Bold Women Collective Backstory Podcast
Bold Women Collective Backstory Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to the Bold Women Collective: Backstory Podcast—a space where the stories of trailblazing women in education come to life. In each episode, we dive deep into the journeys of women who have shaped the classroom and the future of learning. From educators and administrators to policy changers and advocates, these incredible women share the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and the bold steps they’ve taken to make an impact.
This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and boldness.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes of resilience, empowerment, and educational innovation, with episodes that delve into topics like leadership challenges faced by superintendents during the pandemic, the integration of technology in the classroom, and transformative opportunities in education. Specific examples include discussions on the personal experiences of superintendents during COVID-19 and the impact of innovative strategies on teaching practices.
Welcome to the Bold Women Collective: Backstory Podcast—a space where the stories of trailblazing women in education come to life. In each episode, we dive deep into the journeys of women who have shaped the classroom and the future of learning. From educators and administrators to policy changers and advocates, these incredible women share the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and the bold steps they’ve taken to make an impact.
This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and boldness.
What does it really look like to lead with empathy—while balancing high expectations, limited resources, and the weight of caring deeply for others?
In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, host Jolene Levin sits down with Melissa Shaffer, Director of Special Education at Central Cambria School District in Pennsylvania, for a heartfelt and illuminating conversation about purposeful leadership, inclusive education, and supporting students across the full continuum of needs.
Melissa shares her unexpected path into special education—from studying psychology and discovering her passion while working with individuals with disabilities, to becoming a district leader committed to inclusion, trust, and relationship-building. Together, Jolene and Melissa explore what special education looks like in a rural district, the power of mentorship, and why purposeful leadership is less about titles and more about creating spaces where people feel they belong.
They also dive into:
- Leading inclusive special education programs from kindergarten through transition age
- Building trust and partnership with families
- Supporting educators so they can sustainably support students
- Balancing accountability with compassion in today’s schools
- Navigating student mental health and resilience
- Preparing students for life beyond high school
- Leading with clarity, intention, and heart
Listen now and be reminded: purposeful leadership starts with belonging—and grows through care, trust, and shared responsibility.
Recorded at The Leadhership Network Conference
Disclaimer
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