Q-ed Up Podcast

EP 16: The Truth About Inclusion with Dr. Frances Stetson

What if the real opposite of inclusion is exclusion? In this episode of Q-Ed Up, Tracy Lynn talks with Dr. Francis Stetson, a longtime leader in special education and inclusive practices, to explore how schools can move beyond labels, outdated systems, and limiting beliefs. Dr. Stetson shares stories from the early days of special education reform, what has changed over the last 50 years, and why the future of education depends on individualized support, shared ownership, and creating schools where every student belongs. In this episode: • Why inclusion is really about ending exclusion • How mindset shapes student opportunity • The importance of individualized education plans • Why leadership matters in systems change • What schools still get wrong about disability • How expectations impact student outcomes • Why supports need an exit strategy • What progress in special education really looks like • Lessons from the past 50 years of education reform • What the future of inclusive schools could become About the Guest Dr. Francis Stetson is a nationally respected voice in inclusion, special education systems change, and educational leadership with decades of experience at the classroom, state, and national levels. About the Host Tracy Lynn is the host of Q-Ed Up and Vice President of Growth and Educational Solutions at Quantum Education Professionals. With a background in special education and educational leadership, Tracy is passionate about supporting schools, elevating educator voices, and creating conversations that blend the science, soul, and story shaping education. Subscribe for more conversations with educators, leaders, and experts shaping what comes next. Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

EP 15: Avoid Special Ed Mistakes with Julie Weatherly

About the Guest Julie Weatherly is a nationally recognized attorney focused on special education law, educator training, and supporting school systems through evolving legal challenges. About the Host Tracy Lynn is the host of Q-Ed Up and Vice President of Growth and Educational Solutions at Quantum Education Professionals. With a background in special education and educational leadership, Tracy is passionate about supporting schools, elevating educator voices, and creating conversations that blend the science, soul, and story shaping education.   Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp [https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 [https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5] Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996]

EP 14: 50 Years in Special Education with Dr. Luann Purcell

In this episode of Q-Ed Up, host Tracy Lynn sits down with Dr. Luann Purcell, Executive Director of the International Council of Administrators of Special Education at CASE, to talk about a career that spans more than five decades in education and special education. From starting in the classroom at just 19 years old to helping shape systems and support structures at the district level, Dr. Purcell shares what she has learned about students, teaching, and the role educators play in shaping outcomes. This conversation reflects on how far special education has come, what has changed, and what still matters in supporting students and families. This episode covers: + How one teacher adapted instruction before special education was formalized + What changed after legislation brought structure to special education + Why collaboration between educators and families matters more than ever + The reality of what families experience outside the classroom + How instructional practices can impact student behavior and success + The importance of professional community and connection for educators + What new teachers should know as they begin their careers Listen in for a thoughtful look at how education continues to evolve through experience, reflection, and connection. Please like, subscribe and follow us to stay Q-Ed Up on the conversation! Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

EP 13: Finding Your Path in Education with Dr. Jarius Jones

In this episode of Q-Ed Up, we sit down with Dr. Jarius Jones, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources in Kansas City, Kansas, to talk about the mentors and mindset that shape a career in education. From a pivotal experience in middle school math to leading at the district level, Dr. Jones shares how belief, opportunity, and perseverance can influence not only a career path but the lives of others along the way. This episode explores: + The moment that shifted Dr. Jones’ path into education + How belief and opportunity can change a student’s trajectory + The role experience plays in shaping leadership in schools + What aspiring educators may consider before entering the field + How districts can support and inspire future educators If you’ve ever thought about working in education or wondered what draws people to this work, this episode is for you! Dr. Jones offers a perspective from someone who has experienced the education industry at every level. Listen in and stay Q-Ed Up for what’s next. Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

EP 12: Special Education Challenges and Solutions with Michele Tolson

Host Tracy Lynn welcomes Michele Tolson, Assistant Director of Secondary Special Education for Kansas City Public Schools, to discuss leading districtwide special education with an equity lens. Michele shares how growing up as one of the few Black students shaped her commitment to representation, inclusion, and making students feel capable and welcomed. She explains her responsibilities overseeing services, staffing allocation, IDEA/IEP compliance, parent concerns, homebound and privately placed students, while navigating a severe national special education staffing shortage. Other topics they discuss include: how charter school dynamics can concentrate higher-need students in the district, the impact of year-round transfers, and strategies such as contract practitioners, expanding paraprofessional capacity, and using retired educators for classroom support and IEP writing. Please like, subscribe, and follow to stay Q-Ed Up for more insights. Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996