Better Learning Podcast

The Better Learning Podcast combines education and entertainment in a fresh, engaging format where guests share their favorite school-related movies. Host Kevin Stoller leads dynamic conversations, exploring memorable scenes, iconic characters, and timeless lessons through award-style categories like “The John Keating Award” for standout teachers and “Realistic or Ridiculous?” to dissect school life portrayals. With humor, analysis, and reflection, each episode celebrates the fun, flaws, and impact of these films while sparking nostalgia and insights. Whether you’re an educator, student, or movie buff, join us to relive the movies that shaped how we see school life, and share your favorites at betterlearningpodcast.com. 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.

'October Sky' with Michael Duncan 02/19/2025

'October Sky' with Michael Duncan 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: Connect with Michael Duncan: LinkedIn: Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/35351865

'Radio' with Meredith Watassek 02/12/2025

'Radio' with Meredith Watassek 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: Twitter: Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/35261000

'Ted Lasso' with Heidie Ciesielski 02/05/2025

'Ted Lasso' with Heidie Ciesielski 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: LinkedIn: Twitter: Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/35165570

'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' with Trevor Muir 01/29/2025

'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' with Trevor Muir 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: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: YouTube: Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/35066020

'The Breakfast Club' with Dr. Michael Cardona 01/22/2025

'The Breakfast Club' with Dr. Michael Cardona 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: X: Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins: LinkedIn: Connect with host, Kevin Stoller: LinkedIn: Connect with San Marcos Consolidated ISD Website: 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/34963495

The Hidden Challenges of Building New School Facilities 01/15/2025

The Hidden Challenges of Building New School Facilities 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: X: Nadaburg USD #81: Website: 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/34867380

'Freedom Writers' with Dr. Parul Minhas 01/09/2025

'Freedom Writers' with Dr. Parul Minhas 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: LinkedIn: Episode 214 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_ /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/34782340

How 2024 Redefined Better Learning with Carla Cummins 01/01/2025

School Leadership Strategies for Uniting Communities 12/26/2024

School Leadership Strategies for Uniting Communities 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 . 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 . 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/34622805

'Friday Night Lights' with Dr. Scott Muri 12/18/2024

'Friday Night Lights' with Dr. Scott Muri 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/34503735

What Hollywood Gets Right (and Wrong) About Schools 12/12/2024

What Hollywood Gets Right (and Wrong) About Schools 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 . 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 . 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/34421620

'Dead Poets Society' with Dr. Michael McDowell & Aaron Eisberg 12/04/2024

'Dead Poets Society' with Dr. Michael McDowell & Aaron Eisberg 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: LinkedIn: 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: LinkedIn: Instagram: 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 . 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? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/34238805

The Challenges and Rewards of Educational Leadership 11/27/2024

The Challenges and Rewards of Educational Leadership 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: X: 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/34168640

Furniture Should Guide Design, Not Follow It 11/20/2024

Furniture Should Guide Design, Not Follow It 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: Learn More About The SLAM Collaborative Website: Instagram: LinkedIn: Facebook: X: 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? 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.... /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/34020892

FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series: Furniture Procurement Doesn’t Have to Be Hard or Scary 11/14/2024

FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series: Furniture Procurement Doesn’t Have to Be Hard or Scary 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 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: 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: 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33935312

FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series: How to Select the Right Solution and Ensure Buy-In 11/14/2024

FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series: How to Select the Right Solution and Ensure Buy-In 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 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: Learn More About Lionakis: Episode Guest: 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: The FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series on the Better Learning Podcast Host: Kevin Stoller Co-Host: Aaron Buehring 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33935282

FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series: Seeing Furniture as an Active Participant in the Learning Environment 11/14/2024

FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series: Seeing Furniture as an Active Participant in the Learning Environment 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 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: Learn More About Lionakis: Episode Guests: 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: Follow Eliza Loyola on Social Media: LinkedIn: The FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series on the Better Learning Podcast Host: Kevin Stoller Co-Host: Aaron Buehring 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33935252

Portland Perspectives: Radically Student Centered™ at LearningSCAPES 11/06/2024

Portland Perspectives: Radically Student Centered™ at LearningSCAPES 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 . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33808047

Lessons for New School Leaders 10/30/2024

Lessons for New School Leaders 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: Read David's Article Designing for Learning Thrill Spaces4Learning Article: 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? 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... /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33684882

Addressing a Multi-Billion Dollar Challenge 10/23/2024

Addressing a Multi-Billion Dollar Challenge 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: Sound Bites: "My school experience is different than what I aspire to create." "Schools are community assets." Follow Bruce Levine on Social Media: LinkedIn: Follow Sean O'Donnell on Social Media: LinkedIn: Follow Heather Jauregui on Social Media: LinkedIn: Learn More About Perkins Eastman: Website: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33577592

The Evolution and Benefits of Team Teaching 10/16/2024

The Evolution and Benefits of Team Teaching In the milestone 200th episode of the Better Learning Podcast, special host Kevin Foote sits down with Dr. Andi Fourlis, superintendent of Mesa Public Schools, to dive into a conversation about innovation in education. As the leader of Arizona's largest school district, Dr. Fourlis 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. Fourlis 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: Learn More About Mesa Public Schools: Website: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - Want to be a Guest Speaker? 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... /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33485097

Building Tomorrow’s Schools with Creative Collaboration 10/09/2024

Building Tomorrow’s Schools with Creative Collaboration 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: Learn More About Fanning Howey: Website: Follow Emmy on Social Media: LinkedIn: Learn More About Partnerships For All: Website: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - Kay-Twelve - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33386107

Collaboration between Educators and Architects 10/02/2024

Collaboration between Educators and Architects 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: Learn More About JCJ Architecture: Website: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - Kay-Twelve - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33290557

Quarterbacking the Future of Education 09/25/2024

Quarterbacking the Future of Education 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: Instagram: Twitter: Website: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - Kay-Twelve - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33115107

Designing Schools for Neurodivergent Students 09/18/2024

Designing Schools for Neurodivergent Students 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: Follow Laura Smyles on Social Media: LinkedIn: Learn More About Grimm + Parker Architects: Website: Conversational Insight: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - Kay-Twelve - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33091722

Empowering Women in the Education Market 09/11/2024

Empowering Women in the Education Market 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: Kay-Twelve: Jolene Levin, K-12 Advocate and Consultant LinkedIn: Darlene Akers, Akers Business Solutions LinkedIn: Akers Business Solutions: Dr. Deb Kerr, Superintendent at Francis Public School District LinkedIn: Francis Public School District: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - Kay-Twelve - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/33001447

AI in Education: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations 08/28/2024

AI in Education: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations 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: Twitter: Penn GSE Website: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - Kay-Twelve - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/32769167

How School Design is Addressing Pandemic-Driven Learning Loss 08/21/2024

How School Design is Addressing Pandemic-Driven Learning Loss 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: Website: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/32579942

Personalizing Learning and Supporting Teacher Growth 08/14/2024

Personalizing Learning and Supporting Teacher Growth 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: Facebook: X: Website: Follow on Nicki Slaugh on Social Media: LinkedIn: X: Instagram: Website: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/32553992

The Failure of Balanced Literacy 08/07/2024

The Failure of Balanced Literacy 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: Follow on Judy Boksner on Social Media: LinkedIn: Learn more about creating better learning environments at . 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 . For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit 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 . For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - Education Leaders' Organization - Second Class Foundation - EDmarket - Catapult @ Penn GSE - /episode/index/show/betterlearning/id/32443127

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