-24 School YearWe discuss our why and what you can look forward to in Season 3 of Level Up Your Learning.2023-08-2308 minWait, WHAT!?Wait,WHAT!? Episode: 43I’m episode 43 of Wait.WHAT!? The boys skip the usually weekly recaps and get right into Courtney’s Mind (2:48) fmr MISD Superintendent Angelica Ramsey has been busy poaching talent left & right from the district. Does ECISD need to keep an extra vigilant eye on Stephanie Howard? The boys then welcome on guest Jennie Stinebaugh Fanous (31:05) to talk about the court case involving staff members of Trinity School of Midland. Damien then spends the millennial moment talking about his move into his new apartment (1:21:40) Courtney’s take away? Screw having a front door! It’s totally safe without one! And finally...2023-05-031h 43Level Up Your LearningKamiGabriela Barry and Rachel Galvan talk about Kami, one of their favorite digital tool for the classroom. Learn about the features teachers and students will both love!2023-04-1409 min
THE Journal Insider: K-12 Ed Tech Trends & Hot TopicsTutoring Triumphs in Texas: Ector County ISD’s Unique Approach is Yielding Remarkable ResultsTHEJournal.com editor and podcast host Kristal Kuykendall digs into a story of tutoring triumphs in Odessa, Texas, with guest Dr. Scott Muri, superintendent of Ector County Independent School District, which has 33,500 students and 44 schools. ECISD entered the pandemic already ramping up to tackle big challenges; the district was failing many of the state’s academic growth indicators. Under Muri — who took the helm at ECISD in summer 2019 — the district has implemented district-wide high-dosage tutoring strategically and quickly, with some unusual features such as pegging the tutoring providers’ payments to how much the students being tutored actually grow in...2023-02-1724 minLevel Up Your LearningFavorite Tech Tool: NearpodWelcome to this episode that covers all things Nearpod. Rachel and Marissa take you along and cover their top 10 features. Stay tuned to find out their bonus favorite features about this amazing tech tool for your classroom. 2023-02-0416 minLevel Up Your LearningStaff Favorites-Promethean BoardPromethean Website
Make sure to create an account on promethean webpage. You can save your customizations in your created account. Ex: wallpapers, spinners, saved bookmarks and files
2023-01-2313 minLevel Up Your LearningStaff Favorites Episode 3: CodingLet's talk about coding & computer science!
Episode Resources:
Minecraft Edu Resources
Hour of Code with Code.org
Google Applied Digital Skills
Want more? Check these out:
https://scratch.mit.edu/
https://www.scratchjr.org/
https://www.tynker.com/
2022-12-1411 minLevel Up Your LearningStaff Favorites Episode 2: FlipFlip is a video discussion app, free from Microsoft, where curious minds connect in safe, small groups to share videos, build community, and learn together. Interested in trying out Flip? Go to www.flip.com to sign up and learn more.
Visit our website at www.ecisddl.tech/dl.2022-11-1110 minLevel Up Your LearningStaff Favorites Episode 1: Canvawww.canva.com
Canva is 100% free, with no paywalls or nasty surprises. Canva for Education will remain 100% free for K-12 (primary and secondary) educators, their students, as well as qualified school districts and institutions.
Join today!2022-11-0419 min
The Sergio Show RewindEmergency covid money is not being spent on covid related issues and school security at Edinburg CISD.Author of the critically acclaimed and bestselling book, The Founders' Speech to a Nation in Crisis, Steven Rabb talked about how emergency covid money is slow to be spent, and how it goes to many non-covid uses.
Lexington, MN Mayor (R) Mike Murphy talked about President Biden blasting “extreme” GOP, in Labor Day swing state trips.
Valerie Sokolovski, workplace etiquette expert talked about the rudest cities in America
ECISD Police Chief Ricardo Perez talked about school security at the star the school year.
Co-author of Retirement Conquered and co-founder of LE Financial Leslie Boyden talked about how retirement accounts are taki...2022-09-0947 min
Level Up Your LearningEpisode 9 Digital LiteracyResources to check out from this episode:
What is Digital Literacy? 5 Skills that Will Serve You Well
Classroom Guide to Digital Literacy in K12 Education
Digital Equity
6 Things Every Educator Should Know About Digital Equity2022-05-2612 minLevel Up Your LearningEpisode 8 Digital CitizenshipWebby & Lauren talk about the why, what, and how of digital citizenship
Resources shared in this episode:
Don’t teach digital citizenship - embed it!
Common Sense Education lessons
Common Sense Educator coursework
Raising Digital Leaders by Jennifer Casa-Todd
Search the resources and libraries in Schoology, Seesaw, & Nearpod for Digital Citizenship lessons as well 😉2022-05-0515 min
Blow Out PreventionStories from ECISD parentsListen as I share 3 stores from people who experienced bullying in ECISD, and how it affected their lives. ***THE VIEWS IN THIS PODCAST DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE PODCAST***
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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bop.mentalhealth/support2022-04-2242 minLevel Up Your LearningEpisode 7: Trying New Tech ToolsIn this episode explore new tools to try with your students to increase classroom engagement. This is the time of year where students are getting antsy and teachers are struggling on how to keep them on task. However, this is the perfect time of year to try new things.. you know your students, you have your classroom routines down, and you need something new to keep them engaged! Give any one of the tools offered a try! Let us know if you tried it by tagging #ecisdleveluplearning on Twitter & Facebook. We can't wait to see the fun you will...2022-04-1411 minLevel Up Your LearningEpisode 6: The 4 Cs: Bringing It All TogetherIn this episode we discuss how teachers can continue to grow in their craft and teach while using the 4 Cs: creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking. If teachers are interested in using the 4 Cs Breaking Down the 4 Cs rubric can help them get started. Reach out to your EdTech department or teacher friend for help if needed to ensure that you are not alone in this process. #teamwork2022-04-0113 minBlow Out PreventionA conversation with Taisha BiscainoToday I had a conversation with a local mom who has her 11 year old child currently in an inpatient facility due to a suicide plan. This came after 7 long months of bullying and inaction from ECISD. Please share this episode and get the word out about Onyx. The squeaky wheel gets the grease and we’re trying to get loud!
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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bop.mentalhealth/support2022-03-301h 03Level Up Your LearningEpisode 5 Critical ThinkingJoin us for the final C of the 4 C's Critical Thinking! 2022-03-0408 minLevel Up Your LearningEpisode 4 The 4 C's - CreativityHow do you your raise the creativity bar for students & learning? Continue on our journey with us through the 4 C's exploring new ways to design learning for more effective outcomes & higher levels of thinking. We discuss creative ways digital tools such as Canva, Nearpod, Kami can raise the creativity bar in our classrooms tomorrow! Also, check out @BoostEDU's creativity rubric to reflect on where learning is for your students. Happy listening!2022-02-2112 minLevel Up Your LearningEpisode 3 The 4 C's-CommunicationCan we talk? No, really let's communicate. In this episode we are discussing one of the 4C's-Communication. We discuss how much education has changed in the way we communicate today. One communication tool we discuss is Flipgrid and the different ways we use it in our classroom and school. Flipgrid is a video tool that allows teachers to post " Topics" that they are discussing in their classrooms. This is where you get to hear students' voice in their recording. We also give a shout out to Kasey Bell and her podcast on Protecting Students In A Digital World. Remember t...2022-02-0715 minLevel Up Your LearningEpisode 2 The 4 C's - CollaborationWhat is a 4C? Well, we have the answer for our listeners. Dive into collaboration, an important 21st Century skill for students & teachers. One collaboration tool we love are all the GSuite apps & all the wonderful ways to collaborate. We'll talk about Meagan Kelly's website, I Heart EDU, where she shows us rubrics to get us started with the 4Cs. Happy listening!2022-01-2112 min
Level Up Your LearningEpisode 1: The Adventure BeginsECISD Digital Learning team takes on Podcasting! 2022-01-0709 min