School Talks

June 21, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois talks about what happens in schools over the summer, such as academic and enrichment programs for students and adults, facility renovations, and bond construction projects. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 8, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois and his guests discuss career and technical education (CTE) and workforce readiness, highlighting how students prepare for careers in school and how the workforce is sustained post-graduation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 31, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois explores construction apprenticeships, talking with apprentices from different unions like International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 17, Plumbers Local 98, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, and Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use o...

May 24, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois discusses special education in Michigan schools, defining special education as individualized support for students with disabilities to help them participate and succeed in school. He also discusses funding, dispute resolution, evaluation processes, categories of disabilities, early intervention, and disciplinary actions for students with IEPs. Hosted by Simple...

May 17, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois discusses the role of high school counselors in shaping students’ post-graduation plans, featuring students from Lakeland and Milford High Schools and their counselors. The program also highlighted an AI-powered counseling app called “Little Nate” and structural changes in East Point Schools. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com...

May 10, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois hosts a discussion about the Belle Isle Nature Center with Amy Green, focusing on its free programs, urban nature focus, and upgrades to the nature play area. He also spoke about the Michigan Education Corps and its high-impact tutoring for students in reading and math, and the organization’s data-driven approach. He also explored the MI Early Apprentice Initia...

May, 3, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois hosted a discussion at Oakland Schools about Michigan’s K-12 literacy and dyslexia law. The law aims to improve literacy outcomes by 2027 through a system-wide approach rather than simple compliance. Oakland Schools supports districts by integrating curriculum, assessment, intervention, and leadership into existing multi-tiered systems, with a phased implementa...

April 26, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois discusses career and technical education, focusing on construction management and skilled trades. He explores engineering ethics and construction management education, highlighting the importance of learning from mistakes and a holistic approach to projects. He also discusses workforce development initiatives and hands-on learning experiences for students. Ho...

April 19, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernpois discussed the IGNITE jail education program with Chris Swanson, Genesee County Sheriff and candidate for governor, focusing on its role in reducing recidivism and poverty, and plans to scale it statewide. He also spoke with legal experts about changes in teacher evaluation systems and the impact of the unregulated substance CRATEM on schools. Finally, he exp...

April 12, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois discusses the evolution of school security, noting that early efforts focused on physical building fortification, while current strategies emphasize proactive measures like behavioral threat assessments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 5, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois focuses on career-related partnerships between schools and industry. He speaks with representatives from Macomb County, Ford Next Generation Learning, Romeo High School, Lanson, Incorporated, and Centerline High School about how these collaborations provide students with real-world learning experiences, job shadows, and internships. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ad...

March 29, 2026 ~ hosted a discussion on innovative educational practices, featuring guests from Plymouth Canton Community Schools who discussed their groundbreaking AI curriculum and its impact on teaching and learning. He also spoke with Dr. Simone Griffin about her Miracles framework for Benton Harbor Area Schools and Joe Bush from Boldly Moving Education Ahead about their youth leadership devel...

March 22, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois discusses student discipline in Michigan public schools, focusing on laws, due process, and factors like the seven-factor analysis. He also explores the differences in rules for public versus private schools, mandatory expulsion offenses, and reinstatement processes. The conversation also touches on bullying, anti-discrimination laws, and the impact of restor...

March 15, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois explores a plan to turn someone's childhood home into a music school and museum for gifted students. He then looked at Life Remodeled's work revitalizing Detroit neighborhoods and repurposing school buildings into opportunity hubs. Lastly, he looks at the Michigan Education Trust and how it helps families save for college. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz com...

March 8, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois discusses Michigan becoming the 47th state to allow high school athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), outlining the strict individual-only guidelines set by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of persona...

March 1, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois spoke to representatives from SER Metro Detroit, who discussed their organization’s vision, workforce development programs, and efforts to adapt to new technologies like AI. Host also explored their historical ties to Wayne State University and their mission to support for women in the industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz...

Feb. 22, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois welcomes Dr. David Arsen to discuss school funding in Michigan, focusing on its sources and the role of the School Aid Fund. He explains that Michigan schools receive funding from federal, state, and local sources, with the state contributing the largest share since Proposal A passed. The discussion also covers categorical funding, differences in funding for p...

Feb. 15, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois discussed high school athletics, focusing on leadership, sportsmanship, and the mentality behind success at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. Later, he explored the realities of college athletic recruitment and common mistakes parents make, emphasizing the importance of athletes leading their own recruitment process and developing resilience. Hosted by Simplecast, an A...

Feb. 8, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois highlights career and technical education programs across Michigan, featuring interviews with students, teachers, and business partners. Host discussed the Macomb Career and Technical Education Administrators Association Awards, which recognize outstanding students and business partners. The program showcased various career paths, from health sciences and engin...

Feb. 1, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois explores new initiatives in Michigan education. The Michigan Science Center now has a renovated planetarium with advanced technology and real-time data, aiming to inspire students in STEM. Also, a high school peer-to-peer program fosters inclusion for students with disabilities, and Junior Achievement offers financial literacy programs for K-12 students. Hosted...

Jan. 25, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois discusses the Michigan School Machine, focusing on public education’s complexities. David Ladd from Kelly Cawthorn Lobbying Firm joins to explain how political lobbying influences K-12 public schools. The discussion covers funding, curriculum, school safety, and the challenges of a politically divided state. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https:...

Jan. 18, 2026 ~ Host Robert Livernois highlights Clark Construction, a primary sponsor, discussing their company culture, intern program, and commitment to employee development. Guests from Clark Construction share insights on their roles, the construction process, and challenges in the industry. The program also explores Clark Construction’s collaboration with local unions and CTE programs to pre...

This episode of School Talks discusses manufacturing innovation and artificial intelligence in education. Dr. Robert Shaner from LIFT, a Department of Defense manufacturing institute, details efforts to address the skills gap through advanced materials and manufacturing processes. Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross of Ypsilanti Community Schools shares how AI integrates into the curriculum, supports students...

Dec. 21, 2025 ~ Host Robert Livernois welcomes guests from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Hatzel & Buehler Electrical Contractors, Shaw Electric, and Motor City Electric to discuss careers in the electrical trades. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec. 14, 2025 ~ Host Robert Livernois explores how local public schools prepare students for careers by showcasing four professionals. Kelvin Steed discusses his path in healthcare and construction, attributing their success to high school programs and influential teachers. Olivia Ross and Jesse Wasilewski share their experiences in marketing and engineering, emphasizing how early exposure and ski...