Brighter Together

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 We dive into the challenges educators face with misaligned programs and the need to unlearn outdated teaching methods.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...

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Jim Kitchen, the deputy superintendent of Swartz Creek Community Schools, to discuss innovative strategies for enhancing student and staff well-being through trauma-informed care. Jim shares his journey from high school principal to district leader, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unseen challenges many students fac...

What does it take to lead a rural school when your hiring pool is shrinking and every role matters? In this episode of Brighter Together, Janet sits down with Lance Bagstad, District Administrator at White Lake School District, to uncover how his team is navigating some of education's biggest staffing challenges—with creativity, collaboration, and grit. From virtual academies to dual credit progra...

What if solving the education staffing crisis didn't require more funding, more mandates, or more burnout? In this episode, Eric Hoppstock, Superintendent at Berrien RESA in Michigan, reveals how one bold move—listening to the people already in the building—sparked a statewide teacher apprenticeship program that's rewriting the future of school staffing. You'll hear how thousands of paraprofession...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Julia Mock, senior advisor and impact coordinator at Pathways High School, to discuss the transformative fifth year of high school. Julia shares insights into the school's project-based learning approach, where students engage in hands-on experiences like building boats and motorcycles, fostering not just academic skills but emotional intellige...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Jason Gorst, the superintendent of Spencer School District in Wisconsin, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of education in a rural setting. We explore how the district is redefining success beyond traditional metrics like the ACT, focusing on diverse pathways for students, from college to trades and military careers. Jason shares insights...

In this thought-provoking episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Rob Gregor, the superintendent of Yuba County Office of Education. We dive deep into the transformative role of therapy in shaping school culture and addressing the social-emotional needs of students post-COVID. Rob shares insights on how brain research influences educational strategies, particularly the developmental differen...

What if the test scores weren’t the point? In this episode, we go deep into how one Detroit school is flipping the narrative on education. From trauma-informed care to teacher wellness circles to building ‘solutionaries,’ this conversation is for every educator who’s tired of checking boxes and ready to change lives. Caitlyn Reames opens up about what real inclusion looks like when community and c...

Montana Guffey leads with one radical belief: students don’t change when we control them—they change when we connect with them. In this episode, Montana breaks down what it means to build culture through care, not compliance. From restorative practices to leadership transparency, she shares how her school transformed student engagement by focusing first on relationships. If you're tired of reactiv...