Commissioner Mike Morath on Reform & the April 2026 SBOE Meetings

Preparing the Next Generation of Educators | Kallie Covington & Sherre Heider

This week, host Ashley sits down with two powerhouse women from Texas Tech University who are shaping the future of education in West Texas. Dr. Kallie Covington, Director of Development for the College of Education at Texas Tech, spends her days connecting generous donors with causes that transform students' lives — and outside of work, she's a wife and mom living life on a working ranch. Joining her is Dr. Sherre Heider, Assistant Dean for Teacher Education at Texas Tech, who's making sure new teachers walk into their classrooms ready, confident, and equipped to make a real difference, especially in rural communities. Having started her own career as a high school math teacher, Sherre knows firsthand what's on the line. Together, Kallie and Sherre pull back the curtain on Texas Tech's teacher preparation programs and why they believe in setting future educators up for success early, rather than throwing them into the deep end. They dig into the power of co-teaching and mentorship, the role of site coordinators as liaisons between teacher candidates and school districts, and the community partnerships that make it all possible. The conversation also covers how alternative certification programs fit into the picture, what House Bill 2 means for teacher pay, and the Teacher Incentive Allotment — a program rewarding highly effective teachers with both recognition and real financial incentive. Through it all, one theme keeps coming back: an abundance mindset. When we invest in our teachers, we invest in every student who walks into their classroom. Tune in to learn why Texas Tech-prepared teachers are some of the best in the field. Connect with our guests: Dr. Kallie Covington: Kallie.Covington@ttu.edu [Kallie.Covington@ttu.edu] Dr. Sherre Heider: sherre.heider@ttu.edu [sherre.heider@ttu.edu] About The Ashley B. Cash Show: The Ashley B. Cash Show features conversations with education leaders, policy experts, parents, teachers and reform advocates who are working to transform K-12 education. Host Ashley B. Cash brings her perspective as both a parent and business owner to explore systemic education issues and practical solutions for creating better outcomes for students, families, and communities. About Ashley:  As both a mother and business owner, Ashley brings a unique dual perspective to education reform advocacy, driven by her desire for better educational outcomes for future generations and informed by her firsthand experience with the skills gap facing employers today. Her passion for transforming K-12 education stems from witnessing the real-world consequences of educational failures and recognizing the critical need for a system that prepares students for diverse career pathways, not just college. Through this podcast, Ashley champions solutions including aptitude-based education tracks, expanded school choice, practical skills integration, and alternative career pathways that align with students' individual strengths and interests. Follow @AshleyBCashOfficial on Instagram & @Ashley Bowes Cash on Facebook. Visit www.AshleyBCashOfficial.com for more content and features.

Setting the Texas Standard | Dr. David Vinson

What does it take to lead one of Texas's fastest-growing school districts with excellence, accountability, and heart? In this episode of the Ashley B. Cash Show, Ashley sits down with Dr. David Vinson, Superintendent of Conroe ISD, for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to build a culture of high expectations in education. Dr. Vinson brings a wealth of experience to the table — from his roots as a gifted and talented teacher to leading Wylie ISD to consistent 'A' ratings and overseeing more than $700 million in bond projects completed on time and on budget. Now at the helm of Conroe ISD, he's championing his Texas Standard initiative, a vision rooted in student opportunity, strong character, and a commitment to excellence that starts at the top. Whether you're a parent, educator, administrator, or simply someone who believes in the power of great leadership, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to move an entire school district forward. This one is not to be missed. Tune in! About The Ashley B. Cash Show: The Ashley B. Cash Show features conversations with education leaders, policy experts, parents, teachers and reform advocates who are working to transform K-12 education. Host Ashley B. Cash brings her perspective as both a parent and business owner to explore systemic education issues and practical solutions for creating better outcomes for students, families, and communities. About Ashley:  As both a mother and business owner, Ashley brings a unique dual perspective to education reform advocacy, driven by her desire for better educational outcomes for future generations and informed by her firsthand experience with the skills gap facing employers today. Her passion for transforming K-12 education stems from witnessing the real-world consequences of educational failures and recognizing the critical need for a system that prepares students for diverse career pathways, not just college. Through this podcast, Ashley champions solutions including aptitude-based education tracks, expanded school choice, practical skills integration, and alternative career pathways that align with students' individual strengths and interests. Follow @AshleyBCashOfficial on Instagram & @Ashley Bowes Cash on Facebook. Visit www.AshleyBCashOfficial.com for more content and features.

Lindsay Dawson and uThrive Academy

She's worked in finance, served the CIA, represented the United States abroad, and now she's fighting for the most vulnerable in her own backyard. In this episode of the Ashley B. Cash Show, Ashley sits down with Lindsay Dawson for a conversation that covers it all. Lindsay's journey is anything but ordinary. She launched her career in finance with ConocoPhillips, was recruited by the CIA as a Middle East Economic Analyst, and went on to serve as a U.S. diplomat at the American Embassy in Abu Dhabi. But it was after nearly a decade of public service that Lindsay found her deepest calling — fighting human trafficking, walking alongside survivors, and working hand in hand with local law enforcement to make a difference on the ground. In 2023, she founded uThrive Academy, an organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable women through financial literacy and life skills. And in November 2024, she added yet another chapter to her remarkable story, winning a seat on the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees — where she now oversees a $760 million budget and advocates fiercely for students, parents, and teachers. This is a story about courage, purpose, and what happens when a woman refuses to put a ceiling on what she can accomplish. You do not want to miss this one. Tune in! About The Ashley B. Cash Show: The Ashley B. Cash Show features conversations with education leaders, policy experts, parents, teachers and reform advocates who are working to transform K-12 education. Host Ashley B. Cash brings her perspective as both a parent and business owner to explore systemic education issues and practical solutions for creating better outcomes for students, families, and communities. About Ashley:  As both a mother and business owner, Ashley brings a unique dual perspective to education reform advocacy, driven by her desire for better educational outcomes for future generations and informed by her firsthand experience with the skills gap facing employers today. Her passion for transforming K-12 education stems from witnessing the real-world consequences of educational failures and recognizing the critical need for a system that prepares students for diverse career pathways, not just college. Through this podcast, Ashley champions solutions including aptitude-based education tracks, expanded school choice, practical skills integration, and alternative career pathways that align with students' individual strengths and interests. Follow @AshleyBCashOfficial on Instagram & @Ashley Bowes Cash on Facebook. Visit www.AshleyBCashOfficial.com for more content and features.

Building Pathways to Opportunity with Dr. Ben Alexander

In this episode, Ashley sits down with Dr. Ben Alexander, CEO of Workforce Solutions South Plains in Lubbock, Texas. With nearly two decades of experience in higher education and workforce development — including his tenure as Executive Director of Workforce Development at South Plains College — Dr. Alexander has built his career on creating real pathways to opportunity for everyday people. He holds a doctorate in business management, has championed public policy before state legislators, and was appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to the Texas Access to Justice Foundation. Simply put, he knows the workforce landscape inside and out. In this conversation, Dr. Alexander shares why soft skills — not just hard skills — are the true keys to hireability, and why building those skills needs to start even earlier than we think. It's a perspective that every job seeker, parent, educator, and employer needs to hear. 🌐 Learn more at workforcesouthplains.org [http://workforcesouthplains.org] About The Ashley B. Cash Show: The Ashley B. Cash Show features conversations with education leaders, policy experts, parents, teachers and reform advocates who are working to transform K-12 education. Host Ashley B. Cash brings her perspective as both a parent and business owner to explore systemic education issues and practical solutions for creating better outcomes for students, families, and communities. About Ashley:  As both a mother and business owner, Ashley brings a unique dual perspective to education reform advocacy, driven by her desire for better educational outcomes for future generations and informed by her firsthand experience with the skills gap facing employers today. Her passion for transforming K-12 education stems from witnessing the real-world consequences of educational failures and recognizing the critical need for a system that prepares students for diverse career pathways, not just college. Through this podcast, Ashley champions solutions including aptitude-based education tracks, expanded school choice, practical skills integration, and alternative career pathways that align with students' individual strengths and interests. Follow @AshleyBCashOfficial on Instagram & @Ashley Bowes Cash on Facebook. Visit www.AshleyBCashOfficial.com for more content and features.

The Currency of Knowledge | Catherine Komen, Director of TTU Red to Black

What does it really take to change the way young people think about money — and can that change start before they ever open a bank account? In this episode of the Ashley B. Cash Show, host Ashley sits down with Catherine Komen, Director of Red to Black at Texas Tech University — a financial literacy program that meets students where they are and helps them make a plan to get where they want to go, providing education, workshops, and coaching in a judgment-free environment. With over two decades of experience in the financial industry, Catherine brings both heart and expertise to one of the most important conversations we can have: how do we truly set the next generation up for financial success?  Ashley and Catherine dig into why financial literacy can't wait — because the earlier we plant those seeds, the deeper the roots grow. They explore how to bring kids into the day-to-day financial operations of the home, why children absorb far more from what they observe than what they're told, and how to gently help young adults recognize the gaps between what they think they know and what they still need to learn. There's no shame in asking questions — in fact, seeking out professionals and leaning on trusted resources is one of the most powerful tools we have. The conversation also gets real about the mindset work that underlies all financial progress. Money isn't good or evil — it's a tool. And the negative beliefs many of us grew up with around wealth can quietly hold us back for decades. Catherine and Ashley talk about how culture, values, and identity all shape our relationship with money, and why remembering where you came from — no matter the hardships or the blessings — is part of building a foundation you can be proud of. This one is for the parents, the students, the educators, and anyone who believes that education paired with purpose can truly change lives. About The Ashley B. Cash Show: The Ashley B. Cash Show features conversations with education leaders, policy experts, parents, teachers and reform advocates who are working to transform K-12 education. Host Ashley B. Cash brings her perspective as both a parent and business owner to explore systemic education issues and practical solutions for creating better outcomes for students, families, and communities. About Ashley:  As both a mother and business owner, Ashley brings a unique dual perspective to education reform advocacy, driven by her desire for better educational outcomes for future generations and informed by her firsthand experience with the skills gap facing employers today. Her passion for transforming K-12 education stems from witnessing the real-world consequences of educational failures and recognizing the critical need for a system that prepares students for diverse career pathways, not just college. Through this podcast, Ashley champions solutions including aptitude-based education tracks, expanded school choice, practical skills integration, and alternative career pathways that align with students' individual strengths and interests. Follow @AshleyBCashOfficial on Instagram & @Ashley Bowes Cash on Facebook. Visit www.AshleyBCashOfficial.com for more content and features.