Brighter Together
Brighter Together with Janet L. Courtney is a podcast dedicated to real stories from the front lines of education leadership. Hosted by Janet L. Courtney, Founder and CEO of Lighthouse Therapy, the podcast highlights the voices of school leaders who are making a difference—sharing practical insights, creative solutions, and inspiring moments of growth.
All Episodes
Not the Parent’s Fault: Reclaiming Compassion in Special Education - Patty Garcia
What happens when we stop blaming families and start transforming systems? Patty Garcia, Assistant Director at ESC Region 14 and host of the Sped Talk podcast, brings a refreshing, no-excuses voice to this episode of Brighter Together. Drawing from her background as a teacher, coach, and SPED administrator, Patty breaks down how Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) must be rooted in compassion—not compliance. She shares how silos between general and special education get in the way of real student growth and how service centers can lead the way in bridging those gaps. This episode is a bold call to every educator who believes empathy belongs in every IEP meeting, hallway conversation, and data review.
The Power of One: Martin DuBois on Community, Special Education, and Saving a Generation
In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Martin DuBois, the superintendent of Reading Community Schools in Michigan. Martin shares his insights on the vital role of community support in education and discusses the challenges and triumphs he faces in special education. He emphasizes the importance of helping even one student, as it can have a generational impact. We explore current initiatives in Reading, including exciting facility upgrades and the significance of upcoming bond renewals. Martin's passion for special education shines through as he reflects on his journey and the unwavering commitment of his staff to support all students. Join us for an inspiring conversation about community, resilience, and the power of one.
The School Culture That Stays: How Dr. Jeanetta Cooper Builds What Teachers Won’t Leave
How do you build a culture people want to stay in? In this joy-filled and fiercely intentional episode, Dr. Jeanetta Cooper, Principal of Urbana Elementary School, opens up about how she built a staff culture that retains over 80% of teachers year after year—without burning them out. Her approach? Greet your staff every morning. Greet your students at the door. Send them off at the end of the day. And in between? Love them, see them, and carry their burdens when needed. Dr. Cooper reminds us that school culture isn’t a climate survey—it’s a daily act of leadership. This episode is a blueprint for every school leader who wants to lead with humanity and results.
Vision That Works: How Larkspur Is Building 2036, One Layer at a Time - Dr. Brett Geithman
In this episode of Brighter Together, I sit down with Dr. Brett Geithman, the superintendent of Larkspur-Corta Madera Elementary School District. Together, we explore the ambitious vision that will shape the district through 2036. Dr. Geithman shares insights into their strategic planning process, emphasizing the importance of empowering staff through dedicated professional development. He discusses the multi-layered approach to enhancing education, aligning community values with student needs, and leveraging innovative practices. Join us as we delve into how Larkspur is not only setting a long-term vision but actively implementing strategies to ensure all students thrive in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. Tune in to learn how collaboration and forward-thinking are paving the way for success in education.