Starting with the end in mind and then reverse-timelining the project to create milestones and checkpoints.
Bethany Rayl · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Bethany
Bethany Rayl is an accomplished educational consultant, leader, and lifelong learner with more than 33 years of experience across public K–12 education. Her career began in the classroom, where she taught subjects including English language arts, social studies, health, and physical education and served as a reading specialist. She went on to hold leadership positions including assistant principal, elementary principal, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, superintendent, and Chief Academic and Innovation Officer for Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, one of Michigan’s largest school districts.
Today, Bethany serves as the President and Founder of Global Success Skills, LLC, where she provides customized, job-embedded professional learning and consulting for educators and school systems. Her areas of expertise include generative AI in education, differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning, project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, curriculum development, instructional innovation, and educational leadership. She is particularly passionate about helping educators use emerging technologies thoughtfully to create more personalized, engaging, and effective learning experiences while keeping student needs and professional judgment at the center.
Bethany holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Jones International University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has received numerous honors, including Michigan Health Teacher of the Year, an Eleanor Roosevelt Fellowship from the American Association of University Women, and multiple Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers recognitions. Through her consulting work, professional associations, and continued exploration of emerging educational practices, Bethany remains committed to empowering educators, advancing innovation, and transforming learning into meaningful real-world impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Bethany
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to continuous learning, curiosity, perseverance, strong mentorship, and embracing change. Throughout my career, I have challenged myself to grow from classroom teaching into leadership, administration, superintendency, innovation, and consulting. Mentors, particularly women leaders, helped strengthen my confidence, while my commitment to lifelong learning has kept me open to new technologies, strategies, and opportunities for growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from the many mentors and strong women leaders who encouraged me throughout my career. Seeing women lead successfully gave me valuable examples to learn from and helped shape my own leadership approach. Those experiences also inspired me to mentor others by offering the encouragement, perspective, and guidance that can make a meaningful difference at important moments in a career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
There may be people who discourage you from entering this field, but it is one of the most rewarding careers because you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference that can impact generations. Follow your heart and pursue your passion, because staying true to what inspires you will bring fulfillment and rewards in many different ways.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in education has always been differentiating instruction, given the time and effort it requires. Today, generative AI offers exciting opportunities to make differentiation more efficient. I am exploring Universal Design for Learning as a foundation, building differentiation on top of it, and using AI to amplify and personalize learning even further.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are lifelong learning, innovation, service, mentorship, curiosity, balance, and making a meaningful difference in others’ lives. I believe education can create an impact that stays with students for a lifetime, and I am committed to paying forward the mentorship I have received. Outside of work, I enjoy urban decay photography, STEM-related exploration, and learning new skills, most recently playing guitar. For me, having more freedom means continuing to learn, explore my passions, and maintain a healthy balance between meaningful work and personal fulfillment.
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