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.

Learning by Region at A4LE Georgia 07/22/2026

Learning by Region at A4LE Northeast 07/22/2026

Learning by Region at A4LE Midwest Great Lakes 07/22/2026

Learning by Region at A4LE Southern 07/22/2026

Learning by Region at A4LE Southeast 07/22/2026

AI, Agency & the Future of Education with Dr. Sabba Quidwai 07/15/2026

Designing Schools Kids Are Proud Of with Amanda Vottis 07/08/2026

Designing Schools Kids Are Proud Of with Amanda Vottis In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Jessica Westerduin talks with Amanda Vottis, an architectural designer at Mosaic Architects with over 12 years of experience in K-12 educational design. Amanda shares her winding path into school architecture, her philosophy of "radically student-centered" design, and a deep dive into the multi-year Saratoga Springs School District project — a "legacy" renovation initiative built on an educational plan shaped by community input, teacher feedback, and student voice. The conversation explores how thoughtful design (learning stairs, breakout spaces, informal student areas) can transform how kids feel about school, and why understanding student behavior and needs matters more than just filling classroom walls. Takeaways: Design starts with people, not walls. Instead of asking "what does this classroom need," Amanda asks "what do your students need to be successful" — shifting conversations from storage and outlets to real student experience. Community alignment sustains long-term projects. Saratoga Springs' educational plan, built through summits, surveys, and teacher/student input, has guided nearly a decade of phased renovations back to a shared vision. Dream big before scaling back. Exposing districts to ambitious ideas (like learning stairs and dedicated informal spaces) helps them aim higher instead of defaulting to "practical" but uninspired designs. Every student learns differently — design should reflect that. Just as teachers and coaches adapt to different learning styles, school spaces need variety to support how each student thrives. Ownership and pride change student behavior. When students feel a space belongs to them, they take care of it and use it — evidenced by the pride shown in Saratoga's new fitness center and cafeteria. About Amanda Vottis: Amanda is an Architectural Designer and Accredited Learning Environment Planner with Mosaic Associates Architects. With over a decade of experience, Amanda specializes in designing innovative learning environments for K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities in New York. Collaborating with clients from initial project conception through completion of construction, Amanda enjoys helping clients design projects that align with their unique educational goals and community needs. Amanda volunteers for the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) New York Chapter Board, serving as past President, and co-captain for Mosaic’s CANstruction team. Episode 338 of the Better Learning Podcast 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/41959115

Reimagining School Operations with Dr. Heather Sánchez 07/01/2026

Reimagining School Operations with Dr. Heather Sánchez In this episode, Jeff Kubiak sits down with Dr. Heather Sánchez, Deputy Superintendent of the Bellevue School District in Washington, to explore what it looks like to lead a large public school district from both the instructional and operational sides of the house. Drawing on 26 years in education — from a border-town middle school teacher in New Mexico to overseeing HR, finance, facilities, transportation, and more — Dr. Sánchez shares how Bellevue is centering community voice in everything from strategic planning to building design, and why the most transformative ideas often start with a simple "what if?" Takeaways: Walk both sides of the house. Coming from instruction into operations gives Dr. Sánchez a rare ability to connect learning directly to logistics. Listen before you build. The best designs — buildings, programs, strategic plans — start with community voice, not a blueprint. Systemize the fires so you can dream. Clear crisis protocols free up the mental space leaders need for long-term vision. Small ideas, big impact. The Bellevue Welcome Center started with one hallway conversation. Transformation often does. The students are already ahead of us. They're bolder, more creative, and more advocacy-minded than ever. Follow their lead. About Dr. Heather Sánchez: Dr. Heather J. Sánchez is a high-impact and systems-focused K–12 executive known for delivering measurable academic results while leading complex organizations with precision, clarity, and vision. With more than 20 years of experience leading high-performing school systems, she strengthens academic outcomes, ensures operational excellence, and expands access to innovative learning opportunities. In her role as Deputy Superintendent, she provides executive leadership across district operations, human resources, and finance and business services, aligning organizational strategy, talent, and resources to deliver on the district’s strategic plan and drive measurable results for students. Dr. Sánchez oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes financial stewardship, human capital strategy, facilities and capital programs, student services, and enterprise operations. She is recognized for her ability to integrate long-range planning, fiscal discipline, and organizational effectiveness with a clear focus on teaching and learning. Her leadership ensures that budgets, staffing models, and operational systems are tightly aligned to district priorities, enabling schools to deliver high-quality instruction and strong student outcomes. Previously serving as Chief of Schools and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Sánchez led districtwide improvement efforts that resulted in measurable gains in early literacy and mathematics, while strengthening instructional coherence and expanding access to accelerated learning, dual language programs, STEM opportunities, and student choice. She has a strong track record of advancing innovation and ensuring systems evolve to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of students and families. Across leadership roles in Washington, Colorado, and New Mexico, Dr. Sánchez brings a rare combination of financial acumen, business-minded leadership, and deep educational expertise. She has served at every level of the PK–12 system, including classroom teacher, instructional coach, school principal, Director of Teaching and Learning and Accelerated Programs, Executive Director of Schools, Chief of Schools, Chief Operating Officer, and now Deputy Superintendent, gaining experience across elementary, middle, high school, and district systems levels. Grounded in this comprehensive background, she maintains a strong commitment to students, families, and educators, prioritizing clarity, communication, and a supportive, high-expectations culture. She is known for building trust with boards and communities, navigating complex challenges with sound judgment, and delivering results through disciplined execution. Dr. Sánchez holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership, superintendent certification, and principal and teacher certifications. She has been nationally recognized through Chiefs for Change (Future Chiefs) and Women Leading Ed (Emerging State Executives). Her honors include the Washington Association of School Administrators Doyle E. Winter Excellence in Leadership Award and the Washington State School Achievement Award. Originally from New Mexico, Dr. Sánchez is committed to academic excellence, responsible governance, and future-ready systems that prepare every student for success in college, career, and life. LinkedIn: Episode 337 of the Better Learning Podcast 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/41850590

Lessons From 27 Years of Building Better Schools with Larry Levato 06/24/2026

Lessons From 27 Years of Building Better Schools with Larry Levato Mark Barga talks with Larry Levato, veteran educational architect at Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, about what it really takes to design schools that serve students, teachers, and communities alike — and why the process matters as much as the product. Takeaways: Design for teachers too. Educators spend more time in school buildings than students. Great design treats teaching as a craft that deserves a professional environment. Listen before you design. Client relationships and deep listening are the foundation of every successful project — not design vision alone. Slow down to get it right. Larry's biggest "risk" was pushing back a project timeline. When COVID hit mid-construction, that decision saved the project. Schools can lead change, not just reflect it. Even traditional communities can be guided toward more innovative learning environments when trust is built over time. Legacy is about people, not buildings. Larry measures success by how much he's elevated the architects, clients, and educators around him — not by square footage or awards. About Larry Levato: Earning a Bachelor of Architecture and Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design in 1988, Larry has worked with K-12 educational clients over the course of his 34 year career. He joined Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates in 2010 and continues to work with our K-12 educational clients throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania. Larry is the current A4LE President-elect, appointing committee positions and focusing on the creation of a stellar conference which include host city selection, school building tours and keynote speakers as well as conference theme. As Principal, he focuses on overall firm management as well as collaboration with project managers in establishing project standards and Best Practices as well as advising on educational programming and planning which are implemented throughout the architectural studio. LinkedIn - Episode 336 of the Better Learning Podcast 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/41712665

Building a Middle School that Supports Student Learning with James Liebman 06/17/2026

Building a Middle School that Supports Student Learning with James Liebman In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Jessica Westerduin sits down with James Liebman, senior associate at HMFH Architects, to explore how thoughtful school design can elevate student wellbeing, foster belonging, and support great teaching. Drawing on 30 years in architecture — from higher education to K–12 — James shares how the physical environment either supports or hinders learning, and how architects can create spaces that truly center students. Using the Maria Weston Chapman Middle School in Weymouth, Massachusetts as a case study, James walks through the design decisions that shaped one of the largest middle schools in the state into a place where students feel seen, supported, and inspired. Takeaways: Student-centered design starts with listening. Every design decision — from natural light to furniture flexibility — should trace back to how students will actually use and experience the space. Architects must ask questions, sit with uncertainty, and let what they hear shape the design. Break large schools into smaller communities. The "concentric rings of support" strategy used at Maria Weston Chapman Middle School shows how architecture can combat the anxiety of scale by creating nested communities — from a team of ~100 students up to a grade, and then the whole school. Early visioning documents anchor every future decision. A district-wide educational plan created at the start of the process serves as a reference point throughout design, ensuring that smaller decisions continue to reinforce the bigger goals — and giving districts a durable consensus to build on. Architecture supports behavior; it doesn't create it. Great teaching and learning are already happening. Well-designed spaces — with good acoustics, natural light, adaptable technology, and flexible furniture — don't manufacture engagement, they remove barriers to it. Adaptability and budget are not opposites. Long-lasting schools require flexible spaces, but that doesn't mean endless square footage. Smart sequencing of spaces, movable furniture, and robust materials can create adaptable environments without exceeding budgets or losing funding votes. About James Liebman: James Liebman is a Senior Associate at HMFH Architects, a women-owned architecture firm nationally recognized for innovative, sustainable, and student-centered school design. With 29 years of experience, James skillfully balances stakeholder input, public budgets, and accelerated schedules to deliver K-12 schools that enhance student well-being and reflect the communities they serve. As Project Manager for the LEED Gold-certified Chapman Middle School, he led design and construction administration for this 1,470-student facility, the largest middle school in Massachusetts. James earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia and his Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. Episode 335 of the Better Learning Podcast 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/41652910

One Community's Fight to Save Their School with Dr. Tim Matlack, Phil Leinbach & Ken Bonkoski 06/10/2026

One Community's Fight to Save Their School with Dr. Tim Matlack, Phil Leinbach & Ken Bonkoski In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Mark Barga sits down with Dr. Tim Matlack (superintendent), Ken Bonkoski (director of facilities), and Phil Leinbach (architect, EM Architects) to tell the story of Antietam School District's response to a catastrophic flash flood on July 9, 2023 — and how a small, resource-limited district turned disaster into opportunity. Episode Takeaways: Crisis demands rapid, creative pivoting. When floodwaters destroyed 110,000 sq. ft. of educational space housing grades 7-12 and the district office — with FEMA providing zero financial assistance — the team had to improvise immediately. Students were relocated to a church, a neighboring elementary building, and eventually modular units, all while school opened on time that fall. Institutional trust is the foundation of effective school construction. With a decades-long relationship between the district and EM Architects, the team could move fast without losing alignment. Phil's advice: don't discard your architect like swapping doctors — that institutional knowledge of budgets, building history, and community context is irreplaceable. Flood-resilient design is possible, not just theoretical. The new Stony Creek Elementary is being built eight feet above the breach point of the 2023 flood, with solid creek-facing walls, storm water infrastructure, and a simplified rectangular footprint — giving the community genuine confidence without making promises nobody can guarantee. A strong school culture is built on shared purpose, not just shared hardship. Staff, neighboring districts (Exeter SD), community volunteers, and the National Guard all rallied around the district. Tim credits the faculty's family-like culture — which predates the flood — as the reason the district bent but didn't break. Flexibility is the greatest ability in school design and leadership. Phil's maxim: "Be like Gumby — bend, don't break." Ken's approach: don't get overwhelmed by the mountain in front of you; prioritize logistically, stay calm (mostly), own your mistakes, and keep moving. Tim's anchor: shared values around student outcomes are what let a team push through frustration and disagreement. About Dr. Tim Matlack: It was a singular honor for Dr. Timothy A. Matlack to rejoin the Mounts community in the role of Superintendent. From 2007-2022, he was fortunate enough to serve in a number of roles within the Antietam School District. For ten years, Dr. Matlack taught at the Middle-Senior High School in the Language Arts Department. For the next five years, he was given the opportunity to be an Assistant Principal K-12, Athletic Director and Curriculum Supervisor. In that time, he came to understand Antietam for the unique, supportive and tenacious community that it is. From 2022-2024, while he was the Director of Teaching and Learning at Tulpehocken Area School District, he thought often of Antietam and leapt at the opportunity to return as the Superintendent. About Ken Bonkoski: Ken Bonkoski is a facilities and maintenance professional based in Reading, Pennsylvania, known for his dedicated service in public education. He serves as the Facilities Manager for the Antietam School District, where he oversees building operations and ensures a safe, functional environment for students and staff. In addition to his work in education, Bonkoski is the owner of KB Construction, a company he founded in 1996. Through decades of hands-on experience, he has built a reputation for quality craftsmanship, reliability, and attention to detail across a wide range of construction and maintenance projects. Bonkoski gained wider recognition after being selected as a 2026 Pennsylvania RISE (Recognizing Inspiring School Employees) Award honoree, a distinction that highlights non-teaching school staff who make exceptional contributions to their communities. Colleagues and community members praise his strong work ethic and commitment. He is known for going beyond his standard responsibilities—often arriving early and staying late—to keep school facilities running smoothly and to support both students and staff. About Phil Leinbach: Philip began his career at AEM Architects in 1991 as a graduate architect and received his PA registration in 1994. He joined ownership of the firm in 2000 and ascended to President in 2012. Philip’s background is in construction having worked for the family construction company prior to attending college. For over 35 years, his architectural philosophy has centered around the concept that the greatest design is worthless if it cannot be constructed effectively and efficiently by the skilled contractors in the local marketplace. He is a hands-on professional focused on creating programmatic and operational value for his clients and providing responsive construction administration that is critical to the success of all projects. Episode 334 of the Better Learning Podcast 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/41587380

Designing Spaces That Last Starts With Knowing Your Why with Candice Leinneweber 06/03/2026

Designing Spaces That Last Starts With Knowing Your Why with Candice Leinneweber In this episode, Matt Rogers sits down with Candice Leinneweber, Director of Design at MA+ Architecture and 2025 EdMarket NextGen Award winner, for a wide-ranging conversation about what it takes to design schools that truly serve students. Candice shares her winding path — from a family bakery in San Diego, to an accounting class that sent her running toward architecture, to teaching college courses for seven years before becoming a licensed architect. The conversation digs into how her dual training in architecture and interior design shapes her approach to K-12 spaces, what it really means to design for security without creating a prison-like atmosphere, and the exciting Oklahoma Aviation Academy project currently under construction in Norman. Candice also shares her work chairing an AIA committee building a framework to expose K-12 students to careers in architecture and design. Takeaways: Design with the "why" first. Candice's core approach — whether working with a client, a contractor, or a student — is to keep asking why until you understand the real goal. That clarity is what separates a decision that holds up 20 years from one that just looks good on day one. Security and joy aren't opposites. A recurring challenge in K-12 design today is creating spaces that feel open, welcoming, and engaging while also meeting rigorous safety requirements. Candice describes threading that needle on the Oklahoma Aviation Academy by designing for visibility, hiding places in emergencies, and an inviting open atmosphere simultaneously. Meet students where they are. Whether through student surveys, post-occupancy research, or thoughtful space programming, truly student-centered design means designing for the full spectrum of learners — the quiet kid, the kinesthetic learner, the future engineer, and everyone in between. Flexibility is the best hedge against an uncertain future. Rather than betting on what education will look like in 30 years, Candice designs spaces that can be rearranged, reprogrammed, and adapted — so a learning stair can be a tour stop, a study group, and a pickup class depending on the day. Exposure is everything. Candice's AIA committee work is rooted in her own experience: she didn't discover architecture until late in college because she simply didn't know it was attainable. Creating pathways for students to shadow architects, visit job sites, and see what the field actually looks like can change the trajectory of a career. About Candice Leinneweber: Candice Leinneweber serves as Director of Design, integrating mentorship and leadership into the firm’s design culture while guiding innovative K–12 education projects. She champions collaborative engagement with school stakeholders to deliver thoughtful, user-centered environments that support learning and community impact. Candice also chairs a K–12 architecture awareness initiative with The American Institute of Architects, partnering with local school districts to expand access to architecture and engineering careers through tours, site visits, and curriculum integration. Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Episode 333 of the Better Learning Podcast 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/41519555

The Invisible Work That Changes Everything with Katie Hylton 05/27/2026

The Invisible Work That Changes Everything with Katie Hylton Jeff Kubiak sits down with Katie Hylton, Director of Business Support Services for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and newly elected CASBO president. Katie shares her unexpected journey from animal science major to school business leader — starting as a part-time attendance clerk and warehouse worker in Barstow, all the way to overseeing operations for a county office of education. The conversation explores how behind-the-scenes operational work directly impacts student learning, the importance of connecting business services staff to the "why" behind their work, and what it truly means to build radically student-centered learning environments. Takeaways The invisible work matters. Clean, safe, well-maintained facilities directly affect student focus, comfort, and academic success — even if no one notices when it's done right. Connect your team to the why. Katie makes it a priority to get operations staff out to school sites so they can see the students they're serving. Whether it's delivering adaptive equipment or volunteering at a reading rally, that human connection transforms how people show up for their work. Mentorship opens doors. A warehouse mentor who taught Katie to drive a forklift became the reason she landed her first full-time job. Find your people, ask questions, and build your network — especially through organizations like CASBO. Be creative with resources. Tighter budgets require forward thinking. COVID funding was an opportunity to invest in long-overdue infrastructure like touchless fixtures and keyless entry — small changes with lasting impact. Ask students what they need. Flexible furniture, natural light, wellness spaces, and collaborative areas aren't just trends — they reflect what students actually need to thrive. Including student voice in planning builds both better spaces and student pride. About Katie Hylton: Katie Hylton is a seasoned education business leader with over three decades of experience in K–12 operations, procurement, and facilities management. As Director of Business Support Services for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, she oversees vital operational and fiscal functions supporting schools across the region. A longtime CASH and CASBO member, Katie is known for her collaborative leadership and passion for sharing knowledge as a presenter and speaker. A lifelong learner, she enjoys leadership programs that foster growth and reflect her dedication to strengthening educational communities. Episode 332 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/41404405

Building a School with Input From Everyone with Regan Shields Ives and Amy Vachon 05/20/2026

Building a School with Input From Everyone with Regan Shields Ives and Amy Vachon In this episode, host Jessica Westerduin sits down with Regan Shields Ives, principal and studio leader at Finegold Alexander Architects, and Amy Vachon, principal at Gladstone Elementary School in Cranston, Rhode Island. Together, they explore how deep collaboration between educators, students, and architects shaped the design of Gladstone's new school building — one built around project-based learning, flexible spaces, and student voice. From visioning sessions with kids to co-teaching trials and curiosity centers, this conversation is a masterclass in what it looks like to truly put students at the center of every decision. About Regan Shields Ives: Regan is a Principal and studio leader for Finegold Alexander’s educational and cultural projects. She is passionate about design for education and creating spaces that are welcoming, safe, and supportive of students, teachers and administrators. Regan is a true consensus builder, leading school communities and large stakeholder groups to collaborative and cost-effective solutions. She is past President for the New England Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments. About Amy Vachon:Amy is Principal of Gladstone Elementary School. Under her leadership, the school prioritizes students’ academic and social emotional skills so that they are prepared to succeed in their futures. Amy’s goal is to promote a safe school environment that is based on respect, kindness, and high academic achievement. Episode 331 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/41319135

Putting Students at the Center of Every Dollar with Yuri Calderon - CASBO 2026 05/13/2026

Putting Students at the Center of Every Dollar with Yuri Calderon - CASBO 2026 In this episode, Yuri Calderon, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services at Orange Unified School District, discusses what it truly means to lead with students at the center — even from the business office. Yuri shares his philosophy of removing the "business hat" and instead focusing on aligning every dollar and resource as close to the classroom as possible. He reflects on lessons learned across his career in Santa Barbara, small and rural districts, and now Orange Unified, making a compelling case for why small districts are often the most innovative. Yuri also dives into the power of replicating and iterating on great ideas, what a thriving school actually looks like when you walk through the doors, how to align vendor and architect partnerships around what matters most for kids, and why reading — not AI summaries — remains his go-to tool for continuous learning. About Yuri Calderon: Yuri serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for Orange Unified School District, leading all financial and operational functions for a 42-school system with an annual budget exceeding $400 million. He oversees budget development, multi-year financial planning, and fiscal strategy to maintain long-term structural stability in a complex public funding environment. Yuri also partners with the Superintendent and Board of Education to drive strategic decision-making, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and ensure transparent, data-informed governance. He is committed to building high-performing systems that maximize resources in support of student success. LinkedIn: Learn More About Kay-Twelve: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Episode 330 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/41257605

What Matters Most in School Leadership with Dr. Todd Cutler - CASBO 2026 05/13/2026

What Matters Most in School Leadership with Dr. Todd Cutler - CASBO 2026 In this episode, Dr. Todd Cutler, Superintendent of Lake Tahoe Unified School District, discusses what it truly means to build schools that transform communities. He shares his belief that education shapes the future of entire communities, not just individual students, and reflects on his journey through three superintendencies to find what matters most in school leadership. Dr. Cutler highlights the district's innovative career tech education programs, dual enrollment partnerships with Lake Tahoe Community College, and a recently passed bond focused on creating flexible, engaging learning environments. He also opens up about the importance of high expectations paired with genuine care, the power of student voice in shaping classroom design, and why celebrating wins is something education doesn't do nearly enough. About Dr. Todd Cutler: Dr. Todd Cutler became the Superintendent of Lake Tahoe Unified School District on July 1, 2020. He came to South Lake Tahoe from Winters Joint Unified School District where he served for five years as the Superintendent. Dr. Cutler grew up on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe and attended Zephyr Cove Elementary School, Kingsbury Middle School and is a graduate of George Whittell High School. After high school graduation he attended New Mexico State University where he was an Academic All-American Football player. He received his B.S. degree in Secondary Education from NMSU. Todd went on to earn his Masters in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix, and lastly earned his Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Cutler began his career in education teaching and coaching at both the middle school and high school levels in Gardnerville, Nevada. He began his school administration career in 1998 and has served in an array of positions. He has been a Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Principal, School Improvement Analyst, Administrative Coach, Deputy Superintendent, and Superintendent. Along with Winters, Dr. Cutler has served as Superintendent of the Lassen Union High School District and Johnstonville Elementary School District in Susanville, CA. Along with Dr. Cutler's educational and professional experience, he has demonstrated a commitment to be involved with the communities he has lived and worked. Examples include serving as the Mayor of Fernley, Nevada and volunteering as a site director for Inner City Games in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was a member of Rotary and a member of the Rocklin Education Excellence Foundation. Todd has a philosophy of collaborative leadership. He understands the importance of engaging all stakeholders in the education process. He is committed to doing what is best for students and has a proven track record of improved student achievement under his service. Learn More About Kay-Twelve: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Episode 329 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/41257590