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 of hands-on student projects that unlock curiosity, confidence, and career awareness long before grad...
Apr 30, 2026•25 min•Ep. 10
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 with real data, curiosity, and national recognition for their achievements. Host Mariah Presley welc...
Mar 26, 2026•25 min•Ep. 9
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 alternative learning program, relevance fuels curiosity, and every step forward helps students build...
Feb 26, 2026•26 min•Ep. 8
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 young people for a strong future requires collaboration, vision, and a commitment to making sure opp...
Jan 22, 2026•35 min•Ep. 7
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 joined by Tracy Hykes , a proud graduate of the St. Louis Public Schools district, former union sheet m...
May 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 6
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 United School Administrators of Kansas, and Mike Hines , National Education Sales Leader for Energy Se...
May 15, 2025•27 min•Ep. 5
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 swapped the lab coat for the classroom almost two decades ago. Today, Adam’s challenge is about prep...
May 01, 2025•20 min•Ep. 4
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 opportunities? In this episode of This Educational Life , Mariah Presley , Education and Industry Programs...
Apr 17, 2025•28 min•Ep. 3
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 tackled funding challenges head-on. From leveraging federal incentives to creative budgeting strategie...
Apr 03, 2025•23 min•Ep. 2
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 U.S. Air Force, and the Navy. In this episode, we explore: 🔹 Why STEM education isn’t just for eng...
Mar 20, 2025•21 min•Ep. 1
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 can collaborations with industry help? If you’re a school leader, educator, or just passionate abou...
Feb 27, 2025•42 sec
