About this podcast
What is This Educational Life?
Welcome to This Educational Life by Trane, a podcast sharing real stories of education leaders driving innovation in schools through purposeful, practical change.
Each episode explores how forward-thinking leaders are creating more sustainable, future-ready learning environments—making the most of existing resources, empowering students through real-world experiences, and reimagining what schools can be. From energy-saving initiatives to student-centered innovation, these conversations highlight how today’s challenges can become opportunities for long-term impact.
At Trane, we believe building the schools of the future starts with solving problems today—through sustainability, innovation, and a commitment to preparing students for the future of work. This Educational Life offers ideas educators everywhere can apply to create stronger, smarter, more resilient schools.
Hosted by Mariah Presley, Education and Industry Programs Leader for Trane, the podcast features thought-provoking conversations with leaders who are challenging the status quo and advancing relevance, competitiveness, and possibility in education.
Welcome.
Episodes
- Innovation That Scales: What It Means to Lead Like a Learner · 29 min · Episode 11Today on This Educational Life, we welcome Dr. Jeremy Tucker, longtime superintendent of Liberty Public Schools and soon-to-be president of the Kansas-Missouri Superintendent…
- Rapid Relevance: When Learning Moves at the Speed of Innovation · 25 min · Episode 10Quick Summary • Trane’s industry–education partnerships are redefining what meaningful learning looks like by bringing real-world engineering, energy, and technology experiences…
- Small School, Big Opportunities: Beloit's Approach to Student Driven Innovation · 25 min · Episode 9Today 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…
- Educational Equity: How One Teacher Turned Belonging into a Tool for Student Success · 26 min · Episode 8In 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…
- Future-Proofing the Workforce: The Urban Education Revolution · 35 min · Episode 7Today 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…
- How St. Louis Public Schools Saved Millions & Invested in Education · 23 min · Episode 6Today 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…
- Integrating AI in Schools: Industry Collaboration for an Evolving Workforce · 27 min · Episode 5Artificial 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…
- Classroom to Career: Connecting Students with Real-World STEM Opportunities · 20 min · Episode 4What'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…
- Powering Up Rural America: Education & Industry Unite · 28 min · Episode 3Across 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…
- School Innovation: Strategies for Enhancing Resources & Infrastructure · 23 min · Episode 2Budgets 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…
- Industry & Schools: A STEM Collaboration · 21 min · Episode 1How 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…
- Introducing “This Educational Life” · 1 minWelcome 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…
