Podcast appearances and mentions of kevin stoller

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Carla Cummins is joined by her daughter Jennifer Cummins and special guests Candace Seda and Stephanie Seda for a fun and thought-provoking dive into Disney's 2006 cultural phenomenon High School Musical. With a multigenerational panel of educators, designers, and education advocates, the group explores how the film's catchy tunes, teen drama, and feel-good message intersect with real-life high school experiences. Set at the fictional East High School, High School Musical follows Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez as they challenge stereotypes, break out of their expected roles, and redefine what it means to belong. The conversation goes beyond choreography to unpack deeper themes of identity, student voice, peer pressure, and the often rigid boxes students are placed in. Carla, Jenny, Candace, and Stephanie reflect on how the film's message of “breaking free” still resonates with students today. They discuss the importance of cultivating environments where young people feel seen, safe, and empowered to pursue their full potential—whether on the court, in the lab, or on stage. Together, they celebrate the magic of student-centered learning while confronting the real challenges schools face in living that out.   Takeaways: Students are more than stereotypes. Just like Troy and Gabriella, students thrive when given the freedom to explore interests outside of their “assigned” labels. Schools should nurture the whole child—not just the athlete, the scholar, or the artist. When students try something outside of the norm, they need allies—peers, teachers, and parents—who encourage them to break free from expectations and find their voice. Culture eats curriculum for breakfast. A strong, inclusive school culture is the foundation for student growth. The environment at East High showed how cliques and unwritten rules can restrict potential. Candace reflected on how High School Musical—with its vibrant sets, energetic common spaces, and distinct zones for different student identities—influences how designers think about school environments today. The film reminds us that the physical space of a school tells a story. When designing schools, it's not just about functionality; it's about creating places where students feel inspired, seen, and connected.     About Candace Seda, NOMA, AIA, NCARB: Candace Seda is an Atlanta-born architect with almost a decade of professional experience in the K-12, higher education, civic, and medical office sectors. She earned her B.S. Arch and M. Arch from the Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in graphic design and sustainability. As the daughter of an educator, she channels her passion for education and community to create inspiring learning environments, positively impacting the educational experience for future generations. Candace leverages her graphic design expertise to craft visually compelling and cohesive spaces through experiential graphics. Known for leading conversations on inclusion and equity, Candace aims to make quality design accessible to those historically excluded or overlooked, benefiting both clients and industry professionals.  She accomplishes this through her work at Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture, organizations like VANOMA and Diversity Architecture, as well as her design firm Candace Seda Design.   About Stephanie Seda: Stephanie Seda, a 26-year-old 5th-grade teacher based in Athens, GA, is deeply committed to empowering Black and Brown students to become confident leaders. With a strong passion for Social Studies education, Stephanie strives to make history come alive for her students, encouraging them to engage with the world around them. Outside the classroom, Stephanie is an avid reader and TV enthusiast, always ready for a thoughtful conversation. When she's not teaching or discussing the latest book or show, you can find her singing or roller skating, embracing her creative side and enjoying life to the fullest.   Learn More About Craig Gaulden Davis | PBK Website: https://cgdarch.com/       Learn More About Candace Seda, NOMA, AIA, NCARB: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candaceseda/   Learn More About Jennifer Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cummins-/         Connect with host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/     Episode 228 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Kevin Stoller is joined by longtime educator and podcast host Steve Miletto to unpack the 1984 film Teachers, a gritty dramedy that offers an unflinching critique of the American public school system. Directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Nick Nolte, Teachers dives headfirst into the dysfunction, bureaucracy, and burnout often hidden behind school walls. Set in a troubled urban high school, the story centers on idealistic teacher Alex Jurel, who's caught between his desire to make a difference and a system that seems determined to maintain the status quo. With subplots involving a mentally ill teacher who was never removed, a student lawsuit, and apathetic staff, the movie blurs the line between satire and sobering reality. Kevin and Steve discuss how many of the themes from Teachers—such as disengaged leadership, systemic failure, and student disillusionment—still resonate in today's schools. Their conversation explores what's changed (and what hasn't) in the decades since the film's release, the importance of strong school culture, and how educators can lead with purpose in the face of institutional challenges. It's a raw and honest discussion about the role of teachers, the need for systemic change, and the heart it takes to truly connect with students.   Takeaways: Teachers (1984) offers a satirical yet sobering critique of the American public school system, many of which still resonate today. The character of Alex Jurel represents the struggle of passionate educators trying to make a difference within a broken system. The episode explores how authentic relationships and emotional intelligence are still the most powerful tools educators have. The discussion underscores the mental health toll on both students and teachers in rigid, outdated school environments. Despite the challenges, the film and the conversation both reinforce why committed, caring educators matter more than ever.   About Steve Miletto: Steven Miletto, EdD has been an educator in Georgia(US) for 38 years. He has served public school families as a history teacher, assistant principal, high school principal, and RESA (Regional Education Service Agency) Executive Director in the Heart of Georgia RESA (8 years) and now with North Georgia RESA (3years). In 2009, he was the Georgia Principal of the Year and a finalist for NASSP/MetLife National Principal of the Year in 2010. In 2007 he received the Atlanta Braves/AT&T Educator of the Year Award. His focus in education is to help kids achieve their dreams.   Learn More About Steve's Podcast, Teaching Learning Leading K12 Website: https://www.stevenmiletto.com/episodes/     Learn More About Steve Miletto Website: https://www.stevenmiletto.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmiletto/ Twitter: https://x.com/SRMiletto YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKFLbruqt3wFKTMQg56gDtg     Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 227 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Mean Girls, directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, is a cult classic teen comedy based on Rosalind Wiseman's book Queen Bees and Wannabes. The film humorously yet accurately portrays the harsh realities of high school social dynamics, focusing on cliques, peer pressure, and the impact of popularity on self-identity. The story follows Cady Heron, a homeschooled girl navigating the cutthroat social hierarchy of public high school life after moving from Africa. As she infiltrates "The Plastics," the school's most popular clique, Cady faces a moral dilemma that tests her values, self-image, and relationships. Though often comedic, the movie sheds light on serious issues like bullying, conformity, and the challenges of adolescence. In this episode, Kevin Stoller, Nancy Shapiro Rapport, and Steven Shapiro discuss the movie through the lens of parenting and education. They explore the challenges faced by kids and parents in today's society, particularly focusing on the mental health crisis and the breakdown of family structures. The conversation delves into character analyses, the impact of school environments, and the importance of emotional health in raising children.   Takeaways: Consistent, intentional conversations about values and behavior are essential for raising resilient, emotionally healthy children. Small, deliberate actions can lead to significant, long-term results. A strong family culture, built on open communication and shared values, can help children navigate social pressures and define their identity. Parents need to engage in ongoing discussions about kindness, respect, and self-worth. Technology has fundamentally changed how teens communicate and form relationships. Setting boundaries around device use and fostering in-person connections can help counteract the isolating effects of screen time. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and social interactions can be intense and confusing. Understanding the pressures teens face helps parents provide better support. Schools can support parents by reinforcing positive behaviors and values, while communities can provide a support network for parents navigating the challenges of raising children. Comedy can be an effective way to connect with teens, understand their world, and initiate meaningful conversations. Movies like Mean Girls use humor to highlight real issues in adolescence.     About Steven Shapiro: Steven Shapiro is a veteran school reimaginer, with over 30 years of K-12 classroom teaching experience, 15 concurrent years as a high school humanities program director, and four years as a district leader of experiential learning. Steven is the host of the acclaimed podcast Experience Matters. He delivers keynote presentations on topics including supporting parents in the digital age, addressing the youth mental health crisis, and designing authentic learning experiences. Steven and his wife Susan are the proud parents of three adult children.   About Nancy Shapiro Rapport: Nancy spent the majority of her 34-year public-education career as a school counselor, supporting students and parents in navigating the challenging “middle years.” Her leadership roles in professional development and crisis management showcased her ability to identify needs, empathize with various stakeholders, and deliver results. As a certified Hudson Institute coach, Nancy has extensive training in coaching and human development. She has taught courses on learner mindset and question thinking, helping adults pursue a life of curiosity, inquiry, and possibility. Nancy brings a wealth of experience in both child and adult learning to her role as co-founder of Our Family Culture. Most importantly, she is the proud parent of two adult children, Emily and Jacob.     Learn More About Our Family Culture: Website: https://ourfamilyculture.org/     Connect with Steven Shapiro: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-shapiro-experience-matters/   Connect with Nancy Shapiro Rapport: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancysrapport/   Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 226 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Few movies capture the essence of leadership, teamwork, and adaptability quite like Top Gun. While it's a high-octane film about elite fighter pilots pushing their limits, the lessons it offers extend far beyond the cockpit—straight into the world of education. Just like Maverick and his fellow aviators must embrace continuous learning, mentorship, and resilience, educators and school leaders face the challenge of preparing students for an ever-evolving future. In this review, we'll break down the powerful parallels between Top Gun and education, exploring what it means to foster a high-performance learning environment where every student can take flight.   Takeaways: Just like Top Gun pilots constantly train and refine their skills, educators must embrace ongoing professional development to adapt to new teaching methods, technologies, and student needs. Maverick learns from his instructors and teammates, just as students benefit from strong teacher-student relationships. Great educators inspire, challenge, and support students to reach their full potential. While Top Gun pilots start as fierce competitors, they quickly realize success depends on working together. In education, collaboration among teachers, administrators, and students creates the best learning environments.   About Stacey Waxtan: Stacey tells her client's story with every selection, building a user experience with intention, form, and delight. A New York City native with a touch of Minnesota nice, she leads the HUNT Interiors Team with style and grace, developing concepts with client direction and overarching themes. Stacey orchestrates collaboration across disciplines, champions new technologies, and supports a true team environment that celebrates the best ideas. As inspiration is paramount to design, Stacey has traveled to conferences and art exhibits in Paris, Milan, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, and across the United States. Mentoring high school and college students, Stacey strives to inspire the next generation of designers and architects to lead with a design story, and always from the perspective of the end user. Stacey is passionate about community building and art in public spaces. She's a member of AIA, serves as Board Member on the Community Design Center of Rochester, is a repeat team member [and runway model] in the AIA Rochester Product Runway Fashion Show, and practices ballet whenever possible.     FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series Episode 1: Seeing Furniture as an Active Participant in the Learning Environment Episode 2: How to Select the Right Solution and Ensure Buy-In Episode 3: Furniture Procurement Doesn't Have to Be Hard or Scary   What is The End of Average Concept?      Learn More About HUNT EAS: Website: https://www.hunt-eas.com/       Connect with Stacey Waxtan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-veolette-waxtan-87503a6/   Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 225 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

What Do The Incredibles and Educators Have in Common? In our latest Better Learning Podcast episode, we dive into The Incredibles (2004) and uncover powerful insights for educators. Just like Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl face lawsuits that restrict their powers, teachers often feel held back by red tape and policies that limit their ability to innovate in the classroom. We explore how educators can break free from these constraints, unlocking their creativity, adaptability, and empathy to make a bigger impact. Plus, we break down fun film moments that mirror real-life school experiences.   Takeaways: Everyone wants to be special and normal at the same time Teachers aren't the only adults that can have an impact Everyone has their own superpowers Different is okay   About Mercedes Johnson: In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson narrowly survived a commercial airplane crash that killed 160 people, including her parents. She presents her proprietary Second Chance Living concept, an innovative mindset and approach with a proven track record, to organizations such as General Electric, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, NASA, Chevron, and the various branches of the US Armed Forces. Before becoming a speaker, Mercedes spent nearly a decade in high-level sales in the pharmaceutical and medical software industries. A record-breaking, multimillion dollar producer, she became the youngest female and sole Latino account executive at Cerner Corporation. She is an active leader in philanthropic organizations advocating for special needs children and children's health initiatives, notably for Make-A-Wish and The National MPS Society. Mercedes and her story have been the subject of considerable national and international media coverage.   About Katie Riley: Katie Riley's extensive career reflects a strong dedication to transforming education, particularly for students with diverse learning needs. With 25 years of experience in various educational settings, including public and private schools, and her work in parish schools, she has built a reputation as an educator passionate about making a difference for all students. Her journey began in the challenging but rewarding environments of Chicago Public Schools and Dallas Independent School Districts, where she was determined to improve educational outcomes for students with different learning styles. As her career progressed, her expertise expanded, and she took on leadership roles as an educational consultant and an administrator of high-impact schools in Dallas. Katie continues her deep commitment to innovation in education and a drive to advocate for students who may otherwise be overlooked. She is currently an educational consultant who works with schools and families to help ensure all students find an environment where they can be successful.     Connect with Mercedes Ramirez Johnson: Website: https://www.mercedesramirezjohnson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-ramirez-johnson-5536234/ X: https://x.com/MRamirezJohnson     Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 223 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

What happens when competition goes way too far? In this episode, we dive into Battle Royale—the cult classic that makes The Hunger Games look like a friendly school fundraiser—to uncover any connections to education. Joined by TikTok movie reviewers BrandonToksMovies and Ben Treadway, we break down the film's themes of competition, authority, and survival—and how they (thankfully, in a less deadly way) mirror the struggles students face in real life. Can we actually learn anything from this extreme scenario to improve schools? How does this dystopian scenario reflect the pressures students face today? Tune in as we try reading between the lines and figure out what Battle Royale can teach us.   Takeaways: The teacher on the very first day sets the tone for how the class is going to be run Creating connection creates care Don't pit students against each other, foster connection and growth together As a teenager, hormones run the show   Brandon and Ben are the hosts of The Cinemast Podcast, a film podcast where they discuss both new and favorite films from two different perspectives, Ben is the everyman and Brandon is the cinephile. In addition to the podcast, Brandon creates movie-related content on TikTok and Instagram under the username @brandontoksmovies. They both live in Arizona with their families.         Check Out The Cinemast Podcast: Website: https://brandontoksmovies.com/   Connect with BrandonToksMovies: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brandontoksmovies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandontoksmovies/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonToksMovies   Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 222 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

It's 1987. The surf's up, the sun's out, and high school teacher Freddy Shoop is about to have the summer of his life… until he's roped into teaching remedial English to a group of students who would rather be anywhere else. In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Kevin, Eric, and Mark crack open Summer School, the cult classic that blends outrageous 80s comedy with a surprisingly insightful take on teaching, student motivation, and the eternal struggle between fun and responsibility. We break down what makes Mark Harmon's Mr. Shoop one of the most unexpectedly relatable teachers in movie history—does his unconventional, rule-breaking approach make him a terrible educator, or the kind of mentor students actually need? We also dive into the misfit classroom of 80s archetypes, from the horror-obsessed duo of Chainsaw and Dave to the overachieving student with test anxiety, and discuss how these characters still reflect real-world education challenges today.   Takeaways: Connecting with students has a huge impact Sometimes you need respect from students before they like you Have fun and be yourself Take the five seconds to say something individualized to a student     Connect with Eric Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esstoller/   Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 221 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Can one teacher change the course of a student's life? Can curiosity survive in a system that prioritizes conformity? October Sky is more than just a heartwarming story about a boy and his rockets—it's a powerful look at the impact of education, ambition, and the struggle between dreams and expectations. But how accurately does it reflect today's schools? Are students still discouraged from pursuing unconventional paths? Do educators still have the power to ignite change? In this review, we'll break down what October Sky gets right (and where it misses the mark) when it comes to the modern classroom.   Takeaways: Curiosity and inquiry are still not be nurtured in schools Project based learning allows students to be self directed and follow their passions Dreaming doesn't get you where you want to be- action is required Just don't quit! - Advice from Michael Having a network helps when you get stuck   About Michael Duncan: An award-winning superintendent and longtime champion of education transformation, Dr. Mike Duncan is the President and CEO of Battelle for Kids. Mike was one of the longest-serving superintendents in the state of Georgia, leading Pike County Schools for 18 years from 2005 until his retirement in 2023. He worked diligently to reimagine educational opportunities and implement enduring transformation for all students in Pike County. He spearheaded the creation of their Portrait of a Graduate and worked to achieve the district's mission of developing creative problem solvers. Mike was honored as the Georgia Superintendent of the Year in 2021. Under Mike's leadership, Pike County Schools was actively engaged in EdLeader21, the national network of Battelle for Kids, for more than a decade during his superintendency. Mike is also the co-founder and co-designer of the Georgia Deeper Learning Network for Workforce Readiness and Economic Prosperity. An educator at heart, Mike has served as a high school principal and a middle school teacher and principal. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master's degree from the University of Georgia, along with a bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University.   Learn More About Battelle for Kids: Website: https://www.battelleforkids.org/     Connect with Michael Duncan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-duncan-edd/   Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/   Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 220 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Radio is a powerful example of why being different doesn't mean being wrong—and how society often struggles with that distinction. Based on a true story, the film follows the relationship between high school football coach Harold Jones (played by Ed Harris) and a young man with an intellectual disability, James Robert “Radio” Kennedy (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.). Initially an outcast in the community, Radio is taken under Coach Jones's wing, gradually becoming a beloved figure at the school. The film ultimately teaches that just because someone doesn't fit traditional expectations doesn't mean they're wrong or less than. True strength lies in compassion, and real leadership is about lifting others up rather than shutting them out. Radio encourages us to rethink our biases and embrace people for who they are, not just for how they compare to societal norms.   Takeaways: Education should be student focussed Everyone should have a chance to learn One person can change a community     About Meredith Watassek: Meredith Watassek joined Stantec as an Education Planner after more than 24 years in Education. The last nine years of her career as an educator, she served as Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the sixth largest school district in Texas. Meredith has guided dozens of Stantec clients through the engagement process on projects while simultaneously leading planning and specifications development for future academic spaces. Several of her most recent projects include School Master Planning for Alvin Community College, visioning and design of the Career and Technical Education Center for Lamar CISD, and School Master Planning and Specifications for Salteaux First Nations in Saskatchewan, Canada. Before joining Stantec, Meredith oversaw Stantec's design and execution of the James Reese Career and Technical Education Center for Fort Bend Independent School District in Sugar Land, TX, defining program and project scope for the new facility. With a rich background in CTE, Meredith can communicate with educators in a way that architects cannot; because she's been in their shoes, at the front of a classroom, managing both success factors and the student experience. She believes that learning environments shape a student's experience, even if just passively. It is inside schools that students develop beliefs about their ability to be successful. For this reason, Meredith maintains that designers, planners, architects, and contractors have a responsibility to provide the most nurturing environment possible for students.     Connect with Meredith Watassek: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watassek-meredith-a561b23a/ Twitter: https://x.com/MWatassek   Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/   Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 219 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

The hit series Ted Lasso isn't just about soccer—it's about leadership, culture, and the power of belief. On a special episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we sat down with Superintendent Heidie Ciesielski to break down the show's biggest lessons and how they apply to education today. From Ted's optimism to his ability to build a strong, student-centered culture, we explored how school leaders can create environments where students and educators thrive. The series highlights the importance of trust, resilience, and the impact of mentorship—qualities that define great school leadership. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or just a fan of the show, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how the Ted Lasso mindset can shape the future of learning.   Takeaways: There's leaders in all of us Parents have a huge impact on their kids- so impact them for good Be curious, not judgmental There are many different ways to be a good leader It's never too late to be a good person     About Heidie Ciesielski: Superintendent of Fenton Area Public Schools - 26 years in education - previous middle school MASSP principal of the year - previous Executive Director of Teaching and Learning with FAPS. Passionate about organizational leadership, and valuing those that work in the district you lead.     Connect with Heidie Ciesielski: Fenton Area Public Schools Website: https://www.fentonschools.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidie-ciesielski-ed-s-b29527131/ Twitter: https://x.com/HeidieC24     Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/   Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/         Episode 218 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Trevor Muir, an inspiring keynote speaker who celebrated the power of storytelling in education and an avid Harry Potter fan, sits down with host Kevin Stoller and co-host Carla Cummins to dive into the real-world connections between education and the beloved book series. They explore the different teaching styles depicted in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the importance of building strong relationships with students, and how elements of the wizarding world can inform and inspire today's learning environments. At last year's LearningSCAPES conference, we had the pleasure of connecting with Trevor Muir, an inspiring keynote speaker who celebrated the power of storytelling in education. His keynote emphasized how authentic engagement empowers students, even through challenging times, by integrating real-world projects. From screening interviews with WWII veterans to creating helpful guides for recent immigrants, his approach demonstrated the impact of learning beyond the classroom. Now, we just need to provide agile spaces to support this type of transformative learning. Tune in to this magical conversation as we explore how the world of Harry Potter can inspire real-world educational practices.   Takeaways: Everyone has their own superpowers It's important to be intentional when sorting students Caring for your students is one of the most impactful things you can do     About Trevor Muir: Trevor is a teacher, author, creator, and co-founder of the New Teacher Academy. His books The Epic Classroom, The Collaborative Classroom, and New Teacher Mindset have helped teachers worldwide to create purposeful and dynamic learning experiences. Trevor has taught in middle, high school, and college classrooms, as well as pre-service teachers at Grand Valley State University. He was a national faculty member for the Buck Institute for Education and his work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Edutopia, EdWeek, and WeAreTeachers. Trevor's inspiring and informative videos have been viewed over 30 million times. At the heart of Trevor's work is the conviction that every student has the potential for greatness, and that every teacher can be equipped to unlock that potential.   Connect with Trevor Muir: Website: https://www.trevormuir.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theepicclassroom Twitter: https://x.com/TrevorMuir Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epicclassroom/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TrevorMuir   Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/   Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Episode 217 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

In this episode, Kevin Stoller and Carla Cummins as co-host, welcome Dr. Michael Cardona, superintendent at San Marcos School District in Texas. Today's movie is 'The Breakfast Club,' a classic movie from the 80s that dives into the cliques in high school. As always, they give out various awards, including a new category, "Where Are They Now?", which discusses where the characters would be in their lives. They also share personal anecdotes from their own educational experiences and discuss current challenges and innovations in their respective educational roles.   Takeaways: Parents have an impact on the classroom and student experiences You never truly know who someone is until you dive deeper Everyone makes mistakes, but everyone can learn from them   About Dr. Michael Cardona: The San Marcos CISD School Board named Dr. Cardona as Superintendent of Schools in 2016. During his time in San Marcos CISD, Dr. Cardona has implemented a dual language program, expanded AVID districtwide, implemented GEAR Up grants affecting five cohorts of students, and created an Early College model within San Marcos High School. This past year SMHS graduated 39 students who earned their Associate's Degree before high school graduation. During the 2024-2025 school year, San Marcos CISD and Texas State University signed a historic MOU that will place juniors and seniors who meet eligibility onto the university campus for concurrent enrollment with all expenses covered by the university and school district. Dr. Cardona and team have extended the Career and Technical Education program to offer 21 career pathways of studies and added a state-of-the-art STEAM Center on the San Marcos HS campus as part of the 2017 Bond. Dr. Cardona is known as a leader who believes in whole child development. San Marcos provides whole family supports through SEL counselors on all secondary campuses along with Community Schools on every campus. While leading SMCISD, Dr. Cardona also earned his PhD in Education at Texas A&M University College Station. Both Dr. Cardona and his wife, Laura, have taken in all of San Marcos over the last 8 years and Laura is a key member of the San Marcos Mermaid Society. Dr. Cardona's oldest son, Mac, attends Texas State University while his youngest son attends Parents have an impact on the classroom and student experiences Colorado School of the Mines. Dr. Cardona and Laura's daughter attends Texas State University. In their spare time, Dr. Cardona loves traveling and playing with his five Corgis.   Connect with Dr. Michael Cardona: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-cardona-21a51420/ X: https://x.com/mcardona1989   Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/   Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/     Connect with San Marcos Consolidated ISD Website: https://www.smcisd.net/       Episode 216 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

In this episode, Kevin Stoller chats with Dr. Aspasia Angelou, a superintendent in Arizona. She highlights her role as a superintendent and the various initiatives she is leading in her school district. Dr. Angelou shares her background, growing up with Greek immigrant parents, and discusses how her early experiences shaped her drive to pursue education. She talks about her journey navigating educational challenges with limited family support. She also elaborates on the unique challenges of leading a unified school district without a high school and the legislative and logistical hurdles she faced in Arizona. She explains how she tackled these issues, including passing bonds for school funding and creating new high school facilities. Dr. Angelou discusses her approach to integrating innovative programs in her district, such as coding for young students, diverse extracurriculars like archery and agriculture, and designing a new high school from scratch with community input. Takeaways: There is always a way if you are determined enough. It's important to find a balance between honoring tradition and looking for innovation. It is critical for kids to understand technology, but it is also important that they have social experiences and play-based learning early.   About Dr. Angelou: Dr. Aspasia Angelou is the daughter of immigrant parents and a native of Seattle, Washington, where she graduated from the University of Washington. She moved to Texas as an educator and teacher trainer in advanced placement, and then to Oklahoma as a school administrator for 8 years. Dr. Angelou served the students, teachers, and community of Tulsa Public Schools as director of high school design in 2019, leading 4 schools through a redesign project. She is passionate about creating equitable learning environments, opportunities, and outcomes for all students. Her entire career has been committed to serving in Title I urban schools. She was named Oklahoma High School Principal of the Year in 2017 for the academic gains made by her students during her tenure in Oklahoma City. Despite challenges, they made great gains are recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community School by Solution Tree.   Connect with Dr. Angelou: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-aspasia-angelou-25667099/ X: https://x.com/aspasiaangelou   Nadaburg USD #81: Website: https://www.nadaburgsd.org/leadership       Episode 215 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

In this episode, Kevin is joined by Dr. Parul Minhas. They discuss the movie "Freedom Writers", and dive into many facets of the movie, and discuss some award categories such as "Modern Remake" and "Class Clown". They discuss the significance of teacher-student connection, classroom environment, and transformative educational practices. Drawing parallels from Dr. Minhas' experiences, they highlight the importance of empathy, breaking down racial barriers, and innovative teaching approaches that resonate with every child's unique background. About Dr. Parul Minhas: Parul Minhas, Ph.D. Director of Research and Digital Innovation, Education Design International (EDI) Dr. Parul Minhas is a leading expert in educational design, co-authoring influential books like A New Language of School Design and Building Minds: Designing Learning Spaces for Connection and Coherence. As the Director of Research and Digital Innovation at Education Design International, she is passionate about creating nurturing learning environments that support children's well-being. Her work in salutogenic design, neuroarchitecture, and biophilic spaces has significantly shaped the industry. With years of experience as an educator and researcher, Dr. Minhas is a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights on the global stage.   Connect: Email: parul@educationdesign.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-parul-minhas/       Episode 213 of the Better Learning Podcast    Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website_

As we close out 2024, it's time to reflect on an incredible year of growth, innovation, and connection for the Better Learning Podcast. This year, we've continued to explore new ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and amplify voices that are driving meaningful change in education. As we gear up for the new year, our commitment to pushing boundaries and creating impactful content remains stronger than ever. Stay tuned for exciting series, collaborations, and events designed to inspire and empower our community of listeners. Thank you for being a part of our journey this year. Here's to another year of learning, growing, and transforming education—together.   Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   Episode 213 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

In today's polarized society, the role of education leaders has never been more critical. As the landscape of communities becomes increasingly divided, the challenge of fostering unity within schools and districts grows more complex. Education leaders are not just administrators; they are role models, guiding students, staff, and families toward a shared vision of collaboration and respect. Schools are microcosms of society, reflecting the diversity and challenges of the larger world. Education leaders play a pivotal role in creating environments where students feel valued, staff feel supported, and communities feel heard. This responsibility goes beyond managing resources or enforcing policies—it's about inspiring trust, building bridges, and fostering a culture of inclusion. Leading in a polarized society is no small task, but the rewards are profound. By prioritizing unity and modeling inclusive leadership, education leaders can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of their schools. Together, we can transform division into understanding and build communities where every individual feels empowered to contribute. Are you ready to take the next step in fostering unity within your educational community?   Takeaways: Promoting Active Listening: Encourage open dialogue where all voices are heard, ensuring that diverse perspectives are respected and valued. Leading by Example: Demonstrate behaviors that reflect empathy, respect, and a commitment to unity, setting a tone for others to follow. Building Collaborative Relationships: Strengthen partnerships with families, community members, and local organizations to foster a sense of shared responsibility and purpose. Focusing on Shared Goals: Highlight common aspirations, such as student success and well-being, to bring stakeholders together despite differing viewpoints.     About Erin Kane: Prior to serving as Superintendent, guest speaker Erin Kane was serving as the Executive Director of Schools for American Academy, a charter public school in the Douglas County School District that serves almost 3,000 students across three campuses in preschool through eighth grade. Ms. Kane led the effort to found American Academy back in 2004. Under her leadership, American Academy expanded to include additional campuses and a preschool program. In 2016, she led the Douglas County School District as the Interim Superintendent.  Ms. Kane returned to the leadership role at American Academy in the fall of 2018. Under her leadership, the district's academic scores increased, employee morale improved, turnover decreased and the annual spending deficit was eliminated.  Prior to joining American Academy, Ms. Kane spent nearly a decade in the high technology industry in project development, project management, education, consulting and practice management. She holds a Master's degree in Public Administration, along with an engineering degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, from the University of Colorado. Ms. Kane is a Colorado native who has resided in Douglas County with her family for more than two decades.       Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   Episode 212 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website  

What makes Friday Night Lights more than just a football movie? In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we explore how this iconic film captures the heart and soul of high school football in West Texas, delving into the emotional struggles, community pressures, and personal triumphs of the Permian Panthers. They discuss the reality of the high school sports culture portrayed in the movie and how it compares to today's context in Odessa, Texas. They discuss various categories for the movie, such as "Modern Remake", "Realistic and Unrealistic", and "The John Keating Character".  From lessons in resilience and teamwork to the cultural impact of the game, we uncover why this story continues to inspire and resonate far beyond the field. Whether you're a sports fan, an educator, or simply love a powerful narrative, this episode is one you won't want to miss!   Takeaways: The essence of a quality coach or teacher is the ability to motivate and encourage your students or athletes Having a common passion as a community is unifying It's up to adults to help create engaging opportunities for students   About Dr. Scott Muri: Dr. Muri joined the Ector County ISD family as Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2019. Prior to that, he spent four years as the Superintendent of Schools for Spring Branch Independent School District in Houston, TX. During that time achievement gaps narrowed in all academic areas while overall student achievement rose. He fostered innovation in the system by incorporating the redesign process to transform the student learning experience. Prior to taking over at Spring Branch ISD, Dr. Muri served as the Deputy Superintendent of Academics in Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, a large school district with 96,000 students and 100 campuses. Before joining FCS in Atlanta, Dr. Muri spent five years with Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, North Carolina. His roles included Area Superintendent, Zone Superintendent, and Chief Information Officer overseeing research and evaluation, along with technology infrastructure and instructional technology innovation. Dr. Muri's educational experiences include serving as one of the first National Board Certified Teachers in the United States, high school principal, and administrator at Disney's Celebration School in Celebration, FL. Throughout his career, Dr. Muri has demonstrated a passion and ability for leading change, driving organizational effectiveness, and significantly improving student achievement while closing achievement gaps. With a focus on collaboration and excellence, Dr. Muri creates a positive and effective teaching and learning environment.   Education & Certifications: Educational Doctorate, Educational Leadership, Wingate University, Matthews, North Caro lina2011 Master's Degree, Public School Administration, Stetson University, Deland, Florida, 2001 National Board Certified Teacher, Early Adolescence/Generalist, The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 1994 Master's Level Work in Public School Administration, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC Bachelor of Arts in Intermediate Education and Middle School Education, Wake Forest University, Winston‐Salem, NC, 1988   Episode 211 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

What is your favorite school related tv show or movie? In this episode, we feature our annual compilation of interviews conducted at the EDSpaces conference in Houston. This year, with a twist of breaking down the best tv show and movies related to education! Our guests were asked two key questions: What is your favorite school related tv show or movie? What is unrealistic about that movie or tv show?   The guest list includes 3 people from Pennsylvania, 2 from Utah, 5 from Texas, 5 from Missouri, 2 from Montana, 3 from Arizona, 2 from Wisconsin, 3 from California, 2 from Florida, 1 from the states of Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Kentucky, New York, Connecticut, Minnesota and Rhode Island.   Here are the tallies for each of the movies mentioned:   School of Rock - 6 Abbott Elementary - 4 Remember the Titans - 2 Grease - 2 The Sound of Music - 1 Dead Poets Society - 1 Home Alone - 1 Annie - 1 Welcome Back, Kotter - 1 Dangerous Minds - 1 Summer School - 1 Top Gun - 1 Stand and Deliver - 1 To Sir, With Love - 1 Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1 Fast Times at Ridgemont High - 1 Most Likely to Suceed - 1 Gilmore Girls - 1 Glee - 1 The Long Game - 1 A Christmas Story - 1 Billy Madison - 1 The OC - 1 The Breakfast Club - 1 I Love Lucy - 1 Friday Lights - 1 Yesterday - 1 Old School - 1 Boston Public - 1 Freedom Writers - 1 Ted Lasso - 1 Back to School - 1 Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/ Episode 210 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.      For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

In this episode, host Kevin Stoller alongside guests Dr. Michael McDowell and Aaron Eisberg, discuss the movie 'Dead Poets Society'. They explore its themes of conformity, success, and educational transformation while drawing parallels to modern-day educational challenges and experiences. They also give various awards to the movie, such as Most Realistic and Unrealistic aspects and who could replace Robin Williams in a modern remake. They also discuss the changes that could occur if it was remade today. The episode wraps up with insights into Michael and Aaron's innovative visual book project aimed at transforming educational practices.   Takeaways: Being passionate about your work changes education for kids Being unorthodox can have a positive impact You can be successful and be yourself   About Dr. Michael McDowell: Michael McDowell, EdD was a public school educator for eighteen years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent. During his tenure as a superintendent, his school district received state and national accolades including the National Blue Ribbon Award which recognized their work for student performance and mental health and well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic by the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. McDowell serves on educational boards, served as a college professor, and has worked for non-profit organizations to enhance student learning around the world. Over the course of his career, Dr. McDowell has authored bestselling books, created professional learning programs and workbooks, provided keynotes and workshops, and provided practical tools and resources for thousands of teachers and leaders on almost every continent around the world. A prolific author and consultant, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools. Dr. McDowell co-founded Hinge Education and offers keynotes and executive coaching to heads of school around the world, where he partners with educational leaders to implement high leverage strategies that will enhance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and systems.   Socials: X: @mmcdowell13 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmcdowell13/ About Aaron Eisberg: Aaron Eisberg is an international facilitator and an expert in project-based learning, instructional design, and professional development for K-12 educators. With a career that began as a teacher in K-5 classrooms, he has since advised schools and systems on creating rigorous instruction and empowering student voice. As the Director for the Center for Excellence at Napa New Tech High School, Aaron leads professional learning and fosters a student-centered culture focused on academic and 21st-century outcomes. He has a passion for project-based learning and partners with educators globally. Aaron holds degrees in Natural Science and Elementary Education and is a long-standing member of the PBLWorks National Faculty as well as consultant with The Core Collaborative. He is now sharing his experiences and insights as an author. Socials: X: @eisbergpbl LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeisberg/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newtechhighcfe/       Episode 209 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!  

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller speaks with Dr. David Dumon, the superintendent of Altar Valley School District in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Dumon shares his background, from his early school experiences and decision to go into education to his current role as a superintendent. They discuss the challenges and rewards of educational leadership, the importance of striving for academic excellence while maintaining a supportive environment for students and staff, and the innovative approaches Dr. Dumon has taken to address teacher shortages and community engagement. They also covers Dr. Dumon's career progression, the significance of morning routines, and the impact of external pressures such as school labeling on education.   Takeaways: The importance of being visible Providing teachers with the skills need to succeed Not everyone ends up in education the same way Community involvement strengthens the school culture There's more to a school than the labels   Dr. David Dumon serves as the superintendent of Altar Valley School District. He began his career in 1995 as a social studies teacher at Alhambra School District in Phoenix. In 2000, Dr. Dumon started his administrative career at Surprise Elementary, a K – 8 school, in Dysart Unified School District. He spent the next 14 years in Dysart, most of which was as the principal at Surprise Elementary. His school's achievements were recognized in 2012 when he was selected for the Arizona School Administrator, Distinguished Administrator Award – Elementary Division and honored as a finalist for the Rodel Exemplary Principal Award. As superintendent of Altar Valley, Dr. Dumon has focused on ensuring schools run efficiently and allocating resources appropriately, while always considering what is best for kids. Dr. Dumon is committed to maintaining small class sizes and offering free, full-day pre school and kindergarten. In 2022, Dr. Dumon was awarded the All Arizona Superintendent Award for Small Districts and completed his certification for American Association for School Administrators (AASA) National Superintendent Certification. Dr. Dumon is a three-time graduate of Arizona State University where he received his bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. He lives in Tucson with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.   Follow David Dumon on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dumon-ed-d-3541209/ X: https://x.com/ddumon1     Soundbites: “What's one small thing someone can do to change their school?”       Episode 208 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

On this episode of Zero to 5000 with host Drew McClure, Kevin Stoller, co-founder of Kay-Twelve, shares his journey from traditional business beginnings to transforming over 700,000 students' learning environments. Kay-Twelve, a Michigan-based company, is a leader in designing active learning spaces, and its mission has landed the company on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. Kevin delves into the pivotal moment that changed Kay-Twelve's trajectory from merely selling school furniture to driving cultural shifts in education. He also introduces his nonprofit, Second Class Foundation, and its docuseries, What We Show Them, which seeks to ignite conversations about reshaping education through compelling storytelling. Listeners will gain insights into the challenges of scaling a mission-driven business, the importance of designing engaging classroom spaces, and how tools like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) have helped Kevin build a successful, scalable organization. Key Takeaways Kay Twelve's Evolution Started as a school furniture business but transformed into a mission-driven organization. Focuses on designing flexible, modern spaces that promote active learning and engagement. Transforming Education Traditional classroom models serve a minority of students effectively. Flexible, hands-on learning environments supported by data improve outcomes for students. Scaling with Purpose Kevin leveraged EOS tools like accountability charts and prioritization to grow Kay-Twelve effectively. Community support through organizations like EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization) has been key to overcoming challenges. Impact Through Media The docuseries What We Show Them aims to spark national conversations about reimagining education. Storytelling can be a powerful tool to drive societal and cultural change. Personal Reflections Kevin's entrepreneurial journey highlights the importance of aligning passion with purpose, embracing collaboration, and creating systems for sustainable growth. Notable Quotes “We're not selling furniture; we're selling a vision for better learning environments for kids and teachers.” “Traditional classrooms haven't evolved in over 150 years—it's time for a cultural shift.” “Entertainment and media have always driven societal change; education is no different.”

I'm excited to announce my Book Study. Get more info and join me here.Kevin would bring a deep passion and eagerness to discuss the impact of our latest project, the docuseries "What We Show Them" with the goal to engage your audience in a vital conversation about the future of learning, inspiring positive change in education through the power of media.  DO I feel safe in this school? Sign - All visitors need to report to main officeSafety is the basic issue of a school. Docuseries: What we Show ThemSecond Class Foundation - Improve the stories about education through the use of media. Start with the problemGood stories - Bring in the community Entertainment mattersFragmentation of schools is happening at an accelerated rate.Social interactionsHow did the vote turn out? About Kevin Stoller:The Better Learning Podcast is hosted by Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve and author of Creating Better Learning Environments. The podcast is also associated with other organizations that are focused on improving education including the Education Leaders' Organization (ELO) and the Second Class Foundation We're thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

Is your furniture shaping the way students learn? In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller welcomes Amanda Hastings, NCIDQ, ALEP, IIDA, Senior Interior Designer at SLAM Collaborative. Together, they dive into the critical role of furniture in shaping educational environments and its impact on students, teachers, and communities. Amanda's passion for creating dynamic, student-centered learning spaces shines as she shares her approach to furniture design in schools. With nearly two decades of experience and a client-centered philosophy, she emphasizes that furniture should do more than complement design—it should guide it.   Takeaways: Furniture should guide the design, not just follow it. Engaging teachers early in the design process is crucial. Quality furniture impacts student learning and engagement. Educating decision-makers on furniture value is essential. Community involvement can drive educational improvements. Building a positive school culture is as important as the physical space. Collaboration among designers, educators, and communities is key.   Amanda's approach to interior design is both thoughtful and deeply client-centered. With almost two decades of experience in designing inclusive environments, she brings a wealth of expertise to her work, particularly in the public-education sector. Amanda's design philosophy is rooted in connection—she prioritizes building relationships with clients to understand their unique needs and visions and values understanding the "why" behind every design decision. Her designs are conceptually grounded, blending creativity with the personality of the client to create engaging, dynamic spaces where everyone will thrive. Her recent completion of the ALEP program in 2023 was driven by her passion for designing educational environments, and equipped her with expert knowledge and an enhanced desire to not only create student-centered spaces that enrich their learning experience but also to bring this knowledge to the clients and communities she works with.     Sound Bites: "Furniture should guide the design, not just follow it." "We need a cultural shift in education." "Seeing furniture in person makes a huge difference." "The furniture world can be confusing." "The transformation of schools is the best part."     Follow Amanda Hastings on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-hastings-shea-ncidq-alep-iida-ba603755/     Learn More About The SLAM Collaborative Website: https://slamcoll.com/   Instagram: theslamcollaborative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-s-l-a-m-collaborative/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSLAMCollaborativeArchitecture X: https://x.com/SLAMcollab     Episode 207 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website     Transcript Kevin Stoller (00:06.754) Welcome to the Better Learning Podcast. My name is Kevin Stoller, host of the show, and we're always looking at how we can improve education from a variety of different aspects. We've been really digging into the furniture aspect and how much it impacts the space over some recent episodes, and I've been having a lot of conversations. So that's why my guest today, Amanda Hastings. Amanda, how are you doing?   Amanda Hastings Very good. Thank you for having me.   Kevin Stoller Yeah. And so why don't you give a little bit of just like your intro and the firm you're with and what your role is. And then we're just going to go back because we were having conversation and that's really I want to get back to really just the conversational part of it.   Amanda Hastings I am a senior interior designer at the SLAMM Collaborative based in Connecticut. We have firms all over the country, but mostly the public ed work that we do K-12 schools is in Connecticut and out of our Rhode Island office, Connecticut office. Mostly just Connecticut and Rhode Island are where we focus. I've been working on public ed for most of my career. So probably like the 18 years or so. And again, mostly Connecticut. And yeah, it's become one of those things where I just kind of fell into doing schools because the firm I worked for before did it. And then it just has become a passion of mine where now I solely do K-12 public school work. And it is something that I'm definitely passionate about, like the learning environments and the furniture aspects of that. Last year I completed the ALEP program, which was tremendously insightful. And it kind of blew my mind that like, how do you get to this point in your career where you're working on school so far? And there was so much information there to learn. I kind of makes you feel bad of like, my God, I wish I had known this like 15 years ago and was working, you know, towards these things at that point and understanding the reasons why behind everything that we're doing. So at this point, I really feel like it's important to, for me to share that knowledge with either other designers in my firm or, you know, definitely with the clients, but like would love to like find a way to kind of bring more of the information out to the general public. Cause you just, I just feel like, not everybody understands what we do, why we do it, and how the classroom is impacted by design. Kevin Stoller (02:21.068) I love it. Yeah, perfect. And we have talked because I've been trying to, I wanted to interview a lot of people, not on the podcast. I've been interviewing, I think I'm at somewhere in the mid-upper 30s or 40s people just being like, from your perspective, what's the best practices of the projects that you're doing? What's the best way to make sure that the furniture is incorporated so that that the intent of the space and the culture and the teaching and the pedagogy, everything aligns. So when they go into that space, that it really makes the impact that we're seeking. And you were the ones that we were getting pretty deep in the weeds. So I'm like, you know, we need to really get the details in on an episode like this. So I was just starting to tell you before we recorded this, one of the things that I've gotten from it is that We did a three part series that's going to be coming out by the time this one goes, it will be there. So people can go back and listen to it. I'm really looking at the why it matters and then more of like the how and some of the best practices. But what I've been landing on, it does feel like the best, the best case scenario is typically when it is a team collaborative approach and that furniture is really looked at very early in the process. And it sounds like your view on that is very similar on that. What I mean, from your point of view, like what what's the best case for you? Like if you were going to guide a district through this, how would you guide them through the process?   Amanda Hastings I think so. First, I'm going to say when I first started working on schools, a lot of times like the interior designers wouldn't even be involved until like, you know, like all the spaces are laid out, you're coming in halfway through the design. And that to me, I'm like, how, how is that helping that, you know, like, like the furniture is not something that should just follow the design. It should be helping to guide it. like, you know, whether you're setting up a classroom or an office or a media center, catering those, that design to what that space is, is so important. So like, I think that has definitely evolved with the work that I've been doing. And, you know, this was a long time ago. like being an advocate for getting into your designers and the people that are doing the programming and planning involved very early on and making sure that they are part of that space planning. And before, maybe even before you're talking with the client, just using your best practices to kind of figure out how do these spaces work so that when you do have those initial conversations with the client, you've already brought the design to a certain point where you know how it functions, know how, know, the, you know, essence of like a media center. So you can talk them through what you're showing to have that conversation. But I feel like sometimes, you know, if the design doesn't have the ability to bring that conversation to life, that's where you're, you're struggling at first. So making sure that you truly are embedded in the design from the beginning to be able to have those conversations. how early? Me, I'm usually when the project starts, when we go to the interview is when we kind of start having that conversation. And then, you know, when it's SD, the beginning of very schematic designs of just working for me, working with our programmers. They do a lot of space planning and just even making sure they understand what the size of a classroom needs to be, what you know, what you need in there to have those dynamic layouts that if. desks are all just facing forward in a room. Like you might not need as much space as you do if you're moving them around and having flexible furniture. really making sure that everyone who's working on the project understands the why you need certain square footage or why you need visibility to the media center or visibility to other places to kind of activate those things. I think so very early on, as soon as we start the project, we're having these conversations.   Kevin Stoller Yeah. So as I've been talking to people and just coming off LearningSCAPES and, you know, and when a recording this, we're heading into EDspaces. Like it's all like I feel like this is a topic that just keeps coming up and went probably because I'm bringing it up. But but also because I feel like it is like we're at that moment in like the industry. Yeah, we're getting this momentum like where if you would have said 10 years ago, like these newer products were coming out and like we were recognizing that they make an impact and we were putting it in, but then the teachers weren't kind of coming along. And now I feel like we're addressing that that was recognized and now we're doing a better job as an industry of getting the teacher voices and bringing them along on professional development. So now I feel like the last step to like really get this is, is how do we kind of get the team approach to go in earlier? To do this and it really comes around like just like the earliest conversation of like let's be talking about furniture very early. us it definitely helps when you have a school district or you have a city that's already you know up on that information and they're pushing for it so you know it's much easier obviously when you don't have to educate everybody that's on the project for like, is this so great? When they come to you with that, that makes it so much easier. So we've definitely seen more push. Like for example, a Rhode Island project that we just did, I just had to write an entire letter to be submitted with my furniture package to explain to them the entire process along the way and how we engage staff and what we did to make sure that they were educated. And that's a new thing. Like we've never had to do that with any of our furniture packages before. So now it's being brought from that state review to say, hey, this is important and we want to make sure that you're doing it. So show us how you did that. So that to me is exciting because, you know, it doesn't feel like you're out here just like pushing forward and on your own that really it's coming from, you know, the important people that are funding these projects. So. Yeah, I always use this like that bell curve that if you look at like an industry, like a product life cycle, like I felt like, you know, like we were like kind of those trendsetters and then the early adopters and now we're we're at the point where if we're not at the early majority we may even be further along where I think this is like the majority is recognizing what's going on which is exciting. So this is where I'm at and I'd love to get your take on this. I feel like there have been two camps of when it actually comes down to more of like the mechanics of how how furniture is approached on a project. There's kind of the camp that I would say is more than kind of the more traditional approach of like, we're going to build a spec and we're going to bid it out. And that's typically going to be like roughly six months prior to a school opening. Maybe they'll get a little further ahead. Maybe it'll be nine months. But and then there's this other camp. And that's more of like, we're going to pick our partner early on. We're going to do some type of valuation and pick our partner first before we pick the products. Have you had experience with either one of those or is yours typically some type of hybrid?   Amanda Hastings A little bit of a hybrid. Mostly bidding. A lot of times it comes from the client. They sort of dictate what it is. In Connecticut, you have the option of either using a state contract or going to bid. But you're limited by who's on the state contract. And thankfully, a lot of the school products are, but not necessarily everything. And then there's limits to that. So it's working around that contract system. But we kind of do a hybrid thing in my office where even if we go to bid, we're limiting what the product could product is, so you're not just opening up to anyone providing you anything and then kind of having to vet it and work with the client to figure out on the end, know, are these chairs comfortable? Like, does this one match this one? Are they equal in ergonomics and durability? We kind of dictate upfront, like, here are your three things that we've already vetted that these ones, here's your basis of design that we know that we want and two, that we will accept, and that is it. So we kind of control exactly where getting it. It's not a perfect system. Ideally, we would love to just go work with VS and get the VS chair or work directly with Smith's systems and get exactly what we want. But for me, it's always been very hard because it's not always up to me of how we can do that. Working within the parameters that I have, we try very hard to make our own rules to make the system work for us.   Kevin Stoller Yeah. And it is, I mean, you're 100 % right from what I'm...been hearing from everyone. It is so dependent on each state and what the requirements are. And then obviously, sometimes the districts have different preferences in there. Yeah, and I think that's, that's the piece to me that is probably like the, the next wave of the conversations that we that be next proving how do we do this? Yeah, of the how we do this because yeah, because because I do think that that's where we're at right now. Like, like, this is the moment where we need to have the discussions of like, is furniture a commodity? Or is furniture, you know, an integral part of the learning environment? Because you know, the reality of it, like, if you have to put three equals, on there. They're never quite equal. if you start mixing and matching, it doesn't have the same design intent where if it was all the basis of design, or if you can say, hey, this is exactly what I want, you can actually pick that and the district can actually pick this is what we want on there. that's why you like Yeah, if I'm going to put my my experience on it, it's like, man, when you can do that, you're going to have a much better result. You're going have this collaborative approach. You're going to know exactly what you're getting. You're going to know the pricing upfront. You're going to say like, hey, we are not going to be, we're not going over budget and we can now decide what is the most important thing. So if we want to put more of our resources into a certain, a certain part of the school or certain ones, we can now like collaboratively make those decisions versus putting a bid out and then trying to piece it all back together once we get all these bid prices. Yeah. Yeah. Definitely would help them, you know, maintain the level of what you want in the end, which I feel like sometimes like, not, know, our struggle is sometimes, sometimes not everyone really understands the value of the furniture, no matter what you say. And everyone has, you know, their things that they think are the most important, whether it be an architectural item or something for the custodial, like a very expensive piece of equipment for a custodial. And so it's weighing those things where everyone kind of comes in there with their own opinions. so furniture is not always the top priority for everyone. sometimes we get the, we'll just use the existing chairs and desks and they're all attached to each other and it's fine. They're in good condition. And you just think like, no, no, please. Like, let us figure out like a way to work with the budget and work with what you're getting. And, you know, if you can truly get what you want in the end, like that would definitely help them. you know, it's always that struggle of like not everyone sees that furniture as the priority based on, know, whatever they're coming to the table with there. Yeah. So is it, is it the biggest obstacle if I'm hearing you right is more of like the education of the client? I would say, yeah, the education of the people that make the decisions. Not necessarily, you it's not always teachers who are making decisions. A lot of times it's, you know, people that are part of the building committee, the Board of Ed, superintendents, like, you know, they all kind of have a lot of influence because they are the ones that make the financial decisions. So it's us bringing our expertise to them so they understand that this is something valuable that they should be putting their money into and why, right? What, from your point of view, what would be like if you can wave a magic wand to make this better or to make sure these projects have a bigger impact, what's the biggest thing that you think is getting in your way?   Amanda Hastings I think honestly, people just are very unaware of the furniture world. They don't really understand what is available to them or why behind furniture design and how the classrooms function. I feel like a lot of times, you know, like a board of ed or a building committee is parents or people that are retired and they're kind of doing this as, know, on the side. So a lot of times they're not even working in the schools or they're not necessarily like seeing what it's like living in those classrooms. They feel like a lot, like the people that come to the table don't necessarily know all the stuff that we deal with on a daily basis or necessarily the stuff that the teacher's dealing with on a daily basis. some way, if there was a way to get more education out there to those, that tier of people that are invested in the schools. I think it would really help, you know, people, not only us, but obviously the schools and school systems and all the way down to the students, because those people would be advocating for it at that level. And earlier on than even like the architects and designers are involved in the play, you know, and they're, they're putting this together to get the funding for these projects in the beginning, if they set that as a priority. before it even becomes a project. I think that is key in getting better furniture. Yeah. I always think of it it's in a lot of ways, it's almost like a cultural shift. like, how do you, yeah, how do you? And to generalize, a lot of times people on the building committee are older because they have more time. They're retired. And they don't know what's happening in current furniture design or classroom. concepts and you know a lot you know there's a lot of people who are educated but sometimes you're like I've had the same desk back then like what's the matter you know that attitude and you're like no let me tell you let me explain you know it's some of those things that you you do encounter which you know also make you frustrated yeah you can do better   Kevin Stoller Yeah, all right. So that's a good perspective because that's what I'm yeah like in my mind like I'm only dealing with with this all the time So maybe we maybe we still do need to drive home or that why and show it, you know, put it in a bunch of different Formats for them because I'm always trying to think I'm like, know, like, know, like is it you know, like They may not be the ones that making the decisions, but I think they definitely can have a voice in what those decisions are. And it is directly benefiting their kids. So I that's, don't know how they would get educated on this, but I feel like that's probably a missing link of like people that don't necessarily know what's happening. All right. You're hitting like one of my passion points right here. Did we, did we talk about, the nonprofit and the docu-series last time we talked that we were working on? Okay. All right. I'm going to tell you about it. And you could. But that was one of the things that I'm like, you know what, we really need to bring the communities on like like we're working on this more from like the industry side. But wouldn't it be awesome if it was more the demand side of like the communities were coming to the school saying, why, why aren't we doing this? So we just our team just spent a lot of time thinking about like, how do we like like like what does make those cultural changes? And we kept landing of like it's like it's the media and entertainment industry. Like most major movements and things that have happened, it's because there's been a movie or a TV show or something. And I always come back to the show Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines. Super entertaining ship. Not everyone has farmhouse. Exactly. Everyone has shiplap on their walls now. They completely changed the way homes and... you know, in the US are designed. And so, yeah, so we've been trying to look through that and be like, how do we do that? How do we do it in an entertaining way where it's not, you know, just for people who are normally interested in schools? So we started a nonprofit with, you know, with other partners, and we're always looking for more for more people to come along with this called Second Class Foundation. That was... that's really rooted in how do we improve education through the use of media and storytelling? And one of the first projects we're doing is we found this amazing film crew to do a docu-series and they did the first episode, which is really powerful. It's really well done. I would definitely recommend everyone watch it. It's not that long. It's like nine minutes long, but it hits home like... really of like, yeah, I've heard people say it's heartbreaking. And I'm like, yeah, just know that's the first that's only the first episode. Sometimes you need that, like a little bit of that. Yeah. He's honest to like, get the point across. Right. Yeah, I keep saying like, we have a mapped out like 10 episode series. And it's like every good story it it has to show the transformation. So the first one is really heartbreaking and it's really like kind of showing a really dire need of a school in Idaho. But our intent is to weave other stories in around the country and show like others like, I mean, Cranston schools are great example of you look at some of the things that they're doing in that district and to be able to showcase, be like, look, this is what some schools in the country are doing. And some districts are working towards and being able to weave some of these stories and these narratives, but really wrapped around really good character development in there. I know it's a big thing. mean, I'll show you. Yeah. I mean, I'll send you the link, but, you know, secondclassfoundation.org is is for the listeners and we can put the link in there. But yeah, I keep coming back to them like I don't know how else to get other people in to it other than trying to meet them where they're at. And, you know, and the intent is how do we put content like Netflix quality types of things that when they're sitting down at night saying, what am I going to watch? They actually watch something like this. The TikTok world and the, you know, Instagram reels and getting that so that you're sharing it. The next person is sharing it. I have no idea if I can start that, but like that, you know, that's like the world it seems like everything is like spurred from right but like how to get that going with beyond just our industry. yeah. So digging into like what you do on an everyday basis, you have a very good working knowledge of like, what products are out there and the why behind it. I mean, what are the things that that you wish other people knew or had the viewpoint, either if they're just starting out or they haven't done as many schools or? I think it like like for me, like going to Ed spaces and really seeing and having that like, like not just having like a sales rep come and kind of give you the pitch, but like really seeing the furniture and feeling it and sitting in it. And like it's amazing how that actual small act of like Kevin Stoller (23:03.674) bringing a sample chair to a client and having them sit in a student chair that is ergonomic and does have movement and they instantly get it. Like they're like, my God, like this is what the students should have, I understand. So I feel like anyone who's new to that, just like getting out there and like seeing the furniture in person and like hands-on and testing it and sitting in it and like just getting involved in that, like seeing it in person. Like there's so many things, know, like pictures and images of classrooms and all of that you can see online. But I feel like it doesn't really resonate until you're trying it out yourself. So that to me is like step one. If you're going to do school design, like go to EdSpaces or go to showrooms or go to a factory tour, go and like see, you know, get the spiel, but also get to test it yourself so you understand. Yeah. What was the moment for you like when it clicked?   Amanda Hastings I think, you know, like I'm I'm a BS person. I Like I love our, VS dealers, Robert Lord, and they are fantastic. So working with them, our VS prep and just, I distinctly remember when you say video, like David Stubbs, the video that they had done of like school in Hawaii and just how transformative it was. And then just going to their factory and seeing that in person. And then not only just understanding the why behind the, the design and like how the classroom functions, but also like the integrity of how the furniture is made, the durability, which is huge in schools. Like that's a huge thing. You know, they get this furniture usually once for 50 years. So how is it going to hold up? And, you know, is it going to be suitable for kids in high school who are like rough and tough on it and all, and like just being able to like sit in it and test it and see like how this is made and how does this really benefit the school on you know, a very wide variety of ways, whether it's budget or like I durability or comfort or flexibility or, you know, future proofing for how does this evolve over time? They were very integral in that for me of just kind of getting that message and that, you know, it's not just being dedicated to them, but then seeing how does that work with other people and how are other companies evolving? Because I feel like in the past 10 years, Like definitely in the past 15 years, a lot of other companies have come along and a lot of other companies have definitely evolved what they're offering for furniture. I think following in that trend, right? Like there was not a lot of the same stuff back 10 years ago that there is now that you have way more options for what you can do with the classrooms, sit to sand desks and chairs that are different ways of sitting and those things and just being excited for what's evolving.   Kevin Stoller Yeah, totally, totally agree. Yeah, I feel like that story component of really that understanding of of the why behind it is so important. To me, I remember like distinctly in that video, I think it's not just the furniture, right? Like it's showing the classroom that the kids are sitting on the floor and they're like having like a soft spot where they're leaning against the chair or sitting underneath the desk. So it's not always like the in the box that you're picturing of like, how does this desk work? But hey, can someone sit under this? And now all of sudden, it feels like a cozy spot. And they're leaning against a soft seating in the room. And how are they using that differently? it's not just about the one function that you think that that piece of furniture has, but how can that whole classroom kind of be an inviting and exciting place for kids to be engaged? Yeah, yep. Love it. Yeah. That to me is like a perfect example of like, man, like there are these resources that just so desperately want to help on these projects that to be able to work with them and bring people in and do that. How often are you either approach like what's it like from your point of view when people are calling you about furniture or you're trying to learn about furniture because one of the things that I've been learning from these interviews is that the furniture world can be confusing of like, who are the distributors? Who are the manufacturers? Who does what? Like, what are the contracts? who has access to what? Have you figured that out yet? I I feel like I know that more so just because of working on the school projects. Kevin Stoller (27:40.078) I don't think it says, you the people in my office that do furniture for higher ed or corporate don't really understand that as much as I do because I constantly have to work with bids and who is a dealer and what's a manufacturer and what manufacturers are on state contract and with who and like that level is a little bit more intense, I think in like the public ed world than it is in other areas. So I feel like I do have a good understanding, but sometimes it, you know, it's hard to tell what's the sales pitch versus what is the genuine, and you kind of have to like, just, you know, do your research and be open-minded, but also, you know, keep those questions in mind. you know, sometimes you just see, well, maybe you just copied the last person's because they're so successful. And so is that really what, like, what your furniture is bringing or, you know, like, it's just kind of being aware of, I don't know, you know, the whole spiel behind it sometimes. It's not always. all just about like the furniture and the classrooms, but sometimes it's a sales pitch. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And, and, you know, like that I've been in the furniture world, you know, on this for 15 years now. And there's definitely, you know, there are definitely people who like are in it and care about, and I would say a lot in our industry are, and then there's some where it is clearly they're just trying to sell stuff. and I think on my end, making sure that your client kind of understands the integrity of the products that we kind of are promoting and the dealerships and the manufacturers who do have their best intentions and wanna be there for the long run. And like why that might be something that you're selecting versus somebody else that might be less expensive or why you're selecting one company or one chair over another. that it's not for on us, you it's not just about the sales pitch, but there is that whole breadth of reasoning behind it. So, you know, it kind of helps us to understand all of that behind the scenes because it's very hard to sell the wide your client without understanding the difference between, you know, the whole spectrum of every chair that's out there and like what sets one apart from the other.   Kevin Stoller Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Completely. It's a, yeah. I, yeah, I think this is another one that I'm like,And I think the furniture industry, and I'll put myself in that category of like, think we can be doing a better job coordinating and not making, I mean, I know there's always going to be a competitive component to it, but I know enough of like the people in this industry and the best ones don't have that competitive mindset. They have this collaborative mindset. And, and that's my hope is that, you know, like we're genuinely in this because we want to create better learning environments. that is our goal. of you out there who have that passion that comes through, right? Like you, it's very easy to see who's passionate about this and, and, you know, versus like what is just a sales pitch. that passion is definitely a driving force that like, resonates with on the design side of these for me. Yeah, yeah. And that's what's the part that's encouraging to me is that I think the ones that are like really getting involved like at a deeper level of this, whether it's in, you know, the A4LE community or the Ed market, you know, and, you know, the corresponding conferences on there. What else are you looking at? Like, what are the things that are either headaches to you or... And then I'm gonna... ask you the converse there when we wrap up. I am going to say a hundred percent every project, every single time budget is always the biggest hurdle. You know, sometimes you are very limited on what you have. Sometimes there's other things that get pushed into the furniture budget. So it's not just your typical furniture. So you're dealing with a lot of different aspects. And I, I feel like that and as prices are rising and things are more expensive, but sometimes those budgets have been increased. to deal with inflation. That's always a struggle on our end of how do you provide exactly what you think they need when the budget just kind of feels like it's fighting you all the time. And like, where is it that you can kind of pull back or like, what can you do so that you're not compromising the integrity of what they're getting in the classroom or what the students are getting for furniture, but how do you balance that with like keeping on budget that every single time is the hardest part. Yeah, how are you seeing like the budgets? Kevin Stoller (32:28.39) be assigned? Are they taking percentage of the job costs or are they looking at per square foot or some other? A lot of times I'm not involved when they're set, but I think They just give you that budget and say, this is what you can echo over. I think the way they do it in Connecticut is it's a certain amount per student. If you have 600 kids, 600 times, I don't know what the number is, whatever that number is. And then that's what you kind of across the board. We've had challenges where they're like, we have 600 students. But really, the school is planned for 800 students. And you're like, that budget didn't actually cover the new school. That covered your existing school. then it's those challenges. But I think for me, it's always understanding, what is that budget in the first place? So that can really think about what's the best thing that we can do. For me, it's always What's the best that we can get them, the most that we can get them within that budget that, that, you know, allows them to have like the greatest school possible. Yeah. Yeah. All right. Now on the positive side, what, keeps you going? What do you, what do you love about this work? Like, what are the things that get you excited about or really find fulfilling? Yeah. First of all, this, like having other people, like it, I feel like it's been a newer thing for me to like after doing the A-Lab and being a little bit more involved in like the, that world that there are other people out there who are doing this too. I feel like people are excited about it. So that is, I'm so excited about that. Cause usually being the only one in my office for the past 10 years that worked on Public Ed, I felt like, you know, I have other designers and other firms that I know, but like, there's not that community for me. So like having a community now has been fantastic. Also, you know, like so many of these schools haven't been touched in 50 years. And when you see what their classrooms look like, what the, chairs that they're sitting in that like, know, the art teacher has a closet. She doesn't have a classroom. She has a cart and that is it. And what, when you're working on these projects and they get to see that like, not only do I have like an entire classroom, like it's full of amazing things. Like that excitement is the best part. Like what the possibilities of what those teachers and students and like community have, like that is the best for me. And like, that's why I kind of. Kevin Stoller (34:51.514) decided that like public ed really was like my favorite thing because it was just so different than doing like a corporate job or working on, know, like a higher ed. They're like amazing, cool projects. But for me, like that transformation that you have when you go from a school that literally you've had the more, know, the ceilings are crumbling on them. The like, the walls, the doors don't work. The windows don't, you know, like there's all these things that they're living in these horrible spaces. And when they ask you like, Will I be able to turn on the lights in my room or can I come into my classroom and like not have to wear my coat in the winter? And then you say, well, of course. And then also here are all the other things that you could have like your, you know, here's the furniture options and here's like how this space is going to work. And here's like the view of the, you know, forest outside. It gets so excited. And that to me is the best part. Like that. And user. That's really cool. Well, thank you for the work you're doing. Because I do think like you're finding, like you said, the community. I'm totally with you. mean, this community of it, it's there is a like a specialness to to this of like this type of work that is just different from other sectors. And it's really cool to to find this community that does generally care about it and kind of give that like. extra attention to it and recognize like this is this literally is life changing. Like how lucky are we that we to do work like that? Yeah, like the entire community. has been to school. Most everybody you know has a connection with school, you know, so I feel like it's like everybody gets excited about it because they understand it. It's a part of everybody's life for the most part. So yeah, yeah. So yeah, I appreciate that. All right. Anything else I should be asking you that I didn't ask you about? gosh. I mean, you know, I could keep talking, Yeah, I'm just, I just think it's exciting that in this time that they're, like I said, there's, there's motion, right? It's moving forward and it's just getting better all the time and more education and more information out there that, you know, broader communities are understanding about this. And it's just, it's going to make not only the schools better, it's going to make our designs better. It's just, yeah, a lot to come. That's exciting. So. Yeah. Very cool. Kevin Stoller (37:07.782) All right. Well, to the listeners, if you have not hit subscribe wherever you're listening, just hit subscribe and betterlearningpodcast.com is the hub for everything. I mean, this is our community. So it is, you know, like being able to really look at this, figure out how we can do a better, but then also, you know, like having that broader view of like, yeah, learning environments are a big part of this, but it's also like, we're looking at education as a whole of like, we all are recognizing we want to give the best opportunities for every kid. And it's pretty cool. have a community like that, that we get to interact with. So, Amanda, thank you.   Amanda Hastings Thank you so much. I appreciate it.   Kevin Stoller (37:58.874) Views and opinions expressed on the Better Learning Podcast are those of myself as an individual and my guests and do not necessarily represent the organizations that we work for, the Association for Learning Environments, K-12, Education Leaders Organization, or Second Class Foundation.

Are you ready to revolutionize the way your school thinks about furniture? In our FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series, we'll explore how integrating flexible, student-centered furniture into your classroom designs can enhance engagement and foster better learning outcomes. Plus, learn how to overcome the hurdles of traditional procurement processes to streamline the journey from concept to installation.   Episode 1 of 3: The WHY In our first episode of the series, we explore the transformative impact of considering furniture as an integral part of the learning environment. We have discussions that focus on how movement, student choice, and rapid student-owned solutions drive engagement for both students and teachers.   Takeaways: The role of furniture in promoting movement and flexibility Success stories from educators who have adopted this approach Early inclusion of furniture in design processes Challenges faced and solutions implemented   Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber is a Thought leader in the research and design of learning places and space, with a profound belief in the evidence that the design of space matters for learning outcomes, and passionate about the unanswered solutions that leave students behind in their learning. Eliza Loyola is a former Elementary School Teacher and Principal at Austin Independent School District in Austin, Texas. She helped lead the rebuild process at the district and was an advocate for change while going through the furniture procurement process during the renovation project.     Follow Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennie-scott-webber-phd-2594a912/   Follow Eliza Loyola on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliza-loyola-0702541b0/     The FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series on the Better Learning Podcast   Episode 204 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Are you ready to revolutionize the way your school thinks about furniture? In our FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series, we'll explore how integrating flexible, student-centered furniture into your classroom designs can enhance engagement and foster better learning outcomes. Plus, learn how to overcome the hurdles of traditional procurement processes to streamline the journey from concept to installation.   Episode 2 of 3: The HOW In Episode 2 of the FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series, guest speaker Carey Upton dives into the critical steps for selecting and integrating the best furniture solutions in schools. This episode covers the essential role of "test-driving" furniture options through workshops and demo products to make well-informed choices that meet classroom needs. Carey also highlights the importance of gathering feedback from teachers and students to ensure the selected furniture enhances learning environments effectively.   Takeaways: The importance of trialing furniture before making decisions Ensuring teacher and student buy-in Continuous professional development and support Gathering and utilizing feedback for continuous improvement   Carey Upton is the Chief Operations Officer with the Santa Monica – Malibu Unified School District where he oversees Facility Improvements, Maintenance & Operations, and Facility Use. His journey to supervising school facilities might seem unconventional having devoted the first part of his work life directing Shakespeare, teaching and managing theaters. Carey's broad range of experiences has led to a passion for creating engaging learning environments. Carey has overseen modernizing and building new school buildings at the sixteen schools in the district, including the Discovery Building at Santa Monica High School that was short listed for the 2022 World Architectural Festival award.   Follow Carey Upton on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennie-scott-webber-phd-2594a912/       The FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series on the Better Learning Podcast   Episode 205 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

At this year's LearningSCAPES conference in Portland, our team at the Better Learning Podcast had the incredible opportunity to sit down with a diverse group of educators, architects, designers, and thought leaders from across the nation. We wanted to get to the heart of what "Radically Student Centered™" means from different perspectives, so we asked all our guests two key questions:   What does Radically Student Centered mean to you? How does that phrase apply to the work you do every day?   The answers we received in this compilation episode were as varied and insightful as the guests themselves, each highlighting unique ways the concept of centering students drives innovation in education.   Our guests included:   Chuck Saylors Vice President, JM Cope Construction   Rosemary Park Educational Planner, SMMA   Abby Dacey Architectural Principal, Mahlum Architects   Andy Cottrill Associate Principal, Hutteball + Oremus Architecture   Séamus Kelly Associate Principal, Mithun   Laura Durgerian Senior Associate, Mithun   Jeffrey Mann Facilities Planner, Bethel School District   Brian Parker Vice President / K12 Director, MHTN Architects   Tina McKone Project Manager, DLR Group   Meredith Watassek Senior Educational Planner, Stantec Architect   Irene Nigaglioni President, IN2 Architecture, Inc.   Andy L'Esperance Director of School Projects, Goode Van Slyke Architecture   Sean O'Donnell Principal + K12 Practice Area Leader, Perkins Eastman   Wayne Reynaud Principal / Texas K-12 Practice Leader, HKS, Inc.   Sarah Knize Associate Principal, Ratcliff   Leonardo Gonzalez Sangri Global Practice Director for Education, HKS, Inc.   Ken Crawford Executive Director of Support Services and Athletics, Ogden City School District   Sandi Massey Chief of Leadership and Professional Development, Houston Independent School District       Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/       Episode 203 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

Are you a new school leader wondering how to create learning spaces that truly engage students and foster success? In the latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Dr. David Cupolo, principal of St. James Intermediate School, shares valuable insights on the profound impact of school design on student engagement. In his conversation with Kevin Stoller, Dr. Cupolo highlights how thoughtful learning environments can transform education and offers essential lessons for new leaders navigating this journey. Dr. Cupolo also explores how instructional leaders can drive change by focusing on both physical spaces and the school culture. He underscores the idea that a well-designed building must be paired with a culture that prioritizes student growth and active listening. When students feel heard and supported, they thrive in environments that encourage collaboration, exploration, and a genuine sense of excitement for learning. For new school leaders, this episode is filled with actionable tips, from the importance of understanding the "why" behind school design decisions to embracing flexibility in both space and teaching. Whether you're aiming to enhance student agency, foster collaborative learning, or simply reimagine your school's layout, this conversation provides the guidance you need to take the first steps.   Takeaways: Schools should be designed with the needs of students in mind. Creating engaging learning environments can reduce boredom and increase student success. Student agency is essential for effective learning. Research can guide the design and use of educational spaces. It's important to reflect on the 'why' behind educational practices. Building a positive school culture is as important as the physical space. Listening to students can provide valuable insights into their learning experiences. Homework often has minimal impact on student learning outcomes.   Dr. David Cupolo has 18 years of experience in educational leadership as a building principal, including eight years at a cutting-edge, non-traditional facility; I offer a blend of practical experience and academic insight. Recently, I earned a Ph.D., during which my dissertation research delved into how instructional leaders understand and engage with the concept of 'learning thrill,' utilizing a framework developed by esteemed educational researcher John Hattie. The results of my research have profound implications for the design and renovation of school facilities and classrooms, highlighting crucial conditions that facilitate learning. I have presented on the topic of flexible learning environments at various conferences, most notably at three Association for Learning Environment (A4LE) Conferences, including the 2024 Southeast Region Conference this past April.   Sound Bites: "You can have beautiful buildings and be an ugly culture." "Kids want to collaborate and explore." "We need to trust kids and listen to them." "Learning thrill can be developed in schools."     Follow David Cupolo on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cupolo-6b4a1623/   Read David's Article Designing for Learning Thrill Spaces4Learning Article: https://spaces4learning.com/Articles/2024/07/09/Designing-for-Learning-Thrill.aspx     Episode 202 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website     Kevin Stoller (00:07.454) It's another episode of the Better Learning Podcast. I am excited about our guests today because we talk a lot about furniture and use and we can talk about it from like the designers and from the architects and what we do supporting education from the outside. But it's always good to get the perspective of the principals and the ones that are actually like using the spaces and hearing from the teachers and the students and being able to have that lens to it. So I'm excited to bring in Dr. David Capolo. I screwed it up, I? Did I announce it? Did I pronounce it?   David Cupolo It's Koo-pal-o! It's all good.    Kevin Stoller Yep, and he's a principal at St. James Intermediate School in Horry County in South Carolina. Just for the audience, because I'll give you a little behind the scenes, I'm horrible at pronunciation and making sure I do it. And whenever I get it stuck in my head, it's so hard to switch it.   David Cupolo It's why I don't read names at award ceremonies.   Kevin Stoller I know because I'll get it stuck and I'm afraid I'm gonna mess up and I'm not the expert of that Yeah, I'm the worst. I'm like give me a script and I'll and I'll screw it up. So yeah, but but I really wanted to talk about from your perspective of where you got to what you're talking about like the thrill and getting rid of the boredom, but I want to start really from the from the very beginning for you and I want to hear what was school like for you.   David Cupolo So I knew how to play the game. I knew how to be successful in school. And honestly, if I had a relationship and you built curiosity and made connection with me, it was an A. If you did not, I was a B for bye-bye, that type of thing. And C for see you later. It all depended. And came from a family of engineers and I chose to go into public teaching and education, which is great. But I think I was not... That curiosity and connection for me in learning was not built in the area of math. was just too much of that skill and drill. so, but I played it well, you know, went on to college in Version, New Hampshire, and then a few master's degree at NC State. And that's where I really learned how to learn.   Kevin Stoller (02:33.058) So talk about that, that learning to learn. What sparked that for you?   David Cupolo I think it was, again, professors who allowed that agency, me to have that agency and explore the interests that I had, they gave the structural framework, but you really had to go do the work yourself and, you know, find those connections and challenge you. And I think there's the principle of Goldilocks, right? You know, that Goldilocks effect. And I think that had the right enough challenge and also the right enough support, but also the right enough freedom to, you know, take my learning further. Yeah, kind of push me.   Kevin Stoller OK. All right. So you usually when I when I talk to administrators, school leaders in there, there's like the big transition moments. There's the first one be like making that decision. Hey, I want to go into education. And then that typically puts them in a classroom. And then there's that second moment where they're like, you know what? I think I want to be outside of the classroom. I can have a different impact as an administrator. What were those moments like for you?   David Cupolo Yeah, so I came into education teaching alternatively. I was not certified. I was working for a lessons called which transition program in Rhode Island and the police refer to something causing trouble. They have a different a, but these kids are just needed some more guidance, right? You know, and so I found out there was a lot of jobs teaching in North Carolina. So I moved down, taught special ed. And it was interesting, my boss at the time said, you're a middle school teacher. I won't give a recommendation for anywhere. He goes, you connect with those kids. And I did it in, you know, in that timeframe, I quickly realized I want to have a bigger impact, you know? And I realized I could, I think. The students taught me so much that I realized, wow, what they're teaching me, I need to share it and need to use to impact other kids in other classrooms. So administratively, and you always have that principle that I think says, Hey, you should go and be an administrator. And I had a couple of those who did that and lo and behold, quickly moved into assistant principal roles. And now I'm in my, going to year 19 as a...    Kevin Stoller 19 years. That's awesome. First.   David Cupolo Thank you. Thank you.   Kevin Stoller (04:54.062) I mean, we're, we're record, we're recording right now at the beginning of, of August, even though it doesn't, it won't release until later, but you're getting, you're getting ready for the next round of teacher students coming through. What's going through your mind right now?   David Cupolo So teachers come back on Thursday, you know, and again, I'm like that teacher the first night, night before the first day of school. You have those jitters, but you're excited. You know, I'm excited to see what the year can bring. At my school grades five, six. So we'll have a new group of fifth grade students coming in, you know, and get to know those students and seeing what impact we can have on them. You know, setting that foundation and framework for I go back to the student is the most important part of this building. Without them, we would not be here. You know, and this year we're kind of kicking off and be the one, be the one, you know, and how can you be the one? I entered the school year with, you know, saying, I'm going to reflect on how can I be the person I want to work with? And then this year, so now it's kind of tying it up that we're coming back. How can I be the one I want to work with and be the one for those students? So I'm kind of wrapping my head around those thoughts and gear up. Yeah. So is a pretty typical every year you're coming in with like a new theme and a new direction that you really want to build in throughout the culture? So, yeah, I think yes and no. I always try to tie in on what we've always done, you know, and we always revisit the vision. We always... revisit our beliefs, you know, and going back to this is what we believe and that is it, that we can be the one for those students and all students, when I say all, A, capital L, capital L, even the kid from that neighborhood is Ken Williams to say, you know, they deserve the best and, you know, they know that and I'm an amazing staff that go in every day and give it all for those kids. But, you know, just kind of tying it all together as we keep going along and just improving.   Kevin Stoller Right. So talk more about kind of how you got this interest and at what point did you recognize how much the learning environment was really impacting the work that you do with that idea of like school is there for the kids?   David Cupolo Yeah. So, you know, as I moved into my career, one of my dreams was I realized I wanted to open up a new school. And, you know, that'd be a cool thing to do and actually only had was in my second year in this Horry County. I'd been a principal in North Carolina and I figured, you know, it might not come along because only been at this school I was at short period. And, you know, they selected me to open up this school which is a different design model. There was only a few others in the state but it was a state of the art facility and, you know, it's net zero net positive energy in. It looks like a mall, literally glass walls on the inside, collaboration spaces. But there was no schools like it. You know, we visited some different models to see what it was like. And every time you go to school, you know, I want to talk to the kids. I can do the tour with the adults, you know, and I can see. And one student, I can remember the school said, said, so how does this work with the glass and everything? You know, I'm an ADHD adult. How does it work? And I said, they said, it's like the zoo effect. I said, what's that? They said, I see you, you see me, I'm gonna do my thing. I'm like an animal in the zoo, you're watching me and I'm in my element. I said, that is awesome. I said, okay, this will work. So, but I remember, and we entered the school, we got the keys and a Friday night teachers were coming back that Monday morning and my whole staff had never ever come together. And so we hadn't even been in the building. But I remember visiting while it was dirt. I bought a hard hat, scraped up a vest and a clipboard. And I went in like I was part of the construction crew just to see, you know, this process. And finally I figured out who I was from meetings. But, know, trying to envision what this could be for kids and what environment we could create. Because you can have beautiful buildings and be an ugly culture, right? You know, so what can we really create for kids? And every parent meeting, I would start off with schools are built for kids. You know, this is their place. This is not our place. We serve them, so it was great. And coming into the building and really trying the collaboration spaces. So our first day back with teachers, I had my people spread out in the building doing different small PD sessions to see the acoustics, to see how it worked. And with teachers, I said, you can use the collaboration spaces. I didn't say there were rules to it. But I did say is let's let kids rise to the challenge. Kevin Stoller (09:40.014) For sure. So I just want to set the stage a little bit. So that school opened about eight years ago. So 2016 definitely because so many people that are listeners of the show are involved with the design of schools. And that was definitely on the earlier side because what you're describing is pretty much the... I don't want to say the standard. Hopefully it's at least more closely aligned with that versus the traditional model that doesn't allow that flexibility and that collaboration. So you guys are going in. How involved were you in the process or was that coming from the district level? Who was really driving that vision of saying, we're going to build this new school. Have this opportunity of a lifetime. What was that like for you?   David Cupolo So I came on the back end and it was more of the, know, decision-making. And I really think that net positive really was a big key for the school board, you know, and the design and the potential. So I don't know the conversations that we had about what pedagogy, you know, what we could do with in the classroom. I did help pick out desks and make sure the sizes were right for what we needed and chairs. But as far as, you know, how do you use it? It wasn't there, you know, it really wasn't. And that was my experience. So kind of fumbled through it with our staff, but more or less talking to kids and seeing how teachers were using it and kids. And I remember, I remember the first teacher that sent kids out to work in the collaboration space. like, wow, how's it going? She goes, I don't know. go, well, let's see. And I fist bumped her, you know? And then the glass, I said, it's writable. I didn't say you had to use it. I didn't say you couldn't. Said it's writable. You know, teachers started really using it, that's the fourth, you know, the fourth teacher, second, third teacher in the room using that students love working out those problems on the glass or, you know, anchor charts on the glass. And it was just kind of working with teachers and seeing how students should respond and then conversations with students. You know, I wish I had more on the front end I could speak to. I think now I offer a whole lot more to be able to say, hey, this is this is how we evolve. Kevin Stoller (12:04.802) Well, that's why I wanted you to go through it because that's very typical in this industry, very typical in that there was a decision made at the district level or someone on the board or somebody said, hey, we're going to go this direction. But they're not always pulling in kind of the site leaders and teacher students perspective as they're doing that. Now, as an industry, we're getting better at doing that earlier on. But your experience is like very typical where you're almost like handed a building and now saying, go figure out how to use it.   David Cupolo Yeah, Friday night at 7:20. got the key. Teachers show up on Monday. Yeah, here you go. Yeah. So, so you definitely embraced it hearing like that. And you know, you had teachers that do, were there ones that that fought it or, or saying like, man, I just wish I had my old space back. You know, there were some, there was a couple. And they may have realized it wasn't necessarily their fit. But I remember one teacher who is interesting because she, this school's meant for older students and not these students. And I'm like, but look, they're doing it over there. And finally, it took a little while and she embraced it. And she actually retired, but said, thank you for giving me, my last two years was so enjoyable with my kids because of the, what we have here and what we're able to do and the way the building is being used in those spaces. So that was pretty cool. Testament for her who was, you know, it was, it was a shift. Yeah. Yeah. Which I don't blame anyone changes hard. mean, if you've been doing something for a long time, one way, and then have to shift that quickly to a different way, that that's a tough change. It really was, it really was. And, know, and I'm a, I'm a research person. I'm a research geek. I've known John had his visible learning work for years and those in education. If you don't know him, you better know him because what he writes about and the research he has people do, it's what works in schools. So that was part of that other foundation was, know, teachers necessarily don't want to know about the research right away, but kind of bringing it in and introducing them, okay, well, here's what the research says about student discussion and the impact. And here's cooperative learning. And here's how we can use the furniture and how to tweak it and better practice and tighten it up. you know, and trying to take that learning to another deeper level. Kevin Stoller (14:24.268) Do you mind talking through a little bit of Hattie's research? It is important for us to understand the research band because a lot of us who are supporting it, who may not come from education background, whether it's on the architecture side or on the industry supporting education, the more educated we could be, the better.   David Cupolo Right. And I think one of my, some of my favorite conversations are people in the industry and architecture in outfitters because of that, you know. And so his, again, that research out there shows what's effective, you know, homework has little impact on student growth and academic success. Class size. You know, we learned during COVID, might be different if you have hybrid, but you had to do some other things well for it to be impactful, right? You know, and that's the piece. have to just, you have to learn the strategies and the research behind it. But yeah, so Hay and Greg Donahue proposed a conceptual learning model, skill, thrill, which was a synthesis of that research and visible learning of what worked. And oftentimes, surface deeper transfer, right? And we're often, we know in classrooms there's surface level learning and kids aren't engaged and we sit in rows, you know, and there's that boredom piece that I found, you know, and Cornwell in 2000, it was only two years ago, the art of only two years ago and how boredom has led to what a third of high school dropouts to half, you know, that's an issue, that's a crisis, you know, and that's something we can fix and that's where design and use. Just because you put the kit desk together doesn't mean they're going to collaborate, right? You know, you got to use it effectively, but that's that research. So I want to study what learning thrill was, you know, it seemed like it just rhymed with skill and will. And, you know, it was perfect. So nobody had studied it. So I kind of talked to South Carolina structural leaders and how do you perceive and conceptualize it? Then what does it look like? What does it sound like in the classroom? Take me to those places and describe it. And they described these deep, engaging experiences for kids. They were collaborating. were experiencing almost student agency. They were driving their learning. The teachers were just fostering that real environment for those students. But again, inductive learning, project-based learning, and thinking about how we design and materials and use of materials and how. Because teachers, it's about time, right? Adam and Eve's teacher said, I don't have enough time to plan for them. It's just the way it is in education. We know that. So what can we do to help those teachers design rooms and make smoother transitions and furniture that's flexible so I can just easily maneuver it so I can do this over here. But then those learning spaces for students, what are they comfortable? Where are they more comfortable in taking their learning to a deeper level and really getting that thrill experience, you know?   Kevin Stoller Yeah. Do you mind giving some examples of like where, because the space, how much that changes, like those concrete examples, I think are the stories are always good for people to hear to be like, hey, this is a kid that maybe 10 years, you know, in your first 10 years of being a principal may have had a different experience versus now what they have in that flexible learning environment that they're in now.   David Cupolo Sure. Yeah, I remember when we all think and it was a few weeks into the school year. And this is this really hit me this this moment. So under the stairs of cement blocks in my school and this is sprinkler system. And there's a student like to work under there. But one day he's kind of just pulling on hanging on the pole. Nothing can do. What are you doing? He goes, What do mean? I said, You're pulling on the fire thing. It's sprinkler system. I go, Do you know what happens if that breaks? And he goes, No. I go, neither do I, but I have a feeling it has a lot of water, a big bill and fire trucks. I go, go to your room. He goes, do I have to? And I was like, my, I sound like a parent. I'm like, tell you what, go for 50 seconds, just come back. Please don't do that again. We good? He's good. I said, we fist bumped. But then I started like, wow, I need to pay more attention to this, you know, and those students. And soon as I tell you, this is my space that I feel more comfortable on the floor in the corner on that pillow. Or, you know, our media center is open space and there's different furniture. And, you know, you struggle with custodian on whose furniture it was. Well, they're putting their feet on it. I go, it's theirs. Like, you know, that's their space. This is where they're comfortable learning. And it was transferring. Those teachers are like, wow. And they rose to those occasions, you know. I've seen students who come to that school with behavioral records. And part of that culture is that this is your place, this is your space, and it's a safe space. And it's interesting, I was having a conversation last Friday with one of my teachers, last Thursday. She talked about the desk, how each kid doesn't own that desk. Remember how we had our desk and you had your name on it? Yeah, for sure. It's not my desk, it's our area. And I can go work with other kids in another area and students who might not sit in that row traditionally can work together with other students in that respect and that safe place and that safe space that they need. You know, and allowing them that opportunity. And I think that's the other key, you know, is that setup that we've seen from non-traditional rows to collaboration and even with the technology of sharing through Google Chromebooks and Google Docs and things of that nature. Yeah. So can you expand on that more as a principal who has gone through that process and now to a principal who may be getting ready to open a new school or a totally different space and their staff is coming back right now or they're in the process and it's going to be in the next six to 12 months? What are those lesson learns? would be that advice that you would give to them? Because they're going to have the same things. They're going to have the teachers that are going to be like, well, what do mean the student doesn't know the space? What do you mean that, you know, like I'm not upfront and, you know, and things aren't sitting in straight rows. What are those things that you would share with others? You know, I start with the why. That's when we opened the school, I got a book for the staff to go back to our why. And, you know, and we had our individual, why are you teaching? Because I knew teachers were gonna struggle. knew just because you got the keys doesn't mean it's complete, right? Let's be honest, there's still gonna be work being done. And those can interfere and things out the air conditioning, right? It's just gonna get adjusted. And those are things that matter to teachers, you know, and all the pressure on teachers now. So really looking at the why and the student and then what can you do for the student? because everybody in education to help kids to work with kids and help kids be successful. I think that's the first piece is trying to build that collective vision. I started with the collective teacher efficacy has the biggest research effect size on student achievement, 1.36. And coming together really looking at involving teachers in that process. then setting up some structures, you gotta have some structures, but don't be completely tied to them because you're going to get to know the environment and allow teachers to mess up, allow kids to mess up.   Kevin Stoller Yeah, which we all know is the best way to learn, but we struggle. want to step in. Well, that's good. mean, are there, as somebody who values research and is constantly looking at that, what research do you wish would be done at this point? What would be really helpful for you, or what are the questions that you would wanna try to answer?   David Cupolo You know, I talk to kids a lot and you know, it's one of the tough parts for researchers is doing research, talking to students, right? Because that's that big, you know, there's always those epic things in there and you know, I started with the check-in system with the company in Australia, Versha Learning. And one of the things I wanna know is what are you learning today? Ask kids, what are they learning? Yeah, you your kid at home, what'd you learn today? Nothing. Or this, well, I know what you did, you know, but what are you really learning? And I found that, you know, students couldn't really articulate. And then teachers like, well, you talked to so-and-so, of course they couldn't tell you. Well, I don't know that that was the answer, you know. So we started looking at that. And one of the things we found is students were bored, but they also weren't clear about what their learning was. But they also wanted discussion. They wanted to talk to their parents and they wanted to collaborate. You know, they were telling us what they wanted through that check-in. John Hattie actually, it's a quote that says on their site, it's the best classroom data I've ever seen. You know, and really I would love to learn more about students, what leads to thrill for them and how they experience that learning because it's not often. You know, go to watch schools when it gets out of high school practice, right? Kids are practicing skills, they're acquiring skills, they're consolidating it, they're adding, they're learning, they're dispositions, persevering, and then there's that thrill. And we see in band when they get to perform in chorus, and very rarely do we get to see in those academic classrooms, but it can't exist, and that's what I've kind of studied. But I wanna know more from students of what can we do to help you, what can the environment do to help you? What do you need more of? We kind of know some of it, like I said, from that check-in. And it was, we want to be able to have more discussion. We want to be able to ask more questions. We want to be able to explore. We want to be able to collaborate. So those things, I would love to delve more into that research and study the environment they're in.   Kevin Stoller Yeah. What does your gut tell you if you're going to have a hypothesis on that of saying, you know what I think this would work or this would be a benefit?   David Cupolo I think those flexible environments and collaborative spaces where students feel safe and they feel valued and they have agency and when you give them opportunities for curiosity and connections to each other, I think that they're gonna say, that's what I want, that's what I need. And that's the world of today, honestly. Unfortunately, as you see the research, you go through school and by the time you become a senior, you're very little engaged and it's scary. I know. And you can be like, we can all be engaged in something and it can be low level too, right? I've been engaged, but that's really tasks. I'm just completing a task. I'm not really into it, part of it's a curricular issue on the educator side. That's part of that stack curriculum. We got those tests and all of those things, and I'm not saying there's not some value there. But our learning is not going deep enough and we need to be able to transfer that learning. Kevin Stoller (26:24.782) I think you're right. I mean, my experience would be the same that if I was going to say like, maybe there's not perfect research that shows it this way, but my gut and from what I've seen from being around this enough and just knowing kids and watching it, is. Right, they do. They want the agency. They want to be able to collaborate. They want to work with their peers. They want to have meaningful projects. that, yeah, and that for me is always the hard part because I'm the one that wants to challenge the status quo and be like, well, if you know that, why don't we start doing that? Like, what's preventing us from doing that? And I get it. There are a lot of limitations of what we can do without having the data and without having, you know, like the laws and all the legal and all the things that are coming down from state level and district level. But my gut is with you on that too, is that if we actually listen to the kids, they know what they want.   David Cupolo Yeah. they do. They do. And I was glad I had a professor said study thrill, nobody studied it, because that's tough to do a dissertation when there's no prior research you know, on that one topic. But I was, I really knew I was onto something there. So, you know, developing a framework for instructional leaders and how to, how can we work with teachers to increase learning thrill, you know, that's kind of still tweaking it. Because I believe it can be done even in the status quo, but we do have to push those understandings, you know, and trust kids. Cause they don't respond right. You know, and they're to mess up. We all did. Yeah. And that's probably the best thing for him is to mess up. Right. I sat in the principal's office a couple of times in my life. It's nothing wrong with that.   Kevin Stoller (28:46.284) Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, so are you, so as far as like studying thrill, like, and do, so are you actively engaged in that? Like what? Cause I talk through like what your journey has been around this concept of thrill and education.   David Cupolo So right now, know, finalizing my dissertation and kind of working with, again, virtual learning. Phil Stubbs is my thought partner. Shout out to Phil. He's with Virtual Learning. He's a brilliant mind, and kind of really fine tuning a framework for instructional leaders to kind of look at those things. Inductive learning. So what does the environment look like? Teacher authority. They've got to... to clarify Ed, that they're really tweaking right now that's coming out. And it's been a great journey that'll give teachers back time and make things more clear for students, but also look at a learning progression. So it's kind of like expert to Jedi, you know? So students can see this is where I need to head with my learning. And if I want to be a thrill and I want to be a transfer, this is where it's at. But then how could... giving them the opportunity to say, is how I can show and meet success criteria. Instead of just answering questions on a test, show me how you can, this is the level, show me that you were at that level. And that was a neat piece. When kids could articulate with three points of what they were learning and where they were going, then they had 68 % more positive emotions responses, just in that one factor. So I worked with my staff on that and we found, wow, the boredom, you when you look those wordles, bored got smaller and smaller and smaller and excited and enthusiastic, you know, and anxious reduced, you know, there wasn't that cognitive overload that kids feel. So there's a lot there that we're, you know, working on writing and getting out there, trying to share that message and do some presentations and All those things.   Kevin Stoller Yeah, very cool. Yeah. Well, that people need to hear it. Yeah. People need to be able to do that. So yeah, thank you for doing that work. I want to hear it before we wrap up here. I want to hear. The eight year journey into the new facility, what, what are the things that you have changed or like if you did it over again, you wish you, it would, the building would be different or the learning environment be different for those people who are going through it right now because that's obviously one of the big benefits of of education is we're so willing to share and help people so that the next project is always better for the first for the kids and the teachers in the future.   David Cupolo So, you know, for me, it was interesting right now the struggle is furniture. So we have these, you know, funky shaped collaboration tables for kids can sit at and I've grouped teachers that would prefer those in their classroom than the desks that connect together, just basically the four desks that have cool little shapes that connect together. They want these tables. And I'm just, they say it's more functional, more space in my room to maneuver. It's still not their desk. It's our table in that mindset. That's something to look at, you know, because they really believe it's helped their classroom. And I think just kind of look into the spaces and how do you use them and what structure do you provide kids for? It's for this use, know, using it understood that it's for learning, that it's not just, you know, hanging out. And kids did a great job with that, but that's just a little suggestion, you know, keep in mind, and this is our space for this and really having to understand this is where you apply yourself. This is where, you know, your collaborative place. This is for your discussion. You know, because we didn't have that, you know, campfires was not a word when I came out, you know, we did cooperative learning structures. I think that's a great training to have Cagan cooperative learning structures because it really tightens up how to, so kids can't hide in those environments still, because that's another piece we don't want to, we don't, and I don't mean physically hide, but I do, you know, educationally hide. I was good at that. I could sit in the back right corner last seat if I could and just, you know, kind of do my thing and then do what I needed to do, get out of class. But I think, you know, my best advice, have a plan, have a vision, have a group of people, your people who you believe will be the key people to really move that transition and look at the space. And I would love to visit schools and say, hey, this is your space. This is how it worked for us. This is how it didn't. This the space that was designed in the school that we don't use that I wish was something else, right? And that's the architecture side. When I was going through my Ed specialist degree, because I didn't understand how architects design schools. So part of my internship hours were with the architecture, because I want to know why did you do that? Why did you put this there? Then, know, look, those transitions, that's going to be an issue right here. Student transitions, that's, you you need to think about that because this crossway, cross paths, that's something else I would say, and look at your schedule and look at where kids are maneuvering based on the design. We have, criss cross applesauce traffic, you know, and it can be kids and kids, you know, we don't necessarily want to apply it, but we just want, you know, get where you need to be hugging, go hug and go, hug and go, especially after COVID.   Kevin Stoller Yeah. Yep. For sure. Yep. Yeah. And whether it is that way finding or something on the floors to help guide that traffic flow. Cool. Well, thanks for doing that. Thanks for sharing that. Anything else that I should be asking you that I haven't asked you about that you think would be useful for our audience?   David Cupolo You know, I just think having educators and principals at the table, I don't know the conversation that had. It seems like it's getting better, but understanding pedagogy, understand research. I've presented in a couple of AFRL conferences and, you know, I enjoy it and was, you know, sharing the research and the pedagogy to understand this is how it's used in the classroom. This is how the teacher will use it. And this is why, and this is the research says this is effective. You know, I think that that knowledge would be beneficial. Okay. This is why we want students to discuss. This is why we want cooperative learning. This is the impact it has. You know, and one of the activities I do is I put up some of the effects, things that impact learning can be have a strong effect or very little. And it's always interesting that items that come up like homework, that very little impact, but we all hop on our kids about it. Like you got to tell them it really doesn't have impact, you know, unless it's really taking learn further, you know? The things that are like, we've heard this research for so long and we know it, but man, I can tell you from like the parent experience, our schools are not learning that they keep sending the homework home and it's still like that nightly battle of, then I'm sitting here knowing this research that the homework really doesn't matter. I live it. Yeah. Yeah. I live into my house, you know, and now we know more about digitalized content and personalized learning, which is better. I think research will help tweak that homework. In fact, says a little bit more. you know, because it's more meaningful to students if it's used the right way. They understand this is where you fill in your gap and this is how it's going to benefit you. But yeah, no, that's frustrating to know. We know the right stuff and we still struggle getting it in place. Yeah. Well, I just heard a story of Chick-fil-A how, and seems like recently they've dropped this, at least once by us, but they used to have, you knew if you went to a Chick-fil-A, And they would say, may I serve you today? And you knew that was the way. And they ask them, how long did it take to get that idea, that simple line of having everyone ask about that? my pleasure. I think it was the end of it was when they say, pleasure. Instead of saying thank you or yeah, they'll say, my pleasure. How long did it take to get everyone in the organization to do that? Guess how long they said it took them? Six years. Six years to get like everyone to just say that one my pleasure, like just to answer like, that my pleasure. And it's a reminder of like how long it takes to get even simple changes all the way through a system. And yeah, to so to do it, we may know the research, but man, it takes a little time, unfortunately, as much as we want to try to have that urgency to say like, Hey, this kid only goes through school one time. Let's try to it right for them. Kevin Stoller (38:12.632) Well, that's, know, and for me, it's gentle constant pressure because compliance, you know, I'm one of those, the status quo doesn't always work for me.   David Cupolo And, but that gentle constant pressure of what works, you know, hey, try this, try this, you know, it takes hold, but it takes time. You got to have that patience to realize, you know, and organizations go through those challenges, you know, and you kind of peak excitement and then dip down and then, all right, let's get back on track again, you know, but it does it. didn't think six years though. been my pleasure. That's a long time. Two words. right.    Kevin Stoller Perfect. For the listeners, wherever you listen, just hit subscribe. We appreciate it. We also appreciate all of the feedback and the recommendations on either guests or topics. The hub for everything is betterlearningpodcast.com and on there we'll have show notes. We'll have links to David's information and he shared with an article. We'll link to the article too that he wrote here. So if you want any more information around this topic. But David, really appreciate the time. It great speaking with you.   Kevin Stoller (39:49.336) Views and opinions expressed on the Better Learning Podcast are those of myself as an individual and my guests and do not necessarily represent the organizations that we work for, the Association for Learning Environments, K-12, Education Leaders Organization, or Second Class Foundation.

In the latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller dives into a thought-provoking discussion with experts Bruce Levine, Sean O'Donnell, and Heather Jauregui on the profound connection between education and design. The episode unpacks how collaboration between architects and educators can reshape school environments, positively influencing student outcomes and community engagement.   Takeaways: Education policy and design can significantly impact student outcomes. Collaboration between architects and educators is essential for effective school design. Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) plays a crucial role in student comfort and performance. Modernized schools positively influence community perception and engagement. Investment in school facilities is an investment in the future of communities. Research supports the connection between school design and educational outcomes. Schools should be designed to be inviting and supportive learning environments. Advocating for funding is critical to improving educational facilities.   Bruce Levine, J.D., from Drexel University, highlights the role of education policy and design in shaping the future of communities. Sean O'Donnell, of Perkins Eastman, sees schools as the heart of community life, advocating for the integration of civic architecture with sustainable, high-performing design. Heather Jauregui adds to the conversation with her passion for sustainability, emphasizing how the wellness of students and the planet are intertwined in the design of resilient schools.   The impact of modernized versus non-modernized schools, drawing from the Latrobe research study: https://perkinseastman.com/white-papers/addressing-a-multi-billion-dollar-challenge/     Sound Bites: "My school experience is different than what I aspire to create." "Schools are community assets."       Follow Bruce Levine on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-a-levine-91667b6/   Follow Sean O'Donnell on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-odonnell-faia-leed-ap-perkinseastman/   Follow Heather Jauregui on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jauregui-61929269/       Learn More About Perkins Eastman: Website: https://www.mpsaz.org/         Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 201 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website

In the milestone 200th episode of the Better Learning Podcast, special host Kevin Foote sits down with Dr. Andy Forless, superintendent of Mesa Public Schools, to dive into a conversation about innovation in education. As the leader of Arizona's largest school district, Dr. Forless shares her unique journey from classroom teacher to educational leadership and how her passion for teaching has shaped her vision for transforming student learning experiences. The centerpiece of their discussion revolves around Mesa Public Schools' groundbreaking team teaching model, an approach designed to leverage shared expertise among educators. This model fosters a sense of belonging among students, enhances student engagement, and has proven effective in improving teacher retention—a growing challenge in education today. Dr. Forless and Kevin also explore the role of collaborative learning spaces and partnerships, particularly with Arizona State University, in making these educational innovations possible.   Takeaways: Team teaching allows for shared expertise among educators. Collaborative learning spaces enhance the team teaching experience. Personalized learning is essential for student engagement. Partnerships with universities can drive educational innovation. Redesigning working conditions is crucial to retain teachers. The future of education relies on collaboration and flexibility.   Andi Fourlis is the superintendent at Mesa Public Schools. Her career began in 1992 as a teacher in the Washington Elementary School District in Phoenix. She joined the Scottsdale Unified School District in 1996, where she spent 19 years as a teacher, director, executive director and assistant superintendent. In 2015 she joined the Arizona Science Center as the chief learning officer. In 2017, she joined Mesa Public Schools as the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning and later served as deputy superintendent. Andi Fourlis has received numerous awards, including the Horace Mann Ruler of the Month Award in 2019, the Kathy Hunt-Ullock Award for Middle Level Advocacy in 2013, and Teacher of the Year Award at Royal Palm Middle School in 1994. She is a graduate of Valley Leadership Institute Class 38 (2017).   Sound Bites: "I never thought that I would ever leave my classroom." "Team teaching is when a group of adults share expertise."   Follow Dr. Andi Fourlis on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andi-fourlis-713994122/   Learn More About Mesa Public Schools: Website: https://www.mpsaz.org/     Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 200 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website     Transcript Kevin Stoller (00:01.288) Welcome back to the better learning podcast. My name is Kevin Stoller I'm the normal host of the show, but we have another Kevin Kevin foot who's gonna be stepping in and Leading the conversation with dr. Andy for lists She is the superintendent of Mesa Public Schools the largest district in Arizona and I'm bummed that I wasn't part of this conversation I was really looking forward to it. But as you listen to the episode they talk a lot about their team Teaching approach had they've been doing in conjunction with Arizona State University. So it's really fascinating. So listen in. I hope you learn a lot from this and here you get to hear Kevin Foote and Dr. Andy Forless.   Kevin Foote (00:46.85) Hello, how are you? Good, how are you? I'm a different Kevin.   Dr. Andi Fourlis That is just grand, no troubles at all. So I'm Andy Forlund, Superintendent in Mesa Public Schools. I am an Arizona native. I began my educational career in Mesa Public Schools at Lowell Elementary. I'm starting kindergarten at Lowell. And I became a teacher because I loved to play school ever since I was a little girl. I was trying to arrange and rearrange, whether it was stuffed animals, my brother, the neighborhood kids, I was always organizing them into some type of a classroom. And so I spent fond memories of being a toddler and then growing up always playing school. I got super excited about going to kindergarten and I planned for my first day of kindergarten for a very long time from what I was going to wear to what my lunchbox was going to look like, what my backpack would look like and so on. So my mom took me to kindergarten and off I went and she picked me up at the end of the day. So excited to hear about, my gosh, Andi, how was your first day of school? You've been waiting this for so long. Well, I started crying. I pitched a fit in the car. I said it was the worst day of my life. And I remember her face was just blank. Like, how could this be the worst day of your life? And mom, you did not tell me that I was not going to be the teacher today. So I went to school and I was four. I was turning five in December. I went to school to kindergarten as a fourth as a four year old. Yeah. I was going for one reason. That was to be the teacher. I have had this idea that I was going to be a teacher because I always wanted to arrange people and things so that they can learn. And so as long as I can remember, I was always going to be a teacher in the back of my mind. Then I went to school, so I'll answer another one of the questions. So school for me was, it was a great place. I learned quickly. I had lots of questions. I kept thinking about how it could be different, how it should be different. And as I went through school, I never raised my hand. And when people ask me, Andi, what do you want to be when you grow up? I never said a teacher. kept thinking, I don't want to do it like this. I want to do it differently. And it wasn't until I had the opportunity to take some college courses that like an introduction to education, I thought, OK, this is what I'm going to do with my life. I can't way that it currently is. I don't have to live in the status quo. So I've always had one goal and I've always been in the service industry. I was a waitress all through high school and college to pay my way through college. And I realized that serving other people was something that I was good at and that it contributed to a better life for me and others.   Kevin Foote I love it. I love it. Very, very similar backgrounds, you and I. I'm not going to get into mine, but very, very similar. I was one of those weird ones that always knew I wanted to be a teacher. So what got you into administration, whether it was principal or eventually now in superintendency, what was your guiding light for that?   Dr. Andi Fourlis Well, I will tell you that I never thought that I would ever leave my classroom. I taught third grade, sixth grade, seventh grade, and then eighth grade. And it was a sixth grade classroom that I had district leaders come into my classroom and ask me if I was interested in mentoring other teachers. And I said, sure, I've always mentored other teachers. They said, yeah, but this would be a full time job where you step out of your classroom and for maybe three years or so work in our new teacher induction model and bring in our new secondary teachers. And really get that complemented to strong instructional practices and so on. I said, interesting. Okay, I could do that for a little bit. And then I never went back. So that was in 2000. And so here we are, 24 years later, I've not gone back into a classroom. I still have samples of student work that I'm ready to use someday. But I've back. So it was a tap on the shoulder to move into teacher leadership. And my journey has been through teacher leadership. I've never been a building principal or assistant principal. My journey was being an instructional coach and then to a director of professional learning and a director of recruitment.   Kevin Foote That's great. That's an interesting path. That's very unique compared to general superintendents. They've usually gone the principal path. So that's a very interesting path like that. So I've done some research into it. I've actually...you know, we've designed some schools and stuff within the ASU model of the team teaching and everything. And I wanted you to talk some more about that. I was able to listen to another podcast you were on and I've just, I loved it. Loved it. I was like, guys, this is right. I love hearing about this.   Dr. Andi Fourlis Okay. Yeah. So, you know, I would say like, I'm sorry to be redundant, but I know you probably love talking about it. And this is a, you know, maybe a bigger, different audience. So, if this is, you know, maybe architects or designers or somebody maybe in my industry on that end could hear more about what the team teaching model is for, like, for me, I'm all about it I was in the classroom. Maybe somebody who's never really been in the classroom. What does that look like? So when we think about our experiences in schools and being a one-on-one school is that people usually identify by saying, well, this was my third grade teacher. Well, my fifth grade teacher had the most impact on me. My seventh grade English teacher had an impact on me. That is the typical experience that most students have in American public school system. When we think about team teaching is when you start students start to identify this is the team of teachers that I am working with and it is beyond the one teacher one classroom model. Then the majority of my career I had the great benefit of working on a team. I was not just one teacher trying to serve all of my children. I was always on a team. I started in third grade and that was a team taught class and I did my teaching and then taught there. And then I moved into, there was a couple of years at the very beginning that I was a one teacher in one classroom. And I was a middle school team. And then when I moved to the Scottsdale Unified School District, I was also in a three person team, sharing a roster of 150 students. And we were co-designing deeper and more personalized learning. Those are all fancy words I have now, but I would have never been able to use. 1896 is when I started this work. School teaching is when there are a group of adults, teachers sharing their expertise to co-design instruction for a common roster of children that they serve. So, the public schools, our definition of a team is at least two teachers sharing a roster of students designing learning outcomes for them.   Kevin Foote Awesome. Now, just piggybacking on that, are there...How rare is this in Arizona? Are there other districts that are doing this? Did you get the model from, I know ASU, Arizona State's kind of guiding it, but did you get to see any other districts in action that are doing this?   Dr. Andi Fourlis So yeah, there are other districts that are implementing team teaching. And like I said, my own career, I started in 1991 and thinking about what we knew about middle school, adolescent design. It was, middle schools were based on teams of teachers bringing their academic knowledge, working with other teachers to serve children. So this is not a model that's new at all. In fact, team teaching, we can go back into our history books and look at even our former superintendent, Dr. Jim Saharis talking about team teaching in the 1970s. So this is not a new concept. What's new about team teaching today, is that we are using it in an environment of high levels of accountability. Because I believe that we started moving to the one teacher one classroom under the era of No Child Left Behind. No Child Left Behind talked about things like the highly qualified teacher, the appropriately certified teacher. And when it started breaking down classrooms by certification of who was highly certified to teach these students, and we had such a focus on that that we really aligned one teacher to typically a class of 25 to 30 students. And so No Child Left Behind came in with high levels of accountability to the teacher. And so team teaching, any type of collaboration, I believe, started to fall to the wayside.   Kevin Foote Yeah. OK. And I love what you talked about there where it's taken it from that middle school model or the junior high model where that's essentially what you're doing. And why can't we do top down with that? I love that. It's so important to talk about when we talk about the next education workforce teaming model, it is more than just a team of teachers. When we're truly talking about teaming, we are opening up learning opportunities for students by bringing in community partners, by community educators, rethinking the role of an instructional assistant. Even in today's world, here we are in 2024, rethinking the role of technology on a team. What role does this piece of technology play in integrating into the learning needs of students?   Dr. Andi Fourlis So it's taking all of your resources and arranging for learning for students and it is beyond the scope of just the certified teachers in that classroom. It's wrapping adults around the needs of children.   Kevin Foote Yes. I love that. And you you could see creating a strong workforce that knows how to work with, let's say, different types of bosses and all the varying learning styles and teaching styles that go along with, you know, I'm sure somebody in their career at some point were like, there's a boss that I just didn't work well with or I really like working for him or her and things like that. So I think this is a good start to that to get them to understand it at a young age. How do you function within, how does this team teaching model function within like the learning environment, like the actual spaces? Can you explain how Mesa's done it or if you've seen another district, like how do they make it work with if you do have a space that's been designed and furnished for that and everything, and then a space that's not, how do they make that work? I'd love to hear both sides of it.   Dr. Andi Fourlis So collaborative learning spaces are very important for teaming. And I will tell you that we have intentionally designed spaces for collaboration for teaming in Mesa Public Schools. And we also have teaming that is alive and well their physical design is not super conducive, but they make it work. So I'll give you another example. At Westwood High School, all ninth and 10th graders are on teams, and those are bigger kids, and they need bigger spaces. And so we have some potentially designed space where walls have come down. They've got movable chalkboards, whiteboards throughout the room. So kids are working on different projects. They're in and out of this collaborative space. At Stevenson Elementary, every child is on a team and they are beginning in first grade as a multi-grade team. And so the doors between classrooms are able to be opened. They look just like they're very large doors with the glass in between them and they- Storefront, if you will. So students are moving from classroom to classroom within a pod. never walk outside. They are all inside the building between classes. We have others that students have to walk outside to the classroom next door. So there's lots of different ways. And but what is most important is not that we're just moving kids, but what is the purpose and the intent behind the movement? And that needs to be artfully designed. We are moving kids around to get what they need to improve their learning outcome. So sometimes they need additional English language arts time. Sometimes they need more mathematics time. Sometimes they're going into innovation space because they're working in a project. And so they, at Stevenson Elementary, all students set their own intentions and learning targets for the day and then monitor those and then build their schedule with the guidance of the adults around what their game will look like. And so they have to be able to move.   Kevin Foote Okay, I love that.   Dr. Andi Fourlis That's one very last thing, have to be able to move. I love getting them up and moving. I'd also like to add that it's really important for our teams to build a community of learners. And so when the majority of our teaming models, at the beginning of the day, the entire grade level or grade bands at three, four, for example, at Stevenson, they meet in the morning for what they call family time. They all come together. Other schools, it might just be the entire third grade. They come together in the morning and they check the health and wellness of the community. That's what they do, but then they move on. At Stevenson, we have larger groups of children. So another added feature is that we have audio enhancement. So all of the teachers use microphones and they're in the classroom. And that's been a modification so that all children can learn even in a large space.   Kevin Foote That's great. I love that. I love that. what successes have you seen? And again, this is kind of like a two-part. What successes have you seen academically as well as socially? Because there's so many I want to hear from you firsthand. What successes have you seen in both those aspects?   Dr. Andi Fourlis So we have what our strongest indicators are around students have a sense of belonging. So they know where they belong, have an identity and they have more than one adult that they can connect with every single day. So while you might be assigned to Mrs. Smith and in third grade and teacher one classroom model, you and Mrs. Smith may not see eye to eye on things. And so in our teaming model, students have a lot of opportunity to connect with the expertise of multiple adults, including their teachers. So there's higher level of sense of belonging and confidence amongst our students that are in teams. The other is that what we're paying attention to building their confidence and efficacy for how they can be self-directed learners, those early on indicators are that they're feeling more confident. And being self-directed, when we take a look at our teachers, their retention rates are higher and their job satisfaction is higher in the team. Because it's always nice to know that we're in this together, right? I don't just go in and say, 28 students and me, let's go do this. We're all in this together. And it's a lot of co-planning and it's using expertise. We have teachers that have a background and are really great in math instruction. They take the lead on planning and designing mathematics lessons and design. The same reading specialist on a team taking the lead for that particular team. So they're sharing their expertise. And we often see that if a teacher is going to be out, need the substitute for a doctor's appointment or something on a team, oftentimes they don't even get a substitute or the substance provides just, you know, like supervision and support so the kids don't miss a beat. So we're also seeing learning outcomes are increasing. They've been paying attention to reading. So they are outpacing their peers in literacy development. And in our high schools, we're paying attention to Algebra 1 for our ninth grade. And we're seeing that students on teams are outperforming our students who are not on teams in Algebra 1.   Kevin Foote (18:50.83) Love it. Awesome. Something that I heard you say in a previous quote you made was that you're looking to create more personalized learning. And that's like the one thing that jumped out at me because I remember when I was in the classroom, that was always my goal is for all, know, sometimes I had 32 third graders or whatever, know, but that was a big class, but, you 25 to 30 kids, try to know something about all of them, like what makes each of them tick and feel like having that team teaching models makes that so much easier. You started teaching a little before me, like differentiated learning was the buzzword at the time. And so when I heard you say personalized, I'm like, I think that goes a little further. I love to hear that. So I don't if you want to elaborate on that a little much. That's just something I wanted to say. I thought it was pretty awesome.   Dr. Andi Fourlis We know the research around differentiated instruction that we differentiate by process product, right? And for learning, but within our kids are so different and we have an incredibly diverse community. So we need to make sure that not only is it differentiated, that instruction is differentiated, but it is also personalized where we are building, students have agency that they are building the what's in it for them in their learning. That takes it a little bit deeper than differentiation, because usually you differentiate for groups of kids. You look at personalization... it's a sliver of the solid research on why we differentiate. But this is saying that kids are setting their own goals. They're mastering their own goals. Elementary is very foundational. And English language arts, mathematics, and science, and social science. When we get into high school, that also looks at what is their career and college path that is personalized to them. It's not just the typical subject areas. It's like, no, I am on a path. I know that I want to pursue a degree in engineering. So my path is going to be different and I need to be engaged in an agent of my own learning towards that pathway.   Kevin Foote I think it's a perfect piggyback on the next thing. what's something you think that, or a couple of things that Arizona State's helped with? How do you think we can help work with future teachers on this, specifically college of ed students at our major universities, things like that? Are there some tips you'd have for them? And then also how is Arizona State help with that?   Dr. Andi Fourlis Well, what has been so helpful for us in our partnership with Arizona State University is the way that I think about our relationship is that ASU is the innovative university, a research-run university, and we are the laboratory to try those ideas, collect information, talk about what's working with boots on the ground and how they're constantly working together to make adaptations based on research and then based on implementation. And so to me, that's perfect model. The other is that Arizona State University is keeping this conversation alive beyond Mesa Public Schools. We have a crisis across the nation and the crisis of the teacher shortage. That's one long as I mentioned that I left my classroom in 2000 to be a new teacher induction specialist to help induct new teachers and then go out and recruit new teachers. So we've been at this for 24 years that we've been trying to solve a teacher. I think it's time that we're done admiring this problem and really digging down into why are teachers not choosing teaching? And especially in 2024, it's because the teaching job is incredibly isolating and it's inflexible. So if we can build some collaboration and flexibility into the teaching profession, that is one step closer to solving the teacher shortage problem. A phrase that I say, oftentimes, if teachers are not leaving the profession, they're leaving their working conditions. And working conditions is something that we can control. And so let's control what we can control and let's redesign those working conditions. And my belief is that if we do that, the theory of action is that we will chip away at the teacher shortage.   Kevin Foote (23:38.798) Awesome. I think that I have one more question, but you just answered it was how can people who are gonna hear this podcast help? And what are recommendations on what others do? But I feel like you nailed it in the head before I even got there.   Dr. Andi Fourlis And I think the other thing is that what can ASU do with those that are choosing the teaching profession? Designing their instruction and the experiences that free service teachers have. If free service teachers are coming in and working and learning in isolation. That doesn't set them up for success when they come into our school district with teaming model. So what I really appreciate around our relationship is Dr. Basile and I are constantly calibrating. What are we doing in classrooms in Mesa Public Schools? And how does that trigger pre-service learning and vice versa?   Kevin Foote Nice. I love it. love it. Well, thank you for your time today. I don't want to keep you too much longer. I think we'll just go ahead and wrap up here and thank you again for all you do. And that's a big job with the biggest district in Arizona. So appreciate your time.   Dr. Andi Fourlis The joy every day. We have so much opportunity to preserve the teaching profession and to create great outcomes.   Kevin Foote Awesome. Thank you.   Kevin Stoller (25:09.986) The views and opinions expressed on the Better Learning Podcast are those of myself as an individual and my guests and do not necessarily represent the organizations that we work for, the Association for Learning Environments, K-12, Education Leaders Organization, or Second Class Foundation.

In this insightful episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller welcomes Emmy Beeson and Jennifer Fuller to discuss the vital connection between school design and educational success. The conversation dives into the challenges schools face as they strive to innovate, as well as the pivotal role architects play in supporting educational missions. Together, they emphasize the importance of collaboration between educators, architects, and communities to create learning environments that truly enhance student engagement and foster creativity. The episode sheds light on how architecture can—and should—support a school's curriculum and mission, with both Beeson and Fuller sharing their perspectives on aligning design with educational goals. They also highlight the significance of involving the entire school community in the design process, ensuring that spaces reflect the needs of students and educators alike.   Takeaways: The goal is to provide every child with the best opportunity to succeed. Personal experiences in education shape future leaders. Rethinking school design is crucial for educational transformation. Shared vision is essential for successful facility planning. Community engagement is vital for educational success. Facilities should reflect the desired student experience. Leadership stability is important for long-term change.   Emmy supports district leaders to develop a shared vision, build capacity toward that vision, and align communication and decision making to the shared vision. She also guides district leaders on long-term implementation and systems sustainability, including succession planning. Emmy brings more than 20 years of educational experience, having served as superintendent at Ridgemont Local Schools and Tolles Career & Technical Center. She has truly lived the work she now brings to school districts around the country, offering a first-hand understanding of everyday challenges faced by leadership. Jennifer Fuller is a principal at Fanning Howey, an architecture, interiors and engineering firm specializing in the design of learning environments. As an architect, Jenn has the drive to take on the biggest jobs and the leadership skills to help everyone perform at their highest level. Jenn's clients love how she blends her own thought leadership with a listen-first approach to planning, engagement and design.   Sound Bites: "We want every kid to have the best opportunity." "I watched teachers come back to life."     Follow Jennifer on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-holdren-fuller-19a6599/     Learn More About Fanning Howey: Website: https://fhai.com/     Follow Emmy on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmy-beeson-61095127/   Learn More About Partnerships For All: Website: https://www.partnershipsforall.org/     Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 199 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ Kay-Twelve - https://www.kay-twelve.com/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Kevin Stoller sits down with renowned architect Raymond Bordwell to discuss their personal experiences, the art of architecture in school design, and the importance of collaboration in education. After a light-hearted chat about haircuts and podcast setups, they dive deep into Ray's career, his passion for architecture, and his journey into the field. Ray shares key insights on integrating operational needs into school design and the significance of creating adaptable, flexible buildings that can meet future challenges. He highlights the power of asking better questions and considering different perspectives to find innovative solutions in educational spaces. Drawing from his experience in both public and private K-12 school projects globally, Ray emphasizes the importance of early collaboration between educators, architects, and furniture partners in the design process. Ray also reflects on his 30+ years in architecture, touching on some of his successful projects and his approach to planning and programming. He encourages school leaders embarking on new construction or renovation projects to be thoughtful, surround themselves with people who understand their vision, and share success stories that demonstrate the impact of integrated design. The conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone involved in school planning or design.   Takeaways: Consider operational needs in school design to create more efficient and adaptable spaces. Asking better questions can lead to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of client needs. Incorporate flexibility and adaptability into building design to accommodate future changes. The planning and programming stages of architecture are crucial for creating a strong foundation for a project. Exploring different perspectives and experiences can lead to new ideas and approaches in design. Be thoughtful and surround yourself with people who understand your vision when embarking on a new school construction or renovation project. Involve furniture partners early in the design process to ensure integrated and functional spaces.   Ray has been a leader in planning K-12 schools around the globe for over 30 years. Before joining JCJ Architecture as the National Community Market's Leader, he led planning and design services for public and private school campuses across the United States and around the globe; building an international reputation as the Global Market Sector Leader at two of the nation's largest architectural practices.   Follow Ray on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbordwell/   Learn More About JCJ Architecture: Website: https://www.jcj.com/     Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 198 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ Kay-Twelve - https://www.kay-twelve.com/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

In the latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Alex Demczak, a former SEC quarterback turned entrepreneur, speaker, and author, joins host Kevin Stoller for an engaging conversation about the profound influence educators have on students' lives and the importance of leadership in shaping future generations.   The episode dives deep into both personal experiences and big-picture insights, as Alex and Kevin discuss the lasting impact that teachers and coaches can have—both positive and negative. With touching anecdotes about their own school experiences, they explore how educators can build meaningful relationships with students by showing integrity and making long-term investments in their success. These reflections are a powerful reminder of the responsibility and opportunity that come with the role of an educator.   Beyond the classroom, Alex and Kevin highlight the changing landscape of K-12 education post-pandemic, providing valuable insights for parents navigating tough decisions around school choices. They explore public and private schools, homeschooling, and trade schools, as well as how the rising costs of college are reshaping the way parents think about higher education. Their conversation goes beyond academics, emphasizing the ultimate goal of raising responsible, service-oriented adults.   From the power of mentorship to the value of storytelling in education, this episode is packed with takeaways for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the future of education.   Takeaways: Educators have the power to make a significant impact on students' lives and should approach their role with love, service, and care. Building trust and investing in students on a personal level can have a lasting positive effect. Educators should strive to be trustworthy and demonstrate integrity in their actions. The teaching profession needs to be more appealing and supportive to retain talented teachers. The rising cost of college education and the changing landscape of higher education are influencing parents' decisions about their children's future. Mentorship and learning from experienced individuals in the field are valuable for personal and professional growth. Storytelling is a powerful tool in education, allowing for the sharing of experiences and the creation of meaningful connections.   Alex Demczak is a former SEC quarterback for the Missouri Tigers. Alex graduated with a degree in Communication and a minor in Business. Alex is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author who challenges businesses, schools, and teams to maximize their impact.     He is the best-selling author of The Sale with Jon Gordon. The Sale delivers an invaluable lesson about what matters most in life and how to achieve it. The business fable teaches four lessons about integrity to create lasting success. The Sale has been endorsed by Dave Ramsey, Ed Mylett, Michael Porter Jr., Jamie Kern Lima, and others.    Alex is also the author of Thrive U. The inspirational book is a collection of stories from 100 collegiate and professional athletes from across the country. Alex has been mentored by Jon Gordon for the past 8 years and is part of his core leadership team.       Sound Bites: "A teacher or a coach will impact more people in one year than the average person will in a lifetime." "People just need that human connection and they need to be encouraged." "We're not trying to raise kids. We're trying to raise adults."     Follow Alex Demczak on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-demczak-59108179/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexdemczak/ Twitter: https://x.com/alexdemczak   Website: https://alexspeaking.com/     Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 197 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ Kay-Twelve - https://www.kay-twelve.com/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

In this insightful episode, Kevin Stoller dives deep into the world of student-centered school design with architects Laura Smyles and Emily Wright. The conversation is centered around creating inclusive learning environments that support all students, with a focus on neurodivergent learners. Laura and Emily share their personal journeys into educational architecture, emphasizing how crucial it is to address the unique sensory and movement needs of students. By incorporating furniture experts early in the process, schools can optimize design solutions that meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring that every child has a supportive space to thrive. Takeaways: Designing schools should prioritize the needs of neurodivergent students and create inclusive learning environments. Movement and sensory processing should be supported through the use of furniture and classroom layouts. Acoustics play a crucial role in creating a conducive learning environment, and reducing visual clutter is important for minimizing sensory overload. Spaces that provide both prospect and refuge are important for students to feel safe and regulated. Involving furniture experts early in the design process can lead to better outcomes and avoid budget and design issues.   Emily J. Wright is a registered architect with over 15 years of experience, an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, a background in clinical psychology, and experience teaching English abroad. Although neurotypical herself, her father, brother, husband, and their three children are neurodivergent. She believes buildings and spaces have a profound impact on our functioning and well-being. Laura Smyles has over 12 years of experience as an Architect and Educational Planner with Grimm + Parker. As the daughter of a 25-year-long career public school teacher, she brings her unique perspective to educational design along with her direct experience of working with several school systems across the DMV. Mom to three under 5, she is especially familiar with the importance of creating an environment that improves emotional regulation - for kids and adults alike.     Follow Emily J. Wright on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-wright-69a91781/   Follow Laura Smyles on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-smyles-aia-well-ap-251b9945/   Learn More About Grimm + Parker Architects: Website: https://www.grimmandparker.com/     Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 196 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ Kay-Twelve - https://www.kay-twelve.com/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

Empowering women in education is crucial for fostering innovation, diversity, and leadership in the field. Building up women in this sector not only enhances the quality of education but also creates a more inclusive and supportive environment for students and educators alike. By championing women's advancement, we ensure that diverse perspectives shape educational practices and policies, leading to richer and more equitable learning experiences. The latest Better Learning Podcast episode focuses on the Bold Women Collective, a platform dedicated to supporting women in the education market. This collective provides a vibrant and safe community where women can connect, share experiences, and grow together. It addresses the need for a dedicated space where women can authentically engage, build meaningful relationships, and benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities.   Takeaways: The Bold Women Collective provides a safe and supportive community for women in the education market to connect, learn, and grow together. The collective serves as a catalyst for positive change, fostering diversity and equality within the education sector. The collective encourages mentorship and networking opportunities to support women in their personal and professional growth.   Panelists: Carla Cummins, Kay-Twelve LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/ Kay-Twelve: https://www.kay-twelve.com/   Jolene Levin, K-12 Advocate and Consultant LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolenelevin/   Darlene Akers, Akers Business Solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-akers-b6b2a35/ Akers Business Solutions: https://akersbusiness.com/   Dr. Deb Kerr, Superintendent at Francis Public School District LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deb-kerr-7b2aaa19/ Francis Public School District: https://www.stfrancisschools.org/     Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 195 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ Kay-Twelve - https://www.kay-twelve.com/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

Justin Baiardo, Executive Director and Founder of Explore Academy, joins us to share the groundbreaking model of his charter school, where the focus is on offering students a truly individualized learning experience. At Explore Academy, students are given the unique opportunity to choose from different versions of every class, allowing them to pick the teaching style that best suits their needs. This student-centered approach pairs students with teachers based on learning styles, fostering an environment where both can thrive. What sets Explore Academy apart is its commitment to student choice and teacher creativity. As Justin explains, "The school could be around for 10,000 years and no two students would ever share the same educational pathway." This model empowers students with the autonomy to shape their education, while teachers are encouraged to innovate in their instructional methods. Explore Academy's journey began with a high school program but has since expanded to include middle and elementary schools. The goal remains steadfast: to prepare students for college and provide them with a strong foundation in both academic and life skills. However, unlike many institutions that push for rapid expansion, Explore Academy is focused on stabilizing its current schools, ensuring quality education, and maintaining their student-centered philosophy.   Takeaways: Explore Academy offers different versions of every class, allowing students to choose the teaching style that works best for them. The school focuses on preparing students for college and providing them with a strong foundation in academic and life skills. The model allows teachers to be more creative and individualized in their teaching methods. Parents appreciate the level of individuality and choice that the school provides for their children's education. Explore Academy is focused on stabilizing their current schools and maintaining their philosophy of student-centered education. They prioritize offering quality education and ensuring student excellence over rapid expansion.   Justin Baiardo is the founder and executive director of Explore Academy - Albuquerque and co-founder of Explore Learning Systems. Over the past several years, he has worked to bring the beginning network of Explore Academy schools into existence while implementing a novel and innovative educational model seen nowhere else in the country.     Visit Explore Academy's Website: https://www.explore.academy/   Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 194 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ Kay-Twelve - https://www.kay-twelve.com/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

In the latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller sits down with John Gamba, the Entrepreneur in Residence at Penn GSE, for a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of education and entrepreneurship. John shares his rich background in the field, discussing the challenges and opportunities in bringing edtech products to market, the impact of AI in education, and the growing need for competency-based education and social-emotional learning. Key highlights from the episode include John's insights on the literacy crisis and the innovative strategies being employed to improve reading comprehension. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of supporting teacher well-being and resilience, tackling the mental health crisis in schools, and the ethical considerations of AI in education. Additionally, John dives into the critical elements that contribute to the success of an edtech product and the pivotal role of a founder in driving that success.   Takeaways: The importance of addressing the literacy crisis and finding innovative ways to improve reading comprehension in students The need to prioritize teacher well-being and resilience to create a more sustainable and effective teaching workforce The significance of addressing the mental health crisis in schools and providing support for students' well-being The potential of AI in education, while also considering the ethical implications and ensuring data privacy The key elements of successful edtech products: engagement, pedagogical alignment, and ease of adoption   John Gamba is a serial entrepreneur who has founded, funded and led several education technology ventures and non-profit programs over his 30 year career. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Gamba started his career as a strategy consultant for KPMG where he performed research and published articles for NASA related to the commercial development of space. He was later recruited to serve as a senior executive at two digital marketing agencies, one of which went public in 1998.     Follow on John Gamba on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngamba/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Johngamba7   Penn GSE Website: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/about-penn-gse/catalyst       Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 193 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ Kay-Twelve - https://www.kay-twelve.com/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on students, with many still grappling with significant learning losses and declining enrollment. As schools nationwide strive to help students recover, district leaders are increasingly turning to innovative school design to boost academic performance and foster student success. In a recent episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we explored this critical topic with a special focus on how the physical environment can play a pivotal role in reversing these trends. Melissa is the Partner for National Education and Innovation at PBK, the nation's largest K-12 architectural firm, with more than 16 years of expertise in the planning, design, and management of educational facilities across the country. PBK's impressive track record, with over 42 years of experience and 18,000 completed projects, positions Melissa as a leading voice in the industry. She brings a wealth of knowledge on how thoughtful school design can be leveraged to address the challenges schools are currently facing, including declining enrollment trends and the need for enhanced learning environments.   Takeaways: School design is increasingly being used as a tool to boost academic performance and student success. With 42 years of experience and 18,000 projects, PBK is at the forefront of addressing national educational challenges through innovative design. Students continue to struggle with learning loss and declining enrollment post-pandemic.   Melissa brings more than 17 years of specialized expertise in the planning, design, and management of educational facilities for both public and private institutions.  She is driven by a belief that all students should have equitable access to innovative indoor and outdoor learning environments.  With her role as the National Education and Innovation Leader, Melissa serves as a resource and advocate for research-based, student-centered, and purpose-driven learning environments.  In her career she has worked on a variety of projects ranging from the youngest learners in early childcare centers to advanced academics in career and technical high schools all while building meaningful, long-term relationships with clients.     Follow on Melissa Turnbaugh on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-turnbaugh-59b38835   Website: https://pbk.com/       Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 192 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

Changemakers Eric Sheninger and Nicki Slaugh take this episode into a deep dive into the transformative power of leadership in education. As seasoned change-makers, they discuss the critical importance of initiating and sustaining change that leads to real, tangible results in schools.   One of the most compelling parts of the discussion is their exploration of a student-centered approach. In an era where one-size-fits-all education is increasingly outdated, Eric and Nicki advocate for a system that prioritizes individual needs, fosters a culture of trust, and encourages collaboration. They share insights on how leaders can cultivate a culture where empathy and trust become the foundation for a positive school environment.   But the road to change isn't always smooth. Eric and Nicki acknowledge the challenges of getting everyone on board with new initiatives and the tough decisions that sometimes need to be made. Yet, they offer practical advice for navigating these obstacles, stressing the importance of storytelling in showcasing the reality of what happens in schools.   Takeaways: Leaders need to ask the right questions and challenge conventional wisdom to initiate and sustain change in education. Change in education requires courage, risk-taking, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Empathy and trust are essential elements of effective leadership. Not everyone will be on board with change, but it's important to create conditions that empower the majority. Difficult decisions may need to be made to ensure the best outcomes for students. Educators should tell their own stories and showcase the reality of what happens in schools.     Eric works with schools throughout the world, helping educators meet and exceed their potential to improve outcomes for learners. He is the founder and CEO of Aspire Change EDU, a collaborative consultancy designed to provide personalized support to all educational systems. Prior to this, he was a teacher and the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School. Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices. Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement.   Nicki Slaugh stands out as a trailblazer in the field of educational transformation. Through her efforts, she has established a school culture dedicated to customizing learning experiences for individual students, cultivating a positive atmosphere,highlighting the importance of STEM education, and purposefully integrating technology to unleash each student's potential. As a secondary principal, Nicki's forward-thinking leadership has transformed a conventionally structured school into one that advocates for personalized, competency-based learning, attracting nationwide attention.       Sound Bites to Ponder:   "Comfort is the enemy of progress."   "Empathy, trust, those are the intangible elements of leadership."   "You will not get everyone on the bus."   "How do you create the conditions to empower the majority?"         Follow on Eric Sheninger on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esheninger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricCSheninger X: https://x.com/E_Sheninger     Website: https://ericsheninger.com/   Follow on Nicki Slaugh on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-slaugh-a396155b/ X: https://x.com/nickiatquest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principal_nickislaugh/     Website: https://www.nickislaugh.com/       Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 191 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

The latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, hosted by Kevin Stoller, dives deep into the science of reading and the transformative shift in teaching methods. The conversation revolves around the history of reading instruction, highlighting the pitfalls of the balanced literacy approach and the crucial role of phonics and decoding skills. A significant theme in this episode is the need for urgent change in literacy instruction, driven by solid evidence and the success of structured literacy approaches. The discussion also touches on the hurdles educators face when implementing new methods, often met with resistance from established systems and publishing companies.   Takeaways The dominant teaching method of balanced literacy has not been effective in teaching children to read. Phonics and decoding skills are crucial for reading success. Implementing change in the education system can be challenging due to various factors, including financial interests and resistance to change. Open and compassionate discussions are essential for moving the field of literacy forward. The shift from balanced literacy to structured literacy has been driven by the need for evidence-based practices and improved student outcomes. Professional development is crucial for teachers to effectively implement structured literacy instruction. Parents play a vital role in advocating for their children's literacy education and should trust their instincts if they feel something is not right. There is a need for urgency in improving literacy instruction and trying new approaches to meet the needs of all students.   Faith Borkowsky, the founder of High Five Literacy, LLC, is an internationally respected and sought-after literacy consultant, certified dyslexia practitioner, and award-winning author and speaker. She has over thirty-five years of experience in literacy instruction - as a classroom teacher, reading and learning specialist, regional literacy coach, administrator, and private tutor. Judy Boksner has over 25 years of New York City Education experience as an educator, classroom teacher, coach, and reading specialist. Judy works with teachers and children all throughout areas in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Greenwich Ct. She has extensive training in evidence-based methodologies such as Orton Gillingham, Wilson's Fundations, and The Hochman Method, also known as The Writing Revolution.     Sound Bites to Ponder:   "We got it wrong in a lot of ways." "Good readers could read words in isolation." "It was a curriculum disability rather than a learning disability." "A lot of kids weren't making the progress that they needed, even with one-on-one instruction." "The easy conversations where everybody's in a silo talking about the same thing, agreeing with each other every single time saying, yeah, you're right, you're right. Those aren't the kind of conversations that are actually going to shift the needle." "When you are teaching in those upper grades, you just can't understand why kids are coming up to you not reading."     Follow on Faith Borkowsky on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faithborkowsky/   Follow on Judy Boksner on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-boksner-478b5118/     Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 190 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/  

Are you passionate about education and literacy? If so, this episode of the Better Learning Podcast is a must-listen! Titled The Power of Reading Proficiency, this episode dives deep into the urgent need to improve reading skills across the United States. Brandon Cardet-Hernandez shares his journey in education, from growing up in a group home to becoming the president of Mrs. Wordsmith. He emphasizes the importance of reading proficiency and the impact it has on a person's life. Brandon discusses his experiences as a special education teacher, working in school reform, and serving as an education advisor for Mayor Bill de Blasio. They also discuss the confusion surrounding the science of reading and the need for a more comprehensive approach to literacy education. They explore the challenges in the current education system and the importance of personalized learning and low-stakes testing. Brandon emphasizes the need for collaboration and creative solutions to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed in reading.   Takeaways: Reading proficiency is crucial for success in life, and access to reading materials and support can greatly impact a person's educational outcomes. Educators often enter the field to address personal experiences or to make a positive change in the education system. Collaboration between different stakeholders, including policymakers, schools, and families, is essential for improving education. The work of Mrs. Wordsmith focuses on improving reading skills through phonics, vocabulary, and explicit instruction. The science of reading includes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and vocabulary, all of which are crucial for reading comprehension. School boards play a crucial role in shaping education policies and should prioritize literacy as a key focus area.   A recognized leader and changemaker, Brandon has spent his career working to reimagine the systems, structures, and tools that accelerate opportunity and close achievement gaps. Brandon previously served as the Senior Education Advisor to former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the NYC Department of Education. A former special education teacher, Brandon has sat at the helm of two high schools, leading both institutions through transformational change.     Sound Bites to Ponder:   "Half of young people in the US are reading below grade level." "We need to be putting a level of urgency on reading and literacy because our schools are failing in this area." "We're focused on the science of reading, which includes phonemic awareness, phonics, and explicit instruction around vocabulary." "We need to recognize that the six hours and 20 minutes of a school day may not be sufficient for every child."       Follow on Brandon Cardet-Hernandez on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncardethernandez/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandoncardet/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonCardet   Boston Public Schools Website: https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/1030 Mrs. Wordsmith Website: https://mrswordsmith.com/       Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 189 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/  

Matt Beaudreau and Kevin Stoller have had transformative journeys through the traditional education system, ultimately leading them to create alternative, student-centered educational models. Drawing from their experiences, they emphasize the importance of fostering curiosity and engaging in meaningful conversations within the learning environment.   In their conversation, Matt and Kevin address the challenges and opportunities in the evolving education landscape. They acknowledge the high demand for alternative education options and the need for systemic change within traditional schools. Parental involvement is highlighted as a crucial component in this shift, with parents playing an active role in their children's education.   Matt shares the hurdles faced in making their programs accessible to all, advocating for a broader shift in mindset to embrace these new educational models. By focusing on the holistic development of students and the involvement of families, Matt's work represents a reimagining of education that seeks to reseed freedom in our children and nation through comprehensive family education.     Takeaways: The traditional education system often prioritizes playing the game of school rather than fostering genuine learning and growth. Alternative models like Acton Academy and Apogee focus on learner-driven education, curiosity, and good conversation. Parents play an active role in the educational process, and their own learning and growth are important as well. Finding and building communities of like-minded individuals is crucial for creating and sustaining alternative educational models. The traditional school system needs to change There is a religious affinity for the current school system that hinders change       As a Keynote Speaker, Consultant, and Coach to organizations around the world, Matt Beaudreau's clients have ranged from Wells Fargo, Honeywell, and Lockheed Martin to American Eagle, Cedars-Sinai and the United States Air Force. Matt has a reputation as a provocative thought leader in educational and personal development practices. He is a two-time featured TEDx speaker and he was named Corporate Trainer of the Year at Stanford University, having spoken to over 250,000 people across the world.       Sound Bites to Ponder:   "School for me was easy because I knew how to play school."   "School has a big, giant, clunky, disgusting system that's self-perpetuating."       Follow on Matt Beaudreau on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-beaudreau-071a5b99/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbeaudreau/ Twitter: https://x.com/MattBeaudreau   Apogee Strong Website: https://apogeestrong.com/ Apogee Strong Foundation: https://www.apogeestrongfoundation.org/       Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/         Episode 188 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.         For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/       Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

In the latest episode of The Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller sits down with Mike Cobb, the Futurist in Residence at Forsyth Country Day School and a former member of the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia. This insightful conversation delves into Mike's remarkable journey from working in independent schools in the United States to participating in the groundbreaking NEOM project. Mike shares his transition to NEOM, a futuristic city project in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its ambitious vision and goals. NEOM aims to revolutionize education with personalized learning experiences, cutting-edge technologies, and a strong focus on teacher-student relationships. Mike highlights the use of facial recognition, biometric feedback, AI robotics, and social robots in enhancing the educational experience. Designed to support NEOM employees and their families, the NEOM Community School provides a unique, flexible learning environment from infancy through the 12th grade. The school focuses on building relationships and giving students agency in their education. Its spaces are designed to be flexible, incorporating natural light and blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor learning. Additionally, the school's scheduling is tailored to meet the needs of employees, offering extended hours and opportunities for personalized learning.   Takeaways: NEOM is a futuristic city project in Saudi Arabia that aims to reimagine education and create personalized pathways for students. Teacher-student relationships are still the most important factor for success in education, even with the use of innovative technologies. NEOM utilizes facial recognition, biometric feedback, AI robotics, and social robots to enhance the learning experience. Mike Cobb's experience in NEOM has shaped his perspective on the future of education and his role as a futurist in residence at Forsyth Country Day School. The Neom Community School in Saudi Arabia was designed to support the employees and families of Neom, starting from infants to the 12th grade.     Mike Cobb is a visionary and results-oriented educational leader with a track record of successfully steering schools towards organizational excellence. With over 34 years of experience, he has served in various roles, including accomplished classroom teacher, division head, admissions/enrollment leader, and Head of School. He is also an international speaker and has been a key education leader in the forward-looking NEOM project in Saudi Arabia.     Sound Bites to Ponder: "The relationships between the teachers and the students were still the number one indicator for success." "We were doing some really cool things using again facial recognition, but we were also using things where we were looking at biometric feedback to look at engagement for students in class." "We blew up the traditional 45-minute class schedule and created a dynamic schedule that allowed for authentic learning and student agency." "Relationships are still the most important thing in education. AI can free up time for teachers to focus on building relationships." "The Neom Community School's spaces were designed to be flexible, bringing in natural light and blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor learning."       Follow on Mike Cobb on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmcobb1/ Website: https://www.neom.com/       Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/       Episode 187 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.       For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/     Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

Mike Beckham's story begins in the nonprofit sector, where he developed a deep understanding of mission-driven work. Transitioning to the business world, he founded Simple Modern in 2015, a company now known for its premium drinkware and lifestyle products. Beckham emphasizes that at the core of entrepreneurship lies a desire to solve problems and bring new ideas to life. He believes that entrepreneurship is a form of creativity, where individuals get paid to solve problems and create something valuable. A key takeaway from Beckham's journey is the significance of a growth mindset. He shares that successful entrepreneurs are experimenters who love learning and decoding what people want. This mindset, combined with the ability to understand where to apply new knowledge, is crucial for entrepreneurial success. Beckham stresses the importance of having a clear mission and purpose from the outset. Simple Modern's commitment to generosity, donating at least 10% of annual profits to nonprofit organizations, is a testament to this principle. He believes that building a company without knowing its mission and purpose is like trying to drive a car without knowing where you're going. Mike Beckham's story is a powerful example of how a clear mission, a growth mindset, and a commitment to values can drive entrepreneurial success. His journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a difference through entrepreneurship. Tune in to the Better Learning Podcast to hear more about his inspiring journey and insights. Takeaways: Entrepreneurship is driven by a belief in a vision and a desire to solve problems. Having a growth mindset and a love for learning are key traits of successful entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is a form of creativity, where individuals create something new and bring it to the world. A company can prioritize both values and purpose, creating a unique culture and giving back to the community. Entrepreneurs often combine different skills and experiences to find innovative solutions. Start with a clear mission and purpose in entrepreneurship Embrace a growth mindset and be willing to learn and grow Build relationships and have a clear vision before starting a business Transform and adapt your business model when faced with challenges Create a culture of generosity and giving in organizations Regan has worked on numerous public and private K-12 learning spaces throughout the greater New England area, including Eliot Innovation School, Gibbs School, and Leicester Middle School. She is passionate about design for education and creating spaces that are welcoming, safe, and inspiring. She is also an advocate and thought leader in restoring and preserving our historic buildings, including adapting them for new, contemporary uses. Sound Bites to Ponder: "Entrepreneurs are first and foremost, they're kind of experimenters that love learning and love kind of decoding what's going on and what people want and how to serve people." "Entrepreneurship is getting paid to solve problems." "It usually starts with survival first and then we find our way." "Having the desire to learn and the willingness to grow plus the judgment of understanding where to apply that, that's what gets you where you want to be." "Building a company when you don't know the mission and the purpose is like building a car while you're trying to drive it without knowing where you're trying to drive." Follow on Mike Beckham on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/ Twitter: https://x.com/mikebeckhamsm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebeckham/ Website: https://www.mikebeckhamblog.com/ Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/   Episode 186 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we feature special guest host Clarissa Darbone and guest speaker Merri Salazar, a project manager at Pfluger Architects. This episode delves into the fascinating world of K-12 education design, highlighting the importance of being student-centered and the power of community engagement. Merri Salazar brings a wealth of experience working in K-12 education and shares her insights on the significance of understanding the unique needs of each district. She emphasizes that the heart of her job is designing spaces that not only support but also elevate the goals of each community. Merri passionately discusses the value of community engagement in creating successful school projects. She shares that the projects which turn out the best are those that actively seek and incorporate community input.   Takeaways: K-12 education design is focused on being student-centered and meeting the unique needs of each district. Understanding the goals and priorities of the community is crucial in creating successful school projects. Engaging with the community and gathering input helps ensure that school designs align with their needs and desires. Budget constraints can be a challenge in school projects, but creative solutions and partnerships can help overcome them. The mission and purpose of an architecture firm play a significant role in guiding their work and creating meaningful experiences for students.     Merri Salazar is a detail-conscious project manager who works with project teams to ensure every unique goal and objective is met. For over five years, she has been an essential part of the Pfluger team in Houston. Her ability to visualize and communicate ideas promotes a better understanding of design intent and enhances collaboration with the client, design team, and contractor. Merri is passionate about creating spaces that uplift and inspire, making every project a meaningful experience for its users.   Sound Bites to Ponder: "Every district has a different story. I like how they talk and listen to their communities." "The projects that turn out the best are the ones that go out and figure out what the community really wants."   Follow on Merri Salazar on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merri-salazar-4948b544/ Website: https://www.faainc.com/   Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 185 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.     For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/     Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller engages in a riveting conversation with Regan Shields Ives, the Principal and Studio leader for educational projects at Finegold Alexander Architects. This episode delves into the nuanced world of school design, reflecting on Regan's journey and her deep commitment to creating educational spaces that foster a sense of community and support for students, teachers, and administrators. Regan's path to becoming an architect was paved by her traditional school experiences in the 80s and 90s, where individualized learning was the norm, and collaborative opportunities were scarce. Her early fascination with building and design naturally steered her towards architecture, where she could merge her passions for education and design. The conversation sheds light on the significant evolution in school design. Moving away from rigid, traditional structures, modern school design now emphasizes student-centered, collaborative, and personalized learning environments. Regan discusses how Finegold Alexander Architects are at the forefront of this shift, crafting spaces that encourage interaction and creativity.   Takeaways: The evolution of school design involves a shift towards student-centered, collaborative, and personalized learning environments. Community engagement is crucial in school projects, and diverse voices, including students, educators, and the community, contribute to the design process. The impact of technology on architecture is still evolving, with the potential for AI to play a role in design processes. The legacy of architectural work is reflected in the involvement of diverse voices and the community's recognition in the design of school spaces. The importance of creating educational spaces that provide a conducive environment for students to thrive. The role of furniture in facilitating pedagogical change and the need for early engagement with furniture dealers in the school design process. The emergence of new educational models and the resilience of students in diverse learning environments.   Regan has worked on numerous public and private K-12 learning spaces throughout the greater New England area, including Eliot Innovation School, Gibbs School, and Leicester Middle School. She is passionate about design for education and creating spaces that are welcoming, safe, and inspiring. She is also an advocate and thought leader in restoring and preserving our historic buildings, including adapting them for new, contemporary uses.   Sound Bites to Ponder: "When the community sees themselves in the school and feels as though they were part of it, that's what it's about." "It's all about the furniture."   Follow on Regan Shields Ives on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regan-shields-ives-aia-leed-ap-aa291147/ Website: https://www.faainc.com/   Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/     Episode 184 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

Are you ready to be inspired by one of the most influential voices in leadership and education? In our latest podcast episode, host Kevin Stoller sits down with the remarkable Jon Gordon, a best-selling author and keynote speaker whose books and talks have transformed leaders and organizations around the world. This episode is packed with valuable insights, personal stories, and practical advice that you won't want to miss.   Takeaways: Jon Gordon's faith journey and how it influenced his writing and speaking career The crucial role of school leaders in creating a positive culture and engaging the community Positive communication is essential to fill the void and create connection. Difficult conversations are necessary to address issues and build commitment. Leadership in education is challenging, requiring principled decision-making. Educators have a mission to make a difference in students' lives and create a positive school culture.   Jon Gordon is a best-selling author and keynote speaker whose books and talks have inspired millions of readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been embraced by numerous Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sports teams, school districts, hospitals, and non-profits. Jon is the author of 30 books, including 16 bestsellers and 5 children's books. His work includes the timeless classic "The Energy Bus," "The Carpenter," "Training Camp," "The Power of Positive Leadership," and his latest release, "The One Truth." When he's not traveling for speaking engagements, Jon enjoys playing pickleball and taking long walks, where he finds inspiration for his ideas.   Sound Bites to Ponder: "I felt this incredible peace come over me and writing and speaking came to me." "The book's (The Energy Bus) been out for 17 years and I finally got an email that said, how come you put a school bus on the cover when it's actually supposed to be a city bus?" "Where there's a void in communication, negativity will fill it." "I truly think this is the hardest time that we've ever had for school leaders."     Follow on Jon Gordon on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jongordonenergy/ Twitter: https://x.com/JonGordon11 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jongordon11/ Website: https://jongordon.com/   Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/       Episode 183 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.       For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult Catalyst @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/     Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

A Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) is a visionary framework that defines the knowledge, skills, and attributes that students should possess upon graduating from high school. This concept goes beyond traditional academic metrics and focuses on preparing students for success in the real world. A PoG typically includes competencies such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and character development. It serves as a strategic tool for schools and districts to align their educational practices with the holistic development of students, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the modern world.   Importance of a Portrait of a Graduate Holistic Development: It emphasizes the development of the whole child, addressing academic, social, and emotional needs. Future-Ready Skills: It ensures students are equipped with essential skills required for success in college, careers, and civic life. Community Alignment: It fosters collaboration among educators, parents, and community members to create a unified vision for student success. Educational Equity: It promotes equitable learning opportunities by focusing on diverse learners' strengths and needs.     In the latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller sits down with Dr. Brian Troop, the Superintendent of Ephrata Area School District in Pennsylvania. Dr. Troop, who has been at the helm since 2013, shares his extensive journey through the education system, shedding light on the evolution of educational practices, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the future direction of public education. The conversation delves into the necessary shift in the education system from a focus on standardized testing to fostering essential character traits and skills. Dr. Troop emphasizes the importance of preparing students for real-world challenges by developing their critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. This evolution is crucial for creating a more holistic educational environment that prioritizes long-term success over short-term metrics.     Takeaways: Education Evolution: The evolution of the education system and the shift in focus from standardized tests to character traits and skills. Impact of 'Most Likely to Succeed': The impact of the film 'Most Likely to Succeed' on the education system and the community's involvement in shaping the direction of education. COVID-19 Challenges: The challenges faced by a superintendent during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for flexibility and adaptability in the education system. Stability and trust are crucial in education leadership, especially during times of crisis like the pandemic. Community Support and Governance: Community support and board governance play a significant role in shaping the direction of educational initiatives. Professional Learning: Professional learning and support for educators are vital for implementing new initiatives and meeting the evolving needs of students.       Sound Bites to Ponder:   "We have a higher calling to prepare kids to be successful in life."   "We took advantage of the high level of trust we had prior to the pandemic."   "If we don't have stability in the leadership, then it's really hard to implement any type of change."       Follow on Brian Troop on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-troop-955b80130/ Twitter: https://x.com/drbtroop         Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/         Episode 182 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.         For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult Catalyst @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/     Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

How did your parents influence your career decisions? Do you think their guidance helped or hindered your career path?   Were you given opportunities to explore different career options in school? How did that impact your career choices?   What do you think is more important when hiring: a candidate's educational background or their passion and skills? Why?   Do you think today's educational system adequately prepares students for the future? How can it be improved?   In the latest episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tyler Dugar, offering a unique blend of perspectives on education from both a parent's and a corporate world's viewpoint.   Reflecting on their own educational journeys, Kevin and Tyler delve into the critical mistakes they made when choosing their career paths, emphasizing the vital importance of allowing students to explore various career options and make informed decisions for themselves.     Takeaways: Empower Students to Explore: Students should be encouraged to investigate different career paths and have the freedom to choose what excites them the most. Realistic Career Views: Schools need to provide students with honest and comprehensive insights into various professions. Preparation for Life After High School: The focus should be on equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive post-graduation. Hiring Criteria in the Modern Workplace: Companies are increasingly valuing skills, passion, and cultural fit over traditional indicators like college prestige. Avoiding Career Pigeonholes: It's essential to recognize and nurture the unique talents and interests of each student, rather than forcing them into predefined career paths. Generational Diversity: Each generation is diverse, and it's crucial to avoid broad generalizations when considering career guidance and development.     Tyler Dugar is a leader in the consumer products manufacturing industry and has had a front-row seat to the changes in new employees' preparedness, values, and attitudes over the last twenty years. He is passionate about hiring and training in a way that enhances company culture while improving both the products brought to market and the lives of employees and their families.    With four children between 12 and 18, educational preparedness is always top of mind.  Tyler lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee with his wife and children.       Sound Bites to Ponder:   "Don't necessarily do what others tell you to do. Play an active role in deciding your career path."   "Expose kids to different career options and let them decide what makes them happy."   "The focus should be on skills, passion, and cultural fit when hiring, rather than the prestige of a college."       Follow on Tyler Dugar on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-dugar-b7851ab/   Learn More About First Quality: Website: https://www.firstquality.com/         Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.   For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/         Episode 181 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.         For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/       Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

In our last Rising Stars episode of 2023, we feature Aaron Evans - a Kay-Twelve team member that is all about being Radically Student Centered™! The episode kicks off with Aaron reflecting on his own educational journey, sharing a poignant and personal story about growing up with ADHD. As a student, Aaron faced numerous challenges within the education system, struggles that many students with ADHD can relate to. His candid discussion about these experiences serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. As the conversation unfolds, Kevin and Aaron delve into the importance of change management in education. Aaron emphasizes the critical need for supporting teachers as they navigate new learning environments, a topic that resonates deeply given the rapid changes in educational approaches over the past decade. His insights highlight the necessity of creating student-centered spaces that are adaptable and dynamic. One of the standout themes of the episode is the emphasis on data-driven improvement. Aaron passionately discusses the importance of capturing and analyzing data to drive continuous enhancement in education. This approach is not just about collecting numbers but about making informed decisions that can lead to real, tangible improvements in the learning experience for students. Takeaways: Change management is crucial in the education industry to support teachers in adapting to new learning environments. Capturing data and continuously improving are essential for making a real impact in education. The industry has made progress in creating student-centered spaces, but there are still challenges to overcome. School leadership plays a vital role in driving change and implementing effective strategies. Collaboration between educators, architects, and furniture manufacturers is key to creating successful learning environments. Strong leadership is crucial in education to guide and develop staff and students. The education system is shifting towards project-based learning and technology integration. Parents are looking for schools that prioritize character development and emotional regulation. The role of educators is evolving, and there is a need to rethink class size and building utilization. Technology will continue to have a significant impact on education, and there is a need to adapt and embrace change. Aaron is a professional with over ten years of experience in the education industry. He lives in San Marcos, Texas, with his wife Natalie and three dogs named Bailey, Daisy and Paisley. In his free time, Aaron enjoys traveling and trying new recipes in the kitchen. He has also become an Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) through the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE).   Aaron Evans 2023 NexGen Award Winner Nominate a Rising Star in Education 40 and Under for the 2024 NexGen Awards   Follow on Aaron Evans on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-evans-alep-1892ba72/   Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/   Episode 180 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/   Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

Are traditional schools equipped to prepare our children for a rapidly evolving world? In the latest episode of the Better Learning podcast, Tom Woelper and John Camp delve into a fascinating conversation about the New England Innovation Academy (NIA), an independent school that's challenging the status quo of education. With backgrounds deeply rooted in both education and entrepreneurship, Woelper and Camp built NIA and are redefining the educational landscape. NIA isn't just another school; it's a bold experiment in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and human-centered design. But what sets it apart from traditional models? And how does it equip students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an uncertain future? Discover how the school's physical space mirrors its innovative philosophy, fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging among students. However, this journey isn't without its challenges. Woelper and Camp candidly discuss the hurdles of moving away from traditional grading systems and the impact of college admissions on education today. With insights from over 25 years of teaching experience, Camp brings a unique perspective to the table, emphasizing the importance of teaching what cannot be Googled and fostering a culture of hard work. Meanwhile, Woelper's extensive career in independent education shines through, showcasing his dedication to reshaping the educational landscape and serving as a beacon for innovation in schools.   Takeaways The New England Innovation Academy is an independent school that focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship, and human-centered design. The school aims to prepare students for a rapidly changing world by teaching empathy and fostering an innovator and entrepreneur mindset. The founders of the school have backgrounds in education and entrepreneurship and wanted to create a school that was different from traditional models. The physical space of the school reflects its innovative approach, with open, collaborative areas and a sense of belonging and togetherness. The target market for the school includes families who are dissatisfied with traditional education and want a more innovative and flexible approach. Nia Innovation Academy follows a human-centered approach to education, focusing on integrated learning and project-based learning. The school offers flexibility in scheduling and allows for personalized learning experiences. NIA uses a competency-based assessment system that de-emphasizes grades and focuses on skills and competencies. The college admission process still heavily influences education, but colleges are showing interest in innovative approaches to learning. There is a need for a shift in the K-12 education system to prioritize holistic development and individual strengths rather than solely focusing on grades and college admissions.     Camp (as he goes by), has been teaching in independent schools for over 25 years. His experience includes English and writing classes as well as interdisciplinary courses such as “The Art and Physics of Time Travel.” At St. Mark's School, which bestowed him with The Trustees Chair and the Kidder Faculty Prize, Camp served as the Director of Experiential Learning and Associate Director of The Center of Innovation in Teaching and Learning. Tom has had a distinguished 31-year career in independent education, most recently serving as the Head of School of Far Hills Country Day School in Far Hills, New Jersey. Prior to his tenure at Far Hills, Tom served as the Assistant Head of School and Dean of Academic Life and taught history during his 14 years at The Hotchkiss School. Tom began his career in independent school education as a teaching intern at Groton School and then as a history teacher and Class Dean at The Taft School.     New England Innovation Academy https://neiacademy.org/   Follow on Tom Woelpher on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-thomas-woelper-a9009717 Twitter: https://twitter.com/twoelper   Follow on Camp on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/campsm/   Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/   Episode 179 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!