Brighter Together

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Jason LeMay, the district administrator of the School District of Ladysmith in Wisconsin. We delve into the critical topic of rural education and the often-overlooked potential of rural students. Dr. LeMay shares his insights on the importance of stability for students and families, discussing how factors like food and financial security si...

Rural Schools Are Dying - Unless You Do This Now In rural America, schools are more than just buildings—they're the heartbeat of entire communities. But with declining enrollment and mounting challenges, many districts are fighting for survival. What if there was a blueprint for not just saving rural schools, but transforming them into vibrant, innovative learning centers? Join host Janet Courtney...

📢 Breaking the Silence: How One School District Transformed Student Mental Health What if preventing youth suicide didn't require massive budgets or complicated interventions? In this powerful episode, John Humphries, Director of New Lisbon School District, reveals a groundbreaking approach that dramatically reduced suicide risk by 40% - without adding a single staff member. Guest Expert: John Hu...

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Joe Fagnant, the superintendent of Region School Unit Twenty-Nine in Houlton, Maine. Joe shares his innovative vision for education, emphasizing the importance of personalized pathways for students that align with their passions, whether it’s flying or other careers. He discusses the challenges faced by small communities in educati...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I have an insightful conversation with Enrique Lopez, the director of special education at San Joaquin County Office of Education. We delve into why many special education leaders struggle to implement love-first education and how they can succeed in creating nurturing environments for students with emotional disabilities. Enrique shares real-life experiences...

Join me on this episode of Brighter Together as I sit down with Greg Eding, the superintendent of Lake Shore Public Schools in Michigan. Greg shares invaluable insights into crisis-proofing schools, highlighting how a supportive approach can transform school culture. He discusses the importance of not just protecting staff and students but actively supporting them through challenges. We delve into...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Jennifer Sessa, the Director of Student Services at Island Village Montessori School in Venice, Florida. Jennifer shares her insights on why top special education directors are moving away from traditional paperwork to better support teachers and students. We explore the challenges educators face in balancing compliance with the need for meanin...

The Rural School Revolution: How Small Districts Are Winning Big In a world where small rural schools are often counted out, one superintendent is proving that size doesn't determine success. Josh Tarrell, leader of Highland Schools, is rewriting the narrative of rural education through innovation, passion, and an unwavering commitment to student opportunity. Meet Josh Tarrell, a visionary superin...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Eden Guthrie, the Special Education Coordinator at Georgetown ISD. We delve into the transformative journey of special needs students as they progress towards becoming independent professionals. Eden shares insights from her 27 years of experience, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence through hands-on practice and real-world ski...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Jeff Punches, the superintendent of East Jackson Community Schools in Michigan. We delve into the challenges of rebuilding a community impacted by economic recession, focusing on the importance of leadership, resilience, and mentorship in education. Jeff shares his journey from educator to superintendent, highlighting the diverse needs of his s...

🏫 Rural Education Revolution: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures In a powerful conversation that challenges conventional thinking about rural education, Superintendent Loren Glasbrenner reveals the extraordinary strategies transforming small-town schools from struggling institutions to dynamic learning ecosystems. His innovative approach proves that zip code doesn't determine educational destiny...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Devin Thomas, the co-director and principal of STREAM Charter Schools in Oroville, California. Devin shares his journey from stepping into leadership to shaping a thriving educational environment. He discusses the transition he faced when taking over from the school's founder and how he has built upon the strong foundation laid before him. We e...

Breaking the Cycle: Empowering Students with Disabilities Beyond the Classroom What happens when we stop seeing special education as a destination and start treating it as a launching pad for meaningful, independent adult lives? In this groundbreaking episode, Dr. Ryan Wheeler challenges everything you thought you knew about transitional services for students with disabilities. As the Executive Di...

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Julie Harris, the Director of Student Services at Pulaski Community Schools in Wisconsin. We dive deep into the transformative strategies that some of the best districts employ to address behavior challenges, insights that took many years to develop. Dr. Harris shares her experiences in refining multi-tiered systems of support...

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Toni Shaw, the Director of Student Services at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Together, we delve into the transformative power of faith in education, particularly for scholars with disabilities. Dr. Shaw shares her insights on addressing the achievement gap faced by these students and highlights the...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Denise Geiger, the Senior Transition Coordinator for special education at Leander ISD in Texas. Denise shares her profound journey in transitioning students from school to adulthood, emphasizing the importance of early transition planning. She reflects on moving beyond compliance to empower students with a strong voice in their own lives. Denis...

In this conversation, Janet Courtney sits down with Steve Rosa — superintendent and principal of Pine Ridge Elementary School — to explore how a school truly becomes the heart of a community. From the devastation of the 2020 Creek Fire to the ongoing challenges of COVID‑19, Steve shares how Pine Ridge’s resilience was tested — and strengthened — through the power of relationships, service, and unw...

What happens when students lead the charge toward inclusion? In this inspiring episode of Brighter Together, Megan Hsu—Special Education Program Manager at Sunnyvale Elementary School District—shares how her district is turning traditional inclusion on its head. With a powerful 'reverse inclusion' model, general education students are stepping into special education classrooms—and becoming advocat...

In this episode of Brighter Together, join me, Janet Courtney, as I sit down with Jan Masterson, a specialist in induction and mentoring for new teachers at Leander ISD in Texas. Jan shares her passion for supporting new educators and emphasizes the importance of building confidence and community in the teaching profession. We discuss the challenges faced by new teachers, including the struggle wi...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Taylor Stanton, the superintendent of the Museum School District in San Diego, to explore the transformative power of individualized learning. Taylor shares insights on how their small charter school fosters a growth mindset among educators while prioritizing hands-on, project-based learning that integrates the arts. We discuss the challenges t...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Marty Remmers, the Director of San Joaquin County SELPA, to explore the crucial role of Special Education Local Plan Areas in supporting students, schools, and educational systems. We delve into what SELPAs do, the resources they provide, and how they navigate the diverse needs of different districts. Marty shares insights on the importance of...

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Gina Lynch, the superintendent of Palmdale Aerospace Academy, to explore innovative approaches in education that prepare students for the future. Gina shares her journey to leadership and the unique challenges of managing a charter school deeply rooted in the aerospace industry. We discuss the impact of STEAM (science, technology,...

How do you prepare students for life after high school when the world wasn’t built with them in mind? In this episode, Kari Radzik, Transition Coordinator at Mattawan Consolidated Schools, shares how her 18–21-year-old students are thriving through vocational training, community partnerships, and fiercely personalized support. From making hotel beds to handling customer service, these students are...

What if school looked nothing like what we’re used to? In this inspiring episode, Superintendent Mark Odsather shares how Pleasant View Elementary School District has fully transformed traditional education into a vibrant, project-based learning environment. With open classrooms, integrated special education, and students as young as TK designing financial literacy projects, Pleasant View is provi...

Join me in this enlightening episode of Brighter Together as I speak with Paul Hungerford, the superintendent of Gratiot Isabella Regional Educational Service District in rural Michigan. Paul shares his vision for equitable access in education, emphasizing that every student, regardless of their background or location, should have the opportunity to realize their dreams. We explore the innovative...