This Educational Life

Today on This Educational Life , we welcome Dr. Jeremy Tucker, longtime superintendent of Liberty Public Schools and soon-to-be president of the Kansas-Missouri Superintendent Leadership Forum, for a conversation about leadership that listens, innovation that scales, and what’s possible when a superintendent leads like a learner. Rooted in a learner-centered approach shaped by his own experience g...

Quick Summary Trane’s industry–education partnerships are redefining what meaningful learning looks like by bringing real-world engineering, energy, and technology experiences directly into classrooms. Guests Chris Torline and Dan Whisler share why accelerating relevance—helping students quickly connect learning to authentic challenges—is essential in preparing tomorrow’s workforce. Hear stories o...

Today on This Educational Life, we journey to Beloit, Kansas—a close-knit community where small-town roots fuel big aspirations. Beloit Senior High School is reimagining what it means to prepare students for the world beyond the classroom. Through hands-on experiences and true ownership, students aren’t just learning about their environment—they’re leading change, managing the school’s energy use...

In the heart of Fredonia, Kansas, Lara Staker is reimagining what it means for students to truly belong at school. Where some might see gaps or challenges, Lara sees opportunities to connect learning to real life. By blending hands‑on projects, vocational math, and strong community partnerships, she’s creating an environment where students feel seen, supported, and capable of so much more. In her...

Today on This Educational Life , we’re tuning in from Kansas City—a vibrant community known for its world‑class barbecue, jazzy cool music, and innovative spirit. Sitting on both sides of the Kansas & Missouri state line, Kansas City’s urban school districts are facing the realities of a changing workforce and the rapid evolution of skills employers need. As today’s episode reveals, preparing...

Today on This Educational Life , we're heading to St. Louis, Missouri. Known as the Gateway to the West, St. Louis is a city marked by both a spirit of progress and a history of overcoming significant challenges. However, as today’s episode will show you, with the right collaboration and vision, challenges can also be opportunities to bring about positive lasting change. Host Mariah Presley is joi...

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just changing education, it’s reshaping the future of work. But how can schools embrace AI to empower students and educators alike? And what role does industry play in preparing students for a rapidly evolving workforce? Today, host Mariah Presley, Education and Industry Partnerships Leader at Trane, talks with two education experts: GA Buie , Executive Director at Un...

What's it really like teaching science in a rapidly changing world? What happens when technology evolves faster than the curriculum? And how can teachers bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world STEM careers? In today’s episode of This Educational Life , host Mariah Presley, Industry and Programs Lead at Trane, sits down with Adam Krug , a high school chemistry teacher in Kansas who...

Across America, rural and small-town communities are foundational to the national identity, rich in heritage and resilience. But as educational needs evolve, many of these communities grapple with unique challenges - from limited career visibility for students to maintaining school infrastructure. How can education play a transformative role in celebrating rural strengths and creating equal opport...

Budgets are tight, costs are rising, and schools are expected to do more with less. But what if the challenge isn’t just about money, but how it’s used? In this episode of This Educational Life , host Mariah Presley , Education and Industry Partnerships Leader at Trane, sits down with Dr. Curtis Chesick, Assistant Superintendent of Operations at Ozark Public Schools, to discuss how his district ta...

How do you prepare students for jobs that might not exist yet? In our first episode of This Educational Life , host Mariah Presley , Education and Industry Partnerships Leader at Trane, sits down with Ben Sego , a former NASA engineer turned school board member. Ben brings a unique STEM-focused perspective to education - one shaped by a career spent working on cutting-edge technology for NASA, the...

Welcome to This Educational Life , a podcast by Trane exploring the biggest challenges in education - and the bold solutions shaping the future. Hosted by Mariah Presley , we sit down with school leaders, educators, and industry experts to talk funding, facilities, technology, and more. How are schools maximizing resources, improving learning spaces, and preparing students for what’s next? And how...