In this moving episode of Brighter Together, Mitch Cumings—Chief Strategy Officer of Berrien Springs Public Schools—shares how relationship-driven alternative education models are rewriting the future for thousands of Michigan students.

From overcoming generational poverty to designing student-centered programs that reach across urban and rural communities, Mitch walks us through how his team builds education around people, not just policy. You’ll hear real stories of student triumphs, the hard truth about public funding for alternative ed, and how strong adult relationships are making graduation a reality for over 1,300 students a year.

This episode is a masterclass in designing flexible systems that honor student dignity and meet learners exactly where they are.

 

Mitch Cumings is most passionate about progressive learning models and how they can inspire change across the education landscape. His mission is to ensure that all students, no matter their circumstances, have access to high quality learning opportunities. A classroom teacher, then a school principal, he now dedicates his efforts to designing, supporting, and advocating for non-traditional learning programs. Toward that work, he serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Berrien Springs Public Schools and also serves on several statewide and national committees, all focused on improving how we do teaching and learning.

He is currently a PhD candidate at Old Dominion University, studying Instructional Design & Technology, a field dedicated toward the advancement of human learning and organizational performance. His professional commitments are to engage in systematic design, evidence-based practice, and technology integration to improve learning and performance across all environments.