The LET's Talk Podcast

Join Dr. Gulley and Ted on the final episode of The LET's Talk Podcast for the 2022-23 school year as they reflect on their favorite moments from this exciting season. From insightful interviews to inspiring discussions, they revisit the highlights that made this season truly memorable. 

On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, Dr. Andrea Hensley, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services, shares an inspiring story about how getting to know people from different backgrounds changed her "why." She learned the importance of listening with empathy and understanding through a pregnant woman on trial, which led her to pursue prison ministry and make a positive impact on inmates' lives. As an experienced educator and leader, Dr. Hensley emphasizes the importance of truly listening to each other and planting seeds of hope that may have a lasting impact on our students. 

Carlos Bañuelos is a Family Support Liaison for Mesquite ISD, born in San Antonio to Mexican parents. When he was a child, his mother relied on food and low-income assistance programs to make ends meet while she continued learning English to enroll in college. Although they could have returned to Mexico after his parents divorced, he admires his mother's perseverance to earn a college degree to stay in the U.S. and make a living with her children. His upbringing helps him relate to the more than 1,000 MISD students identified as McKinney Vento or in foster care. Hear from Bañuelos, who is also a cancer survivor, as he talks about living a life of service and “doing what you can for others.”

Erica Asante is a children's book author and a global health leader. Born in the United States but of Ghanaian heritage, she has always embraced and shared her culture. Erica, who has traveled to 20 countries and five continents, has observed that to assimilate, people often lose their culture and language. During the pandemic, she was inspired by her son to write a children's book, Threads of Me, after he was asked what his favorite food was but was too shy to name his favorite African dish. Hear how she hopes to bring global awareness for children to be proud of their heritage and share it with others. 

Gilberto Prado joined Mesquite ISD near the end of the first semester, but his personality and leadership qualities allowed him to hit the ground running. He came to Mesquite after only 4.5 months in Northwest ISD. Despite his brief time there, his coworkers loved him, showing the kind of immediate impression he makes. Prado is the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, which sounds like a job that is both very important and very boring (Ted asks him about this). When he was nine years old, Prado's family moved from Mexico to Dallas, and his educational foundation came from elementary and middle school in Dallas ISD and high school at St. Mark's School of Texas. Prado also talks about his unique leadership style and how he has integrated into the Mesquite community in only a few months.

Chris Bingham teaches art at Mesquite High School, and he's also a practicing professional artist. In his mind, that makes him a much better art teacher. The Oak Cliff native who got in trouble for doodling in class now has large murals across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Chris would argue that we're all artists in one way or another and feels like it's his job to bring it out of all his students.

NBC 5 reporter and weekend anchor Vince Sims joins his old friend Ted Madden and Dr. Gulley. As a polished presence in local media in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, Vince is still country at heart, as he grew up on a farm in Southeast Arkansas. Vince's career has included stops in Monroe (Louisiana), Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. His compassion, along with his patience and grace, has helped him successfully navigate a career in TV that can sometimes be contentious.

Caleb Turner has come a long way from kindergarten parent-teacher conferences. Caleb is currently co-pastor at Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church and is in line to become a pastor when his father retires in June. Caleb admits to being a bit of a troublemaker in school; he says he wasn't a bad kid, just more of a class clown. Turner was a football and track athlete at Mesquite High and then Horn High before going to college on a track scholarship. He spent a night in jail, served in the military, got married and had two kids; so he knows what it's like to be a troubled kid who turns out to be an influential man. Those life experiences serve him well with all his parishioners, making him relatable and even more respectable, despite some of his previous failings.

West Mesquite Principal Karen Morris was an original member of the LET Committee – founded in June 2020 – but her desire for equitable treatment for everyone dates back to her youth in Burleson. As she said, "Everybody in the town looked just like me. So when I had the opportunity to go to the University of Texas, I went running." The former Spanish teacher enjoys the reaction she gets from students when she speaks to them in Spanish, and appreciates the grace they and their parents show her when her Spanish isn't perfect.

Regina Jackson has been part of the Mesquite ISD family since 2000 and has had a front-row seat to all the changes in MISD over the last 22 years. After joining North Mesquite as a science teacher and then moving into administration, Jackson became principal of A.C. New Middle School in 2018. Hear how the hiring practices at A.C. New have created a higher sense of belonging in their students. Learn how Jackson's experience with educational inequity, both as a student and as a substitute teacher in Dallas ISD, motivates her to make sure her students get every opportunity as anyone in the district or the state.

On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, hear from Teresa Jackson, Founder and CEO of Sharing Life. Jackson's journey in nonprofits began as a recent divorcee when she sought help for her three children. Learn how a disheartening experience at a food pantry helped her realize her authentic purpose leading up to the creation of Sharing Life. With over two decades serving Mesquite and surrounding communities hear what it means to share life and have compassion at the heart of this organization.

On this episode of The Let's Talk Podcast, hear the powerful story of Mabel Morales, a bilingual teacher at Hanby Elementary. Morales, who lost her mother at one year old, found her safe haven at school as she struggled growing up in a toxic home in her native country of Bolivia. At 18 years, to escape this situation, Morales fled to the United States. Hear how this working mother learned English and fulfilled her American Dream of graduating with a college degree. Now with over 20 years as an educator, she relies on her personal experience of hiding her emotions by being the “class clown'' to develop a relationship and nurture students in her classroom.

Deidra Rucker, Mesquite ISD Assistant Athletic Director, joins us on this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast. An SMU college basketball alum, Rucker began her 20-year coaching career as a high school varsity head coach. Rucker shares an insight into her motherhood journey and how being a single mother changed her priorities, leading her to walk away from one of the most high-profile basketball programs in the state to coach middle school B and C teams. Realizing that a job title did not define her, Rucker says she discovered a new passion in mentoring young coaches, helping her redefine her career goals. Hear how her approach to being comfortable with the uncomfortable has guided her life and how she hopes to raise a more empathetic and compassionate son through traveling. 

On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, meet Jeremy Anderson, education consultant and this year's convocation speaker. Anderson shares his experience as a troubled student and the relationships his teachers built that led him to overcome his challenges. Learn about the belief system and what it means to "Teach by faith and not by sight" as he urges educators to find innovative ways to reach their students. Also, hear why he says the heart of the Mesquite Promise is "refreshing” to learn about.

On this episode of The LET's Talk Podcast, get to know the story behind Vanguard High School's dean Clint Elsasser. Listen to how a struggling dyslexic student who failed third grade discovered his passion and managed to graduate from college on the dean's list within four years despite being placed on academic probation. A dedicated youth minister and former construction worker, Elsasser reflects on his role as a missionary at ground zero in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks in New York. Learn how now, as the Dean of Schools at VHS, he relies on his experience to understand and empathize with students he comes across–including his daughter, who was on the brink of dropping out of school before enrolling at Vanguard High School.

On this week's podcast, Terrence Williams, principal of Mesquite Academy, speaks about his experience growing up in West Texas and attending Midland Legacy, formerly known as Midland Lee High School. Learn why Williams, who graduated with a degree in Information Systems, says transitioning to an educator's role was the ‘best decision ever'. Now, a few months into his new role, he tells us about the unique challenges of Mesquite Academy and how he is working to build students up as they prepare for the real world.

On this week's podcast, Horn High School Director of Football Operations and Running Back Coach Khan Rollerson credits his discipline to the birth of his son. Growing up without a father figure and being a young single father, Rollerson was determined to be a role model for his child. Hear how he is focusing on building leadership skills within the HHS football program as he explains how “being a leader grows men” and learn why he says the Mesquite Promise is a building block for success.

Mesquite High School history teacher and head soccer coach Philip El-Aya grew up in Mesquite – a world away from where he was born in Lebanon. In this week's podcast, he shares the moving story of his family leaving a war-torn country when he was only 2 years old and how their journey to U.S. citizenship shaped his deep appreciation for America. Learn how his background and life experiences help Coach El-Aya connect with young people and create a sense of belonging for his players and students. #MadeInMesquite

Our first guest on the debut episode of Season 3 of the LET's Talk Podcast is Mesquite ISD Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Janine Fields. Her journey began in a small farming town in Washington where she was the first in her family to attend college. Learn about how her summer jobs shaped her work ethic and what she's learned about the hard-working people in Mesquite ISD. Dr. Fields also shares her passion for innovative learning and commitment to providing opportunities for all students.

Guest Peggy Brooks has served as the station manager of KEOM 88.5 FM for 14 of her 30-year tenure with the Mesquite ISD radio station. Before she retires this month, she shares a little history of the station and what makes it a unique opportunity for MISD students and our community. Hear how an MISD program for paraprofessionals to gain teaching certificates helped launch her distinguished career in radio. A similar program has just started in MISD.

Thanks to compassionate MISD administrators who believed in her even as an angry teen, Maxcie Taylor is poised to give back to the Mesquite community in a multi-level capacity. She's a 2014 graduate of Poteet and recently was crowned the 2022 Ms. Curve Texas Regency International. Hear how Maxcie is using her platform to help local entrepreneurs, non-profits and young people plus why she and her family are thrilled to be back in the area after living in North Carolina.

Why is Dr. Rivera's vision for the district resonating with the campus leaders and student families he's visiting with? What has he already learned about the power of the new Mesquite Promise? How is he working with Mayor Alemán to leverage the strong school district/city relationship for an even brighter future for our community? In the LET's Talk podcast episode released today, learn the answers to these questions as well as what else drives Dr. Rivera in this new job he loves.

Last January, guest Courtney Allen took the reins as Horn High School athletics coordinator and head football coach. Hear why Coach Allen calls Horn "a sleeping giant" with exceptional potential for success in sports and how the parents and students have rallied around his leadership during his first semester. He explains how his motto of "We're Not Going to Lose a Day" is building momentum with his student-athletes and coaches. Find out how he's focusing on character building and community service with a goal for his Horn male and female students "to set a shining example in the community." Coach Allen, a former coach of the recent first-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys Tyler Smith, tells us why he predicts success for him.

In this episode, our guest is an education legend and friend of Mesquite ISD: the recently retired Dr. Dawson Orr. His multi-state and international career includes leadership roles in Texas, where he most recently launched the doctorate in education program at SMU. Born in Columbia, South America, Dr. Orr started teaching at a difficult time when Black and white students had been "separated by law and didn't understand each other." Some of his career highlights include starting a school in Mexico, building global competency in leaders and students, and helping heal a school district hurt from a generation before. Hear why he is proud of his service in a "noble profession" as well as his views on the future of education.

Today's guest Chandra Courtney has a brilliant mind--and heart to go with it. Hear how her Caribbean childhood, "melting pot" family and teaching excellence philosophy inspire her to teach her Mesquite High students much more than science. "See people as potential advocates and allies; Agree to listen and look for solutions; Persevere when people doubt you; Take a risk on yourself because the world is so quick not to."All this advice helps her students advance in school and want to stay connected with her far past graduation. Not surprisingly, this wife of a Horn High School chemistry teacher and mother of a 2-year-old son was MISD's 2021 Secondary Teacher of the Year and pursuing her doctorate in social justice.

Teaching students ranging from fragile learners and at-risk youth to the gifted and talented. Raising two daughters--one adopted and bi-racial; the other biological and white like both parents. Opening a new-concept high school in Mesquite as second in command. Guest Patrick Haney, a North Mesquite graduate and current Vanguard High School assistant dean, takes both life and professional challenges in stride. Hear secrets to his success as a leader in raising student achievement. And hear why he takes his job seriously but not himself.

Finishing her first year as Horn High School principal, Deeadra Brown tells how she has excelled in that role as a Black female. Hear how she overcame challenges and now feels successful after working with students and staff to reset expectations in academics and behavior. Although an honors student in high school, the Texas native was initially placed in remedial college classes. Her goal as principal is for her students not to go through what she did; she is driven for them to leave Horn "college-ready" if that's the path they choose. Learn more about Brown, who attended college on a basketball scholarship, and her journey from teacher and coach to administrator.

In this episode, meet Frank Sandoval, West Mesquite High School's athletic coordinator and head football coach since January 2020. Hear about his life tragedy at age 14 that he says "fuels" his five brothers, sister and him to work hard, succeed and give back to others with love. Learn how this Farmersville, Texas, native and family man is building a culture at West Mesquite aligned with LET's mission of acceptance of all and belief in others. Hear more about why he and his coaches commit to giving student-athletes "purposely positive praise."

Meleah Minyard--a Horn High senior recently accepted into Oklahoma City University's prestigious theatre program--has been known to use her performance skills for social change. To her, you are never too young or too old to learn how you personally can help break down inequities for success. Hear how and why she boldly challenged white people like herself at the George Floyd rally in June 2020. Also, learn about the new Mesquite Promise initiative.

During Women's History Month, we celebrate vital roles women play. Today's guest is the newest Mesquite ISD Board Trustee Teia Collier--a professional writer specializing in the automotive industry and a strong advocate of Mesquite and our school district. Hear her motivating perspective as a North Mesquite High School graduate with parents who taught and coached within MISD and children who attend here now. Learn how MISD helped her overcome the challenges of raising a “micro-preemie” son and much more. Hear how this single parent's goal--to raise her children to thrive without her--mirrors the MISD Board's focus to develop successful high school graduates ready to take on the world.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dale Hansen, the retired WFAA sports anchor discusses a range of topics: he disagrees with the notion that affirmative action infers lower quality, he discusses how the movie Bridge of Spies changed his outlook on life, and he encourages people to find happiness every day. Find out why Hansen believes everyone in this country should donate two years of their lives to this country, whether it be community service or armed service. And learn his favorite message to high school students: enjoy the experience because high school is the only thing in life you can do only once.

In today's episode, you'll hear from Dale Hansen, the sometimes-controversial, always-opinionated retired WFAA Channel 8 sportscaster. The reasons why he has used his platform to speak about issues facing minority or disadvantaged groups may not be what you expect. Dale says his three years in the U. S. Navy opened his eyes to the inequities in society, and those eyes – and his mouth – have been wide open ever since. Also stay tuned for next Tuesday, March 8, when part two of this interview will air.

Did you know Arlington--40 miles from Mesquite--is America's 11th most diverse city? Today's guest Dr. Jason Shelton is chair of Arlington's Unity Council and director of UTA's Center of African American Studies. Learn how he leads people from all walks of life to be on the same page for greater success. Also an associate professor of sociology, Dr. Shelton talks about the Contemporary Black Experience course he created and now teaches at UTA, offers his views of Black History Month and more.

It's Black History Month, and today's guest details its origins and how it is honored by MISD staff and students. And who better to learn from than MISD's very own Social Studies Coordinator Daniel Norwood. Norwood, a proud West Mesquite High School graduate and former North Mesquite High School history teacher, stresses the importance of factual history over opinions and the value of learning multiple perspectives.

Today's guest Kelly Long is a proud 1994 Mesquite High School graduate, and she exudes excitement for her current job as Poteet High School principal. Find out how she's leading the next generation and why she credits the challenging upbringing of her husband and high school sweetheart with turning her into a better educator.

In this week's podcast, meet Junior Ezeonu, a rising star city leader in the DFW area, who mesmerized MISD students when he spoke to them at last fall's Emerging Leaders Conference. Born in Nigeria, Ezeonu came to the United States at age 2. Following in his immigrant family's footsteps, he places community service as a number one life quest. At just 22, Ezeonu serves as a city councilman for Grand Prairie. Hear how he enjoys serving as a positive role model to young Black men especially and why. He also gives advice on how to overcome age bias.

Meet Amber Sims, a 2005 Mesquite High School graduate on a leadership quest our community and MISD's LET initiative can be proud of. Her non-profit Young Leaders, Strong City (YLSC) provides seminars and other community outreach to provide a place of belonging and fellowship for high school students from across the DFW Metroplex. Hear how YLSC has touched 4,000 young people and how its influence can be a game-changer for student attendance and academic performance.

For 13 years, today's guest Jennifer Mobley has played a significant role in creating equity for MISD students. As the director of federal programs and family support, she oversees a generous budget allowing wide-ranging support to MISD students and staff. Mobley's use of federal funds--from new clothes and free counseling to waived instrument rental fees and more--goes beyond leveling the playing field for all students. Hear about ways she innovatively push-starts these student families even further to give them the power to positively change their lives.

This week's guest and podcast co-host Dr. Gulley have something important in common: both know the positive power of Teach for America. Both women taught for the organization, but guest Lacey Pittman Tomanek chose to continue up the ranks to vice president. Tomanek, a seventh generation Texan, and Gulley discuss why over 80% of Teach for America Corps members continue in their careers working for educational equity. They also share how both work to break down barriers to student success.

In today's podcast, meet Dr. Sana Syed, a Pakistani-American whose multiple life struggles and successes seem impossible for just 39 years of life. Learn why her dad immigrated from Pakistan and how she overcame trauma from being different than other children in America. Find out how she credits education for giving her the autonomy and freedom to make a difference. For one, she is the founder and CEO of Kimiya International, a nonprofit focused on human rights advocacy through film and trauma therapy.

What's new in Mesquite? City Manager Cliff Keheley shares that plus what he credits for the area's fast growth and exciting future. The city's strong partnership with Mesquite ISD, he says, supports his goal of "ensuring people have a good quality of life." For one, he's proud that there is a playground less than a mile from every home. Learn how the city works to be inclusive of all resident perspectives--gaining input from multiple age ranges, cultures and backgrounds--to build Mesquite's vision and community standards. "That's for citizens to decide," he said.

In this week's episode, learn why Porter Elementary Counselor Melina Ontiveros--an Asian raised in the Philippines--is a proud American and Mesquite resident. Living with just younger siblings at age 15 after her mom died, she's also proud to now serve in a role she refers to as 'the person I needed' during her childhood struggles. The former teacher with 30 years of experience in education loves to impress upon her students through her example that 'nothing is impossible' if you work hard and believe in yourself.

In his 29th year working in the DFW area in education and first with Mesquite ISD, meet Mike Jasso, our assistant superintendent-administrative services. Hear about his first impressions, wide-ranging job duties, leadership philosophies that align with LET's, aspirations for the district and more. His high school football coach's advice as his team aspired to make the playoffs guides him professionally and personally: 'Is anyone working harder than you? No. Then why can't it be you?'

In today's episode, hear from an impressive duo from Mesquite ISD: Director of Counseling Kristy Davis and Family Support Facilitator Kem Edwards. Learn more about the hearts and minds behind MISD's award-winning counseling staff working diligently to help students feel connected to their teachers and schools. Learn also how counselors follow LET's mission to help students maximize their potential. Find out about the free support MISD offers student families and staff. If you need help for a student or your family, they recommend you first reach out to a campus counselor.

In this week's episode, meet West Mesquite High School coach and teacher Jeremiah Villareal. The third-generation Hispanic has served as the Wranglers' head soccer coach for the past five years, and this school year began teaching a new elective called Mexican-American Studies. Hear how he credits support from MISD staff and students and his faith to help him overcome an acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis at age 16. You'll also learn his philosophies on life, teaching and coaching that seem wise well beyond his age of 33.

In this week's episode, School Board President Eddie Rose shares his interesting path to Board service. The 26-year Mesquite firefighter, who has spent the past 13 years as an arson investigator, is no stranger to education. The son of a former principal (dad) and piano teacher (mom) and husband of a Poteet High School assistant principal believes that "schools are the center of the community." The father of two MISD graduates and one current Kimbrough student is especially proud that the Mesquite ISD Board "filters politics out" and makes decisions based on what's best for all students. He also cites MISD initiatives drawing attention from the education community and districts "around the world."

The confidence and positivity coming from guest Dr. Lauren Chism can easily put your mind at ease about Mesquite ISD students making it through these tough times of a pandemic. The principal of Cannaday Elementary, who has also served Kimball and Shands elementaries and Terry Middle School, earned her doctorate in educational leadership at SMU with podcast co-host Dr. LaDonna Gulley. Hear how Dr. Chism uses her leadership role with educators and students to infuse the joy of learning into the student learning recovery process. Learn how she uses trauma-informed care and behavioral intervention best practices, helping students with behavioral difficulties thrive in the general education classroom.

Jean Pricer is the podcast's first tricultural guest. She shares her experiences as a Filipino-American born and raised in Garland, Texas, and the challenge to acclimate to the people who she said didn't "look like me." Hear why she is familiar with the Tagalog language but has better mastered Spanish and English. Learn what is new about Mesquite ISD's pre-K programs and how powerful they can be to 3- and 4-year-olds.

Carolina Portillo came into her role as MISD's director of bilingual and ESL (English as a second language) services with what seems like the perfect background. Coming to America 14 years ago from Venezuela for a better life, she is an English learner and also a parent of two English learner daughters. The former accountant, who taught elementary school in MISD before moving into administration, says becoming bilingual can be "exhausting" because it takes much more than learning the language. Learning a culture includes figuring out "how to laugh at a joke" and "go to a party" different than ones from your home country. She describes MISD's bilingual program for elementary ages and ESL program for all grades and how all these students are learning a "superpower."

ReadPlayTalk (RPT) is one of the most important initiatives underway in Mesquite ISD, and like LET, aims for equity in education. RPT's leader, Lindsay Brimer Paris, is no stranger to our community or school district. Learn why the 2005 Mesquite High School graduate and former cheerleader and homecoming queen returned to MISD as the community liaison in what she refers to as her "dream job." Hear multiple ways to get involved in RPT to best prepare our future and current Mesquite ID students for school and life.

He may wear a suit and tie 90% of the time, but North Mesquite High School Principal Kenneth Washington prides himself on being highly relatable to students and staff. Changing schools some 15 times growing up in a military family, he has "never met a stranger." Hear about his experience at Hampton University (HU), a historically black private university. At HU, the second African American high school principal in Mesquite ISD learned to begin presenting himself in the best way to be taken seriously. Another strong influence has been his dad, a high school dropout, who excelled in the military and passed down a strong work ethic and reverence for education and building community. You'll also learn from Dr. Gulley about the Emerging Leaders program new this school year on all Mesquite ISD high school campuses.