Ron Walker, founder of COSEBOC (Coalition of School Educating Boys of Color) and author of Legacy of Leading, shares the powerful moments that shaped his 55-year journey in education—from seeing Emmett Till's photo as a nine-year-old to receiving a letter from his incarcerated former student. He discusses the urgent need for Black male educators who see themselves as liberators, the importance of rite of passage work to heal trauma, and why we must create a "conspiracy of care" that engages entire communities in supporting boys and young men of color.

In this powerful episode of Getting to the Core, the Wayne RESA SEED team shares transformative stories of courage, identity, and community through their Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity work. From the deeply personal “crossover” activity to building brave spaces for healing and dialogue, each educator reflects on how SEED fosters authentic belonging and systemic change. Ten years strong, SEED continues to cultivate a culture of accountability, empathy, and hope—one conversation at a time.

What happens when talented educators are stuck in limbo-teaching for years but unable to pass certification exams? Getting To the Core sits down with the innovators behind Wayne County's groundbreaking teacher certification program that's achieving success where traditional pathways have failed. Through a unique blend of content expertise, test preparation, and something most programs overlook entirely, WTCP is turning long-term substitutes into certified teachers and addressing the teacher shortage crisis one success story at a time.