The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education

In this episode of The Torch, we are joined by Hardy Brown, Managing Principal and Chief Relationship Officer of 'Footsteps to Freedom', to explore how artifacts and storytelling can impact the way we not only learn history, but preserve it. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction & Welcome to The Torch 01:10 Meet Hardy Brown 03:30 A Unique Approach to History and Learning 06:15 Why Physical Obje...

The Riverside Police Department does more than just stop crime, protect the community, and control traffic. RPD hosts an Explorer Program that helps young individuals looking to make a difference in their community. Police Detective Kenzie Scott, former coordinator of the Explorers Program, and Cadet Sophie Farias talk about their experiences with the program and how it prepares people for future...

In this episode of The Torch, host Dominique Samario sits down with Amanda Corridan, RCOE’s first-ever Foster Youth Services Executive Director, and Cheryl Flores, a foster youth and champion for student well-being. Together they discuss the Foster Youth Success Initiative from the Riverside County Office Of Education, and firsthand stories about what it takes to improve the system and build trust...

Ramon Ramos grew up with a very rough childhood plagued with tragedy, gangs, drugs, and trauma. Although these were not ideal conditions to thrive in life, Ramon made no excuses and made it his life's mission to break the generational trauma that has followed him and his family, thus The Exception was born. This non-profit organization, started by Ramon, looks to help marginalized communities...

In this episode of The Torch, professional athelete, former NFL player, and author of "Don't Let the System Beat You," Dwayne Wallace shares how his journey from the football field to public service has become a mission to empower foster youth across Riverside County. Drawing from his own lived experiences, Dwayne discusses the challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care: navi...

When Erin Gruwell stepped into Room 203, she faced students the system had written off. What happened next became a movement—immortalized in The Freedom Writers Diary and a major motion picture—that continues to inspire educators and students worldwide. On this episode of The Torch, Erin shares how she turned a hostile classroom into a safe haven, the life-changing moment a Holocaust survivor met...

Absenteeism and life barriers can be a problem in education—but what can schools do to reverse the trend and ensure every student succeeds? In this episode of The Torch podcast, discover how educators are transforming the future of education by addressing absenteeism and supporting foster, homeless, and marginalized youth. Join this inspiring conversation with Elizabeth Bartholomew, Director of Pu...

What if every student graduated with the tools to manage money, build credit, and achieve financial health? Join us on this episode of The Torch as we explore the transformative power of financial literacy in education. Discover how schools and communities are partnering to teach students critical financial skills—from saving and credit to investments and beyond. Hear insights from Matt Jennings,...

Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. is the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington, co-founder and president of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, a prolific public speaker, and anti-slavery advocate. What if Frederick Douglass's legacy could help end modern slavery? In this gripping episode of The Torch, Dominique Samario welcomes Kenneth B...

On this next episode of The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education, we bring on Amanda Wade to talk about Community Schools Partnership. As a Coordinator, Amanda is constantly looking for ways to improve the learning experience for our students across Riverside County with resources that will help students and their families thrive in their education. The Riverside County Office...

Dr. AnnMaria De Mars is an American technology executive, author, Olympic bronze medalist judoka, and former UFC Bantamweight world champion. She is the president and founder of 7 Generation Games. She has a Ph. D. and M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of California, Riverside. In this episode of The Torch, host Dominique Samario welcomes Dr. AnnMaria De Mars, president of 7 Gener...

Title: The Power of One: Empowering Students Through History Featuring: Amanda Corridan Hosted by: Dominique Samario Where are we at with artificial intelligence (A.I.)? How did we get here? How can A.I. be used as a tool to better society and the learning experience? What ethical considerations are being addressed regarding A.I.? What resources are being provided to educators regarding A.I. in ed...

How do we connect the dots between our earliest learners, all the way through our college years and beyond? When do you know if you should pursue more school? How important is representation on your local school district board of trustees? Dr. Noemi Hernandez Alexander answers these questions and more this month on The Torch. Dr. Hernandez Alexander is an Associate Professor of Public Administrati...

Gabriella Zlaket grew up as the daughter of a farmworker and immigrant family. She graduated from Arlington High School in the Riverside Unified School District before attending the University of California, Berkeley, and Harvard University. Since 2003, she has served as a school counselor at her alma mater, where she is an advocate for the counseling position and provides personalized support to...

Cindy Vasquez has been serving as Executive Assistant in the Jurupa Unified School District for the past 8 years. She has 23 years of experience in education. In her multifaceted role supporting Assistant Superintendents, Cindy plays a pivotal role in facilitating communication and professional development while serving as a bridge between the district, schools, and the community. Her impact exten...

Ryan Mulvanny, honored as Riverside County Certificated Administrator of the Year , brings 16 years of education experience, with a focus on inclusive leadership and continuous improvement. As Director II of Professional Development and Learning in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District, Ryan prioritizes equity and diversity in education, fostering culturally responsive teaching practices and i...

Michael Sattley's leadership is characterized by a commitment to creating optimal learning environments through physical renovations and community engagement initiatives. Michael’s holistic approach integrates student involvement and STEM learning into construction projects, fostering collaboration and innovation. Colleagues commend his visionary leadership, attention to detail, and dedication...

Dr. Sharon Nakama brings 35 years of educational expertise, with a focus on special education coordination within the Moreno Valley Unified School District. Her leadership spans various organizations and initiatives, seamlessly integrating educators and parents to foster student growth. Dr. Nakama’s advocacy extends beyond the classroom, ensuring comprehensive support for students with disabilitie...

Riverside County Teacher of the Year Marie Stevenson brings 16 years of educational experience, with the last decade dedicated to teaching mathematics at Rancho Mirage High School in Palm Springs Unified School District. As a dynamic educator, Marie wears multiple hats, serving as the Math Department Chair, coach, club advisor, and active participant in various school committees. Her commitment to...

Title: Everyone Wants to Be Heard: Creating a Sense of Belonging for Our Students Featuring: Michelle Forcina Hosted by: Dominique Samario Michelle Forcina brings 12 years of educational experience, with 8 years dedicated to Canyon Springs High School within the Moreno Valley Unified School District. In her role as Secretary III, Michelle’s dedication shines through in her commitment to ensuring s...

Throughout ROCE’s special summer podcast series, we tell the stories of our 2024 Riverside County Educators of the Year . These shows will share never before seen discussions with each of the eleven educators who were chosen through the rigorous educator of the year selection process. In this episode, we will introduce you to Teacher of the Year, Lorena Morales . She takes pride in her journey to...

Continuing in our special summer educators of the year series, this episode of The Torch introduces you to Lindsay Hill, a fourth-grade teacher at Sundance Elementary School in the Beaumont Unified School District. Ms. Hill’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and a true passion for creating a safe, supportive space for her students. You won’t want to miss her personal journey and what it m...

James Waedekin, honored as Riverside County Teacher of the Year, brings 17 years of dedication to education and currently teaching English at New Horizon High School in Banning Unified School District. Transitioning from a struggling actor/ writer in Hollywood, James found his calling in education, where he integrates his love for writing and theater into his teaching. He is recognized for his mul...

Riverside County 2024 Principal of the Year Dr. Emily Price brings 25 years of education experience and innovative leadership as Principal of Megan Cope Elementary School. Inspired by “The Wizard of Oz,” she fosters a culture of academic excellence and student well-being, transforming the community engagement. Dr. Price’s emphasis on standards-based curriculum and personalized learning plans has l...

Title: Universal PreKindergarten: When Do Children Really Need to Begin School? Featuring: JoAnne Lauer Hosted by: Dominique Samario When Do Children Really Need to Begin School? Tune in to this episode of The Torch with Dominique and our guest, JoAnne Lauer, the Assistant Superintendent of Early Education Services for the Riverside County Office of Education, as we dive into the opportunities for...