Ep. 26: Leading Strong Special Education Systems

Ep. 26: Leading Strong Special Education Systems

As schools begin planning for the new school year, few conversations are more important than how we support students with disabilities and the educators who serve them. In this technical episode of Great Leaders, Great Schools, Jessica Chapman sits down with Reagan Chalmers, Director of Exceptional Student Education at the Florida Charter Institute, for a practical conversation designed specifically for school leaders. Reagan Chalmers unpacks the leadership systems behind effective special education programs including IDEA, FAPE, LRE, MTSS, evaluations, timelines, service delivery, scheduling, communication with families, and progress monitoring. This episode goes beyond compliance and paperwork to focus on what truly matters: building school systems that help students thrive. Whether you are a veteran administrator or still learning the complexities of ESE, this conversation offers practical guidance, leadership insight, and actionable strategies you can immediately apply in your school community. Topics include: • MTSS and intervention systems • Child Find and evaluation timelines • IEP implementation and service delivery • Inclusive practices and least restrictive environment • Communication with families • Scheduling and staffing considerations • Monitoring student progress with fidelity • The leadership mindset behind strong ESE systems If you found this episode valuable, share it with another school leader, ESE coordinator, or student support team member.

Ep. 25: The Relationships that Shaped Spring Creek

In Episode 25 of Great Leaders, Great Schools, Jessica Chapman sits down with Wesley Locke, principal and CEO of Spring Creek Charter School in Paisley, Florida. Spring Creek was Florida’s first conversion charter school. Wesley shares the story behind Spring Creek’s deep community roots and the relationships that have shaped its culture, leadership, and long-term success. Drawing on his service in the Marine Corps, his early years as a music teacher, and his path into school leadership, he reflects on what it takes to lead a school built on trust, consistency, and care. This conversation explores how strong relationships between staff, students, families, and the broader community have defined Spring Creek’s identity, and why leadership is ultimately about people, not positions. This episode offers a powerful look at how schools are built, sustained, and strengthened through the relationships at their core.

Ep. 24: A Castle, A Community, and a First-Year Charter Principal

In this episode of Great Leaders, Great Schools, FCI's Jessica Chapman and special co-host Ramsey speak with Dr. April Smith, first-year principal of Treasure Village Montessori in Islamorada, Florida. Dr. Smith reflects on stepping into leadership at a K–8 Montessori charter school housed in a real castle in Islamorada, FL. She shares what she’s learning in her first year, how she’s prioritizing stability and observation, and what it means to lead a long-standing school community while honoring its culture. The conversation explores leadership challenges, systems thinking, classroom visibility, and why strong schools are built on people, patience, and connection.

Ep. 23: Inside FCI Educate- Supporting Success

In this episode of Great Leaders, Great Schools, Jessica Chapman takes a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening through FCI Educate with guest Kathryn Perkins, leader of FCI’s Educate division. Together, they explore how meaningful professional learning can move beyond inspiration and into real implementation that impacts teachers, instructional leaders, and ultimately student outcomes. Kathryn shares the philosophy behind FCI Educate’s work, the importance of research-backed instructional practices, and how schools across Florida are using these strategies to strengthen teaching and learning. The conversation also highlights FCI Educate’s upcoming Summer 2026 professional learning opportunities, including the Leading for Learning: The Power of Studying Student Work Institute for school leaders and the highly anticipated Teach Like a Champion workshops featuring renowned educator Doug Lemov. If you’re passionate about instructional leadership, evidence-based teaching practices, and building systems that help schools thrive, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration for your team, and our menu of offerings Summer 2026!

Ep. 22: More Than A School: Purpose & Possibility

In this episode of Great Leaders. Great Schools., Jessica Chapman sits down with Carlos Alvarez, principal of SLAM Miami and President of the CIVICA Educational Foundation, for a powerful conversation on what it means to build more than a school. Carlos shares his journey from paraprofessional to founding charter school principal to leading a growing network of charter schools across the country, all rooted in a clear mission: creating purpose and possibility for every student. Together, they explore: * What it really takes to build a charter school from the ground up * How strong culture and authentic relationships drive student success * Why connecting education to real-world opportunities changes everything * The role of career pathways, partnerships, and exposure in shaping student futures * How great leaders balance high expectations with deep care At the core of this conversation is a simple but powerful belief: charter schools should help students see who they can become, and give them the tools to get there. If you believe education should open doors, spark purpose, and expand what’s possible for every student, this episode is for you. Because when leadership gets better, schools become more than a place to learn, they become a launchpad for life.