The Thrift Shop That Changed How We Teach Work - Sandy Morrill

The Thrift Shop That Changed How We Teach Work - Sandy Morrill

In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Sandy Morrill, the transition coordinator at Shelton School District in Connecticut. Sandy shares the inspiring journey of launching a unique thrift shop, The Thrifty Gale, that serves dual populations: students with special needs and fellow classmates seeking affordable clothing options. We explore how this initiative not only provides invaluable vocational training for the students but also fosters community engagement and inclusivity. Sandy discusses the challenges faced in creating this program, from finding a suitable space to ensuring it meets the needs of all students. Tune in to discover how The Thrifty Gale is transforming lives and changing perceptions about thrift shopping in schools, all while equipping students with essential life skills for their future.

Team Inspired Student Desired: A Sup's Playbook - Josh Meyer

What happens when a school stops chasing trends—and starts building people instead? In this episode of Brighter Together, Superintendent Josh Meyer shares how a small, high-performing district stays grounded in what works: strong teams, deep relationships, and intentional leadership. From hiring the right people over perfect credentials to navigating AI without losing clarity, Josh offers a practical, refreshing perspective on leading schools in a fast-moving world. If you are balancing innovation with stability, growth with culture, and pressure with purpose—this conversation will meet you where you are. Because strong schools are not built by accident. They are built by teams who know exactly why they do what they do.

From Lockdown to University: How Life Skills Changed Everything For The Better - Jera Pieper

Jera Pieper, Director of Special Education at Franklin Jefferson County Special Education District, shares her journey from school psychologist to BCBA and now district leadership, emphasizing her passion for behavior support and systems-level impact. She explains how her co-op model serves 22 rural districts by pooling resources to deliver specialized services efficiently, while also navigating legal, operational, and staffing challenges. Jera highlights the importance of practical life skills, strong systems, and collaborative problem-solving to ensure student success—especially for those with the most intensive needs.

"Every Student. Some Success. Every Day." The Mentorship Mindset - Alex Sharick

What if the most powerful strategy in education isn’t a program, but a mindset? In this episode of Brighter Together, Alex Sharick, Director of Special Education at Plymouth Shiloh Local School District, shares what 30 years in education has taught him about leadership, relationships, and building systems that actually work for students. From the life-changing impact of mentorship to the evolution of MTSS and behavior supports, Alex challenges a common assumption: that better outcomes come from doing more. Instead, he reveals how clarity, collaboration, and understanding the why behind student needs can transform an entire district. In a time when educators are overwhelmed by initiatives, Alex brings the focus back to what matters most: every student experiencing success—every single day. If you’re leading teams, supporting diverse learners, or trying to build a culture that sustains both students and staff, this conversation will meet you where you are—and challenge where you’re going.

From Turnover to Stability: How One District Rebuilt Its Culture - Erika Bare

What does it actually take to turn a struggling district into a place where educators want to stay—and students can thrive? In this episode of Brighter Together, Superintendent Erika Bare shares how her district moved from nearly 25 percent staff turnover to building a stable, high-performing culture in just a few years. But this isn’t a story about quick fixes. It’s about intentional systems. From rethinking hiring practices to redesigning onboarding, coaching, and staff support, Erika reveals how focusing on people—not just programs—created measurable change in both staff retention and student outcomes. And at the center of it all is one overlooked leadership skill: communication. Because the way adults talk—to students, to families, and to each other—shapes everything from behavior to burnout. If you’re navigating staffing challenges, culture shifts, or trying to build a system that actually supports your people, this conversation offers a clear, practical path forward.