Connect with Adult Ed: The NMAEA Podcast

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 so...

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 experienc...

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 professio...

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 c...

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 yo...

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. ...

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 ...

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/1F2YsD6tG6BZyh2k2ybVZA5iAUXHxva4kL...

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 ...

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 a...

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 philo...

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.” Mic...

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.” Mic...

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 des...

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 des...