ImpactED

The Future is Bright for Education in Alief Feb 01, 2024

In this episode of ImpactED, the official podcast of Alief ISD, Social Media/PR Liaison Adelina Cruz speaks with Andrea Lotsu and Baohan Phi about The Texas Association of Future Educators program in Alief ISD

Business Partners to End Breast Cancer in Alief Jan 17, 2024

In this episode of ImpactED, the official podcast of Alief ISD, Administrative Assistant Zepheena Henry speaks with Tiffany Tatum, Candice Saxton, and Shannon McNair about The Rose Bus organization and their partnership with Alief ISD.

Mays Takes Center Stage as New Alief Supe Jan 05, 2024

In this episode of ImpactED, the official podcast of Alief ISD, Chief of Communications & PR Kristyn Hunt Cathey speaks with Alief ISD Superintendent Dr. Anthony Mays about his vision for Alief Independent School District.

New Season, New Crew, New Alief ISD View Jan 04, 2024

The wait is over! Welcome to the long-awaited 2nd season of the Alief ISD ImpactedED Podcast! Kristyn Hunt Cathey and the Communications & PR team give an introduction.

Alief ISD - Safety and Security Sep 23, 2022

Superintendent HD Chambers discusses safety and security in the Alief Independent School District. Guests include Alief ISD Chief of Police, Dan Turner, Deputy Superintendent, Charles Woods, and Safety and Emergency Manager, Jeremy Foster.

Superintendent Search - Shaping the Future of Alief ISD Aug 05, 2022

Superintendent HD Chambers discusses the role of a superintendent and the Alief ISD Board of Trustees and how they are shaping the future of Alief ISD. Guests include Alief ISD Board President Ann Williams and Board Vice President Dr. Darlene Breaux.

Mental Health - Taking Wellness Beyond Mental Health Awareness Month May 19, 2022

Superintendent HD Chambers discussed mental health and wellness and highlighted the importance of the mental well-being of the students and staff of Alief ISD. Guests include Alief ISD Director of Guidance and Counseling Dr. Alvia Baldwin, Mental Health Liaison Destiny Fristoe, and Psychotherapist Dr. MyMisha Richardson.

Aerospace Engineering - Flying into Your Future May 10, 2022

Superintendent HD Chambers discussed the innovative CTE Aerospace Engineering Program and the importance of creating career pathways for Alief ISD students. Guests include Alief ISD Director of CTE Jennifer Baker, CTE Aerospace Engineering teacher Steward Bailey and student Cindy Le.

Early Childhood - Alief ISD Innovative Interactive Pre-K Program Apr 18, 2022

In this episode of ImpactED, Superintendent HD Chambers speaks with Mari Martinez (Early Childhood Coordinator) and Savannah Rave (Pre-K Teacher) about the Alief ISD's Innovative Interactive Pre-K Program.

They discuss the importance of early childhood education and how Alief ISD is investing in a new way to Pre-K by creating innovative experiences for Pre-Kindergarten children that take learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. The new Innovative Interactive FULL-Day Pre-K program provides hands-on, immersive, purposeful, and playful experiences that build important background knowledge and vocabulary necessary for Kindergarten readiness, as well as future educational success.

Save Your Spot Today! Call 281-988-3100

Mental Health - America's Post-Pandemic Recovery May 03, 2021

Superintendent HD Chambers speaks with Dr. Alvia Baldwin (Alief ISD Director of Guidance and Counseling) and Chrysaundra Tanner, LCSW-S (Alief ISD Mental Health Facilitator) about the challenges adults and children are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic and how to emerge positively post-pandemic.

SEWA International Making an Impact on the Alief Community Apr 15, 2021

In this episode of ImpactED, Superintendent HD Chambers speaks with Kavita Tewary (Executive Director of Sewa International - Houston Chapter) and Dee Jones (Alief ISD Business and Community Partnership Coordinator) about the vital role the organization plays in the Alief community in providing food, donations, mentoring, tutoring and newcomer assistance programs.

Early Childhood Education – How Learning Losses During the Pandemic Hurt Our Youngest Students Apr 05, 2021

In this episode of ImpactED, the official podcast of Alief ISD, Superintendent HD Chambers speaks with Kathy Jahn (Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction) and Mari Martinez (Early Childhood Coordinator) about the potential learning losses of incoming Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. They discuss the importance of socio-emotional learning and oral language development at that critical stage in early childhood education and how outreach like the Virtual Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Round-Up aims to help prospective families with understanding the urgent need of getting our youngest learners enrolled and engaged.

Racial Injustice - Alief's Asian Community and Perseverance Through a Pandemic and Racial Tensions Mar 24, 2021

In this episode of ImpactED, Superintendent HD Chambers speaks with Katherine Cheng, EVP, Houston Event Planning and Bin Yu, Chair, Asian Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the impacts of COVID-19's origin on the Asian community, race relations and how Alief's Asian community persevered through the pandemic with the help from diverse customers.

COVID-19 - How a Pandemic Led to Advances in Science Mar 04, 2021

In this episode of ImpactED, the official podcast for Alief ISD, Superintendent HD Chambers speaks with Dr. Eric Boerwinkle, Dean of UTHealth School of Public Health. They have an in-depth conversation about the COVID-19 pandemic, new variants and the amazing advances in science that assisted in creating a vaccine in record time.

Racial Injustice - How to Champion Youth to Affect Change Feb 25, 2021

In this episode of ImpactED, Superintendent HD Chambers speaks with Krystal Williams, Alief Taylor High School Government Teacher. They discuss the history of race relations in the United States, Alief ISD students' perspectives and how we as a nation can move forward to ensure life, liberty and justice for all citizens.

COVID-19 - How Hospitals are Collaborating with School Districts on Keeping Schools Safe Jan 29, 2021

In this episode of ImpactED, Superintendent HD Chambers speaks with Dr. David Callender, president and CEO of Memorial Herman Health System. They discuss local health authorities and its assistance in guiding our school systems to ensure a healthy learning environment for students.

COVID-19 - Why the Virus Continues to Impact Schools Jan 27, 2021

In this episode of ImpactED, Superintendent HD Chambers speaks with Dr. Maria Rivera, Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Physician at Harris County Public Health. They have an in-depth conversation about the COVID-19 pandemic and how schools have been able to operate safely during the pandemic as well as the role that Harris County Public Health plays in communities and the vaccines that are now available.

Transportation - Why Your Bus Being Late is a Sometimes Good Thing Jan 12, 2021

During the Spring of 2020, prior to district closures, Superintendent HD Chambers sat down in the studio with Richard Torres (Alief ISD Director of Transportation) and Ron Scroggins (Alief ISD Bus Driver). They touched on various transportation topics, including the changing landscape of school bus transportation, enhanced bus safety measures, why school bus driver shortages remain a problem, and the continued importance of each Transportation staff member, who are often the first and last district employee a student will see each day.

Digital Design - Turning A Hobby Into A Career Nov 10, 2020

Prior to district closures last spring, Superintendent HD Chambers sat down with Bobby Goetsch (Center for Advanced Careers teacher) and Keneth Lopez (Hastings High School student) in the sound booth to discuss the importance of the constantly-evolving field of Digital Design.

Community Garden - Cultivating Student and Community Change Oct 27, 2020

Prior to district closures last spring, Superintendent HD Chambers sat down with Barbara Quattro (chair of the Alief Super Neighborhood Council), Amenda Abi Saab (former Youngblood student and current O'Donnell student) and Erin Gilbert (Youngblood Intermediate School teacher) to discuss the impact of the Alief Community Garden. They discuss how the community came together to develop the garden on the district plot and how Youngblood uses it as an interactive and fun outdoor classroom.

Action Based Learning - How Exercise Grows Brain Cells Oct 06, 2020

During the 2019-2020 school year prior to district closures, Superintendent HD Chambers discussed Action Based Learning (ABL) and the importance of movement in an academic setting with Alief ISD Wellness Coordinator Kelley Sullivan and ABL Facilitators Leslie DeRuiter, Cheryl Williams and Courtney Grass. From improved student performance to decreased behavioral issues, they discuss the science behind ABL and why it works.

Communities In Schools of Houston - Districts Can't Do It Alone Sep 23, 2020

Prior to district closures during the Spring 2020 semester, Lisa Descant (Chief Executive Officer for Communities In Schools of Houston), Syble Ned (CIS Student Support Manager at Klentzman Intermediate School) and Dr. Alvia Baldwin (Alief ISD Director of Guidance & Counseling) sat down with Superintendent HD Chambers to discuss the significance of Communities in Schools of Houston (CIS) in Alief ISD schools. They discuss the importance of CIS's integrated student supports and core services and how the partnership positively impacts students at all grade levels.

Community Service - Planting the Seed of Philanthropy Aug 25, 2020

Prior to last school year's district closures, Rayne Donahue (Mata Intermediate School student), Jasmine Gonzalez (Elsik High School student) and Jeanette Byrd (Cummings Elementary School principal) sat down in the studio to discuss how students of all ages can give back to the community in various impactful ways.

COMET Program - How a Community-School Partnership Can End the Teacher Shortage Jul 08, 2020

During the 2019-2020 school year, Superintendent HD Chambers visited with Oralia Rios-Williams (5Works Executive Director) and Baohan Phi (Alief Taylor High School graduate and current University of Houston College of Education student) on the significance of the COMET Program, a district initiative started by the superintendent. This initiative, which provides after school enrichment to elementary students in both apartment-based sites and school-based sites, has been supported by community organizations, the district, as well as an army of trained high school volunteers. Many of these volunteers return to the district to serve as certified educators or instructional support staff. They discuss what makes this program unique and the joys of teaching, and even learning from, some of our youngest learners.

Houston Food Bank - Nourishing Stomachs and Minds Jun 17, 2020

Prior to district closures, Superintendent HD Chambers sat down in the studio with Deborah Nichols (CIS Student Support Manager at Outley Elementary School), Angela Loving (Houston Food Bank School Programs Coordinator) and Dee Jones (Alief ISD Business and Community Partnership Coordinator). The district partners with the Houston Food Bank on various initiatives, including the Backpack Buddy Program, Teachers Aid Program and School Market. They discuss the lasting impact of those initiatives on students, staff and families.

Automotive Technology - Driving Students to New Heights Jun 04, 2020

Earlier this school year prior to district closures, Superintendent HD Chambers sat down in the studio to discuss workforce readiness with Vivian Vo (Elsik High School Auto Tech Program student), Will Diaz (Alief ISD Auto Tech Program graduate and owner of Engineuity Autowerks) and Julian Mendoza (Alief ISD Auto Tech Program graduate and current Hastings High School Automotive Technology teacher). They dive into the changing Auto Tech industry, the different rewarding job opportunities in the job sector and the importance of the Auto Tech Program in preparing students for the evolving workforce.

Alief Learns Discussion - Digital and Traditional Learning Mar 26, 2020

Kathy Jahn (Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction) and Pam Lowe (Director of Digital Learning) call into the studio to discuss the Alief Learns platform with Superintendent HD Chambers. They discussed how parents, students and educators will access instructional materials to avoid a slide in what students have learned in the 2019-2020 school year.

Coronavirus - Update on Staffing, Digital Learning and Other Critical Questions Mar 19, 2020

HD Chambers and Ava Montgomery (Alief ISD Deputy Superintendent of Instruction) provide an update on how Alief ISD is tackling various issues as schools remain closed. They discuss staffing, salaries, curbside pick-up meals, digital learning, expectations for parents and for staff, and events such as the Class of 2020 graduation ceremonies and prom.

Coronavirus - Working in Partnership with Parents Mar 13, 2020

Superintendent HD Chambers sits down with Board President Ann Williams and Director of Public Relations Kimberly Smith to discuss Alief ISD's virtual learning plans in the event of extended school closures.

Family Engagement - It's Never Too Early to Be Actively Engaged Mar 05, 2020

Shanceler Terry (Alief ISD Family and Community Engagement Program Coordinator), Laura Escamilla (Lead Family Liaison) and Yadira Campos (Alief ISD family member and district volunteer) sat down with Superintendent HD Chambers to discuss the increasing importance of families to be actively engaged in their children's lives from an early age.

Junior Achievement - When Kids Run the World Feb 20, 2020

Superintendent HD Chambers chat with Joseph Burke (President of Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas), Jennifer Baker (Alief ISD CTE Director), Brian Santos (Youngblood Intermediate School student), Zahra White (Youngblood Intermediate School student) and Pam Parrish (Youngblood Intermediate School interventionist). They discuss the impact of Junior Achievement's programs on Alief ISD students, specifically focusing on Biztown, a simulated city where students serve as active, productive citizens of their simulated town.

Community Partnerships - It Takes More Than A Village Feb 05, 2020

Alief ISD is a strong supporter of meaningful relationships with community partners. Superintendent HD Chambers sat down to discuss the different partnerships with Pastor Parris Patrick (Agape Bible Church and Alief Coalition for the Homeless) and Alief ISD's Dee Jones (Business and Community Partnership Coordinator) and Demetria West (Hastings Ninth Grade Center counselor).

Censo 2020 – Ayuda a combatir la baja participación Jan 22, 2020

El superintendente adjunto para servicios financieros de Alief ISD, Charles Woods conversa con el superintendente HD Chambers sobre la baja participación en el censo. Nos cuentan como más del 30% de los hogares del área de Houston no respondieron al censo 2010, lo que se estima resultará en pérdidas de casi $16,000 por persona, para la ciudad de Houston, en concepto de educación, servicios de emergencia e infraestructura, entre el 2020 y el 2030.

2020 Census – Help Erase the Undercount Jan 22, 2020

Charles Woods (Alief ISD Deputy Superintendent of Business Services) visits with Superintendent HD Chambers about the Census Undercount. They discuss how over 30 percent of Houston-area households did not respond to the 2010 Census, which results in estimates that Houston will lose nearly $16,000 per citizen in education, emergency and infrastructure funding between 2020 and 2030.

Top Workplaces – How the Best Organizations Retain the Best Employees Jan 09, 2020

Alief ISD has been named a Top Workplace for the fourth consecutive year by the Houston Chronicle, the largest local newspaper. Dr. Elizabeth Veloz-Powell (Alief ISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources), Darrell Alexander (Alief ISD Executive Director of Human Resources) and Kimberly Saunders (Alief ISD Center for Advanced Careers Secretary) dived into the anonymous workplace survey results and why Alief continues to be a highly-ranked employer.

Professional Learning - When Teachers Become Students Dec 11, 2019

Alief ISD Professional Development Coordinator Dr. Tracee Grigsby-Turner and Miller Intermediate School teacher Ebony Kennedy visit with Superintendent HD Chambers about critical components of professional development and learning. They discuss the current professional learning opportunities, including socio-emotional learning, Action Based Learning and how professional learning can help educators with building meaningful relationships with students.

College Scholarships - How to Catch the Jumbo Shrimp Nov 20, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers visits with Taylor High School students and staff on the different aspects of college preparation, from how to navigate family discussions about financial aid, to different forms of assistance for college-bound students.

Fine Arts - Building Confidence Through Quality Fine Arts Programs Nov 11, 2019

A special guest calls into the ImpactED studios: Thien An Nguyen, who was the first Alief Idol winner, graduated from Kerr High School this past spring and is currently attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Superintendent HD Chambers chats with Nguyen, Kimberly Smith (Alief ISD Director of Public Relations) and Michelle Lopez (Alief ISD Fine Arts Facilitator) about the significance of fine arts in student learning, the role it plays in fostering a sense of community in schools and the future of arts integration.

Health Science - Alleviating the Healthcare Workforce Shortage Crisis Nov 05, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers discusses the significance of the CTE Health Science Program with Elsik High School graduate and current McGovern Medical School student Rachel Obimah and Center for Advanced Careers teacher Courtney Caesar.

E-Learning – Dynamic Learning Environment through Virtual Classrooms Oct 22, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers chat with Debbie Vincent (Digital Learning Curriculum Specialist & Distance Learning), Pam Lowe (Director of Digital Learning), Kathy Jahn (Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction), Olga Lopez (Hastings High School Library Information Specialist and Distance Learning Facilitator) and Alexandra Alvarenga (Hastings High School student) about the rigorous online course offerings for students and the advantages to the flexible virtual classroom environment.

Veterinary Science - It’s Not All Puppies, Sunshine, Kitties and Rainbows Oct 08, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers talks with Jennifer Baker (Alief ISD Career and Technical Education Director), Phyllis Sams (Veterinary Science instructor) and Elizabeth Nguyen (recent Alief ISD graduate and Certified Veterinary Assistant) about the extensive training provided by the Alief ISD Veterinary Science Program and how it prepares students to become Certified Veterinary Assistants.

Voting - Young Voters Make an Impact at the Ballot Box Oct 01, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers sits down with Adrienne Redmon (Hastings Advanced Academics Coordinator), Kydra Hubbard (Albright Social Studies Department Chair) and Gretchen Gaskins (Alief ISD Social Studies Coordinator) and visit about voter engagement at all grade levels.

After-School Enrichment Programs – Developing the Whole Child Sep 11, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers talk to Karla Kessler (Director of Federal Programs and Grants), Tameka Abernathy (Children Interacting Afterschool Coordinator) and Drechelle Edwards (21st Century Community Learning Centers Project Director) about the importance of after-school enrichment and its critical role in giving students the skills to succeed.

Limited Open Enrollment – Providing Opportunities Beyond District Boundaries Aug 27, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers sit down with Dr. Jackie Armwood (Alief ISD Director of Student Services) and Ava Montgomery (Alief ISD Deputy Superintendent of Instruction) about the district’s new Limited Open Enrollment (LOE) Program. They discuss the advantages of the LOE Program and also address LOE concerns.

Family Engagement - Community-Building through Home-to-School Connections Aug 20, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers visit with Shanceler Terry (Family and Community Engagement Coordinator), Isaac Eguia (Family Liaison) and Bridget Ojeaga (Alief ISD parent) about the value and challenges of family engagement. They dig into the different levels of family engagement and the importance of using family engagement to strengthen the community and the home-to-school connection.

Teacher Shortage Leads to “Grow Your Own” Teacher Pipeline Aug 08, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers chat with Dr. Elizabeth Veloz-Powell (Alief ISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources), Andrea Lotsu (Alief Taylor High School teacher) and Angel Anchondo (Alief Taylor High School graduate) regarding Alief's Grow Your Own teacher Program. Anchondo and Lotsu talk about the highlights of the CTE Education and Training Program, the importance of exposure to the teaching profession as a high school student and how to engage future educators.

Teacher Shortages - Taking Unconventional Approaches to Recruitment Jul 22, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers discusses the teacher shortage crisis with Maya Weatherton (Relay Houston) and Courtney Isaak (Good Reason Houston). They detail the importance of recruiting qualified individuals to join the teaching profession and what it takes to support these professionals so that they become highly effective teachers.

Health Services – Filling the Medical Care Gap for All Students Jun 27, 2019

Carleen Johnson (Alief ISD Health Services Department) and Shirl Felder (Memorial Hermann School-Based Health Center) talk to Superintendent HD Chambers about how medical professionals go above and beyond year-round to provide much-needed health services to Alief ISD students.

Gender Equality - When Women Lead, Everything Changes Jun 11, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers sit down with fellow superintendents Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora (Tomball ISD), Dr. LaTonya Goffney (Aldine ISD) and Dr. Kelli Moulton (Galveston ISD). They discuss their paths to becoming superintendents of school districts and the importance of female leadership.

STEM Education - Where Failure is an Option May 31, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers visits with Gelyn Roble (Alief ISD Elementary Science Coordinator) and Betty George (Alief ISD Elementary Science Interventionist) about the intricacies of STEM education, including the challenges of project-based learning, how Alief is supporting STEM educators and information about the district-hosted STEM summer camps.

School Finance and House Bill 3 - Where Did All the Money Go? May 15, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers chat with David Thompson (Partner and Thompson & Horton LLP) and Charles Woods (Alief ISD Deputy Superintendent of Business Services) about House Bill 3 and other issues surrounding public school funding.

Safety & Security - Taking Innovative Measures to Protect Our Schools May 07, 2019

Alief ISD Police Department Captain Henry Bonaparte and K9 Officer Christopher Sherman talk about the various proactive measures school districts are implementing to improve school safety, such as innovative trainings, vapor dogs, community policing and other methods.

Creating College-Bound Students Apr 30, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers talked to Tracy Scholz (Alief ISD Advanced Academics Coordinator) and two Alief ISD AVID high school students regarding the district's Advanced Academics Program. They covered the many aspects of advanced academics, including the gifted and talented program, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), college dual credit opportunities and other advanced academics offerings.

Martellus Bennett - Watering the Seeds of the Dreams of Our Youth Apr 16, 2019

Alief ISD graduate Martellus Bennett returns home to speak with Superintendent HD Chambers about his third children's book, Dear Black Boy. Bennett, a former NFL star, Super Bowl champ and founder of The Imagination Agency, talks about the importance of children of color to aspire to become more than just athletes.

Early Childhood Round Table - Believe It or Not, High Level Academics Start in Pre-K Apr 08, 2019

Alief ISD elementary principals Jeanette Byrd (Cummings Elementary School) and Mary Kesler (Hicks Elementary School) chat with Kathy Jahn (Alief ISD Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction) and Superintendent HD Chambers about the preparations underway to pilot a full-day Pre-Kindergarten Program at select Alief ISD schools.

CTE - Preparing Students for Jobs that Don't Exist Yet Mar 28, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers chats with Jennifer Baker (Director of Career and Technical Education) and Kimberly Crow (Alief ISD Director of Career and Technical Education and Innovation) in the Center for Advanced Careers. They discuss how Alief ISD prepared for the state-of-the-art facility, how partnerships are supporting student learning and how middle and high schools are preparing students for the workforce.

CITGO - How STEM partnerships power learner-centered education Mar 18, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers welcomes Larry Elizondo (CITGO General Manager of Community Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility and Legislative Affairs) and Nelda Billescas (Olle Middle School Principal) to talk about how the CITGO Innovative Academy at Olle Middle School illustrates an exemplary example of how businesses can support student learning.

Accountability - When schools and districts are graded using the flawed STAAR test Mar 07, 2019

Dee Carney (Moak, Casey & Associates) joins a candid conversation about accountability and its impact on Texas public schools with Natalie Martinez (Alief ISD Director of Accountability, Assessment and Attendance) and Superintendent HD Chambers.

Is the STAAR test designed for your child to fail? Mar 05, 2019

Alief ISD's Elementary and Secondary Language Arts staff break down the complex issues surrounding literacy in the state and how the state of Texas is using an assessment that is not grade-level appropriate to penalize students, educators and schools.

Choice Programs in Public Schools - A Launching Pad for Opportunities Feb 26, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers visits with Alief ISD high school students who decided to pursue special high school programs while still in middle school. Students in the Life Sciences Innovative Academy and in the Alief Early College High School will graduate with an associate's degree from Houston Community College prior to receiving their high school diploma from Alief ISD. Students in the Alief International Academy are taught to think critically, engage globally and thrive competitively, while Kerr High School offers students the opportunity to work in a non-traditional, self-managed learning environment similar to college. Students from these alternative learning environments visit with the superintendent about the benefits of the programs, what they have learned and their future aspirations.

Early Childhood Round Table - Teaching Young Learners Today for a Better Tomorrow Feb 13, 2019

Dr. Julie Baker Finck of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and Alief ISD Early Childhood Facilitator Mari Martinez visit with Superintendent HD Chambers for the latest episode of ImpactED. They dive into the science of early childhood education, how to empower families with the knowledge and resources to educate early learners and how different early childhood initiatives are working together to educate children even before they register for Pre-Kindergarten.

International Management District and Stantec - The Melting Pot Paradigm Shift Feb 06, 2019

Superintendent HD Chambers vists with Natali Hurtado (International Management District) and Robert Moser (Stantec) about community planning and the upcoming changes expected in this international community.

Principal Tremayne Wickliffe - Re-Engaging Troubled Students Jan 30, 2019

Tremayne Wickliffe is the principal of Crossroads, a disciplinary alternative education program in Alief ISD in Houston, Texas. He sits down with Superintendent HD Chambers to discuss the joys and challenges of working with troubled students.

Neil Bush - Literacy, Legacy and Learning Jan 24, 2019

Mr. Chambers speaks with Neil Bush, chairman of Points of Light and co-chairman of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, as he navigates through his own personal struggles with literacy, his mother's legacy and views on the future of learning in schools.

Greater Houston Partnership - Does Success Require a College Degree Jan 15, 2019

Bob Harvey and Peter Beard from the Greater Houston Partnership join a discussion with Superintendent HD Chambers about the employment outlook in the greater Houston area, including the data illustrating the jobs of the future.

Mental Health Round Table - Today's Epidemic and What You Should Know Dec 19, 2018

Alief ISD counselors and mental health professionals sit down with Superintendent HD Chambers to discuss the state of mental health in schools. Today, mental issues have increased significantly due to societal changes, increased use of technology and other stress factors. Listen and find out how to identify a mental health crisis and where to seek help.

Nutrition Round Table - America's Addiction to Fat, Salt and Sugar Dec 18, 2018

School districts often cook millions of meals for hungry students each school year. It costs some school districts millions of dollars to serve healthy meals; districts agree that it is expensive to be healthy. Alief ISD Nutrition Department staff members chat with Superintendent HD Chambers on the challenges of keeping students healthy while combating childhood hunger and providing tasty meals and snacks to students. They discuss the strategies to educate students about healthy eating and explore how proper nutrition can positively impact student learning.

H-E-B's Scott McClelland - Why Investing in Public Education is Vital to America’s Future Dec 04, 2018

Scott McClelland, President of H E B grocery company's Houston Food/Drug Division, sits down with Superintendent HD Chambers to discuss the future of public education and its effects on employment. The two cover the importance of addressing dire education concerns, from early childhood and career pathways to keeping strong teachers in the classroom and how other businesses can support public education as a means to bolster the economy.

Education Round Table - Teacher Shortages Nov 28, 2018

After years of the government underfunding public school education and other attacks on the teaching profession, there is now a shortage of highly-qualified teachers in America. University of Houston's College of Education Dean Robert McPherson and Alief ISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Elizabeth Veloz-Powell speak with Superintendent HD Chambers about the challenges of attracting quality college graduates to enter and remain in the teaching profession. Chambers also sits down with Michele Pena, an educator actively juggling her classroom responsibilities, part-time jobs and extra teacher duties.

A Conversation with HD - Looking Forward After the Mid-Term Elections Nov 13, 2018

Jessika Leal, Executive Assistant to Alief ISD Superintendent HD Chambers, sits down with the superintendent post-election to discuss what's next, how educators can remain engaged in the political process and how policies can impact their daily lives.

Alief ISD Military Veterans & Current ROTC Student - Serving Your Country & Community Nov 07, 2018

Elsik High School teacher, Army veteran and nationally-acclaimed soccer coach Vincenzo Cox and Marines veteran Major Jerome Stovall talk to Superintendent HD Chambers about how they use their military experience to educate the next generation of service men and women. A current Alief ISD student talks about his JROTC training and how it is preparing him for the armed forces.

Principals Robin Human & Johanna Sanchez - Building Relationships & Defying Critics Oct 31, 2018

Robin Human and Johanna Sanchez are elementary school principals in Alief ISD in Houston, Texas. Between the two of them, they have nearly 30 years of experience leading public schools. They sit down with Superintendent HD Chambers to discuss the joys and challenges of leading a school.

Professor Stephen Klineberg - Demographics, Attitudes & Their Impact on Education Oct 23, 2018

Stephen Klineberg is a demographics expert and sociologist in Houston, Texas. As a professor at Rice University, Klineberg and his students began conducting an annual survey in 1982, now called the Kinder Institute Houston Area Survey. The survey tracks the area’s demographics and attitudes. He joins a discussion about historical demographics in Houston, Texas and its effects on education.

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