The TechEd Podcast

Matt Kirchner
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  • 一周一更

Bridging the gap between technical education & the workforce 🎙 Hosted by Matt Kirchner, each episode features conversations with leaders who are shaping, innovating and disrupting the future of the skilled workforce and how we inspire and train individuals toward those jobs. STEM, Career and Technical Education, and Engineering educators - this podcast is for you!Manufacturing and industrial employers - this podcast is for you, too!

  1. 2天前

    A Finance Pioneer’s Take on Education, Inclusion and Opportunity - Mary Ellen Stanek, Founder and Chief Investment Officer Emeritus of Baird Asset Management

    Building tomorrow’s workforce starts with more than just technical skills—it requires access, mentorship, and leaders willing to invest in students long before they enter the job market. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Mary Ellen Stanek, Co-Founder and CIO Emeritus of Baird Asset Management, shares how one of the nation’s most respected investment firms thinks about talent, education, and inclusion. She reflects on being the first woman to chair a major civic leadership group, the creation of the award that now bears her name for advancing diversity in corporate governance, and how internships are shaping the next generation of professionals. Mary Ellen also unpacks how AI is changing finance while elevating the need for human judgment, and why Baird invests millions into education initiatives that expand opportunity—programs like Cristo Rey’s work-study model, All-In Milwaukee’s 90% college graduation rate, Aug Prep’s innovative K-12 approach, and major scholarship funds at Marquette. For educators, employers, and community leaders, this conversation is a roadmap for how business and education can work together to prepare students for meaningful careers and stronger communities anywhere. Listen to learn: How Baird selects 300 interns out of 32,000 applicants each yearWhat it meant to be the first woman to chair the Greater Milwaukee CommitteeThe story behind the Mary Ellen Stanek Award for Diversity in Corporate GovernanceWhy AI boosts productivity in finance but can’t replace human judgmentHow All-In Milwaukee achieves a 90% graduation rate with 84% of students debt-free3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Internships are one of the most effective ways to build a talent pipeline. Baird received over 32,000 applications for internships this year and hired just 1%, bringing in 300 students across the firm. About 40% of those rising seniors secure full-time roles, proving the long-term workforce impact of investing in student opportunities. 2. Inclusion in leadership transforms organizations and opens doors for others. Mary Ellen began her career as one of the only women in the room, later becoming the first woman to chair the Greater Milwaukee Committee. Today, Baird counts nearly 100 female managing directors, and the Mary Ellen Stanek Award continues to honor leaders driving diversity in corporate governance. 3. Education investments create measurable results for students and communities. All-In Milwaukee reports a 90% six-year college graduation rate, with 84% of scholars leaving school debt-free and 91% employed or in graduate programs. Similar investments in Cristo Rey, Aug Prep, and Marquette scholarships demonstrate how targeted support leads to stronger career pathways and local economic growth. Resources: Learn more about Mary Ellen StanekInternships at BairdCristo Rey Jesuit High SchoolSt. Augustine Preparatory AcademyAll-in MilwaukeeBoys aWe want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

    57 分钟

  2. 8月26日

    Could We Really Make Anything, Anywhere, Anytime? - Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey, ERVA Co-Principal Investigator

    Distributed manufacturing allows goods to be produced closer to where they’re needed — but enabling that future requires a complete rethink of infrastructure, systems, and workforce development. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey joins host Matt Kirchner for a deep dive into Engineering the Future of Distributed Manufacturing — the new national report from the Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA). Charles, a former professor and recently retired Senior Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, brings decades of experience in defense, systems engineering, and academia to this conversation. Together, they break down ERVA’s five priority areas for enabling distributed manufacturing: modular and reconfigurable infrastructure, digital design tools, edge-to-cloud data systems, workforce education, and new performance metrics. Charles also shares how these priorities came from input across industry, academia, and government — and how they’ll guide research, funding, and education in the years ahead. Listen to learn:  What distributed manufacturing actually looks like in practice — and why it matters nowWhy “digital twins + AI” are critical for linking design, production, and data-driven decision-makingThe essential role of public infrastructure in enabling connectivity and access for all communitiesWhy proximity to advanced tools like a digital twin or a cyber-physical testbed is essential for scaling distributed manufacturing3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Distributed manufacturing is a modular approach to resilient, tech-enabled production. Charles defines distributed manufacturing as a system where production assets can be easily moved, reconfigured, and localized closer to the point of need. He describes how smaller, agile, and digitally connected systems—like reconfigurable machines and regional testbeds—enable manufacturing to respond to disruptions, like the ones exposed during COVID-19. 2. The workforce of the future needs digital fluency—and systems thinking. Students must be prepared not only to operate new technologies, but to understand how those technologies interact within broader systems. Charles highlights the importance of human-machine teaming, digital twins, and cyber-physical testbeds, and calls for education that helps learners “fall in love with the rigor” of complex technical work. 3. America’s manufacturing strategy must include small and mid-sized firms. Charles points out that most manufacturers in the U.S. are small to mid-sized, yet lack access to advanced infrastructure and scalable tools. He argues that national strategies must focus on democratizing technology—making AI, automation, and data systems affordable and available to all levels of the manufacturing sector. Resources in this Episode: Read the ERVA Report: Engineering the Future of Distributed ManufacturingLearn more about ERVAFollow Charles on LinkedInVisit the episode page for more! We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

    57 分钟

  3. 8月19日

    The $10 Million Workforce Experiment That Could Redefine Apprenticeships in America - Lindsay Blumer, CEO of WRTP | BIG STEP

    Workforce systems are often fragmented—built around short-term funding, disconnected programs, and a lack of coordination between industry, education, and community. But a different model is taking shape - one that’s not only working in practice, but has the potential to scale across states and regions. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Lindsay Blumer, President & CEO of WRTP | BIG STEP, to explore how her organization is building a future-ready, industry-led, and worker-centered workforce ecosystem. Backed by a $10 million grant, Lindsay and her team are launching the Apprenticeship Pathway Coalition Initiative (APCI)—a five-year effort to expand apprenticeship pathways into emerging industries, strengthen regional partnerships, and create a scalable blueprint for workforce development in both urban and rural communities. From infrastructure and manufacturing to healthcare and IT, this episode explores how WRTP is aligning training, policy, and industry needs to meet the challenges of today’s labor market—and what other states can learn from it. Listen to learn: What it takes to design a workforce model that can be replicated across states and sectorsWhy modern apprenticeships are expanding beyond the trades to include fields like healthcare, IT, marketing, and educationHow WRTP balances short-term upskilling needs with long-term career pathways for workers and employersThe role of intermediaries in navigating funding, aligning stakeholders, and simplifying workforce systemsWhat educators, employers, and workforce leaders can do today to become more effective partners in building talent pipelines3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. A scalable workforce model starts with alignment, not duplication. WRTP | BIG STEP acts as a “workforce intermediary,” connecting education, labor, employers, and community organizations to create coordinated talent pipelines across regions. Their funding model blends federal, state, philanthropic, and employer-based sources—like the cents-per-hour contribution from union contractors—to sustain long-term collaboration and flexibility. 2. Modern apprenticeships go far beyond the trades. Lindsay explains that apprenticeships now exist in fields like healthcare, IT, agriculture, marketing, and education, expanding far beyond traditional construction roles. She points out that 55% of new jobs in the next decade won’t require a college degree—making earn-and-learn models more relevant than ever. 3. If you want to replicate success, start by listening. WRTP’s statewide initiative begins with asset mapping and community conversations, not pre-built solutions—because what works in one region may not work in another. Lindsay emphasizes that local lived experience must inform system design, and that conveners should be flexible enough to lead, support, or step back depending on the context. Resources in this Episode: Visit WRTP | BIG STEP's website: wrtp.orgOther resources: Read about the $10 million grant programConnect with We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

    49 分钟

  4. 8月12日

    Love It or Hate It: A Surprisingly Human (And Very Fun) Conversation About Math - Dr. Jordan Ellenberg, Mathematics Professor at the University of Wisconsin

    What happens when a world-class mathematician meets ’80s college radio, Bill Gates’ top-10 favorite books, and a host with an algebra redemption arc? A surprisingly funny, fast-moving conversation. Dr. Jordan Ellenberg—John D. MacArthur Professor of Mathematics at UW–Madison and author of How Not to Be Wrong—swaps stories about The Housemartins, consulting on NUMB3RS (yes, one of his lines aired), and competing at the International Mathematical Olympiad. There’s a lot of laughter—and a fresh way to see math as culture, craft, and curiosity. But we also get practical about math education. We discuss the love/hate split students have for math and what it implies for curriculum design; a century of “new” methods (and if anything is truly new); how movie tropes (Good Will Hunting, etc.) shape student identity in math; soccer-drills vs scrimmage as a frame for algebra practice and “honest” applications; grades as feedback vs record; AI shifting what counts as computation vs math; why benchmarks miss the point and the risk of lowering writing standards with LLMs; and a preview of Jordan’s pro-uncertainty thesis. Listen to Learn:  A better answer to “Why am I learning this?” using a soccer analogyThe two big off-ramps of math for students, and tactics that keep more students on boardHow to replace the “born genius” myth with a mindset that helps any student do mathWhen a grade is a record vs. a motivator, and a simple replacement policy that turns a rough start into effort and growthWhat AI will and won’t change in math class, and why “does it help create new math?” matters more than benchmark scores3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Math mastery comes from practice plus meaning, not a “born genius.” Jordan puts it plainly: “genius is a thing that happens, not a kind of person,” and he uses the soccer drills vs scrimmage analogy to pair targeted practice with real tasks, with algebraic manipulation as a core high school skill. He urges teachers to “throw a lot of spaghetti at the wall” so different explanations land for different students, because real innovation is iterative and cooperative. 2. Students fall off at fractions and Algebra I. How do we pull them back? Jordan names those two moments as the big off-ramps and points to multiple representations, honest applications, and frequent low‑stakes practice to keep kids in. Matt’s own algebra story shows how a replacement policy turned failure into effort and persistence, reframing grades as motivation rather than just record‑keeping. 3. AI will shift our capabilities and limits in math, but math is still a human task. Calculators and Wolfram already do student‑level work, and Jordan argues benchmarks like DeepMind vs the International Mathematical Olympiad matter less than whether tools help create new mathematics. He also warns against letting LLMs lower writing standards and says the real test is whether these systems add substantive math, not just win contests. Resources in this Episode: Visit Jordan Ellenberg's website! jordanellenberg.comRead How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical ThinkingWe want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

    1 小时 5 分钟

  5. 8月5日

    The Smart Farm Era Is Here—and It’s Changing How America Grows Food - Dick Pavelski and Andy Diercks, Food + Farm Exploration Center

    If you still picture farming as dusty tractors and endless manual labor, think again. Today’s agriculture runs on GPS-guided equipment, drones, real-time soil sensors, and data systems that look more like Wall Street trading floors than old barns. In this episode, lifelong farmer and innovator Dick Pavelski and Andy Diercks of the Food + Farm Exploration Center pull back the curtain on precision agriculture—the technology, data, and processes that are transforming how we grow and deliver food. We break down the technologies making precision agriculture possible, from variable rate irrigation to “see and spray” weed control, and how data is being used to make decisions at the square-meter level. We also examine how these shifts are influencing agricultural careers, the skills now in demand, and why public understanding of modern farming is critical. Plus, discover the Food + Farm Exploration Center and its role in showing students, families, and policymakers what modern farming really involves. Listen to learn: What a farm looked like 40 years ago, and how that image compares to a modern precision operationHow GPS guidance, drones, and 300 weather stations help farmers make square-meter-level decisionsThe crossover of technologies and skills between manufacturing and precision agricultureThe biggest challenges in attracting and training the next generation of ag professionalsHow one Midwestern center is bridging the gap between farm technology and public awareness3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Modern agriculture is driven by technology and precision. GPS-guided equipment, variable rate irrigation, and “see and spray” weed control have replaced much of the manual labor and guesswork of past decades. These tools work together to improve yields, reduce inputs, and create a more sustainable and efficient farming process. 2. Data is the backbone of today’s farm operations. Farmers track weather, soil conditions, and crop needs in real time—often down to individual square meters—using hundreds of sensors and automated systems. This constant stream of information enables faster decision-making and more targeted resource use than was possible a generation ago. 3. The skills and careers in agriculture are rapidly changing. Large-scale farms now employ specialists in data analysis, equipment maintenance, and automation, while mid-sized operations require workers with diverse technical abilities. The Food + Farm Exploration Center is working to show students, families, and policymakers the realities of these careers and the opportunities they offer. Resources in this Episode: Food + Farm Exploration Center: explorefoodandfarm.orgOther resources: Heartland FarmsColoma FarmConnect with the Food + Farm Exploration Center: Facebook  |  LinkedIn  |  Instagram  |  We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

    40 分钟

  6. 7月29日

    AI Can Close the Learning Gap in Underserved Classrooms. But We Have to Guide, Not Just Give - Sam Whitaker, Director of Social Impact at StudyFetch

    In schools with limited resources, large class sizes, and wide differences in student ability, individualized learning has become a necessity. Artificial intelligence offers powerful tools to help meet those needs, especially in underserved communities. But the way we introduce those tools matters. This week, Matt Kirchner talks with Sam Whitaker, Director of Social Impact at StudyFetch, about how AI can support literacy, comprehension, and real learning outcomes when used with purpose. Sam shares his experience bringing AI education to a rural school in Uganda, where nearly every student had already used AI without formal guidance. The results of a two-hour project surprised everyone and revealed just how much potential exists when students are given the right tools. The conversation covers AI as a literacy tool, how to design platforms that encourage learning rather than shortcutting, and why student-facing AI should preserve creativity, curiosity, and joy. Sam also explains how responsible use of AI can reduce educational inequality rather than reinforce it. This is a hopeful, practical look at how education can evolve—if we build with intention. Listen to learn: Surprising lessons from working with students at a rural Ugandan school using artificial intelligenceWhat different MIT studies suggest about the impacts of AI use on memory and productivityHow AI can help U.S. literacy rates, and what far-reaching implications that will haveWhat China's AI education policy for six-year-olds might signal about the global race for responsible, guided AI use3 Big Takeaways: 1. Responsible AI use must be taught early to prevent misuse and promote real learning. Sam compares AI to handing over a car without driver’s ed—powerful but dangerous without structure. When AI is used to do the thinking for students, it stifles creativity and long-term retention instead of developing it. 2. AI can help close educational gaps in schools that lack the resources for individualized learning. In many underserved districts, large class sizes make one-on-one instruction nearly impossible. AI tools can adapt to students’ needs in real time, offering personalized learning that would otherwise be out of reach. 3. AI can play a key role in addressing the U.S. literacy crisis. Sam points out that 70% of U.S. inmates read at a fourth-grade level or below, and 85% of juvenile offenders can’t read. Adaptive AI tools are now being developed to assess, support, and gradually improve literacy for students who have been left behind. Resources in this Episode: To learn about StudyFetch, visit: www.studyfetch.comOther resources: MIT Study "Experimental Evidence on the Productivity Effects of General Artificial Intelligence"MIT Study "Your Brain on ChatGPT: Accumulation of Cognitive Debt when Using an AI Assistant for Essay Writing Task"Learn more about the Ugandan schools mentioned: African Rural University (ARU) and Uganda Rural Development anWe want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

    49 分钟

  7. 7月22日

    The Rules for Earning College Credit Are Changing, and Competency (Not Time in Seats) Matters Most - Dr. Paul Carlsen, President of Lakeshore College

    With technical education under pressure to deliver skilled talent faster, Lakeshore College is flipping the model—measuring learning by competency, meeting students where they are (even in high school), and using grants + national advocacy to scale the impact. This week, Matt Kirchner talks with Dr. Paul Carlsen, President of Lakeshore College, about the different methods to rapidly upskill a technical workforce. Like Lakeshore's competency-based education (CBE) approach, which has now been adopted by half the college's programs and earned national attention and a White House conversation on scaling CBE. In addition to CBE, we discuss Rocket Academy’s early manufacturing pathway for high school students, why industry certifications (SACA) matter (because employers say they matter), and how the college has leveraged $32M+ in competitive grants to fund innovation. Carlsen also explains his work on the AACC Board—including the coming impact of Workforce Pell on short-term training. Listen to learn: Why competency-based education is reshaping how we recognize skillsHow high schoolers are earning real college credentials before graduationWhat makes an industry certification valuable—according to employersThe mindset shift that helped Lakeshore win $32M+ in competitive grantsHow new federal policies could redefine workforce training programs3 Big Takeaways: 1. Competency-based education measures student success by skill mastery, not seat time. Lakeshore’s shift to CBE began with an employer who couldn’t wait 16 weeks for students to complete a course. Today, students demonstrate mastery through real-world assessments, faculty build flexible learning pathways, and program delivery adapts to the individual needs of working adults, veterans, and learners balancing multiple responsibilities. 2. Through innovative partnerships, high school students are graduating with a college degree and workforce-ready credentials. Rocket Academy gives high school students access to a full integrated manufacturing pathway, often leading to a technical diploma before they even receive their high school diploma. The curriculum is designed to fit directly into the school day, removing scheduling barriers and building true college transcripts—not just college “experience.” 3. Grant funding follows big ideas and execution capacity. Lakeshore has secured over $32 million in competitive grants, including major awards from the National Science Foundation. Success comes from proposing bold, high-impact projects with measurable outcomes, and from having the internal systems and cross-functional teams in place to deliver those outcomes on time and at scale. Resources in this Episode: To learn about Lakeshore College, visit: lakeshore.eduConnect with Paul Carlsen on LinkedInOther resources: Rocket AcademyWhat is competency-based education (CBE)?American AWe want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

    49 分钟

  8. 7月15日

    Rethinking Risk: How Strategic Guardrails Can Actually Empower Innovation - Abim Kolawole, Chief Audit Executive at Northwestern Mutual

    What if audit wasn’t just a watchdog—but a catalyst for innovation, trust, and long-term growth? And what can education learn from it? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner sits down with Abim Kolawole, Chief Audit Executive at Northwestern Mutual, to explore how risk management, when done right, becomes a strategic advantage. Abim shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in Nigeria and watching Wall Street as a kid, to becoming a lawyer at the SEC, to now leading audit at one of America’s most respected financial institutions. But this episode goes far beyond compliance. It’s about how innovation and integrity can—and must—coexist. Abim breaks down how technology can accelerate outcomes only when deployed safely, how AI is reshaping how organizations detect and act on risk, and why relevance is the new currency for both businesses and educators. Listen to learn: Why tech is only an accelerant if you deliver it safelyHow AI helps businesses “listen for risk” and act with foresightWhat schools can learn from client-centric models in businessHow Northwestern Mutual is balancing tradition with transformationWhy critical thinking—not just tools—is the real superpower3 Big Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Audit is no longer just about compliance—it’s about enabling innovation. Abim Kolawole views audit as a strategic partner that delivers foresight, insights, and confidence to help a company grow safely. By using data, analytics, and a future-focused mindset, internal audit can help organizations place smarter bets, not just avoid bad ones. 2. Technology only accelerates value when it’s implemented with trust and purpose. At Northwestern Mutual, cloud migration and emerging tech like AI are approached with a “safe by design” mindset that includes cross-functional vetting and intentional guardrails. Abim emphasizes that skipping this step puts long-term client trust—and company relevance—at risk. 3. Education leaders can learn from the client-centric models used in business. Just like Northwestern Mutual redesigned the advisor and client experience using design thinking, educators must reimagine the student and teacher experience before introducing new tools. Critical thinking, not technology alone, is the foundation of a truly transformative education. Resources in this Episode: To learn more about Northwestern Mutual, visit: www.northwesternmutual.comCheck out the movie Wall Street, mentioned in this episodeFollow Abim on LinkedInConnect with Northwestern Mutual on Social Media: LinkedIn  |  X  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  YouTube Full show notes We want to hear from you! Send us a text. Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

    50 分钟
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关于

Bridging the gap between technical education & the workforce 🎙 Hosted by Matt Kirchner, each episode features conversations with leaders who are shaping, innovating and disrupting the future of the skilled workforce and how we inspire and train individuals toward those jobs. STEM, Career and Technical Education, and Engineering educators - this podcast is for you!Manufacturing and industrial employers - this podcast is for you, too!

信息

  • 创作者
    Matt Kirchner
  • 活跃年份
    2020年 - 2025年
  • 单集
    233
  • 分级
    儿童适宜
  • 版权
    © 2025 The TechEd Podcast
  • 节目网站
    The TechEd Podcast

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