Brighter Together

Dr. Anne Crylen believes in more than just inclusion—she believes in intentional infrastructure that makes it work.

In this heart-forward episode, Anne shares how her team built a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) that puts collaboration, emotional safety, and staff wellbeing at the center of student success. You’ll hear how they shifted from reactive to proactive services, from isolation to partnership, and from burnout to belonging.

If you’ve ever wondered what it *really* takes to implement push-in models, transform staff culture, or bring IEP supports into the heart of general education, this episode will leave you rethinking what’s possible.

For students in La Mesa ISD, walking across the graduation stage isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning.

In this powerful episode, Superintendent David Ritchey shares how he and his team launched a P-TECH program that’s doing more than offering college credit—it’s changing lives. With industry certifications, associate degrees, and a mindset of self-worth, La Mesa’s students are being equipped to break generational poverty and rewrite what’s possible.

From CNA training to welding to dual credit and drones, this story is a wake-up call for school leaders everywhere: stop asking if kids are ready for the world—and start asking if the system is ready for them.

What happens when school stops working for thousands of students? In Barian Springs, Michigan, the answer wasn't to push them out—it was to build a system that pulls them in.

Assistant Superintendent Steven Spenner shares how a rural district turned virtual innovation into a lifeline for learners who were falling behind or falling apart. From statewide hybrid hubs to dual enrollment and trades, Steven reveals how Barian Springs is reshaping the future of public education—by meeting students where they are and guiding them to where they could be.

If you’re leading a district and wondering how to reach the students traditional models leave behind, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

When a beloved Target store shut down in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Superintendent Jeff Drake saw something no one else did: a blank slate for early childhood education.

In this episode of Brighter Together, Jeff shares how his team turned a cavernous retail shell into Lincoln School—a vibrant preschool and kindergarten hub designed around student needs, family support, and community partnerships. From creative financing to experiential environmental education, this is more than a renovation story. It’s a case study in leadership that listens, acts, and builds for the future.

If you've ever wished your school could do more with less—or wondered what it takes to lead real transformation—this conversation will leave you hopeful and ready to imagine what's possible.

When’s the last time your IEP team talked about livestock?

In this unforgettable episode of Brighter Together, Michele Jackson—Director of Special Services at Northwest School District—shares how a local ag barn became a sanctuary of inclusion, belonging, and growth for students often left behind by traditional school structures.

From belt buckles and pig shows to the daily work of community building, Michele’s leadership model is rooted in dignity, visibility, and relentless compassion. She proves that inclusion isn’t a strategy—it’s a culture.

If you’ve ever questioned how to make every student feel seen, or how to ignite transformation without a massive budget, this episode is your blueprint.

Change is hard—but clarity makes it possible.

In this episode of Brighter Together, Dawn Spears, Director of Instructional and Special Education Support at Airport Community Schools, reveals how her district tackled a massive writing curriculum overhaul by doing what few districts do: giving teachers real voice, transparent plans, and room to lead.

From the roots of stewardship and support to building common language across every grade level, Dawn walks us through the three-year roadmap reshaping how her team works together—and why buy-in isn’t about consensus, it’s about trust.

Whether you’re leading change or about to launch it, this episode delivers a grounded, strategic look at what real implementation looks like.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Shane Ogden, the superintendent of Park County School District Number 16 in Wyoming, to discuss a transformative shift in education. Shane shares how embracing change has revolutionized their approach to behavior plans and education as a whole. He emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in students, rather than merely adhering to traditional content-focused curricula. Together, we explore the journey of creating a student-centered learning environment and the pivotal role of teacher empowerment in this shift. Join us as we dive into the exciting developments happening in Meeteetse and discover how they are shaping the future of education for their students.

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, host Janet Courtney engages with Richard Wright, the superintendent of Louise ISD, as they explore why many special education models fall short and what truly benefits students. Richard emphasizes the importance of approaching change incrementally, likening it to "eating an elephant—one bite at a time." He shares successful strategies that have transformed the culture at Louise ISD, highlighting the significance of positivity, visibility, and strong community ties. Listeners will gain valuable insights into fostering an environment where every student feels supported and valued, plus actionable steps to enhance educational outcomes. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that champions the collective effort in education.

What happens when doing your job means going against what you know is right?

In this episode of Brighter Together, Dr. Chris Hodges unpacks his dissertation research on moral injury in school leadership—a concept more commonly found in military and healthcare fields, now showing up in K–12 education. From being forced to enforce policies they don't believe in, to feeling betrayed by peers or systems, school leaders are carrying wounds that most never talk about.

Dr. Hodges shares personal stories from the field, the three key forms of moral injury he uncovered (transgression of self, transgression by others, and betrayal), and how leaders are coping—or not. He offers both sobering truths and practical strategies, especially for administrators like Susan who are seeking integrity-driven leadership without burning out.

If you've ever felt like the system is asking too much of your soul, this conversation is for you.

In this moving episode of Brighter Together, Mitch Cumings—Chief Strategy Officer of Berrien Springs Public Schools—shares how relationship-driven alternative education models are rewriting the future for thousands of Michigan students.

From overcoming generational poverty to designing student-centered programs that reach across urban and rural communities, Mitch walks us through how his team builds education around people, not just policy. You’ll hear real stories of student triumphs, the hard truth about public funding for alternative ed, and how strong adult relationships are making graduation a reality for over 1,300 students a year.

This episode is a masterclass in designing flexible systems that honor student dignity and meet learners exactly where they are.

Mitch Cumings is most passionate about progressive learning models and how they can inspire change across the education landscape. His mission is to ensure that all students, no matter their circumstances, have access to high quality learning opportunities. A classroom teacher, then a school principal, he now dedicates his efforts to designing, supporting, and advocating for non-traditional learning programs. Toward that work, he serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Berrien Springs Public Schools and also serves on several statewide and national committees, all focused on improving how we do teaching and learning.

He is currently a PhD candidate at Old Dominion University, studying Instructional Design & Technology, a field dedicated toward the advancement of human learning and organizational performance. His professional commitments are to engage in systematic design, evidence-based practice, and technology integration to improve learning and performance across all environments.