Brighter Together

What if the missing piece to dramatically reducing dropout rates wasn't a new curriculum or more funding—but a fundamental reimagining of what school looks like? In this transformative episode, we sit down with Jill Hudgel, Senior Director of Special Education at Buckeye Community School District, to uncover how her team cut dropout rates in half by removing the barriers that keep at-risk students...

The simple shift that transforms special education meetings from confrontational to collaborative. When Derek Eccles transitioned from the classroom to Special Education Director at Filer School District, he quickly realized that one of the most powerful tools in his leadership toolkit had nothing to do with policy or procedure—it was about where he chose to sit. In this episode, Derek shares how...

Episode Description What if the education your students receive Monday through Friday is actually undermining what you're teaching them on Sunday? For Christian educators, this sobering reality has become impossible to ignore—40% of Christian high school graduates abandon their faith in college, and Lesley Russell discovered the shocking reason why. In this transformative episode, Lesley shares th...

What if one powerful question could transform how you lead and support students with special needs? In this compelling episode, Mark Pfaff, Director of Special Education at Tehama County Office of Education, reveals the transformative leadership insight that reshaped his entire approach to serving students in rural California. Join us as Mark shares his remarkable journey through special education...

You invest thousands in professional development, but your teachers still struggle. Here's why it's probably not the training that's failing—it's what happens after. Schools pour resources into supporting their special education teachers, yet many initiatives fade away within weeks. In this episode, we uncover the critical gap between implementing support systems and actually monitoring whether th...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Jibby Brown, the special education supervisor for grades four through eight at Winton Woods City School District in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Brown shares her inspiring journey in special education, emphasizing the importance of closing learning gaps and the collaborative approach needed to support both students and teachers. We discuss the cha...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Kristin Davis, a special education coordinator from Newnan, Georgia, to discuss transformative approaches to IEP meetings. Kristin shares her philosophy of prioritizing parent engagement and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of starting meetings by celebrating students' strengths rather than focusing solely on challenges. We explore how...

Opening Hook What if your school district could create meaningful employment opportunities for students with disabilities—without a massive budget or years of planning? In this episode, discover how Avon Grove School District went from zero community partnerships to 30 thriving job sites, and learn what's possible when special education leadership combines vision with practical action. Guest Intro...

Episode Description What if the key to transforming virtual special education outcomes wasn't another technology—but a person? In this powerful conversation, we uncover how one Ohio virtual academy achieved remarkable student success by reframing the role of the learning coach as the "missing puzzle piece" in distance learning. Discover the strategies that are keeping struggling students engaged,...

The Grace Gap: Why Your Best Teachers Are Leaving (And How to Stop It) America's classrooms are hemorrhaging experienced educators—and the reasons might surprise you. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the teacher retention crisis with an expert who's actively reversing the trend in Georgia's schools. About Your Guest Dr. Damita James serves as Director of the Georgia Learning Resource...

Episode Description: Why Top Districts Stop 'Fixing' Dysregulated Students What if everything we've been taught about supporting struggling students is fundamentally backwards? In this eye-opening episode, education strategist Cheala Herrera challenges traditional approaches to student behavioral intervention, revealing why top-performing districts are reimagining support strategies. Cheala Herrer...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I chat with Dr. Ashley Ace, the Alternative Education Coordinator at Montello School District in Wisconsin. We explore the collaboration shift that 90% of educators crave, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in educational settings to benefit all students. Ashley shares her insights on supporting diverse learning needs, from students excelling in traditiona...

In a profession where burnout is all too common, what if you could create a workplace that not only retains special education teachers but makes them thrive? The Neenah Joint School District has cracked the code, and they're ready to share their transformative approach. Join us as we welcome two extraordinary educational leaders: Dr. Ashley Kolb, Director of Pupil Services, and Dr. Valerie Hurm, D...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Sam Wakefield, the executive director of AFSA Charter School in Minnesota. Sam shares his journey from a physical education teacher to an inspiring leader in education. He emphasizes the incredible potential within every student, regardless of their background or challenges. We explore the unique approach AFSA takes in blending agriculture and...

In an era where digital distractions and screen time dominate young lives, one educational leader is transforming how schools approach technology. What if the solution to student digital wellness isn't about restricting technology, but empowering students to use it wisely? Join host Janet Courtney for an illuminating conversation with Dr. Kim Gorr, Director of Professional Learning at the National...

In a landscape where educators are drowning in mandates and endless curriculum revisions, what if we could reimagine learning design as an art form of empowerment and innovation? Assistant Superintendent Taryn Miley is about to challenge everything you thought you knew about curriculum development. Join us for a transformative conversation with Taryn Miley, Assistant Superintendent of Academic Aff...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Emily Jeninga, the Student Support Director at Rehoboth Christian School in New Mexico, to explore the transformative impact of inclusive learning in Christian education. Emily shares insights into the SALT program, designed to ensure that all students, particularly those with special needs, are celebrated and supported in their classrooms. We...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Bill Wilson, superintendent of Fremont School District RE-2 in Florence, Colorado. Dr. Wilson shares his insights on the unique challenges and innovative solutions in rural education funding, highlighting a critical topic often overlooked. We explore how community collaboration and a comprehensive approach to education—encompassing not just...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Tom Anderson, CEO and superintendent of Great Valley Academy District in California. We explore the critical importance of building strong relationships before diving into lesson plans. Tom shares insights on how a focus on social-emotional learning and a growth mindset can transform educational environments. He discusses the innovative program...

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Jessica Werner, founder and CEO of North Shore Learning Center. Together, we tackle the pressing issue of teacher retention in our schools. Dr. Werner shares her insights on why great teachers are leaving the profession and how schools can cultivate a supportive environment that encourages them to stay. We explore the factors c...

What the Top 1% of Special Ed Leaders Know About Inclusion In the complex world of special education, some leaders stand out not just for their expertise, but for their transformative approach to inclusion. What if you could unlock the strategies that turn challenging classroom dynamics into powerful learning experiences for ALL students? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Megan Surso, Spe...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Nancy Popp, the superintendent of Granton Area School District in Wisconsin, a small rural school that boasts remarkable achievements despite its modest size of just 250 students. Nancy shares insights into how this tight-knit community collaborates to support education, from dedicated local volunteers to innovative programs that keep the arts...

🎧 Breaking Barriers: Transforming Special Education Team Dynamics Are your team meetings draining energy instead of driving student success? What if there was a way to reimagine collaboration that truly centers neurodiversity and student outcomes? Join host Janet Courtney as we welcome Kelly Rogers, Special Education Coordinator from Charlevoix Emmett Intermediate School District, for a groundbre...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Stoney Winston, the superintendent of Fruitland School District in Idaho, to discuss the pressing challenges rural districts face when it comes to funding. With Idaho ranking 50th in per-student funding, Stoney highlights the innovative strategies his district employs to thrive despite financial constraints. We delve into the implications of ne...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Rob Effa, the superintendent and principal of North Cow Creek Elementary School District, who shares an inspiring success story about drastically reducing behavior referrals by over 60% in just one year. Rob explains how implementing a comprehensive behavior support model empowered educators to proactively address student needs and foster a pos...