Brighter Together

In this powerful episode of Brighter Together, Mike Seaman shares what happens when leadership starts with relationship—not control. As the incoming superintendent of Mayville Community Schools, Mike opens up about building trust with students, earning the support of staff, and inviting families and businesses into the heart of school culture. He doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff: toxic effects...

In this episode of Brighter Together, we dive into what real inclusion looks like—not just in policy, but in culture. Annie Fowler, Head of School at Hillsdale Preparatory, shares how her school cultivates belonging by focusing on every student’s capabilities—not just their needs. From trauma-informed practices to community-driven IEP design, she offers a blueprint for school leaders ready to move...

Texas was ahead of the curve on dyslexia education—until the rules changed. Now, educators are scrambling to redefine what ‘support’ really means. In this episode of *Brighter Together*, special education coordinator Cyndi Riggs shares the reality behind the new dyslexia law, what it’s costing educators, and what students need most right now. This isn’t just about compliance. It’s about courage—br...

In this episode of Brighter Together, we explore how community-driven models can empower special education outcomes in urban schools. Elaine Latimer shares her perspective from the front lines at Lindley Academy—where neighborhoods and schools form a powerful alliance. From turning student teachers into lifelong educators, to celebrating neurodiverse brilliance, this conversation reveals the simpl...

What if the problem in our schools isn’t change itself, but how we talk about it? In this episode of Brighter Together, superintendent Jonathan Royce opens up about leading Onstead Community Schools through transitions, tensions, and transformation. From shielding his staff from outside stressors to building a culture where communication isn't just encouraged—it's expected—Jonathan shares why empa...

In this episode of Brighter Together, titled "The Teachers Who Stay: What They All Have in Common," I sit down with April Harris, the special education coordinator at Meridian World School in Round Rock, Texas. We delve into the critical issue of teacher retention, exploring the challenges educators face in balancing passion with financial realities. April shares her insights on the importance of...

In this episode of Brighter Together, we explore how students are learning the most essential life skills—without a textbook in sight. Aesthetic education and social-emotional learning come to life at Kalamazoo Country Day School, where students don’t just see art, they meet it. Emma Bennett, the school’s aesthetic educator and SEL coordinator, shares how her classroom doesn’t look like a traditio...

What if the dream of fully inclusive education wasn’t just a dream? In this episode of Brighter Together, we explore a radical vision with Heather Rupert, Special Education Coordinator and School Psychologist at Penn Hills Charter School. What happens when entrepreneurship meets equity in a K–8 classroom? Heather reveals how students—some as young as five—are interviewing for jobs, running real bu...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Wade Callaway, the superintendent of Gruver ISD in Texas, to explore the power of relational leadership. Wade shares his unexpected journey from basketball coach to superintendent and the transformative initiatives he's championed, like the unique farm scholarship program that funds students' post-secondary education. We discuss the challenges...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Wade Callaway, superintendent of Gruver ISD in Texas, to explore how a focus on school culture can transform educational outcomes. Wade shares his journey from basketball coach to superintendent and the innovative strategies he has implemented to support both educators and students. We discuss the challenges of financial constraints and the cre...

What if your general education teachers were your best inclusion advocates? In this episode of Brighter Together, we explore a full inclusion model that's worked for over two decades. From peer-to-peer leadership classes to the unseen emotional impact of the pandemic on young learners, this conversation dives into the real-life strategies that make schools more humane, supportive, and effective. W...

Dr. Tameka McKeithan isn’t just talking about care—she’s building systems around it. In this powerful episode, she breaks down what trauma-informed leadership looks like when it’s embedded into the DNA of school culture. From equipping educators with empathy tools to transforming discipline into connection, Dr. McKeithan shares how schools can become healing spaces—starting at the leadership level...

Join me, Janet Courtney, on this episode of Brighter Together as I sit down with Walter Reese, Director of Student Development and Special Education at University Prep School in Detroit. In "SPED Is Not a Place. It’s a Promise," we explore Walter's journey from aspiring doctor to passionate educator and advocate for diverse learners. With over 550 students across nine schools, Walter shares his in...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Ian McPhet, the superintendent of Avison Global Leadership Academy, to discuss his bold vision for education amidst adversity. After devastating fires destroyed their campuses in Pasadena, Ian shares how the community has rallied to support students and staff, many of whom lost their homes. We explore the innovative approaches Avison is taking,...

In this episode of Brighter Together, titled "Walk With Them Before You Lead Them: The Culture Blueprint Every Principal Needs," I sit down with Alisha Love, the director of student experience at University Prep Schools in Detroit. Alisha shares insights into the CREW Experience, a foundational pillar of University Prep, designed to foster community, culture, and connection among students and staf...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Tomas Hanna, the Associate Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, to explore the transformative initiatives reshaping public education. We delve into the district's strategic plan, Accelerate Philly, aimed at providing students with choices and opportunities to pursue their passions. Tomas shares insights on the importance of cr...

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Shannon Stine, superintendent of Lake Norman Charter Schools in North Carolina. We explore how this pioneering charter school, the largest in the state, creates a microcosm of the world by embracing neurodiversity and fostering leadership and service from kindergarten through high school. Shannon shares insights into the school's mission-driven...

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...