FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series: Furniture Procurement Doesn’t Have to Be Hard or Scary
Release Date: 11/14/2024
'Back to School' with Thea Wayburn, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we’re breaking down the 1986 comedy Back to School, where Rodney Dangerfield plays a loud, lovable millionaire who enrolls in college to reconnect with his son and shakes up the entire campus in the process. Joined by guest Thea Wayburn from BRIC Architecture, host Kevin Stoller and co-host Carla Cummins take a deeper look at how the film portrays higher education, student life, and the meaning of "fitting in." Part of our ongoing series dissecting school-related movies, we explore what this over-the-top comedy reveals (intentionally or not)...
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'Finding Nemo' with Brenda Swirczynski, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we dive deep (pun intended) into Finding Nemo - the animated adventure that’s equal parts heartwarming, hilarious, and insightful. As part of our series on school-related films, we explore what this Pixar classic can tell us about the student experience, the importance of trust and independence, and how schools can support every kind of learner on their journey. Joining host Kevin Stoller is co-host Carla Cummins and special guest Brenda Swirczynski from Pfluger Architects, bringing both educational and design perspectives to the table....
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'Superbad' with Nick Duffy, Ken Hagen, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode, we’re diving into the wildly popular teen comedy Superbad — one of the most iconic (and ridiculous) high school movies out there. As part of our series on school-related films, we’re looking at what Superbad got right about the student experience, what it totally blew out of proportion, and why it still hits home for so many people. Superbad follows two inseparable best friends, Seth and Evan, as they navigate their final days of high school — chasing parties, popularity, and one last shot at leaving their mark before graduation. Beneath all the chaos and crude humor...
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'Napoleon Dynamite' with Brian Parker, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by co-host Carla Cummins and guest speaker Brian Parker, AIA, ALEP—Vice President of K-12 at MHTN Architects—for a quirky and insightful conversation centered around the 2004 classic Napoleon Dynamite. As one of only two Accredited Learning Environment Planners in Utah, Brian brings a unique design perspective rooted in empathy, student agency, and unlocking the potential within every learner. Napoleon Dynamite follows the offbeat story of an awkward high schooler navigating friendship, identity, and...
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'School of Rock' with Mason Pashia, Matt Rogers, and Kevin Stoller
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by co-host Matt Rogers and guest speaker Mason Pashia, Partner (Storytelling) at Getting Smart Collective, for an energetic and thought-provoking conversation centered around the 2003 cult classic School of Rock. Known for his work amplifying the voices of educators and change-makers through storytelling, Mason brings a fresh and imaginative lens to how we think about student engagement, creative expression, and nontraditional learning paths. School of Rock follows the story of Dewey Finn, a struggling musician who...
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What Are Green Schools and Why They Matter
Better Learning Podcast
What is a Green School? When people hear “Green School,” they often picture solar panels, school gardens, or maybe a greenhouse out back. While those are pieces of the puzzle, the full picture is much more powerful. A Green School integrates sustainability into every aspect of the learning experience: from the design of its physical space to its curriculum, culture, and community impact. It’s a school that not only teaches sustainability but lives it, showing students, educators, and families what a healthier, more equitable future can look like—and empowering them to lead the...
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'Stand and Deliver' with Don Baus, Victoria Morlan, and Carla Cummins
Better Learning Podcast
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Carla Cummins is joined by co-host Victoria Morlan as well as architect and education advocate Don Baus for a powerful conversation around the 1988 film Stand and Deliver. With decades of combined experience in designing and supporting student-centered environments, the two explore how the true story of Jaime Escalante continues to challenge and inspire today’s educators, designers, and school leaders. Set in a struggling East L.A. high school, Stand and Deliver follows math teacher Jaime Escalante as he empowers his students to defy...
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'High School Musical' with Candace Seda, Stephanie Seda, and Carla Cummins
Better Learning Podcast
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,...
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'Teachers' (1984) with Steve Miletto and Kevin Stoller
Better Learning Podcast
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...
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'Mean Girls' with Steven Shapiro, Nancy Shapiro Rapport, and Kevin Stoller
Better Learning Podcast
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,...
info_outlineAre 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 3 of 3: The EXECUTION
In Episode 3 of the FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series, guest speaker Brad Kiehl demystifies the furniture procurement process, highlighting strategies to make it more efficient and stress-free for schools.
This episode covers the value of involving furniture dealers early, allowing them to work alongside design teams to ensure alignment between educational goals and furniture needs. Brad explains how early collaboration can help districts avoid common challenges, such as misaligned bids and inconsistent quality, while also simplifying logistics through a single point of contact for delivery and installation.
Takeaways:
- Early involvement of furniture dealers
- Best practices for the procurement process
- Benefits of cooperative contracts
- Simplifying delivery and installation through a single point of contact
We’re thrilled to introduce Aaron Buehring as the co-host for this special three-part series of the Better Learning Podcast. As the Director of Educational Environments at Lionakis, Aaron brings over 15 years of interior design expertise and a unique background as both a professional anthropologist and interior designer. His holistic approach to design—integrating finishes, branding, furniture, art, and lighting—along with his commitment to research-based strategies, positions him as a leading voice in shaping NextGEN learning environments. Aaron’s passion for enhancing how humans interact with space makes him the perfect guide for these thought-provoking discussions on the transformative role of furniture in education.
Follow Aaron Buehring on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-buehring-02473545/
Learn More About Lionakis:
Episode Guest:
Brad Kiehl has been working in the educational community for public and private entities for over 25 years and is currently the Director of Educational Planning for HTK Architects. Over the course of his educational career, brad has gained experience in all phases planning, design, construction and being an owner's representative.
Follow Brad Kiehl on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradkiehl/
The FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series on the Better Learning Podcast
Host: Kevin Stoller
Co-Host: Aaron Buehring
Episode 206 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