Let Me Add To That...

Los Angeles County Office of Education
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges and new episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

  1. SEP 3

    School Attendance is Everybody's Responsibility

    September is Attendance Awareness Month, a reminder that every day in school matters, and that improving attendance takes a community effort. In this episode, L.A. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo and L.A. County Department of Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer dive into the current landscape of school attendance and the rising challenge of chronic absenteeism. Together, they unpack the barriers that keep students from class, from health concerns to systemic inequities, and highlight strategies and data that point toward solutions. Their conversation enforces a powerful message: attendance is a community issue. Teachers, parents, health providers and even local business owners all play a vital role in creating the conditions for student success. Listen to hear actionable ideas on how each of us can help, and what it looks like when schools, families and communities come together to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. --- About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    35 min

  2. AUG 6

    Leadership in Motion: Back to School in L.A. County

    As the 2025–26 school year kicks off, we’re joined by Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ruth Pérez for a powerful conversation about what lies ahead for students, educators and our school communities. In this episode, our County leaders reflect on the excitement a new school year brings and share their top priorities for the year. This includes improving student attendance and supporting mental health and wellbeing for both students and staff. They discuss how LACOE is helping districts embrace innovation, including the safe and thoughtful integration of AI in the classroom, and how teacher wellbeing remains at the center of their efforts. You’ll also hear about the importance of listening and uplifting student voice as well as building trusted partnerships with families and educators. --- About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    25 min

  3. JUL 2

    UDL in Action: Designing for Every Learner

    Join us as we explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL)—a powerful framework that helps educators design learning environments where all students can thrive. Anya Bergman and Audra Mesa, senior program specialists from LACOE’s Curriculum and Instruction Services Division, break down the core principles of UDL and explain why the barrier is in the design, not the learner. From real-life examples like curb cuts to classroom strategies that support flexibility and access, this episode offers practical insights for teachers and leaders alike. You’ll hear why UDL isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing things differently, how AI tools can help identify learning barriers and what schools and districts can do to embed UDL into systems and planning. Whether you’re new to UDL or ready to take your practice further, this episode is packed with ideas to help you design for the margins—and benefit every learner in the process. For UDL resources visit: bit.ly/udlpodres --- About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    49 min

  4. JUN 4

    The Power of Student Voices

    In this  episode, we’re putting students at the center of the conversation. Ariena Thurairajah from Palos Verdes Peninsula USD and Daniel Perez from Paramount USD—both members of our L.A. County Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council—join L.A. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Debra Duardo for a powerful discussion on what it’s really like to be a student today. From navigating academic pressure and mental health to the growing impact of AI in the classroom, Ariena and Daniel share their honest perspectives on the challenges they face—and what meaningful support looks like. Despite recognizing the privileges within their districts, both students emphasize that equity is critical and their message is simple: every student, no matter their background, deserves access to opportunities and resources. --- About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    27 min

  5. MAY 7

    Supporting English Learners in Schools: Strategies, Data and Insights

    How can we better support the educators in Los Angeles County who work directly with English learners—and ensure equity in every classroom? In this episode, we’re joined by Roberta Gonzalez, Project Director III at LACOE’s Multilingual Academic Support Unit, and Dr. Laura Hill-Bonnet, Associate Director at Stanford’s Center to Support Excellence in Teaching. Together, they unpack the findings of a new report, Supporting Teachers to Better Serve English Learners, which examines how educators across the County are navigating instruction for multilingual learners. Grounded in teacher and administrator interviews, the report explores both the promising practices and persistent challenges in English Learning instruction—highlighting a clear need for more time, support and collaborative opportunities. Roberta and Laura reflect on what the data reveals, how it connects to real classroom experiences and what school leaders can do to foster meaningful, lasting change. Based on the paper: Supporting Teachers to Better Serve English Learners --- About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    43 min

  6. APR 1

    What You Need to Know About Child Abuse Prevention

    April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and fostering proactive efforts to protect children and support families. Preventing child abuse isn’t just the responsibility of social workers or educators—it’s a shared commitment that requires awareness, collaboration and action from all of us.   In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Tamara Hunter, Executive Director of the L.A. County Mandated Supporting Initiative, and Alicia Garoupa, LACOE’s Chief of Wellbeing and Support Services. Together, they will share insights on the current landscape of child abuse prevention, the importance of early intervention and the resources available to strengthen families and communities. This is an important conversation that reinforces our collective role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. --- About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    31 min

  7. MAR 5

    The Power of Arts in Education

    March is Arts in Education Month & we’re celebrating by shining a spotlight on the transformative power of the arts in schools. In this episode, we welcome two incredible guests: Lois Hunter, longtime educator & theatre department chair at the nation’s top high school for the arts, LA County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), & Kristin Sakoda, Director of LA County Department of Arts & Culture.  Together, they explore why the arts are often overlooked in education, despite their undeniable impact on student mental health, confidence & academic success. They also share their own journeys in the arts & how their current roles help students see the arts not just as a passion, but as a pathway to lifelong careers. About Los Angeles Department of Arts & Culture: LADAC is the local arts agency for the largest county in the U.S., providing leadership, programs & services including grants for nonprofit organizations, arts education initiatives, artist commissions for civic art, creative career pathways programs & more. The Department leads coordination of the Arts Education Collective, the public-private initiative dedicated to making the arts core for all youth in LA County. Resources: Arts EducationSchool-Based Grants & ResourcesCreative Wellbeing Healing Arts Curriculum GuideLA County Arts Internship & Creative Career PathwaysCreative Careers OnlineLA County Creative Career Program MiniGuide--- About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    57 min

  8. FEB 5

    AI in Schools: What Teachers, Parents and Students Should Know

    AI is changing the way students learn—but what does that really look like in the classroom? In this episode, we chat with L.A. County and California Teacher of the Year, Casey Cuny, and his son, Landon Cuny, a Valencia High School graduate, to get both the educator/parent and student/child perspective. Casey shares how AI can be a game-changer for teachers across all subjects including math and culinary arts, while Landon talks about how he uses it as a thought partner for everything from schoolwork projects to daily life…including picking out what he should wear! They also talk about cheating and challenges and how to ensure students are using it safely and responsibly. --- About Let Me Add to That: An Education Podcast Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges. New episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Nearly 2 million students and 80 school districts make up the Los Angeles County education system – as you can imagine, the experiences, the success and the challenges vary from district to district as it does student to student. The Let Me Add to That Podcast, presented by the Los Angeles Office of Education will feature education experts including superintendents, administrators, teachers and students themselves who will highlight various hot topics that the county faces on a day-to-day basis. Let Me Add to That is titled and modeled after the inclusion of different perspectives, experiences and challenges and new episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of every month.

Information

  • Creator
    Los Angeles County Office of Education
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Let Me Add To That...
  • Show Website
    Let Me Add To That...

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