MCEC Podcast

The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) addresses key educational transition issues encountered by children of military families.  But what does implementation of the Compact look like?  Listen as Shelly Ramos, Senior Director of the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division at the Texas Education Agency and MIC3 Texas State Commissioner, shares three unique case studi...

Dr. Sharon Hoover discusses the importance of prioritizing the mental health and well-being of students in schools, and how multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) provide a framework that supports the “whole child”.       This podcast is made possible by our partnership with The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and their generous support. To learn more, visit https://www.nctsn.org/. Audio m...

“The things that make me different make me, me”.  Don’t Hide It, Flaunt It (DHIFI) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance acceptance, understanding, tolerance and mutual respect for an individual’s visible or invisible differences.  Listen as Meg Zucker shares her story and how she believes we should all embrace what makes us unique.      This podcast is made possible by generous...

It’s that time of year...PCS season.  Military families move on average every 2-3 years, and this constant moving can be very stressful.  Listen as Amy Shick, a seasoned military spouse, discusses how her family has navigated multiple moves and gives tips on making them a little easier.  This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Mountain Post Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit  h...

Join us as we sit down with three school liaison professionals, who share insights into how they serve as a vital bridge between military-connected families, educational institutions, and communities. Discover the comprehensive support offered to ensure the academic, social, and emotional success of students navigating the unique challenges of military life.       This podcast is made possible by...

In our latest episode, Rachel and McKenna discuss the often-challenging world of mental health within military families.  From navigating the complexities of PTSD to fostering open communication and understanding, they share invaluable insights and personal experiences that many can relate to.     This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Military and Civilian Spouses’ Club of For...

Nicholas shares his journey from a military upbringing to pursuing his dreams in aviation.  Discover the impactful role of S2S programs, the value of kindness, and the essence of civic service.  A story of leadership, ambition, and the skies ahead!  This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Davis Monthan Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit https://davismonthansc.org/ .  Audio mixi...

Military kids will experience on average 6-9 school transitions from kindergarten to high school graduation. They live a unique lifestyle filled with many adventures. Listen as Cory, a military child all grown up, shares his story and the impact growing up in a military community has had on his life.  This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Mildenhall Spouses’ Association. To le...

We are excited to share this episode on the extraordinary lives of military children who have been recognized as the 2024 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Air Force, Army, National Guard, and Space Force families. Join us as Noelani, Allison, Caleb and Taylor share their incredible stories of resilience and appreciation growing up in military families.    This podcast is made possibl...

Delaney, a remarkable military child, shares her experiences attending 8 schools, including 3 middle schools in 3 years. Adapting to constant change shaped her perspective, while realizing everyone faces challenges during transitions. She also shares insights from the Student 2 Student (S2S) program, highlighting its impact in supporting new students.   This podcast is made possible by generous fu...

In our latest episode, we shine a light on the exceptional lives of military children who have been recognized as the 2024 Military Child of the Year recipients from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard families. Join us as Charlotte, Isabella, and Lindsay share their heartfelt stories of resilience, adventure, and gratitude that come with growing up in military families.   This podcast is made...

Dive into the latest episode, as Andrea Motley Crabtree shares her groundbreaking journey from joining the Army in 1977 to becoming the first Black female deep-sea diver across all U.S. military branches and the U.S. Army’s first female deep-sea diver.  Conquering intense training, her story of perseverance and the power of support will inspire you.  This is truly a story of courage and determinat...

Peggy Davis shines a light on the transformative power of sports for women.  From personal development, to building resilience and fostering diversity, discover how athletics empower women and girls to excel in life.  Take a listen to this inspiring conversation.   Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.    Show Notes:  Resources:    Virginia State University  https://www.vsu.edu/  ...

Leah King, President and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County, epitomizes what it means to be a servant leader. She shares her experiences growing up as a military child, learning how to adapt to change while embracing different perspectives, and ultimately, the importance of “making the place you choose to live better.”      This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Air Force Offi...

The MCEC Call for the Arts program invites military-connected children from all over the world, representing every branch of service, to share interpretations through art of what it means to be a military-connected child. In this podcast, I spoke with one of the 2023 Call for the Arts high school winners: Reagan. Her artistic expressions of herself and her life as a military child tell an incredib...

Historically Black Colleges and Universities have a history and legacy dating back hundreds of years. Dr. Cortez Dial discusses the foundation of HBCUs, the opportunities they have provided Black Americans, and their impact on America’s higher education system.   This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Air Force Officers’ Spouses’ Club of Washington DC. To learn more, visit http...

Major General, U.S. Army (Retired) Michael Harrison shares his personal experiences and stories from attending an HBCU to an impressive 34 years of military service and beyond.  His journey illustrates a life of service and giving back to the community.     “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi    This podcast is made possible by generous fu...

  Understanding the diverse needs of military-connected families of color is crucial in creating a sense of belonging and a welcoming environment.  In this podcast, we explore the unique perspective of a spouse and mother from her personal experiences within the military community.  We hope to bring awareness and understanding to such an important topic.   This podcast is made possible by generous...

We are revisiting an episode where Lucy discusses her experiences as a military child and how she navigates being the new kid at school (again!). Lucy is also the Middle School Spotlight Winner in the MCEC 2023 Call for the Arts contest, for her beautiful song, #Life of a Military Kid, and talks about her love of music, and how life inspires her songwriting.    This podcast is made possible by gen...

Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families. Jenny Valderas discusses how their programs and resources serve the entire family… because when military families are strong, our communities are strong, and America is strong.       This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Cannon Spouses’ Club. To lear...

A lot is asked of military families, and sometimes a simple form can feel like a violation of privacy. Understanding why information is requested and how that information is used – and protected – is critical to ensure resources and benefits reach those they are intended for. Recently, MCEC’s Parent Webinars featured What is MSI and Impact Aid. This podcast recaptures Nikki’s conversation with Lor...

  Dr. Becky Porter discusses meeting the needs of military-connected families through programs and initiatives such as our Military Student Consultants, and advocacy of Purple Star Schools through the new and popular MCEC 360 Summits. We also look ahead to what the new year holds.   This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Fort Gregg-Adams Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit http...

  MCEC’s 2023 Call for the Arts received hundreds of entries from across the globe and every branch of service, with creative expressions of strength, bravery, pride, and community. In this podcast, hear my conversation with three of last year’s Elementary School Winners: Everleigh, Isaac, and Annabelle. Seeing and hearing the world from the perspective of a child is inspiring and will brighten yo...

  No matter what holiday you and your loved ones celebrate – Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or any other – this time of year can bring about high levels of stress.  Rollie Sampson shares tips for stress management during the holidays, while still finding joy in the season.       This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Ramstein Officers’ Spouses’ Club. To learn more, visit  https:/...

The Purple Star School program is designed to help schools respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face during their transition to a new school.  Marie McGarry and Catherine Cotovsky share their perspective as parents on the impact that Purple Star schools can have on our military-connected children.      This podcast is made possible by generous fund...