Brighter Together

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Martin DuBois, the superintendent of Reading Community Schools in Michigan. Martin shares his insights on the vital role of community support in education and discusses the challenges and triumphs he faces in special education. He emphasizes the importance of helping even one student, as it can have a generational impact. We explore current initiatives in Reading, including exciting facility upgrades and the significance of upcoming bond renewals. Martin's passion for special education shines through as he reflects on his journey and the unwavering commitment of his staff to support all students. Join us for an inspiring conversation about community, resilience, and the power of one.

How do you build a culture people want to stay in?

In this joy-filled and fiercely intentional episode, Dr. Jeanetta Cooper, Principal of Horizon Science Academy Twin Cities, opens up about how she built a staff culture that retains over 80% of teachers year after year—without burning them out.

Her approach? Greet your staff every morning. Greet your students at the door. Send them off at the end of the day. And in between? Love them, see them, and carry their burdens when needed.

Dr. Cooper reminds us that school culture isn’t a climate survey—it’s a daily act of leadership.

This episode is a blueprint for every school leader who wants to lead with humanity and results.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Brett Geithman, the superintendent of Larkspur-Corta Madera Elementary School District. Together, we explore the ambitious vision that will shape the district through 2036. Dr. Geithman shares insights into their strategic planning process, emphasizing the importance of empowering staff through dedicated professional development. He discusses the multi-layered approach to enhancing education, aligning community values with student needs, and leveraging innovative practices. Join us as we delve into how Larkspur is not only setting a long-term vision but actively implementing strategies to ensure all students thrive in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. Tune in to learn how collaboration and forward-thinking are paving the way for success in education.

In a small Texas town surrounded by cotton fields, Superintendent Mandy Traylor is rewriting what it means to prepare students for the real world.

From launching a self-defense program that empowers teen girls to bust zip ties and build confidence, to orchestrating “Adulting 101” classes that teach everything from interview etiquette to basic car maintenance, Mandy isn’t waiting on policy reform. She’s acting now.

This episode is a heartfelt, eye-opening look at what happens when a school prioritizes life readiness just as much as academics. Mandy shares the challenges of leading a 1A district, her frustration with one-size-fits-all testing, and the deep belief that every student deserves a level playing field.

Whether you’re a superintendent or a classroom teacher, Mandy’s story will remind you: transformation doesn’t require a big budget—just big heart.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Veronica Lake, the Executive Director of Student Services at Kentwood Public Schools. We delve into the transformative journey of creating a restorative environment within the district, where the focus is not just on restorative practices, but on embodying them. Veronica shares insights on the importance of understanding and meeting the diverse needs of a student body that reflects a rich tapestry of cultures. We discuss the strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the mental health and well-being of students, fostering relationships, and creating a safe and engaging learning environment. Join us as we explore how Kentwood is redefining educational excellence through equity and community collaboration, ensuring every student feels valued and supported.

Is your school actually honoring the "individual" in the IEP?

In this bold and deeply honest episode of Brighter Together, Dr. Patrick Gaffney, Director of Special Education at Clayton Valley Charter High School, invites us into a program where innovation meets integrity. From co-teaching models that started with failure to an 18–22 transition program born from one student's plea to stay, this conversation is a masterclass in servant leadership.

Dr. Gaffney doesn’t sugarcoat the process. Mistakes were made. Systems were redesigned. But the results? A student-centered continuum of services that’s lifting both achievement and trust.

If you care about equity, communication, and designing real opportunities for kids with special needs, this episode isn’t just insightful—it’s essential.

When was the last time a school made leadership feel real for students? At Oak Valley Union Elementary, Superintendent Heather Pilgrim isn't just running a district—she's cultivating a culture.

In this episode of Brighter Together, we go beyond the buzzwords of "hands-on learning" and dive into a rural California school that's walking the walk. From a fully integrated in-school 4-H program (yes, with goats and gardens) to a student-run store operated by middle schoolers, Heather shares what it takes to build student identity and career readiness before high school.

She also opens up about the pressure of literacy goals, the privilege of community trust, and why small class sizes make big outcomes possible.

This one’s for every school leader who believes in tradition, innovation, and telling kids the truth about who they can become.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Chase Christensen, the superintendent and principal of Sheridan County School District Number 3 in Claremont, Wyoming. Chase shares his inspiring journey of transforming a rural school into a thriving culture powerhouse through innovative programs like The Amazing Shake and a unique house system designed to foster community among students. We delve into the importance of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) in encouraging positive student behavior, and how career-connected learning initiatives are preparing students for their futures. Join us as we explore the powerful impact of collaboration and creativity in education, and discover how one leader is making a difference in the lives of his students in a geographically diverse area. Tune in for insights that highlight the essence of building a supportive school environment.

For Superintendent Daniel Barton, real leadership isn’t about titles or strategy binders—it’s about walking the halls, listening with intent, and serving the people you lead.

In this candid and powerful conversation, Daniel unpacks how Goodrich ISD—a small Texas district—is building staff retention, culture, and student success by prioritizing relationship over rhetoric. From restructuring schedules to investing in wellness, Daniel shares how he leads face-first, not from behind a desk.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build sustainable systems of trust, this episode will hit home.

What happens when SELPA directors decide to stop working in isolation and start building something together?

In this collaborative and energizing episode, Karla Rahiman and Janet Queneau share how seven districts came together to host a Disability Resource & Transition Fair that reached families across an entire region. But this isn’t just a fair—it’s a movement.

From vendor partnerships to family outreach to community trust, this story shows what’s possible when we stop waiting for perfect and start working together. If you’ve ever wanted to make your SELPA or district more connected, more inclusive, or more family-centered, this episode is your blueprint.