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
Brighter Together Top 5 Episodes - Season 1
What happens when educators refuse to accept that a student’s circumstances must determine their future? In this special Brighter Together recap, Podcast Producer, Logan Chew revisits the five most-viewed conversations of the year—and one unforgettable honorable mention. These stories explore practical youth suicide prevention, housing support for unaccompanied students, culturally responsive education, inclusive special education, transition programs, and work-based learning. Meet John Humphries, Susan Austin, Kelly LaBelle-Lewis, Sandy Morrill, Tenderly Logan, and Lacy Hollingsworth, and discover ideas that schools and communities can adapt to create safety, belonging, purpose, and hope. Watch the full episodes through the links below, subscribe, and share this celebration with an educator who needs encouragement.
The IEP Ceiling Myth: Why Your Best Students Have IEPs - Jared Bissen
An IEP is not a limitation on student potential—it's a tool that opens doors to college readiness and career success. In this episode, Jared Bissen, Director of Special Education at Gem Prep Schools, challenges the harmful myth that students with individualized education plans have lower ceilings, sharing how his charter network has helped students with IEPs graduate as valedictorians, earn full scholarships, and pursue associate degrees. Discover how reframing IEPs from restrictive labels to service delivery mechanisms transforms parent expectations and student outcomes.
The One Decision That Stopped Teacher Burnout at Delhi USD - Eric Griffin
Superintendent Eric Griffin shares the leadership philosophy that transformed Delhi Unified School District: empowering staff before setting expectations on them. Discover how one conversation with union leadership shifted the district from unsustainable demands to sustainable excellence, unlocking measurable gains in student outcomes, attendance, and teacher retention while keeping "what's best for kids" at the center of every decision.
Stop Pulling Kids Out: Why Inclusive Co-Teaching Changes Everything - Brandon Bernard
Brandon Bernard, Director of Special Education at Heritage Academy in Mesa, Arizona, reveals why removing students from general education classrooms actually widens achievement gaps—and shares the co-teaching model that keeps special education scholars with content experts and age-appropriate peers while they earn associate degrees. Discover how treating special education as a service, not a place, transforms outcomes for students with disabilities.