Michigan, Nov. 21, 2024 – Talent Together, the nation’s largest “grow your own” program, focused
on strengthening Michigan’s teacher talent pipeline, welcomes its first executive director, Dr. Sarena M. Shivers. In this role, Dr. Shivers brings a new era of leadership to advance Talent
Together’s mission of removing barriers and providing support for aspiring teachers. Since its
inception in December 2022, Talent Together has brought over one thousand candidates into
Michigan’s teacher pipeline.

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 education leaders statewide.

“The teacher crisis is the biggest issue facing education and Talent Together has been at the
forefront of providing solutions for districts and communities across the state,” stated Dr. Shivers.
“This initiative is leading the way in teacher preparation programs and plays a vital role in
addressing the teacher shortage in Michigan. I look forward to working with the talented team and
dedicated board to continue turning future educators’ dreams into reality so that students have
access to high-quality teachers in every classroom and school.”

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,
she is uniquely positioned to lead Talent Together into its next chapter of impact and growth.
“The Board is thrilled to welcome Dr. Shivers to the team,” said Dr. Naomi Norman, Talent Together
Board President and Washtenaw ISD Superintendent. “As a school, district, and organizational
leader with decades of experience, we are confident she will have a tremendous impact on Talent
Together and the schools, teacher candidates, and students we serve.”

As the program welcomes Dr. Shivers, Talent Together reaffirms its mission to provide equitable
access and opportunity to the teaching profession so that, ultimately, children across the state
learn from a well-prepared and more diverse teaching workforce.

“Dr. Shivers brings expertise and lifelong commitment to innovation to Talent Together,” said Becca
Tisdale, current interim executive director of Talent Together and Partner & VP of Programs of the
Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative (MEWI), Talent Together’s founding non-profit partner. “I’m
excited to turn the helm over to Dr. Shivers during this important time and look forward to seeing
what new heights she will lead us to in bringing inspirational leaders into classrooms throughout
Michigan.”

For more information about the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative and the programs it’s
supporting, visit https://www.miedworkforce.org/.