Episode 247 | Finding "Talent Together" for Free Teacher Training in Michigan

We need teachers. Despite the rumors of AI replacing teachers, in 2025, the country and the entire world is in need of teachers . And we need a society concerned for and supportive of education. In Michigan, there is one solution called Talent Together. Is it a success? Well, it is currently the largest registered apprentice program for teacher certification in the country. Listen or watch Episode #247 of Silver Lining for Learning and find out more. During this episode, we will hear from Dr. Sarena Shivers who is the CEO and Excecutive Director of the program. Dr. Shivers will describe how Talent Together helps Michiganders become certified teachers. Amazingly, candidates receive their education FREE while earning an income. Importantly, it offers flexible pathways that center on each candidates needs. For more information, see Talent Together: https://mitalenttogether.org/team. See Talent Together

Dr. Sarena Shivers- Talent Together CEO/Executive Director

Dr. Sarena Shivers is currently the CEO/Executive Director of Michigan’s Talent Together, the nation’s largest registered apprentice program for teacher certification in the country and the largest grow-your-own program in Midwest. With over three decades of experience in education – including over 20 years as an administrator. Dr. Shivers has a profound background of serving children, families and educators. Her career has spanned roles as a teacher, principal, program director, assistant superintendent and superintendent. In 2018, Dr. Shivers was recognized as a nominee for Michigan’s Superintendent of the Year. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Executive Director of Professional learning for the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA), where she supported and fostered professional growth for superintendents and education leaders statewide.

In addition to her storied career as a school leader, Dr. Shivers has also earned national recognition, including serving a four-year term on the Board of Directors for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASDC). Known for her compassionate, adaptive, and resilient approach Sarena has made a tremendous impact on the education landscape here in the state of Michigan. In 2022, Dr. Shivers founded The Elijah Shivers JPS Foundation of Hope, a non-profit focused on research, awareness and patient advocacy for a rare disease, juvenile polyposis syndrome that her son was diagnosed with in 2012. In 2025, Dr. Shivers also launched her own leadership pipeline program—Midwest School Leaders of Color Network. Sarena is focused on leaving a legacy of BIPOC principals, central office administrators and superintendents in Michigan and 5 surrounding Midwest states.

Dr. Shivers stays close to teaching, learning and leadership and remained on faculty at Eastern, Concordia and Madonna Universities working with undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level education candidates. On a personal level, Sarena is a writer and enjoys writing poetry and short stories. Dr. Shivers for years has worked across business, ministry and the healthcare sector and trains in ministry, public speaking, and public safety. She is active in the community through various board appointments, organizations, volunteerism and social justice/equity activism. Education at every level and in every way has and will always be her purpose and passion!

Amy Peterson-Talent Together Regional Program Director.

Amy Peterson Bio. Ever since childhood, I’ve had a passion for teaching. After graduating from Central Michigan University, I spent 27 years at Collins Elementary in Houghton Lake, Michigan, serving as a preschool teacher/director, first grade teacher, and elementary/middle school principal. I then became Superintendent/Principal of Mackinac Island Public School, where I worked to expand opportunities and build strong connections with stakeholders. Now as Regional Program Director for Talent Together in Northern Michigan, I’m committed to supporting educators, fostering collaboration, and helping students and staff succeed. I live in Thompson in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where my husband and I enjoy visits from our three adult children at our cabin on Lake Michigan.

Chelsea Burke- Talent Together Educator Development Specialist

Chelsea Burke is an Educator Development Specialist with Talent Together, supporting teachers across Northern Michigan, primarily in the Upper Peninsula. She earned her undergraduate degree in K–12 Special Education from Northern Michigan University, a master’s degree in special education with a focus in Autism from Oakland University, and an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Northern Michigan University. Before her current role, Chelsea spent over a decade as a special education teacher and served as a behavior and autism consultant. Over the last decade she has worked as a contingent instructor at Northern Michigan University, supporting future special educators. She lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her two daughters and enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors whenever possible.

Ken Taylor- Talent Together Teacher Graduate

Ken Taylor Bio. My path to the classroom has been anything but traditional—but every step led me closer to where I was meant to be. I began with a degree in Theatre & Entertainment Arts from Northern Michigan University, followed by careers in law enforcement, funeral service, and over a decade as a school resource officer at the Hannahville Indian Community. With an inspiration to make an even greater impact in children’s lives I applied and was accepted as a Talent Together Resident Apprentice for the 2024-2025 school year. I have since graduated from Talent Together and am now teaching my own 4th grade classroom at Menominee Elementary School in Menominee, Michigan.

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