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Addressing a Multi-Billion Dollar Challenge

Better Learning Podcast

Release Date: 10/23/2024

'October Sky' with Michael Duncan show art 'October Sky' with Michael Duncan

Better Learning Podcast

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...

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'Radio' with Meredith Watassek show art 'Radio' with Meredith Watassek

Better Learning Podcast

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...

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'Ted Lasso' with Heidie Ciesielski show art 'Ted Lasso' with Heidie Ciesielski

Better Learning Podcast

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...

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'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' with Trevor Muir show art 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' with Trevor Muir

Better Learning Podcast

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...

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'The Breakfast Club' with Dr. Michael Cardona show art 'The Breakfast Club' with Dr. Michael Cardona

Better Learning Podcast

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...

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The Hidden Challenges of Building New School Facilities show art The Hidden Challenges of Building New School Facilities

Better Learning Podcast

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...

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'Freedom Writers' with Dr. Parul Minhas show art 'Freedom Writers' with Dr. Parul Minhas

Better Learning Podcast

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....

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How 2024 Redefined Better Learning with Carla Cummins show art How 2024 Redefined Better Learning with Carla Cummins

Better Learning Podcast

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...

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School Leadership Strategies for Uniting Communities show art School Leadership Strategies for Uniting Communities

Better Learning Podcast

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...

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'Friday Night Lights' with Dr. Scott Muri show art 'Friday Night Lights' with Dr. Scott Muri

Better Learning Podcast

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". ...

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More Episodes

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