School Talks

Sept. 27, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores the growing connection between education, career and technical training, and the future of manufacturing as Michigan schools celebrate Manufacturing Week and Manufacturing Day. The conversation highlights how partnerships between school districts, industry leaders, and community organizations are giving students firsthand exposure to high-demand careers through workplace tours, hands-on learning experiences, and career pathway programs. Guests discuss the evolution of modern manufacturing, the importance of workforce development, and how emerging technologies such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are reshaping opportunities for the next generation. The program also examines the role of career and technical education in helping students develop real-world skills, earn industry credentials, and discover career options that align with their interests and talents. Guests for this edition include: Career and Technical Education Consultant Shannon Williams of the Macomb Intermediate School District; Macomb County Chief Executive Mark Hackel; Dakota High School Woodworking Teacher Chad Campau, Student Peter Iannitelli, Bakes and Kropp Fine Cabinetry Representative David Lavender; and Wayne RESA CTE and Adult Education Consultant Rhonda Turner. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Sept. 22, 2026 ~ Career and technical education has evolved far beyond the vocational programs many adults remember. Learn why student demand is surging in fields ranging from healthcare and skilled trades to graphic design and entrepreneurship, how schools are partnering with colleges and employers to expand opportunities, and why hands-on learning is becoming a critical workforce pipeline for Michigan's economy. Guests for this edition include: Oakland Schools Executive Director of Student Services Jarrad Grandy; Macomb Intermediate School District Career and Technical Education Consultant and CEPD Administrator Shannon Williams; South Redford School District CTE Administrator and Thurston High School Assistant Principal Beth Harris; Genesee Intermediate School District Executive Director of Career and Technical Education Diana Allard; St. Clair County RESA Director of Career and Technical Education Lesley Murphy; Southgate Anderson High School CTE instructor Noelle Sherrer and student Jaley Pollock; and Wakeley Associates principals Ron Simon and Brian Smilnak. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Sept. 20, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores the impact of high school athletics, leadership, and effective school communication as students across Michigan settle into a new school year. The conversation examines evolving approaches to student safety, participation, and sportsmanship, from changes to football playoff formats and safety rules to the continued growth of girls’ field hockey, volleyball, and soccer. Guests also discuss how athletic programs help students develop discipline, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills that extend far beyond the playing field.

Guests for this edition include: Executive Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), Mark Uyl; head varsity soccer coach at De La Salle Collegiate and one of the winningest active high school soccer coaches in the nation, Thaier Mukhtar; and Joe DiBenedetto of LLYC Communications, who shares insights on helping school districts navigate new cell phone policies, crisis communications, and community engagement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Sept. 15, 2026 ~ Special education is far more than paperwork, meetings, and compliance requirements. Learn how Michigan schools identify students with disabilities, develop individualized plans, determine the least restrictive learning environment, and partner with families to support student success. This episode also explores the growing role of assistive technology, the challenges of staffing special education programs, and the resources available to help parents navigate the process. Guests for this edition include: Wayne RESA Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Early Intervention Services Dr. Jennifer Taiariol; St. Clair County RESA Executive Director of Special Education Deana Tuczek; Genesee Intermediate School District Assistant Superintendent of Special Education Steve Polega; and Macomb Intermediate School District Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services Justin Michalak. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Sept. 13, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois explores the power of career and technical education through the story of Jacob Morgan, a recent Lake Orion High School graduate and national SkillsUSA standout who earned a nearly $10,000 Snap-on tool package for his accomplishments in power equipment technology. The conversation highlights the growing demand for skilled trades, the role of industry partnerships in preparing students for high-demand careers, and how emerging technologies such as drones, robotics, AI, and heavy equipment simulators are reshaping workforce training. Guests for this edition include: Jacob Morgan; Automotive Technology Instructor at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northeast Michael Lopez; Regional Education Manager for Snap-on Industrial Spencer Abbs; Aaron Fisher of Buckeye Educational Systems; and Executive Director of the K-12 Alliance Robert McCann. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Sept. 8, 2026 ~ Student achievement is often measured by standardized test results, but educators say the full picture is far more complex. Discover how assessments, attendance, reading proficiency, classroom engagement, and targeted interventions work together to shape student success across Michigan schools. Learn why experts caution against relying on a single score to judge student performance, and how schools use data, early literacy strategies, and family partnerships to help students thrive. Guests for this edition include: Chief Academic Officer at Macomb Intermediate School District Dr. Alesia Flye; Executive Director of Educational Services at Wayne RESA Mari Treece; Director of Continuous Improvement at Wayne RESA Dr. Angela Jack; and third-grade teacher at Flickinger Elementary School in Utica Community Schools Darcy MacKenzie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Sept. 6, 2026 ~ Host Dr. Robert Livernois welcomes three newly appointed school leaders, Cathy Kochanski of Avondale Schools, Pasquale Cusumano of Richmond Schools, and Kenneth Janczarek of Swartz Creek Community Schools, for a conversation about their leadership journeys, first-year priorities, community engagement, and plans for supporting student success across their districts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Sept. 1, 2026 ~ The conversation around school safety often starts with physical security, but it rarely ends there. Learn why trust, mental health, attendance, and student engagement have become critical pieces of Michigan's school safety equation, and how schools use each as an early indicator of student well-being. Guests for this edition include: O'Reilly Rancilio Attorney Don Denault; Wayne RESA School Safety Liaison Joe Kehoe; Wayne RESA Deputy Superintendent of Administrative Services Kelly Bohl; Independent Education Consultant and Retired Superintendent Todd Robinson; Warren Consolidated Schools Director of Security & Crisis Management Rick Scholz; and Lake Orion High School Principal Daniel Haas. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Aug. 30, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois and his guests discuss the upcoming Educators’ Night, a free event in Detroit’s Cultural Center that offers teachers professional development and access to various museums and institutions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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Aug. 23, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois unpacks the Michigan School Machine by taking a deep dive into homelessness and all of the social and poverty issues surrounding students and achievement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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