Connect with Adult Ed: The NMAEA Podcast

In this episode, Nadia and Jamie sit down with Anna Kaiper-Marquez, the director of Family Literacy at the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) https://familieslearning.org/ . Anna discusses the intergenerational holistic view of family literacy, how the NCFL supports organizations to develop sustainable family literacy programs, and how family literacy impacts multiple areas of adult education. If you and your program want to learn more about Family Literacy and are joining the Family Literacy PLC in the fall, you won’t want to miss this episode!*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-storyWe look forward to growing this collection!Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

Join Nadia and Jamie for an inspiring conversation with Patty McGee, a "traveling educator" who is on a mission to dismantle the shame often rooted in traditional grammar instruction. Moving past fill-in-the-blank worksheets, Patty shares how a mindset shift of treating grammar as a creative tool rather than a rigid set of rules can transform learning for students of all ages. Whether you’re an adult education instructor or just someone who’s ever felt the sting of the "grammar police," Patty’s innovative approach will leave you ready to trade in your red pen for a paintbrush.*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-storyWe 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, Nadia sits down with Victoria Henry, a PhD candidate conducting literacy research. Victoria shares what theories ground her research, a current student-led writing project, classroom structures that support authentic-meaning making, how instructors can design learning experiences that affirm student agency, and more! *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-storyWe look forward to growing this collection!Intro & outro music: Energetic Hip-hop by Skilsel Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

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-storyWe 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-storyWe 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-storyWe 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-storyWe 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=sharingIntro & 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