Brighter Together

What if your school ran without a principal—and still thrived? In this episode of Brighter Together, Nate Moore shares how Laura Jeffrey Academy's educator-led model is reimagining school leadership. From inclusive education to rapid-response student support, the team at LJA is making bold moves—like opening a new classroom midyear to meet emerging needs. With a focus on STEM, environmental learni...

In this powerful episode of Brighter Together, Joe Harrington shares the moment that changed everything—when a school lost a student to a preventable cardiac event. Now, Joe is leading a grassroots movement to equip schools with CPR and AED access through public school advocacy and legislative momentum. He breaks down why cardiac safety belongs in every school’s curriculum, and how educators and f...

What if school felt more like sanctuary than survival? In this episode of Brighter Together, Danielle Scott—principal of a small-town elementary school—opens up about the emotional heartbeat of education. She shares how trauma-informed practices, embedded spiritual strength, and radical love for her community are shaping a campus where students and staff can exhale. Whether you're leading a buildi...

When stress runs high in schools, real support can feel out of reach. But what if therapy wasn’t a reactive solution—but a proactive strategy for every student? In this episode of Brighter Together, we explore the groundbreaking 'Green Room' initiative that’s redefining behavioral support across Stillwater Public Schools. From movement breaks and calming strategies to restorative practices and pro...

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Rose Ann Bomentre, the superintendent of Real Journey Academies in California. We delve into the transformative journey of education, exploring how they are redefining student engagement by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. Dr. Bomentre shares insights on their innovative e-mindset framework, which emphasizes e-balance, e-k...

What happens when you stop collecting data for reports, and start listening to what it tells you? In this episode of *Brighter Together*, we go inside Central Queens Academy where data isn’t just compliance—it’s collaboration. Assistant Principal Bianca Baquerizo shares how a shift to oral data tracking and a Sounds First literacy approach sparked a measurable leap in student independence and inst...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Gina Guarino Buli, CEO of Renaissance Academy Charter School, to explore the profound insights gleaned from 78 recent graduates about the essence of community. Gina shares her experiences leading a school dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for both students and teachers. We discuss the importance of teacher well-being, innovative e...

What does true inclusion look like for students with IEPs in a large public school district? In this episode of *Brighter Together*, we unpack the real-world strategies behind Madison Metro’s bold push for more inclusive, data-informed, and culturally responsive special education services. From navigating disproportionality to designing co-teaching models that actually work, this conversation expl...

What does true inclusion look like for students with IEPs in a large public school district? In this episode of *Brighter Together*, we unpack the real-world strategies behind Madison Metro’s bold push for more inclusive, data-informed, and culturally responsive special education services. From navigating disproportionality to designing co-teaching models that actually work, this conversation expl...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Bianca Baquerizo, the Assistant Principal and Director of Literacy and Special Education Instruction at Central Queens Academy Charter in New York. We dive into the challenges educators face with misaligned programs and the need to unlearn outdated teaching methods. Bianca shares her journey in implementing a Sounds-First approach to literacy,...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Elizabeth Brenner, the superintendent and CEO of Compass Charter Schools in California. We dive into the transformative power of flexible education and how it fosters equity for students with diverse learning needs. Liz shares insights on the unique challenges faced by virtual charter schools, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and highlig...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I speak with Greg Doverspike, the superintendent of Mosinee School District in Wisconsin. We explore the urgent need for educational reform in light of rapid technological advancements and shifting student needs. Greg emphasizes the importance of moving away from traditional teaching methods and adapting to a new generation that thrives on technology and perso...

In this compelling episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Jim Reif, the soon-to-be superintendent of the Prescott School District in Wisconsin, as he reflects on his extensive career in education and the challenges facing schools today. Jim shares his insights on the detrimental impact of politicizing education and emphasizes the urgent need for a nationwide focus on improving literacy amon...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Lezlie Katz, the director of Marshall Academy Public School in Michigan. We delve into the challenges facing public schools today, including declining enrollment and the impact of virtual schooling post-COVID. Lezlie shares how Marshall Academy stands out with its small class sizes and a commitment to a supportive learning environment from pres...

What if school wasn’t about age or ability—but about curiosity, connection, and growing into your full self? In this inspiring episode of Brighter Together, Erin Smith—Director of Elementary Education at Socrates Preparatory School—shares what it looks like when personalized learning truly drives a school’s mission. From mixed-age classrooms to tech-integrated, 21st-century skill-building, Erin wa...

In this uplifting episode of Brighter Together, we hear from Willy Chambers, Superintendent and Special Education Director at Blackhawk School District—a small rural district with a big heart for inclusion. From a deeply personal success story of a student with Down syndrome to tackling the rapidly shifting landscape of AI in education, Willy opens up about what it really means to lead in today’s...

What if a single spark of confidence could change a student's entire future? In this inspiring episode of Brighter Together, we sit down with Glenda Butterfield-Boldig—Superintendent and Director of Special Education at Bowler School District in Wisconsin—where inclusion isn't just a value, it's an engine for student transformation. From partnering with the Stockbridge-Munsee tribal community to l...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Doug Parker, the superintendent of Big Foot Union High School in Wisconsin, to discuss the intersection of education and social media, and its impact on mental health. Doug shares insights on the unique challenges his school faces, from budget constraints to the lingering effects of COVID-19 on student attendance and well-being. We delve into t...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I chat with Dr. Colleen Timm, the agency administrator for the Cooperative Educational Service Agency Seven. We dive into her mission of creating educational environments where every student feels valued and prepared for their future. Dr. Timm shares insights from her extensive experience in transforming low-performing schools by implementing a "diploma-by-des...

When Christy Kinder arrived at Falls Lake Academy, there was no cohesive reading program—just passionate educators doing their best with scattered tools. In this powerful episode of *Brighter Together*, Christy shares how COVID funding, deep expertise, and community buy-in led to the launch of a transformative, tech-supported reading intervention for exceptional learners. Using the HillWrap (now 9...

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Susie Tiggs, the Director of Education at the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Susie shares her transformative journey through the evolving landscape of deaf education, particularly the impact of cochlear implants. We discuss the crucial work that goes into making these devices effective for students and t...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Rachel Galanis, the resource center director at St. John's Lutheran School in Lannon, Wisconsin. Rachel shares her inspiring journey of transforming doubt into breakthroughs through her faith-driven approach to education. With nearly 20 years of experience in the juvenile justice system, Rachel discusses how she integrates emotional and mental...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dan Keyser, the superintendent of Stoughton Area School District, to discuss the intricate balance of fostering a culture of belonging while navigating budget constraints. Dan shares his experiences managing staffing challenges amid declining enrollment and the vital importance of effective communication within a school community. We explore ho...

How do you build a special education program that honors students *and* sustains teachers? In this compelling episode of *Brighter Together*, Andrea Walker—Senior Manager of Student Support Services for KIPP OKC and KIPP Tulsa—unpacks what it takes to serve students with IEPs in high-need urban schools without sacrificing staff wellbeing. From co-teaching models that make inclusion real to “Wellne...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Karine Kraisser and Erika Walsh, leaders at Greenspire High School in Traverse City, Michigan. Together, we explore the crucial role of social-emotional learning in education and the innovative ways they cultivate a supportive school culture. Karine shares insights on fostering trust and accountability among students, while Erika discusses thei...