Brighter Together

What the Top 1% of Special Ed Leaders Know About Inclusion

In the complex world of special education, some leaders stand out not just for their expertise, but for their transformative approach to inclusion. What if you could unlock the strategies that turn challenging classroom dynamics into powerful learning experiences for ALL students?

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Megan Surso, Special Education Coordinator at Strongsville City Schools, who brings over a decade of innovative leadership in creating truly inclusive educational environments. In this must-listen episode, Megan reveals the insider insights that separate good special education programs from extraordinary ones.

What You'll Discover:

• How to shift organizational mindsets about disability and potential

• Practical strategies for implementing meaningful inclusion

• Techniques for supporting students with intensive needs

• Ways to build collaboration across school buildings

• Overcoming common fears and barriers in special education

Key Insights:

"The disability is just a part of that person" - This powerful perspective encapsulates Megan's revolutionary approach to special education leadership.

Whether you're a school administrator, special education teacher, or passionate about creating equitable learning spaces, this episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire new possibilities.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true thought leader in special education. Listen now and transform your understanding of inclusive education!

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join the movement towards more compassionate, effective special education.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Nancy Popp, the superintendent of Granton Area School District in Wisconsin, a small rural school that boasts remarkable achievements despite its modest size of just 250 students. Nancy shares insights into how this tight-knit community collaborates to support education, from dedicated local volunteers to innovative programs that keep the arts alive. We discuss the challenges faced by rural schools, including staffing shortages and funding issues, and explore the unique environment that fosters strong relationships among students, families, and educators. Join us as we uncover how small schools can achieve big results and the power of community in education.

🎧 Breaking Barriers: Transforming Special Education Team Dynamics

Are your team meetings draining energy instead of driving student success? What if there was a way to reimagine collaboration that truly centers neurodiversity and student outcomes?

Join host Janet Courtney as we welcome Kelly Rogers, Special Education Coordinator from Charlevoix Emmett Intermediate School District, for a groundbreaking conversation about revolutionizing special education team meetings.

In this powerful episode, Kelly shares innovative strategies for:

• Creating more inclusive, collaborative team environments

• Supporting new educators working with diverse student populations

• Integrating trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practices

• Maximizing limited resources in small school districts

• Developing meaningful implementation frameworks

"Neurodiversity is crucial in education," Rogers emphasizes. Her insights offer a transformative roadmap for administrators and educators committed to meaningful, student-centered special education practices.

Provocative Quotes:

• "We're really trying to model the importance of collaboration and partnering around implementation to ultimately improve outcomes for kids."

• "PBIS plus means intentionally integrating trauma-presumed, social-emotional learning, and neurodiversity affirming services."

Don't miss this game-changing episode that will reshape how you think about special education teamwork. Listen now and start your transformation!

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Stoney Winston, the superintendent of Fruitland School District in Idaho, to discuss the pressing challenges rural districts face when it comes to funding. With Idaho ranking 50th in per-student funding, Stoney highlights the innovative strategies his district employs to thrive despite financial constraints. We delve into the implications of newly implemented voucher programs and the impact on public education. Stoney shares inspiring success stories, including significant improvements in student performance and high attendance rates, showcasing how dedication and community support can lead to positive outcomes. Join us as we explore the resilience of rural education systems and the vital role they play in leveling the playing field for all students.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Rob Effa, the superintendent and principal of North Cow Creek Elementary School District, who shares an inspiring success story about drastically reducing behavior referrals by over 60% in just one year. Rob explains how implementing a comprehensive behavior support model empowered educators to proactively address student needs and foster a positive learning environment. He discusses the vital role of dedicated resources, team collaboration, and data-driven strategies in transforming school culture. Tune in to discover how small districts can achieve significant behavioral improvements and create a supportive atmosphere where every student can thrive.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Jason LeMay, the district administrator of the School District of Ladysmith in Wisconsin. We delve into the critical topic of rural education and the often-overlooked potential of rural students. Dr. LeMay shares his insights on the importance of stability for students and families, discussing how factors like food and financial security significantly impact educational success. Drawing from his extensive experience in rural schools, he emphasizes that greatness is achievable for students from all backgrounds. Join us as we explore the transformative power of education and the vital role that community support plays in fostering success in rural areas. Tune in to discover how we can collectively uplift our rural students and recognize their potential for greatness.

Rural Schools Are Dying - Unless You Do This Now

In rural America, schools are more than just buildings—they're the heartbeat of entire communities. But with declining enrollment and mounting challenges, many districts are fighting for survival. What if there was a blueprint for not just saving rural schools, but transforming them into vibrant, innovative learning centers?

Join host Janet Courtney for a powerful conversation with Mark Stamper, veteran district administrator from Flambeau School District, who shares an unfiltered look at the real challenges—and extraordinary opportunities—facing rural education today.

Mark Stamper brings over two decades of educational leadership experience, having navigated the complex landscape of rural school administration with creativity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to student success.

In this must-listen episode, you'll discover:

• Innovative strategies for addressing declining enrollment

• How small schools can become community anchors

• Creative workforce development approaches

• Practical solutions for supporting working parents

• The unexpected strengths of rural educational ecosystems

Standout Moments:

"In a small rural setting... the school building is like a community center. There's always something going on here." - Mark Stamper

Key Insights:

- Rural schools aren't dying—they're evolving

- Community engagement is more critical than ever

- Flexibility and innovation are rural education's superpowers

Whether you're a school administrator, community leader, or passionate about educational equity, this episode offers hope, strategy, and actionable insights.

Don't miss this game-changing conversation. Subscribe now and join the movement to reimagine rural education.

Listen. Learn. Lead.

📢 Breaking the Silence: How One School District Transformed Student Mental Health

What if preventing youth suicide didn't require massive budgets or complicated interventions? In this powerful episode, John Humphries, Director of New Lisbon School District, reveals a groundbreaking approach that dramatically reduced suicide risk by 40% - without adding a single staff member.

Guest Expert:

John Humphries brings over two decades of educational leadership experience, with a passionate commitment to student well-being and inclusive education. As district director, he's pioneered innovative strategies that challenge traditional thinking about student support.

In this must-listen episode, you'll discover:

• How targeted relationship-building can prevent student mental health crises

• Practical, low-cost strategies for identifying at-risk students

• The critical importance of creating a culture where every student feels valued

• Specific interventions that meaningfully reduce suicide risk

• Why understanding disability inclusion is central to student mental health

Powerful Quote: "Those kids didn't think that they were going to be missed and they were terribly missed. Everybody felt so bad that they made that choice."

For educational leaders committed to creating supportive, life-changing school environments, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and a roadmap for meaningful transformation.

Listen now and be part of the solution. Your students are counting on you.

Subscribe and share with colleagues who are passionate about student well-being.

In this enlightening episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Joe Fagnant, the superintendent of Region School Unit Twenty-Nine in Houlton, Maine. Joe shares his innovative vision for education, emphasizing the importance of personalized pathways for students that align with their passions, whether it’s flying or other careers. He discusses the challenges faced by small communities in education and the vital role of collaboration between schools, families, and local businesses. Joe highlights initiatives aimed at early childhood education and career pathways for high school students, demonstrating how hands-on experiences and community engagement can inspire the next generation. Tune in to explore a transformative approach to education that seeks to uplift both students and the community.

In this episode of Brighter Together, I have an insightful conversation with Enrique Lopez, the director of special education at San Joaquin County Office of Education. We delve into why many special education leaders struggle to implement love-first education and how they can succeed in creating nurturing environments for students with emotional disabilities. Enrique shares real-life experiences that emphasize the importance of building trusting relationships with students, allowing them to feel heard and safe. He discusses the impact of love in education, the challenges faced by students with emotional and behavioral needs, and the strategies that can help educators thrive in their roles. Join us as we explore how prioritizing love and connection can transform educational experiences and outcomes for our most vulnerable students.