Education Unpacked

This extended-length episode goes deeper than usual to explore Block Imaging’s mission of “people matter” and its partnership with Wilson Talent Center to create work-based learning and apprenticeship programs for high school students. Listeners will hear how hands-on opportunities, mentoring, and career-readiness training help young people launch technical careers, stay in the community, and cont...

From Classroom to Career: How Wilson Talent Center Jumpstarted a Future at MSU On this episode of the Education Unpacked Podcast, host Micki O'Neil talks with Aiden Daenzer about his experience in the Wilson Talent Center’s Business and Risk Management program. Aidan shares how job shadows, internships, industry connections, and hands-on training helped him prepare for college and career explorati...

In this episode, Micki O'Neil speaks with Monique Colizzi and Jamie George of Wilson Talent Center about the work-based learning umbrella—how job shadows, internships, and career training equip juniors and seniors with both technical certifications and the soft skills employers demand. They share examples of local employer partnerships, student success stories, and how experiences can lead to paid...

Episode 7: How Work-Based Learning Preps Students for Real Careers (Wilson Talent Center) On the Education UnPacked Podcast, host Micki O’Neil talks with Monique Colizzie and Jamie George, Work-Based Learning Coordinators at Ingham ISD’s Wilson Talent Center, about how juniors and seniors gain real-world experience before graduation. They break down the four work-based learning tiers—career awaren...

Episode 6 | Life After High School: Transition Programs That Build Independence In this episode, host Micki O’Neil talks with Michel McDonald, Director of Transition Programming at Ingham ISD, about post-high school services designed for students ages 18–26. They discuss Project SEARCH—a one-year internship program created in partnership with Michigan State University and Michigan Rehabilitation S...

Episode 5 | Life After High School: Transition Programs That Build Independence In this episode of the UnPacked Podcast, host Micki O’Neil talks with Michel McDonald, Director of Transition Programming at Ingham ISD, about post-high school services designed for students ages 18–26. They discuss SAIL (Skills for Adult Independent Living), which offers hands-on work experience, life skills developme...

Episode 4 | IEPs vs. 504 Plans: Unpacking Eligibility, Rights & Support Teams Every student deserves not just access—but meaningful support and full participation in school. In this episode, we dive into the two key pathways that provide that support in K–12 education: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Join us as we explor...

Episode 3 | How Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts Support Special Education Every student deserves the chance to succeed—and for many, that starts with the right support system. In this episode, we explore how Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)—also known as Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)—play a vital role in providing special education services throughout the stat...

Episode 2 | How Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Education Artificial intelligence is reshaping classrooms across Michigan—and the conversation is just beginning. In this episode, host Micki O’Neil talks with Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema about how AI is transforming teaching, learning, and school operations. From personalized instruction and real-time student support to AI pilot...

Episode 1.1 | How Michigan’s Schools Collaborate to Support Every Student Across Michigan’s public education system, schools work together to meet the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of students and families—helping every learner reach their full potential. Most people are familiar with their local school district, but fewer understand the vital role of Intermediate School Districts (I...

Episode 1.2 | Understanding ISD Governance: How Michigan’s Education System Works This episode is the second in a four-part series featuring Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema, exploring how local school districts and Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)—also known as Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)—work together to provide a full range of educational services for students and fam...

Episode 1, Part 3 | The Evolving Role of Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts In episode three of this four-part series, we explore the history of Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)—also known as Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)—and how their roles have expanded over time. Join Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema as he explains the key responsibilities that have shi...

Episode 1, Part 4 | How Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts Are Funded This is the final episode in a four-part series exploring Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)—also known as Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)—with Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema. In this episode, we unpack the complex funding structure behind Michigan’s ISDs and explain how it differs from lo...