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.

The "Getting to the Core of Wayne RESA" podcast features Dr. Jennifer Banks (Washtenaw), Yarisha Johnson (Oakland), and Cherron Ramsey (Wayne County), the trio behind Tri-County Culturally Responsive Mathematics, who have transformed a pandemic-era vision into a five-year movement serving nearly 850 students. These three educators are proving that culturally responsive pedagogy combines rigorous mathematics with meaningful, community-centered learning that empowers students to see themselves as mathematical thinkers and problem-solvers. Through summer institutes, leadership conferences, and student showcases featuring renowned speakers like Dr. Chris Emdin and Dr. Bettina Love, they're breaking the generational curse of "I'm not a math person" and replacing it with mathematical empowerment. Their collaborative approach across three Michigan counties demonstrates how educators can work together to create lasting systemic change that serves all students.

Dr. Aaron Johnson's interview examines how traditional education systems often fail to connect with the lived experiences of students, particularly young Black males, emphasizing the need for more culturally relevant teaching approaches. He advocates for educational environments that authentically value students' existing knowledge and identities rather than imposing disconnected academic standards. The discussion highlights the importance of teacher self-awareness, meaningful writing instruction, and empathy in creating effective learning spaces. Dr. Johnson underscores that while his research focuses on Black male students, these student-centered principles benefit all learners and require support from parents and communities.

Dr. Muhammad, a renowned educational consultant and author, focuses on his newest book, "The Way Forward," while also delving into the legacy of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), the critical importance of equity, the current state of teacher well-being, and the potential dismantling of public education in the US.

This podcast episode delves into the origins, evolution, and impact of Wayne RESA's "Cultivating Genius" programs, focusing on culturally responsive instruction for Black children. It emphasizes the importance of addressing educator biases, understanding the holistic needs of Black students, and creating empowering and healing learning environments. The discussion honors the legacy of the late Ginni Winters, a key figure in the program's development, and highlights the personal and professional experiences of the speakers in shaping and implementing this vital work. The speakers emphasize the need to love on children and smile at them, letting them know that they are seen and that they matter.

The Getting To The Core team collaborates with Leadership Consultant, Linda Kell to discuss why it’s important for our students to have their basic needs met in order to access higher order thinking skills author Dr. Bryan Pearlman.