Connect with Adult Ed: The NMAEA Podcast
The New Mexico Adult Education Association (NMAEA) and the Propel Professional Learning System are pleased to bring you Connect with Adult Ed: the NMAEA Podcast! In this podcast, host Nadia Kader will explore various adult education topics that are relevant to all adult education practitioners and students in New Mexico.
Episodes

May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
58 min
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

Apr 13, 2025
Apr 13, 2025
1 hr 5 min
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

Mar 7, 2025
Mar 7, 2025
38 min
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.

Feb 9, 2025
Feb 9, 2025
1 hr 36 min
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.

Dec 9, 2024
Dec 9, 2024
39 min
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!

Dec 9, 2024
Dec 9, 2024
28 min
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.

Nov 25, 2024
Nov 25, 2024
24 min
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.

Nov 25, 2024
Nov 25, 2024
27 min
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.

Nov 10, 2024
Nov 10, 2024
20 min
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!

Nov 10, 2024
Nov 10, 2024
24 min
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!




