Interview with Brian Broderick from the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools

This week we meet with Brian Broderick, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools, an organization which advocates for and provides services to educators and parents, parishes and congregations, to establish and enhance quality faith-based schools that will nurture, challenge and support children and youth.

Brian shares information about MANS and its role representing more than 90% of the parochial schools in Michigan. In particular he talks about his organizations role and the State Legislature. "...one overriding issue that MANS has been involved with since its inception and really which drove its beginnings in the early 70's is aid to non-public schools, it's been before the Michigan voters on a number of occasions. It hasn't met with much success."

Since our inception Inside Michigan Education has focused heavily on K-12 Public Education. We welcome Brian to our show and value his insights into the Non-Public Schools.

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Interview with Robert Burgess on the Perfect Storm for Urban Schools

This week we meet with Robert Burgess, CFO for Lakeshore Public Schools in Stevensville.

While is own school is fairing quite well, Robert walks us through the convergence of issues resulting in a near Perfect Storm that many of our Urban Public Schools are facing.

Framed quite simply in terms of current economics and simple accounting, Robert lays out why he believes our Urban Schools are already engaged in a "death spiral" with a 10 year outlook that is bleak.

"I am not criticizing schools of choice, I am not criticizing public schools academies, I certainly will not criticize our parochial schools; they are a blessing for many of those parents and students. I guess what I am saying is what happens to the kids that are left behind."

We invite you to listen to this podcast and ask you to share it with people you know. Clearly, what happens to our Urban Public Schools will affect all of us in one way or another. We hope you enjoy the show.

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Enjoy the podcast! If you have a comment or question for the podcast or an idea for a future post send an email to podcast@insidemieducation.com.

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Interview with Justin King with Michigan Association of School Boards

This week we talk with Justin King, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of School Boards, an organization focused on providing quality educational leadership services for all Michigan boards of education, and an advocate for student achievement and public education with the State legislature.

Justin shares insights into the organizational structure of the MASB as well as its focus on training, advocacy and the close correlation between a trained educational board that is working in tandem with the Superintendent and high student achievement.

"We've taken a look at the districts across the country, there have been a couple of studies that show where board and superintendent are pulling the wagon in the same direction in the same way, and they're a team. That permeates throughout the community, and people feel good about it and kids tend to be in an atmosphere in their buildings where they're learning better. The opposite is also true, however; and that's the sad part where there's antagonism going on. That also permeates in the community and somehow rather the atmosphere isn't as conducive to learning. You can show that with test scores."

We hope you enjoy the show.

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Enjoy the podcast! If you have a comment or question for the podcast or an idea for a future post send an email to podcast@insidemieducation.com.

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Interview with Bill Cecil - 2003-04 Teacher of the Year

Bill Cecil has taught for 22 years in the Waverly Community School District, he is the author of a book titled Best Year Ever - Winning Strategies to Thrive in Today's Classroom and in 2003-04, Bill represented all Michigan teachers as teacher of the year during that year.

Bill talks to us about what it was like to represent all Michigan Teachers as teacher of the year. "It is probably the scariest roller coaster ride you ever are going to be on, but it's an incredible year."

Bill's latest project in association with MIEM is a free video-on-demand seminar designed to "spread a message of hope and determination to those fellow colleagues out there, not just teachers, but all educators" Bill says his efforts are inline with Malcolm Gladwell's book called 'The Tipping Point' "I think the epidemic has already started, but I wanted to help spread this epidemic."

We invite you to listen to our podcast, read the transcript or skip right to his video on demand seminar at this link: http://www.gomiem.org/

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Enjoy the podcast! If you have a comment or question for the podcast or an idea for a future post send an email to podcast@insidemieducation.com.

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