What does it take to move from the classroom to leading a school through meaningful change? In this episode of Great Leaders = Great Schools, host Jessica Chapman of the Florida Charter Institute sits down with Jessica Hill, Principal of Pinellas Preparatory Academy, to explore her inspiring journey from teacher to turnaround leader. With more than 20 years of experience across district and charter systems, Hill reflects on what it takes to lead charter schools through growth, rebuild culture, and drive academic transformation. Grounded in Jim Collins’ concept of Level Five leadership—where deep humility meets fierce professional will—this conversation highlights the trust, mission, and student-centered focus that define extraordinary school leadership.

Host Jessica Chapman of the Florida Charter Institute welcomes Lacy Roberts and Derek Danne of Newberry Community School to Great Leaders = Great Schools for a conversation about their journey through the charter conversion process. A charter school conversion happens when an existing public school transitions into a charter school, gaining more flexibility in how it operates while still remaining a public school serving local students. In this episode, Lacy and Derek share what it’s like to be right in the middle of that process—guiding their school community through an important shift while staying grounded in local leadership, vision, and student needs. Opening in August 2026 in Newberry, Florida, Newberry Community School is an exciting example of how charter schools across the state are growing through innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student success.

New host Jessica Chapman sits down with Joseph Gatti and Nevin Seifert of Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology, an “A”-rated Florida charter school known for its hands-on, field-based learning. They share how staying true to their mission and leading with purpose has fueled lasting impact — proof that transformational leadership often happens close to home, on just one tank of gas.

Dr. Miller is a nationally recognized expert in charter school leadership, governance, and strategic planning, whose career epitomizes the relentless pursuit of excellence and impact. As the author of The Ten Indicators of High-Performing Charter Schools and a Global Gurus Top 30 Education Leader, Dr. Miller has spent over two decades helping schools build the governance and leadership capacity needed to thrive.

nationwide.

Currently, Tom serves as the Executive Director of The Seaside School, one of Florida’s first and most successful charter schools. In his role, Tom is leading a visionary $40 million campus expansion designed to deepen Seaside’s STEM programming, experiential learning, and dual enrollment partnerships.

Tune in to hear how this Level 5 leader levels up!

Learn more about The Seaside School (https://www.seasideschools.net/) or Leaders Building Leaders (https://www.leaders-building-leaders.com/).

Learn how Johna leads with passion, enthusiasm, authenticity and selflessness.

Tune in to hear how this Level 5 leader levels up!

Learn more about Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science: https://www.hollywoodcharter.org/

In this episode of Great Leaders, Great Schools, host Dana Vignale welcomes Jeff Skowronek, Executive Director of Pepin Academies, to discuss how this innovative charter school network empowers students with learning disabilities to thrive. Jeff shares his philosophy of "making the box bigger"—leveraging education, therapeutic services, and inclusive practices to meet students where they are and unlock their full potential.

Learn how Pepin Academies' unique therapeutic educational model and transitional program prepare students not just for graduation, but for life. Jeff also reflects on his leadership journey, strategies for teacher retention, and the power of focusing on strengths rather than deficits.

Whether you're an educator, school leader, or advocate for exceptional students, this inspiring conversation is packed with insights that challenge conventional thinking about education and inclusion.

Ann Eisenberg is a founder and executive director of Palm Beach School for Autism. Ann is fiercely committed to providing an innovative education and behavioral support to individuals with ASD.

Palm Beach School for Autism was founded in 2003 by a group of parents who were seeking a better education for their children with autism.  The founders of the school wanted a program that would provide individualized education and therapy to children with autism.

And they found that the existing options were not meeting their needs. They began researching best practices and consulting with the experts in the field of autism education to develop a program that would address the specific needs of their children. The program is designed to be highly individualized and data driven with each child receiving a customized educational plan based on their unique needs and strength. Beginning with 30 students, Palm Beach school for Autism now serves a almost 400 students in prep - grade 12 

Tune in to hear about Ann’s great work that extend far beyond the school walls and into the community. 

Learn more about Palm Beach School for Autism 

https://pbsfa.org/

In 2011, Galileo School for Gifted Learning opened its first campus. The school's model brings gifted learning practices to all of its students to provide them with opportunities to engage fully in their education. Galileo is currently two campuses in Orlando and Sanford, serving almost 1, 400 students in grades K through 8.

Michelle Nunez, Principal and CEO, took the helm shortly after and has committed to providing innovative, research-based education in a nurturing environment for gifted and talented students and those who want to learn in a gifted learning environment that will challenge and motivate them to pursue their passionate interests in service to others.

Learn how Michelle cultivates her student empowerment principles to create a truly engaging learning experience for children.

Tune in to hear how this Level 5 leader levels up!

Learn more about Galileo School for Gifted Learning:

https://https://www.galileogiftedschool.org/

Live at the 2024 Impact Summit and Awards we are diving deep into the inspiring journey of Dr. Dogan Tozoglu, the visionary behind River City Science Academies. Known affectionately as Dr. T, he shares his unique path from a newcomer evaluating programs in Leon County to founding a network of top-performing charter schools in Duval County. This episode explores the relentless perseverance, strategic partnerships, and community engagement that transformed educational prospects for thousands of students through a focus on STEM disciplines. Tune in to discover how Dr. T's leadership and the collective efforts of dedicated educators have reshaped the educational landscape, setting a benchmark for what it means to be a Level 5 leader in the charter school domain.

Learn more about River Science Academy:

https://www.rivercityscience.org/

In 2000, Suzanne Legg, founder and CEO opened the Dayspring Academy, the first charter school in Pasco County and remains the highest-performing school in the Tampa Bay area. Dayspring's growth story is nothing short of impressive, now accommodating over 1,200 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade across five campuses. Their latest venture, Dayspring Angeline, is slated to open its doors in August 2024, welcoming an initial cohort of 400 students from pre-kindergarten to 5th grade.

Learn how Suzanne cultivates community and faculty commitment from her "lead from the middle" style.

Tune in to hear how this Level 5 leader levels up!

Learn more about Dayspring Academies:

https://dayspring.academy/