Wake Up and Teach
Anyone who grew up being taught by a favorite teacher knows that—above all else—people are the heart and soul of a functioning education system. As the nation's largest provider of education talent, we at Kelly Education understand the critical role that high-quality educators and staff play in unlocking student potential. On Wake Up and Teach, by Kelly Education, we'll explore how school districts nationwide are reimagining the education workforce. From unconventional strategies to inspiring tales of success, each episode offers invaluable insights into how we can forge new paths for preK-12 talent, together. We’ll take you step-by-step through new and...Show more
All Episodes
Episode 8: The Fiscal Side of Education Staffing
In this episode of Wake Up and Teach, host Nicola Soares, President of Kelly Education, sits down with Kelly Coash-Johnson, Executive Director of the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. They explore the fiscal pressures impacting school staffing today, from increasing healthcare costs to the challenges of staying competitive with private sector salaries. Kelly shares practical strategies districts are using to rethink staffing models, maximize limited resources, and build a more resilient workforce. They also talk about the role of community partnerships, flexible staffing approaches, and differentiated professional development in supporting both educators and budgets. If you're navigating tight resources in your district, this episode offers valuable insights you can put into action.Episode 7: How Charleston County Is Reshaping the Teaching Workforce
What does it take to build a sustainable and resilient education workforce in today’s climate of shortages and burnout? In this episode of Wake Up and Teach, host Nicola Soares, President of Kelly Education, speaks with Bill Briggman, Chief Human Resources Officer for Charleston County School District. With more than two decades of leadership in South Carolina, Bill has implemented bold strategies to make educator pay more competitive, expand certification pathways, and create a culture where teachers and staff feel heard and supported. He shares how CCSD launched its own certification program, raised teacher salaries significantly, and brought educators into decision, making roles to shape long-term improvements. The conversation also explores the importance of early-career support, the role of substitute teachers in the staffing ecosystem, and how community partnerships play a vital role in professional growth. This episode offers a practical look at what it means to empower educators through meaningful policy, planning, and leadership.Episode 6: Why Special Education Talent Is Key to Helping All Students Thrive
In this episode of Wake Up and Teach, host Nicola Soares, President of Kelly Education, talks with Dr. Catina Lyles, Chief Human Resources Officer at the Special School District of St. Louis County—Missouri’s largest specialized education provider. They explore how strategic hiring, intentional collaboration, and long-term support for special education professionals can benefit all students in the classroom. Dr. Lyles shares how her district is rethinking the pipeline, recruiting from within, partnering with higher ed, and embracing general ed teachers who want to specialize. Nicola and Catina also dig into why inclusion works best when general and special ed teams plan together, how AI can save teachers time, and why professional learning must be tailored for real impact. It’s a candid conversation full of insight for school leaders, HR professionals, and anyone committed to building a more inclusive learning environment.Episode 5: How Workforce Planning Drives Student Success
In this episode of Wake Up and Teach, host Nicola Soares, President of Kelly Education, sits down with Dr. Dan Sims, Superintendent of the Bibb County School District in Georgia, to talk about one of the most powerful levers in education: workforce effectiveness. With nearly three decades in public education, Dr. Sims shares how Bibb County’s strategic plan—anchored in their “Theory of Action”—connects educator support and staff well-being directly to student achievement. Nicola and Dr. Sims unpack how to build and refine a people-first strategy in education, including how to empower teachers, engage support staff, and create systems of accountability and recognition that actually work. They also explore how thoughtful collaboration and leadership development can reduce burnout, boost retention, and create joyful learning environments.