Q-ed Up Podcast

Tracy Lynn

Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.

  1. 1D AGO

    EP 12: Special Education Challenges and Solutions with Michele Tolson

    Host Tracy Lynn welcomes Michele Tolson, Assistant Director of Secondary Special Education for Kansas City Public Schools, to discuss leading districtwide special education with an equity lens. Michele shares how growing up as one of the few Black students shaped her commitment to representation, inclusion, and making students feel capable and welcomed. She explains her responsibilities overseeing services, staffing allocation, IDEA/IEP compliance, parent concerns, homebound and privately placed students, while navigating a severe national special education staffing shortage. Other topics they discuss include: how charter school dynamics can concentrate higher-need students in the district, the impact of year-round transfers, and strategies such as contract practitioners, expanding paraprofessional capacity, and using retired educators for classroom support and IEP writing. Please like, subscribe, and follow to stay Q-Ed Up for more insights. Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

    37 min
  2. MAR 4

    EP 11: Hiring Trends in Education with David Carlson

    Host Tracy Lynn sits down with David Carlson, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the Lee’s Summit School District, to talk about what it takes to lead HR for a district serving 18,000 students and 3,000 employees. They discuss how hiring has shifted to a candidate’s market and how the district recruits through a strong “grow your own” pipeline, extensive student-teacher placements, and partnerships with universities. Carlson highlights workforce development programming, explains retention strategies, and emphasizes protecting public education’s brand through storytelling and leadership that helps people solve problems. Stay Q-Ed Up for more. Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

    26 min
  3. FEB 18

    EP 10: Recruiting Challenges in Education with Ashley Jones

    In this episode, Ashley Jones, Executive Director of Human Resources at Platte County School District, joins host Tracy Lynn, VP of Growth and Educational Solutions at Quantum Education Professionals, to discuss leadership, community, and the evolving landscape of education. Together, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of recruiting and retaining quality educators, the impact of school size and location on vacancies, and the significance of investing in people. Ashley shares insights into innovative programs and initiatives at Platte County to attract new educators and enhance community involvement. Stay Q-Ed Up for more on this topic. Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

    30 min
  4. FEB 4

    EP 9: Developing Financial Savvy Students with Mike Black

    In this episode of Q-Ed Up, host Tracy Lynn, VP of Growth and Educational Solutions at Quantum Education Professionals, sits down with Mike Black, President and CEO of ESB Financial in Emporia, Kansas, for a conversation at the intersection of education, community, and financial literacy. Together, they talk through what financial literacy can look like across elementary, middle school, and high school, plus practical ways schools, families, and local banks can support students as they learn money management over time. The discussion includes ideas like learning through games, classroom incentives, fundraisers as real-world learning moments, and what it can look like when community partners show up as educators. Please like, subscribe, and follow so you stay Q-Ed Up for the conversation. Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

    54 min
  5. JAN 21

    EP 8: Creating Supportive School Systems with Sasha Kalis

    In this episode of Q-Ed Up, host Tracy Lynn sits down with Sasha Kalis, whose career spans more than two decades within the Park Hill School District. From elementary classroom teaching to building leadership and now serving as Director of Human Resources, Sasha shares her perspective on what it means to support people across every role in a school system. Their conversation reflects on the transition from leading a single building to serving an entire district, the importance of educator voice, and how lived experience in schools shapes decision-making in HR. Sasha also talks about listening to support staff, building strong connections, and staying visible in schools while working at the district level. Please like the video, subscribe to Q-Ed Up, and stay connected for more educator-driven conversations shaping education. Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

    30 min
  6. JAN 7

    EP 7: Modernizing HR for K-12 Education with Daniel O'Shaughnessy

    In this episode, host Tracy Lynn, VP of Growth and Educational Solutions at Quantum Education Professionals, connects with Daniel O’Shaughnessy, CEO and Co-Founder of Red Rover. Together, they explore his path in K12 Human Resources, the experiences that shaped Red Rover’s development, and the ideas that guide their approach to supporting educators and school communities. Their conversation touches on leadership, intentional design, and the value of creating a workplace culture where people feel supported and heard. Stay Q-Ed Up with the people, resources, and stories shaping education. Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

    18 min
  7. 12/10/2025

    EP 6: Shaping School Culture with Dr. Stephanie Amaya

    In this episode, Tracy Lynn, VP of Growth and Educational Solutions at Quantum Education Professionals, joins Dr. Stephanie Amaya, Assistant Superintendent of HR at Grandview School District, for a conversation about her path in education and the experiences that have influenced her work. They talk through leadership development, mental wellness, empathy, and ways schools can encourage supportive environments for students and staff. Dr. Amaya also reflects on her involvement with an inclusive autism program and the considerations that guide that effort. Tune in as we continue sharing the science, soul, and stories shaping education. Please like, subscribe and follow us to stay Q-Ed Up on the conversation! Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

    34 min
  8. 11/26/2025

    EP 5: Transforming School Recruitment and Retention with Amy Joyce

    In this episode, Tracy Lynn, VP of Growth and Educational Solutions at Quantum Education Professionals, chats with Amy Joyce, Executive Director of the Missouri Association of School Personnel Administrators to shed some light on the role HR can play in schools. Amy shares her journey spanning over three decades in public education, discusses strategies for recruiting and retaining talent, explores the importance of training and succession planning, and how HR impacts the overall climate and culture of school districts. Tune in for valuable insights and recommendations for HR professionals and educators alike. Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.   Quantum Education Professionals connects schools with the specialized staff they need, from nurses and therapists to special education and STEM teachers. With over 20 years of experience, our Q360 Workforce Solutions make staffing simple, freeing administrators to focus on students while we provide the right professionals to support learning.   Be sure to like and subscribe. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Q-edUp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2pJzMXRQ2EXTQKYN2RCgw5 Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/q-ed-up/id1835570996

    36 min

About

Q-Ed Up amplifies the voices of educators. Hosted by Tracy Lynn, this show shares real stories from teachers, leaders, and innovators—digging into what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next in education through science, soul, and stories. Sponsored by Quantum Education Professionals.