Brighter Together

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 “Wellness Wednesdays” and team retreats that preserve mental health, Andrea shows how investing in adults leads to better outcomes for students. She also shares how her own trauma-informed lens as an educator and administrator shapes how she leads—with honesty, humility, and fierce belief in possibility.

If you’ve struggled to balance compliance with compassion, or are seeking ideas to retain your SPED staff while lifting up your learners—this episode delivers both strategy and soul.

Because when schools support their teams… students soar.

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 their project-based and environmentally centered curriculum that empowers teens beyond traditional classroom settings. We delve into the importance of recognizing each student's unique needs and maintaining strong relationships that promote emotional intelligence. Join us for a conversation that highlights the transformative power of education in nurturing both students and teachers alike.

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 face. He highlights the transformative impact of the Eyewellness program, which uses simple surveys to identify students in need and foster connections with caring adults. Together, we explore how these proactive measures can reshape educational environments, reduce stigma, and ultimately save lives. Tune in to discover how empathy and support can create brighter futures for our students and communities.

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 programs and shared staffing models, Lance shares how small schools are rewriting the script on what it means to give students access, support, and opportunity. And why believing in your community might just be the best recruitment strategy of all.

If you lead in a small district, this episode will hit home. If you're building one, it's your roadmap.

What if the future of special education leadership isn’t about control—but about connection?

In this episode of Brighter Together, David Zitin, Director of Special Education at Olive Grove Charter School, shares how emotional intelligence, empathy, and bold adaptability have helped him lead through shifting models, policies, and communities.

David unpacks what it means to lead with heart—and still make big things happen.

You’ll hear:

- How Olive Grove’s hybrid SPED model transforms learning for rural and nontraditional students

- What it really takes to build trust with multilingual families and diverse communities

- Why emotional leadership is essential in the face of burnout, political tension, and policy changes

If you’re a SPED director, school leader, or changemaker feeling the pressure of 2025’s education landscape, this conversation will restore your sense of purpose—and remind you what adaptive leadership can really look like.

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 paraprofessionals, career-changers, and high school students are becoming tomorrow's teachers through Talent Together, a collaborative solution now backed by nearly $100 million in state funding.

Eric doesn't just talk strategy. He shares how empathy, vision, and real collaboration created one of the largest teacher pipeline programs in the nation—and why this model is transforming not just classrooms, but entire school communities.

For leaders who want real change without losing themselves (or their team) in the process, this conversation is your blueprint.

Listen in, then share with someone who's ready to rethink what's possible in education leadership.

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 intelligence as well. We explore the unique "impact year" program, designed for seniors who need extra time to discover their passions and prepare for college or trade careers. Julia highlights the importance of developing essential soft skills and how supportive structures help students navigate their transition to adulthood. Join us as we uncover how Pathways High is reshaping education and empowering students for future success.

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 into their strategic planning initiatives, the importance of community engagement, and the necessity of preparing students for a rapidly changing world. We also touch on the pressing issue of teacher shortages and the innovative steps being taken to inspire the next generation of educators. Join us as we highlight the power of hope and collaboration in overcoming systemic challenges in education.

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 differences between boys and girls, and the alarming rise in anxiety and emotional challenges among students. We discuss innovative approaches, such as wellness centers and social-emotional learning programs, designed to foster resilience and connection in the classroom. Join us for an enlightening conversation about rethinking education and the power of empathy in creating supportive learning environments.

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 curiosity drive the mission. If you’ve ever asked yourself, ‘Are we really serving the whole child?’—this episode is your answer.