Brighter Together

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Melody Maitland, Director of Student Services at Capital City Public Charter School in Washington, DC. We delve into the essential role of trust in education, emphasizing that mistakes are part of the growth process. Melody shares her journey from special education teacher to her current role and discusses the challenges of staffing post-pandem...

In this raw and real episode of Brighter Together, Monica Brown, Special Education Director at Providence Hall Charter School, shares what happens when students are invited into their own IEP process—and what happens when they're left out. From food intolerances masking as learning issues to emotional minefields in IEP meetings, Monica reveals the simple truth most educators overlook: students per...

Join me, Janet Courtney, on this episode of Brighter Together as I sit down with Janna Churchill, Director of Student Services at Northern United Charter Schools in Humboldt County, California. We delve into the innovative educational model of personalized learning that Northern United offers, blending independent study with satellite centers for a flexible, student-centered approach. Janna shares...

In this episode of Brighter Together, titled "Ending School, Starting Life: A Seamless Transition—If Only," I sit down with Sharon Burke, the Interim Adult Transition Program Coordinator at Berkeley Schools in Michigan. We delve into the intricacies of their Adult Transition Program, designed for students aged 18 to 26, which focuses on bridging the gap between school and life. Sharon shares insig...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Jason Wester, the superintendent of West Burlington ISD in Iowa, to explore how schools are redefining success beyond the traditional diploma. We discuss the district's innovative approach to education, which includes multiple pathways to success, such as apprenticeships and college credit opportunities. Jason shares insights into how the West...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Shannon Reasby, a literacy coach, and Jamon Finley, the principal at Quality Hill, part of Crossroads Charter Schools in Kansas City, Missouri. We explore their innovative literacy program funded by a grant from School Smart KC, which is transforming education by addressing literacy gaps with the MindPlay program and personalized tutoring. Shan...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Allie Olin, the director of student services at Jersey City Community Charter School, to explore the transformative Ready, Set, Grow program. This innovative initiative was developed to address the challenges students faced post-COVID, particularly in social-emotional learning and academic readiness. Allie shares how the program has successfull...

In this episode of Brighter Together, titled "We Don’t Fix People. We Believe in Them," I sit down with Megan Press, the Assistant Director of Special Education at Austin Achieve Public Schools. We explore the challenges and triumphs of leading a special education department, from managing a diverse team to navigating shifting educational policies. Megan shares insightful advice for new educators...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Suzanne Kramer, the Exceptional Student Education Lead at Biltmore Elementary in Jacksonville, Florida. We delve into the complexities of special education, where nearly half of the student body has identified needs. Suzanne shares insights on building a resilient educational environment amidst challenges like staffing shortages and the lingeri...

Join me, Janet Courtney, on this episode of Brighter Together as I sit down with Katie Wuori, the Garden and Nutrition Coordinator at Eustis RSU in Stratton, Maine. Discover why this passionate educator traded traditional lessons for hands-on gardening and nutrition programs. Katie shares her journey from teaching middle school to fostering a vibrant outdoor learning environment for Pre-K through...

Join me, Janet Courtney, on the Brighter Together podcast as I sit down with Rachel Bratter, Director of Special Services at Region School Unit 21 in Kennebunk, Maine. In this episode titled "How Early Is Early Enough? This Special Ed Leader Has an Answer," we explore the transformative power of early intervention in special education. Rachel shares her journey of implementing universal preschool...

In this episode of Brighter Together, Shar Mahoney—Director of Special Education at MSAD 11 in Maine—shares how her personal experiences with dyslexia and classroom struggle shaped the way she supports students, staff, and families today. Shar discusses how to foster mutual respect in IEP meetings, how to navigate emotionally loaded parent conversations, and how to guide families through the often...

In this episode of Brighter Together, titled From Silent Lunchrooms to Board Games and Belonging, I sit down with Katie Joseph, Assistant Superintendent at Regional School Unit 1 in Bath, Maine. We explore the transformative journey of her district becoming phone and smartwatch-free to enhance student well-being. Katie shares the compelling impacts of this initiative, from fostering genuine connec...

In this episode of Brighter Together, Pearl Moses—Director of School Counseling for City of Pembroke Pines Charter School in Florida—shares her journey from school counselor to systems-level leader, and how her lens of care continues to shape every decision. From the mental health toll of the pandemic to the loneliness of middle leadership, Pearl reflects on what it really takes to build empowered...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Maria Libby, superintendent of MSAD 28 and Fivetown Community School District, and Michael Felton, superintendent of St. George Municipal School Unit. We explore the transformative approach of integrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) from kindergarten through high school. Maria shares insights on the benefits of outdoor and project-base...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Andrew Dolloff, superintendent of Yarmouth Schools and author of The Trust Imperative. We delve into the essence of leading with empathy and integrity, exploring how these principles are vital for effective school leadership. Andrew shares insights from his extensive career in education, emphasizing the importance of building trust with student...

In this episode of Brighter Together, Matthew Gilbert, Assistant Superintendent of RSU 10 in western Maine, shares how his district is rebuilding engagement—starting with something as simple as a free breakfast and a smile. Matthew discusses how chronic absenteeism and the erosion of classroom routines post-COVID have required not just programs, but belief. His team focuses on building student con...

In this episode of Brighter Together, Jeremy Ray, superintendent of the Biddeford, Dayton, and Saco school districts in Maine, shares the multi-layered challenges facing public education today—and the innovative ways his teams are addressing them. From tackling housing affordability and staffing shortages to launching “resiliency coordinators” and a regional educational service center for speech t...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Anita Bamford, the lead physical therapist at Northside ISD in San Antonio, Texas. We explore the transformative role of physical therapists in schools, particularly in supporting special education students. Anita shares her 32-year journey at Northside ISD, highlighting the district's pioneering integrative model that empowers therapists as ed...

In this episode of Brighter Together, Brian Myrup, Managing Director at York Preparatory Academy in South Carolina, shares the story of a school once on the verge of closure—now thriving with a waitlist of over 1,000 students. We explore how strategic board governance, personalized student learning, and a teacher-centered culture transformed York Prep’s trajectory. From the innovative Teacher Fast...

Join me on this episode of Brighter Together as I sit down with Kathleen Wolney, the Director of Student Services at Grosse Pointe Academy in Michigan. We delve into the unique educational environment at this preschool through eighth-grade institution, where Kathleen also teaches seventh-grade math. Discover the challenges and rewards of working with middle school students, and explore the impact...

In this episode of Brighter Together, James Taylor, Dean of Students at Rockwell Charter School, shares what it takes to lead in a rapidly evolving educational environment. From small class sizes to integrating AI tools responsibly, James gives a candid look at what’s working—and what needs to change. Together, we explore how schools can rise above the noise of technology, standardization, and gro...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Corey Gray, a dedicated coordinator of Scholar Supports in East Point, Georgia. We delve into the evolving landscape of education and how educators like Corey are reshaping leadership by listening and responding to the needs of their students. Corey shares his journey from being a middle school math instructional coach to his current role in sp...