Char-Em ISD Leaders in Education

Unpacking MTSS as a Shared Practice

MTSS gets talked about a lot, but what does it actually look like in the day-to-day work of schools? This episode moves beyond textbook definitions as educators and leaders from different roles share how they understand MTSS, how it shows up in daily decisions, and how it helps teams respond more thoughtfully to students’ needs, revealing MTSS not as another initiative to manage, but as a shared way of thinking and working together so every student gets what they need to succeed.

Think Boldly: A Conversation with Weston Kieschnick

Our guest for this episode is educator, author, and thought leader Weston Kieschnick. Listen in as Weston unpacks practical frameworks for engagement and instructional design, explores how technology and personal connection can thrive side-by-side, and discusses the mindsets that sustain bold leadership in times of rapid change. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, or lifelong learner, this conversation will spark new ideas and remind you why bold thinking drives lasting impact in education.
 
Here’s a list of Weston Kieschnick’s books:
 
Bold School
The Educator’s ATLAS
Breaking Bold 

The Designated Reader: Lessons in Entrepreneurial Thinking with Kim Marshall

Kim Marshall is the longtime editor of the Marshall Memo, a weekly roundup that distills the most practical ideas in PreK–12 research and practice. He draws on decades as a Boston teacher, principal, central-office leader, consultant, and writer to serve as educators’ “designated reader,” curating and summarizing top articles from dozens of journals each week. 
For more information, visit https://www.marshallmemo.com/.

You Are Enough: A Conversation with Carolyn McKanders

Carolyn McKanders is a longtime educator, author, and consultant recognized for helping schools and organizations build strong, collaborative cultures.  Carolyn is director emeritus for Thinking Collaborative, cofounder of the Center for Adaptive Schools, and coauthor of It’s Your Turn: Teachers as Facilitators. 

A Conversation with Dr. Michael Rice, Michigan’s 44th State Superintendent

This episode, recorded at the 2025 MASA Fall Conference, features a reflective conversation with Dr. Michael Rice, Michigan’s 44th State Superintendent of Public Instruction, as he nears retirement after a decades-long career in education. We discuss his journey from classroom teacher to state leader, the progress made under Michigan’s Strategic Education Plan, and the priorities he hopes will carry forward for students and schools.

Teaching with Passion, Coaching with Purpose

This episode features Michele Deming, lifelong educator, instructional coach, mentor, and owner of Coffee Corner Consulting, an educational consulting business she opened in order to be able to support and mentor the next generation of educators.

Courage in Leadership

This episode features a very special guest, Debbie McFalone. Debbie is a consultant, speaker, leadership coach, and author. Debbie leverages her experience as a teacher, principal, and superintendent to inspire and equip today’s leaders and empower their teams.
 
For more information about Debbie, including information about her writing, please check out her website at http://LiveWellLeadStrong.com. 

Cold Noses and Warm Hearts: Therapy Dogs in Schools

This episode features Katie Frentz, School Counselor at Petoskey High School.  Listen as we delve into what it is like having a therapy dog in a school setting and discuss benefits, potential challenges and the positive impact having a therapy dog on site can have on the school climate.

An Interview with Sarah Roche, MiSTEM Region 13 Director

This episode features Sarah Roche, MiSTEM Region 13 Director.  Region 13 includes the schools and communities served by Northwest Education Services and Char-Em Intermediate School District. Listen in to discover how STEM learning opportunities are being developed in northwest Lower Michigan.
To learn more about MiSTEM and Region 13, visit mistemregion13.com.

Principal Leadership: An Interview with Mike Amabile

This episode’s guest is Mike Amabile, principal at Boyne City Elementary School.  Listen in as Mike shares his thoughts about leadership, school culture, education, and everything in between.