Season 1 of Wake Up and Teach, hosted by Kelly Education President Nicola Soares, invites listeners into candid conversations with education leaders who confront some of today’s most urgent workforce challenges. Across seven thought-provoking episodes, the series explores topics ranging from teacher shortages and burnout to innovative staffing models and the development of special education pipelines. Each discussion delivers actionable insights, proven strategies, and inspiring success stories, making it a must-listen for district leaders, HR professionals, and anyone dedicated to strengthening and sustaining the education workforce.
In the first episode, Kelly Education President Nicola Soares is joined by Susanne Griffin, Vice President of Greenwood Asher and Associates, and Brad Beckner, North Practice Leader at Kelly Education. Together, they explore the complex landscape of today’s education workforce. The discussion addresses fluctuating demand, critical teacher shortages, and the post-pandemic realities that new superintendents face. As schools navigate these challenges, the conversation emphasizes workforce planning as an essential strategy for long-term success.
Key Takeaway: Addressing fluctuating demand and critical teacher shortages in the post-pandemic education landscape can improve retention rates and long-term success
Listen to the full episode HERE >
Nicola Soares speaks with Justin Wing, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at Mesa Public Schools in Arizona, about innovative approaches to one of education’s most pressing issues: teacher burnout. They highlight creative ways to support educators’ well-being while maintaining high academic standards, including restructuring roles and expanding opportunities for certification.
Key Takeaway: Creative strategies like restructuring educator roles and expanding certification opportunities are effective ways to combat teacher burnout while upholding high academic standards.
View the full episode HERE >
In this episode, Nicola Soares is joined by Amy Bouque, Chief People Officer at Kelly Services, to discuss six key elements that contribute to what they call People Success. The conversation centers on building a supportive work environment that enables educators to thrive, leading to stronger outcomes for students and the education system as a whole.
Key Takeaway: Fostering a supportive work environment, forces on six key elements: purpose, growth, well-being, empowerment, and connection, is critical to empowering educators and driving better student and system outcomes.
Hear the whole conversation HERE>
Brent Madden, Executive Director of the Next Education Workforce at Arizona State University, joins Nicola Soares to discuss systemic changes needed to expand and redefine educator roles. The episode examines innovative staffing models designed to meet student needs while moving beyond traditional education structures.
Key Takeaway: Innovative staffing models and systemic reforms can expand and redefine educator roles, enabling schools to meet better the diverse needs of students beyond traditional teaching structures.
Listen to the full episode HERE >
Nicola speaks with Dr. Dan Sims, Superintendent of the Bibb County School District, about the importance of workforce effectiveness in driving student success. They explore strategies for maximizing educator impact, emphasizing that productivity and efficiency must be balanced with a human-centered approach that values and supports staff.
Key Takeaway: Balancing productivity with a people-centered approach ensures that workforce planning not only maximizes educator impact but also fosters a supportive environment that drives student success.
View the full episode HERE >
Dr. Catina Lyles, Chief Human Resources Officer at the Special School District of St. Louis County, shares the importance of sustained support for special education professionals. The episode highlights hiring strategies, intentional collaboration, and tailored professional learning as ways to enhance outcomes for all students.
Key Takeaway: Sustained support, strategic hiring, and tailored professional learning development for special education staff can not only strengthen the workforce but also improve outcomes for all students.
Hear the full conversation: HERE >
In the final episode of the series, Nicola speaks with Bill Briggman, Chief Human Resources Officer for Charleston County School District, about how policy, planning, and leadership can empower educators. The discussion showcases strategic initiatives that bring real change, focusing on pay, professional growth, and collaborative decision-making.
Key Takeaway: Sustainable workforce transformation depends on pay equity, educator voice, early career support, and strong community partnerships.
Listen to the full episode HERE >
Season 1 of Wake Up and Teach demonstrates that, while the challenges facing today’s education workforce are complex, solutions are well within reach when districts prioritize innovation, collaboration, and a people-first approach. From reimagining educator roles to strengthening special education pipelines and amplifying teacher voices, each episode offers a clear roadmap for meaningful, lasting change. As these leaders illustrate, by planning strategically, investing in educator support, and responding to the evolving needs of students, we not only build a stronger workforce, we also secure the future of education itself.