Michael Lach, special assistant for science, technology, engineering and math education to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, will participate in a breakfast panel discussion on “Creating a Talent Pool for Chicago and the Midwest: Driving Education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)” hosted by the Executives’ Club of Chicago from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. CDT Thursday at the Fairmont Hotel. The discussion will be moderated by Max McGee, president, Illinois Math and Science Academy. Other panelists are Rick Stephens, senior vice president, The Boeing Company, and Curtis Tuckey, director of software development, Oracle Corporation. STEM teachers from school districts throughout Illinois are registered to attend, along with members of the local business and civic community.