Connect with Adult Ed: The NMAEA Podcast

In this experimental "Frankenstein" episode, Nadia and Jamie dive deep into the world of professional development with Sarah Goldammer, Chair of the Association for Adult Literacy Professional Developers (AALPD), and Vice-Chair Sudie Whalen. In a combination of live dialogue and pre-recorded insights, the conversation highlights the power of free, grassroots networking to prevent practitioner isolation and create a shared professional development ecosystem where we can learn and expand our skills and knowledge base. From "microlearning" nudges to national communities of practice, this episode serves as both a resource guide and a reminder that in the ever-evolving landscape of adult education and literacy, we are all lifelong learners growing together. *Note: Don’t forget My Adult Ed Story, a continuous project that highlights the lived experiences and origin stories of adult education and literacy practitioners. Each story is unique, and the more we learn about each other, the stronger our network becomes. Please consider sharing your written or audio recorded story with us. If you would like to share your story, or if you have questions before you decide to share, please reach out to Nadia (nadia@nmdelt.org) or Jamie (director@nmadulted.org). You can also view all submitted stories at https://www.nmadulted.org/nmaea-podcast/my-adult-ed-story We look forward to growing this collection! Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

According to Merriam-Webster, an "Aha!" moment is a flash of sudden insight or comprehension—and in the world of adult education, these realizations can change everything. In this episode, Nadia and Jamie dive into some of their own professional transformative experiences and reflections. Join them as they explore the sparks of inspiration that redefine how we learn and grow as adults. *Note: Don’t forget My Adult Ed Story, a continuous project that highlights the lived experiences and origin stories of adult education and literacy practitioners. Each story is unique, and the more we learn about each other, the stronger our network becomes. Please consider sharing your written or audio recorded story with us. If you would like to share your story, or if you have questions before you decide to share, please reach out to Nadia (nadia@nmdelt.org) or Jamie (director@nmadulted.org). You can also view all submitted stories at https://www.nmadulted.org/nmaea-podcast/my-adult-ed-story We look forward to growing this collection! Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

With everything that is going on, it can be hard to look at the good things, but it is more important than ever to recognize and highlight the great and necessary work that we do. In this episode, Nadia and Jamie asked the field to write in with their success stories. We asked the following questions: What were your professional successes in 2025? How do you celebrate successes? What are you proud of? What successes are you planning for in the upcoming year? Listen as we share the listener responses as well as our own! *Note: Don’t forget My Adult Ed Story, a continuous project that highlights the lived experiences and origin stories of adult education and literacy practitioners. Each story is unique, and the more we learn about each other, the stronger our network becomes. Please consider sharing your written or audio recorded story with us. If you would like to share your story, or if you have questions before you decide to share, please reach out to Nadia (nadia@nmdelt.org) or Jamie (director@nmadulted.org). You can also view all submitted stories at https://www.nmadulted.org/nmaea-podcast/my-adult-ed-story We look forward to growing this collection! Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

Professional learning is an essential component of adult education and literacy practice. Choosing and engaging in effective professional learning, however, can be a daunting task. In this episode, Nadia and Jamie interview Tim Amaral, owner of Amaral's Social-Emotional Skills Training (ASEST), LLC. Tim discusses his teaching philosophy, what he provides during training workshops, and shares inspiring stories from former students. Learn why connection, community, and learning one’s true value are essential in the adult education classroom! *Note: Don’t forget My Adult Ed Story, a continuous project that highlights the lived experiences and origin stories of adult education and literacy practitioners. Each story is unique, and the more we learn about each other, the stronger our network becomes. Please consider sharing your written or audio recorded story with us. If you would like to share your story, or if you have questions before you decide to share, please reach out to Nadia (nadia@nmdelt.org) or Jamie (director@nmadulted.org). You can also view all submitted stories at https://www.nmadulted.org/nmaea-podcast/my-adult-ed-story We look forward to growing this collection! Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

In this episode, co-host Jamie Trujillo is joined by student ambassadors Arthur Sandoval, Eisa Lopez, Hallet Montgomery, and Victoria Garcia Montoya as well as UNM’s Director of Academic Communities, Cash Clifton. On September 15th and 16th, the group traveled to Washington, D.C. for COABE’s Flood the Hill Days. Along with some advocacy training, the group was able to meet with staffers from four of our federal legislators! Listen as we share our thoughts about this incredible experience, including reflections, take-aways, and future plans. *Note: Don’t forget My Adult Ed Story, a continuous project that highlights the lived experiences and origin stories of adult education and literacy practitioners. Each story is unique, and the more we learn about each other, the stronger our network becomes. Please consider sharing your written or audio recorded story with us. If you would like to share your story, or if you have questions before you decide to share, please reach out to Nadia (nadia@nmdelt.org) or Jamie (director@nmadulted.org). You can also view all submitted stories at https://www.nmadulted.org/nmaea-podcast/my-adult-ed-story We look forward to growing this collection! Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

The Propel team experimented with a different professional learning modality, the professional learning book club. Learn how we adapted to the format, what challenged us, and what we gained from the experience. Use our Professional Learning Book Club start template to kick off a PL book club in your organization. Professional Learning Book Club start template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F2YsD6tG6BZyh2k2ybVZA5iAUXHxva4kLzRyVKuFyDA/edit?usp=sharing Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

In the Season 3 Premiere episode, Nadia and Jamie sit down and reflect on the past year, new uncertainties, and future professional goals. They discuss the ever-changing political climate and the importance of connection in the face of unknowns. Their conversation reveals how the lessons they've learned along the way are guiding them with hope and resilience. Join them as they look back with gratitude and step forward with purpose and optimism. Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

In this episode, Nadia sits down with Sarah Cacicio, the director of ALL IN, the Adult Literacy & Learning Impact Network. ALL IN is a collective impact initiative whose vision is “a country where every adult can easily access high-quality, effective support to improve their reading, writing, digital, and numeracy skills – regardless of who or where they are.” They discuss ALL IN’s latest research report, the task of building an impact network at the national level, and their new learning series. Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

In this episode, Nadia and Jamie sit down and talk to Nina Bar-Giora, IET instructor at Taos Education & Career Center and Propel consultant. We talk science literacy, the Science HSE exam, trying to balance exciting subject matter with what students need, and favorite science resources and instructional methods. We had a great time talking and learning from Nina. We hope you enjoy listening! *Nadia said Rousseau was a philosopher-scientist, but meant Descartes!* Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

Nadia is out on the streets at the Mountain Plains Adult Education Association conference. Participants share their reflections and hopes for the conference. Nadia and Jamie wrap up with their experiences and thoughts.

Just like every adult learner's story is different, so is the story of every adult education practitioner. In this episode, Nadia and Jamie get real! They share how they got into adult ed and discuss their challenges, successes, and deep appreciation for the field. they also talk about networking, career strategies, and professional learning.

In this episode, Nadia and Jamie read submissions from the field on how practitioners celebrate breaks. We discuss different ways in which we spend time with loved ones, enjoy various activities, invest in hobbies, travel, and other ways we reconnect and recharge. We appreciate everyone who sent in their suggestions and questions and hope everyone has a restful and enjoyable holiday break!

In this bonus episode, Nadia and Jamie focus on one particular listener response in which we ponder the crucial need for breaks and how working conditions affect how we take breaks as a field. It’s a rich discussion that we hope you enjoy.

Math. Test Anxiety. These two terms seem synonymous when it comes to the high school equivalency exams. Thankfully, neither of these needs to be crippling, and we found a practitioner who turns mistakes into opportunities and math into an art. Join Nadia and Jamie, along with special guest Michael Carriere of UNM-Valencia’s Next Steps Adult Education Program, in this engaging and enlightening episode of "Connect with Adult Ed.” Michael shares valuable strategies for alleviating math anxiety, fostering a supportive classroom environment, and encouraging students to embrace the learning process. Together, we delve into the challenges of teaching math, particularly addressing math anxiety among students and applications to real-life scenarios. Discover new perspectives on math instruction that can transform the way adult educators approach teaching and students engage with math.

Math. Test Anxiety. These two terms seem synonymous when it comes to the high school equivalency exams. Thankfully, neither of these needs to be crippling, and we found a practitioner who turns mistakes into opportunities and math into an art. Join Nadia and Jamie, along with special guest Michael Carriere of UNM-Valencia’s Next Steps Adult Education Program, in this engaging and enlightening episode of "Connect with Adult Ed.” Michael shares valuable strategies for alleviating math anxiety, fostering a supportive classroom environment, and encouraging students to embrace the learning process. Together, we delve into the challenges of teaching math, particularly addressing math anxiety among students and applications to real-life scenarios. Discover new perspectives on math instruction that can transform the way adult educators approach teaching and students engage with math.

Adult education students have a wide range of abilities and needs, especially when it comes to taking a high-stakes test like the GED or HiSET. Both test publishers have systems in place to provide accommodations to students with learning, physical, and mental differences and disabilities. Navigating these systems can be very challenging for practitioners. Thankfully, Katya Backhaus from the state office has the answers and the desire to support practitioners and students! Join Nadia and Jamie as they interview Katya, asking her questions that were provided by practitioners regarding testing accommodations. We guarantee you will come away with this episode with new information and tools to help your students succeed!

Adult education students have a wide range of abilities and needs, especially when it comes to taking a high-stakes test like the GED or HiSET. Both test publishers have systems in place to provide accommodations to students with learning, physical, and mental differences and disabilities. Navigating these systems can be very challenging for practitioners. Thankfully, Katya Backhaus from the state office has the answers and the desire to support practitioners and students! Join Nadia and Jamie as they interview Katya, asking her questions that were provided by practitioners regarding testing accommodations. We guarantee you will come away with this episode with new information and tools to help your students succeed!

In this episode, Nadia and Jamie sit down with Dené Shelton from NMHED and Julie Wright from Catholic Charities and answer questions from you, our listeners, on how to handle challenging situations when serving neurodiverse students. Dené’s policy background, coupled with Julie’s executive functioning and teaching experience, make a strong foundation of knowledge and skills for tackling the big questions. We discuss classroom accommodations and how to address program policies on serving students. If you are working on how to make your program more accessible for neurodiverse students and don’t know where to start, this is it!

In this episode, Nadia and Jamie sit down with Dené Shelton from NMHED and Julie Wright from Catholic Charities and answer questions from you, our listeners, on how to handle challenging situations when serving neurodiverse students. Dené’s policy background, coupled with Julie’s executive functioning and teaching experience, make a strong foundation of knowledge and skills for tackling the big questions. We discuss classroom accommodations and how to address program policies on serving students. If you are working on how to make your program more accessible for neurodiverse students and don’t know where to start, this is it!

Do you know about TSTM? Have you heard the term and are curious about it? Have you considered participating but didn’t have the time? This episode will give you answers! Join host Nadia Kader and producer Jamie Trujillo as they interview Propel’s TSTM Team and talk about their new training: TSTM Essentials. Discover how TSTM Essentials can benefit both instructors and curriculum managers and how it supports innovative curriculum design, effective instructional delivery, and reflective teaching practices. Additionally, you can find out how to participate in the upcoming cohort, including its kickoff during the October 18th Adult Educators’ Institute. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how you can transform your practice in a shorter amount of time! Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License