Great Leaders. Great Schools.

Jessica Chapman

Great schools don’t happen by chance; they are built by great leaders. Jessica Chapman of the Florida Charter Institute brings you Great Leaders. Great Schools., a podcast for principals, charter school leaders, teachers, and K–12 educators committed to building schools that thrive. Inspired by Jim Collins' Level 5 Leadership, each episode shares stories, strategies, and insights from leaders strengthening school culture, developing teams, and improving student outcomes.

  1. Ep 21: Inside the Collegiate Charter School Model

    MAR 30

    Ep 21: Inside the Collegiate Charter School Model

    In this episode of Great Leaders, Great Schools, host Jessica Chapman of the Florida Charter Institute sits down with two mission-driven education leaders who are transforming what high school can look like. Dr. Karen Peck, Head of School at the State College of Florida Collegiate School in Venice, and Kelly Monod, Associate Vice President of Collegiate Schools, share how their innovative charter school model across multiple campuses prepares students for college long before graduation. Students in their program graduate not only with a high school diploma, but with an Associate’s Degree earned through full dual enrollment on a college campus. Dr. Peck, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as a Staff Sergeant at the Pentagon, discusses how lessons from military leadership like teamwork, clarity of mission, and disciplined systems, shape the way she leads schools today. Together, Dr. Peck and Kelly Monod explain how the collegiate charter model supports accelerated students while maintaining strong systems of support through academic coaching, mentoring, and collaborative teacher leadership.

    30 min
  2. Ep 20: Excellence Through Connection

    MAR 16

    Ep 20: Excellence Through Connection

    Join Jessica Chapman of the Florida Charter Institute as she sits down with Patricia Pagozalski and Ahmet Akyurek from the Tallahassee School of Math and Science - TSMS, -- a shining example of excellence in Florida’s charter schools. They explore how strong connections—between students, teachers, and the community—fuel academic success and a thriving school culture. They are a wonderful example of leadership grown within a charter school. Patricia and Ahmet share insights, stories, and practical strategies that showcase the power of relationships in creating outstanding learning environments. This episode is essential listening for educators, charter school leaders, and anyone interested in the innovations driving Florida’s schools forward.

    29 min
  3. Ep 19: From Teacher to Turnaround Leader

    MAR 2

    Ep 19: From Teacher to Turnaround Leader

    What does it take to move from the classroom to leading a school through meaningful change? In this episode of Great Leaders = Great Schools, host Jessica Chapman of the Florida Charter Institute sits down with Jessica Hill, Principal of Pinellas Preparatory Academy, to explore her inspiring journey from teacher to turnaround leader. With more than 20 years of experience across district and charter systems, Hill reflects on what it takes to lead charter schools through growth, rebuild culture, and drive academic transformation. Grounded in Jim Collins’ concept of Level Five leadership—where deep humility meets fierce professional will—this conversation highlights the trust, mission, and student-centered focus that define extraordinary school leadership.

    25 min
  4. Ep 18: Goodness in Action: Newberry's Conversion Story

    FEB 18

    Ep 18: Goodness in Action: Newberry's Conversion Story

    Host Jessica Chapman of the Florida Charter Institute welcomes Lacy Roberts and Derek Danne of Newberry Community School to Great Leaders = Great Schools for a conversation about their journey through the charter conversion process. A charter school conversion happens when an existing public school transitions into a charter school, gaining more flexibility in how it operates while still remaining a public school serving local students. In this episode, Lacy and Derek share what it’s like to be right in the middle of that process—guiding their school community through an important shift while staying grounded in local leadership, vision, and student needs. Opening in August 2026 in Newberry, Florida, Newberry Community School is an exciting example of how charter schools across the state are growing through innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student success.

    26 min
  5. Ep 17: One Tank Trips & Transformational Leadership with Joseph Gatti and Nevin Seifert of Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology

    11/06/2025

    Ep 17: One Tank Trips & Transformational Leadership with Joseph Gatti and Nevin Seifert of Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology

    New host Jessica Chapman sits down with Joseph Gatti and Nevin Seifert of Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology, an “A”-rated Florida charter school known for its hands-on, field-based learning. They share how staying true to their mission and leading with purpose has fueled lasting impact — proof that transformational leadership often happens close to home, on just one tank of gas.

    42 min

  6. 07/30/2025

    Ep 16: The Goal Without a Plan is Just a Wish w/ Dr. Tom Miller of The Seaside School

    Dr. Miller is a nationally recognized expert in charter school leadership, governance, and strategic planning, whose career epitomizes the relentless pursuit of excellence and impact. As the author of The Ten Indicators of High-Performing Charter Schools and a Global Gurus Top 30 Education Leader, Dr. Miller has spent over two decades helping schools build the governance and leadership capacity needed to thrive. nationwide. Currently, Tom serves as the Executive Director of The Seaside School, one of Florida’s first and most successful charter schools. In his role, Tom is leading a visionary $40 million campus expansion designed to deepen Seaside’s STEM programming, experiential learning, and dual enrollment partnerships. Tune in to hear how this Level 5 leader levels up! Learn more about The Seaside School (https://www.seasideschools.net/) or Leaders Building Leaders (https://www.leaders-building-leaders.com/).

    36 min

  7. 12/30/2024

    Ep 15: It Starts with You with Johna Giordano of the Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science

    Johna Giordano has been the principal of the Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science (HAAS) for the past four years yet has been with HAAS for nine years.Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science (HAAS) is committed to educational excellence every time. HAAS is relentless in pursuing excellence in visual and performing arts and STEM education for our growing leaders. Opened in 2004 with 400 students and now has grown to 1600 serving children K- 8. Learn how Johna leads with passion, enthusiasm, authenticity and selflessness. Tune in to hear how this Level 5 leader levels up! Learn more about Hollywood Academy of Arts & Science: https://www.hollywoodcharter.org/

    40 min
  8. Ep14: Making the Box Bigger with Jeff Skowronek of Pepin Academies

    12/19/2024

    Ep14: Making the Box Bigger with Jeff Skowronek of Pepin Academies

    In this episode of Great Leaders, Great Schools, host Dana Vignale welcomes Jeff Skowronek, Executive Director of Pepin Academies, to discuss how this innovative charter school network empowers students with learning disabilities to thrive. Jeff shares his philosophy of "making the box bigger"—leveraging education, therapeutic services, and inclusive practices to meet students where they are and unlock their full potential. Learn how Pepin Academies' unique therapeutic educational model and transitional program prepare students not just for graduation, but for life. Jeff also reflects on his leadership journey, strategies for teacher retention, and the power of focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Whether you're an educator, school leader, or advocate for exceptional students, this inspiring conversation is packed with insights that challenge conventional thinking about education and inclusion.

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Great schools don’t happen by chance; they are built by great leaders. Jessica Chapman of the Florida Charter Institute brings you Great Leaders. Great Schools., a podcast for principals, charter school leaders, teachers, and K–12 educators committed to building schools that thrive. Inspired by Jim Collins' Level 5 Leadership, each episode shares stories, strategies, and insights from leaders strengthening school culture, developing teams, and improving student outcomes.

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