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  • 'Freedom Writers' with Dr. Parul Minhas

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

    In this episode, Kevin is joined by Dr. Parul Minhas. They discuss the movie "Freedom Writers", and dive into many facets of the movie, and discuss some award categories such as "Modern Remake" and "Class Clown".

    They discuss the significance of teacher-student connection, classroom environment, and transformative educational practices. Drawing parallels from Dr. Minhas' experiences, they highlight the importance of empathy, breaking down racial barriers, and innovative teaching approaches that resonate with every child's unique background.

    About Dr. Parul Minhas:
    Parul Minhas, Ph.D. Director of Research and Digital Innovation, Education Design International (EDI) Dr. Parul Minhas is a leading expert in educational design, co-authoring influential books like A New Language of School Design and Building Minds: Designing Learning Spaces for Connection and Coherence. As the Director of Research and Digital Innovation at Education Design International, she is passionate about creating nurturing learning environments that support children's well-being. Her work in salutogenic design, neuroarchitecture, and biophilic spaces has significantly shaped the industry. With years of experience as an educator and researcher, Dr. Minhas is a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights on the global stage.

    Connect:

    Email: parul@educationdesign.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-parul-minhas/

    Episode 213 of the Better Learning Podcast

    Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

    For more information on our partners:
    Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/
    Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/
    Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/
    EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/
    Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/
    Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website_
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    58 分
  • How 2024 Redefined Better Learning with Carla Cummins

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

    As we close out 2024, it’s time to reflect on an incredible year of growth, innovation, and connection for the Better Learning Podcast. This year, we’ve continued to explore new ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and amplify voices that are driving meaningful change in education.

    As we gear up for the new year, our commitment to pushing boundaries and creating impactful content remains stronger than ever. Stay tuned for exciting series, collaborations, and events designed to inspire and empower our community of listeners.

    Thank you for being a part of our journey this year. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and transforming education—together.

    Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.


    Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.

    Episode 213 of the Better Learning Podcast


    Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a
    national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning
    environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.


    For more information on our partners:

    Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/
    Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/
    Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/
    EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/
    Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

    Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website
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    42 分
  • School Leadership Strategies for Uniting Communities

    School Leadership Strategies for Uniting Communities
    2024/12/26
    In today's polarized society, the role of education leaders has never been more critical. As the landscape of communities becomes increasingly divided, the challenge of fostering unity within schools and districts grows more complex. Education leaders are not just administrators; they are role models, guiding students, staff, and families toward a shared vision of collaboration and respect. Schools are microcosms of society, reflecting the diversity and challenges of the larger world. Education leaders play a pivotal role in creating environments where students feel valued, staff feel supported, and communities feel heard. This responsibility goes beyond managing resources or enforcing policies—it’s about inspiring trust, building bridges, and fostering a culture of inclusion. Leading in a polarized society is no small task, but the rewards are profound. By prioritizing unity and modeling inclusive leadership, education leaders can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of their schools. Together, we can transform division into understanding and build communities where every individual feels empowered to contribute. Are you ready to take the next step in fostering unity within your educational community? Takeaways: Promoting Active Listening: Encourage open dialogue where all voices are heard, ensuring that diverse perspectives are respected and valued. Leading by Example: Demonstrate behaviors that reflect empathy, respect, and a commitment to unity, setting a tone for others to follow. Building Collaborative Relationships: Strengthen partnerships with families, community members, and local organizations to foster a sense of shared responsibility and purpose. Focusing on Shared Goals: Highlight common aspirations, such as student success and well-being, to bring stakeholders together despite differing viewpoints. About Erin Kane: Prior to serving as Superintendent, guest speaker Erin Kane was serving as the Executive Director of Schools for American Academy, a charter public school in the Douglas County School District that serves almost 3,000 students across three campuses in preschool through eighth grade. Ms. Kane led the effort to found American Academy back in 2004. Under her leadership, American Academy expanded to include additional campuses and a preschool program. In 2016, she led the Douglas County School District as the Interim Superintendent. Ms. Kane returned to the leadership role at American Academy in the fall of 2018. Under her leadership, the district’s academic scores increased, employee morale improved, turnover decreased and the annual spending deficit was eliminated. Prior to joining American Academy, Ms. Kane spent nearly a decade in the high technology industry in project development, project management, education, consulting and practice management. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, along with an engineering degree in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, from the University of Colorado. Ms. Kane is a Colorado native who has resided in Douglas County with her family for more than two decades. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. Episode 212 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website
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    53 分
  • 'Friday Night Lights' with Dr. Scott Muri

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

    What makes Friday Night Lights more than just a football movie?

    In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we explore how this iconic film captures the heart and soul of high school football in West Texas, delving into the emotional struggles, community pressures, and personal triumphs of the Permian Panthers.

    They discuss the reality of the high school sports culture portrayed in the movie and how it compares to today's context in Odessa, Texas. They discuss various categories for the movie, such as "Modern Remake", "Realistic and Unrealistic", and "The John Keating Character".

    From lessons in resilience and teamwork to the cultural impact of the game, we uncover why this story continues to inspire and resonate far beyond the field. Whether you’re a sports fan, an educator, or simply love a powerful narrative, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

    Takeaways:

    • The essence of a quality coach or teacher is the ability to motivate and encourage your students or athletes
    • Having a common passion as a community is unifying
    • It's up to adults to help create engaging opportunities for students

    About Dr. Scott Muri:

    Dr. Muri joined the Ector County ISD family as Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2019. Prior to that, he spent four years as the Superintendent of Schools for Spring Branch Independent School District in Houston, TX. During that time achievement gaps narrowed in all academic areas while overall student achievement rose. He fostered innovation in the system by incorporating the redesign process to transform the student learning experience.

    Prior to taking over at Spring Branch ISD, Dr. Muri served as the Deputy Superintendent of Academics in Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, a large school district with 96,000 students and 100 campuses.

    Before joining FCS in Atlanta, Dr. Muri spent five years with Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, North Carolina. His roles included Area Superintendent, Zone Superintendent, and Chief Information Officer overseeing research and evaluation, along with technology infrastructure and instructional technology innovation.

    Dr. Muri’s educational experiences include serving as one of the first National Board Certified Teachers in the United States, high school principal, and administrator at Disney’s Celebration School in Celebration, FL.

    Throughout his career, Dr. Muri has demonstrated a passion and ability for leading change, driving organizational effectiveness, and significantly improving student achievement while closing achievement gaps. With a focus on collaboration and excellence, Dr. Muri creates a positive and effective teaching and learning environment.

    Education & Certifications:

    • Educational Doctorate, Educational Leadership, Wingate University, Matthews, North Caro lina2011
    • Master’s Degree, Public School Administration, Stetson University, Deland, Florida, 2001 National Board Certified Teacher, Early Adolescence/Generalist, The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 1994
    • Master’s Level Work in Public School Administration, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
    • Bachelor of Arts in Intermediate Education and Middle School Education, Wake Forest University, Winston‐Salem, NC, 1988

    Episode 211 of the Better Learning Podcast


    Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a
    national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning
    environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.


    For more information on our partners:

    Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/
    Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/
    Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/
    EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/
    Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

    Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website
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    33 分
  • What Hollywood Gets Right (and Wrong) About Schools

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

    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:

    1. What is your favorite school related tv show or movie?
    2. What is unrealistic about that movie or tv show?

    The guest list includes 3 people from Pennsylvania, 2 from Utah, 5 from Texas, 5 from Missouri, 2 from Montana, 3 from Arizona, 2 from Wisconsin, 3 from California, 2 from Florida, 1 from the states of Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Kentucky, New York, Connecticut, Minnesota and Rhode Island.

    Here are the tallies for each of the movies mentioned:

    School of Rock - 6

    Abbott Elementary - 4

    Remember the Titans - 2

    Grease - 2

    The Sound of Music - 1

    Dead Poets Society - 1

    Home Alone - 1

    Annie - 1

    Welcome Back, Kotter - 1

    Dangerous Minds - 1

    Summer School - 1

    Top Gun - 1

    Stand and Deliver - 1

    To Sir, With Love - 1

    Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1

    Fast Times at Ridgemont High - 1

    Most Likely to Suceed - 1

    Gilmore Girls - 1

    Glee - 1

    The Long Game - 1

    A Christmas Story - 1

    Billy Madison - 1

    The OC - 1

    The Breakfast Club - 1

    I Love Lucy - 1

    Friday Lights - 1

    Yesterday - 1

    Old School - 1

    Boston Public - 1

    Freedom Writers - 1

    Ted Lasso - 1

    Back to School - 1


    Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.


    Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.


    For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/

    Episode 210 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

    For more information on our partners:

    Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/

    Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/

    Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/

    EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/

    Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/


    Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website
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    36 分
  • 'Dead Poets Society' with Dr. Michael McDowell & Aaron Eisberg

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

    In this episode, host Kevin Stoller alongside guests Dr. Michael McDowell and Aaron Eisberg, discuss the movie 'Dead Poets Society'. They explore its themes of conformity, success, and educational transformation while drawing parallels to modern-day educational challenges and experiences.

    They also give various awards to the movie, such as Most Realistic and Unrealistic aspects and who could replace Robin Williams in a modern remake. They also discuss the changes that could occur if it was remade today.

    The episode wraps up with insights into Michael and Aaron's innovative visual book project aimed at transforming educational practices.

    Takeaways:

    • Being passionate about your work changes education for kids
    • Being unorthodox can have a positive impact
    • You can be successful and be yourself

    About Dr. Michael McDowell:

    Michael McDowell, EdD was a public school educator for eighteen years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent. During his tenure as a superintendent, his school district received state and national accolades including the National Blue Ribbon Award which recognized their work for student performance and mental health and well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic by the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. McDowell serves on educational boards, served as a college professor, and has worked for non-profit organizations to enhance student learning around the world. Over the course of his career, Dr. McDowell has authored bestselling books, created professional learning programs and workbooks, provided keynotes and workshops, and provided practical tools and resources for thousands of teachers and leaders on almost every continent around the world. A prolific author and consultant, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools. Dr. McDowell co-founded Hinge Education and offers keynotes and executive coaching to heads of school around the world, where he partners with educational leaders to implement high leverage strategies that will enhance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and systems.

    Socials:

    X: @mmcdowell13
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmcdowell13/


    About Aaron Eisberg:

    Aaron Eisberg is an international facilitator and an expert in project-based learning, instructional design, and professional development for K-12 educators. With a career that began as a teacher in K-5 classrooms, he has since advised schools and systems on creating rigorous instruction and empowering student voice. As the Director for the Center for Excellence at Napa New Tech High School, Aaron leads professional learning and fosters a student-centered culture focused on academic and 21st-century outcomes. He has a passion for project-based learning and partners with educators globally. Aaron holds degrees in Natural Science and Elementary Education and is a long-standing member of the PBLWorks National Faculty as well as consultant with The Core Collaborative. He is now sharing his experiences and insights as an author.


    Socials:
    X: @eisbergpbl
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeisberg/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newtechhighcfe/

    Episode 209 of the Better Learning Podcast


    Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a
    national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning
    environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.


    For more information on our partners:
    Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/
    Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/
    Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/
    EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/
    Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

    Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!
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    41 分
  • The Challenges and Rewards of Educational Leadership

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

    In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller speaks with Dr. David Dumon, the superintendent of Altar Valley School District in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Dumon shares his background, from his early school experiences and decision to go into education to his current role as a superintendent.

    They discuss the challenges and rewards of educational leadership, the importance of striving for academic excellence while maintaining a supportive environment for students and staff, and the innovative approaches Dr. Dumon has taken to address teacher shortages and community engagement. They also covers Dr. Dumon's career progression, the significance of morning routines, and the impact of external pressures such as school labeling on education.

    Takeaways:

    • The importance of being visible
    • Providing teachers with the skills need to succeed
    • Not everyone ends up in education the same way
    • Community involvement strengthens the school culture
    • There’s more to a school than the labels

    Dr. David Dumon serves as the superintendent of Altar Valley School District. He began his career in 1995 as a social studies teacher at Alhambra School District in Phoenix. In 2000, Dr. Dumon started his administrative career at Surprise Elementary, a K – 8 school, in Dysart Unified School District. He spent the next 14 years in Dysart, most of which was as the principal at Surprise Elementary. His school’s achievements were recognized in 2012 when he was selected for the Arizona School Administrator, Distinguished Administrator Award – Elementary Division and honored as a finalist for the Rodel Exemplary Principal Award.

    As superintendent of Altar Valley, Dr. Dumon has focused on ensuring schools run efficiently and allocating resources appropriately, while always considering what is best for kids. Dr. Dumon is committed to maintaining small class sizes and offering free, full-day pre school and kindergarten. In 2022, Dr. Dumon was awarded the All Arizona Superintendent Award for Small Districts and completed his certification for American Association for School Administrators (AASA) National Superintendent Certification.

    Dr. Dumon is a three-time graduate of Arizona State University where he received his bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees. He lives in Tucson with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.

    Follow David Dumon on Social Media:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-dumon-ed-d-3541209/

    X: https://x.com/ddumon1


    Soundbites:
    “What’s one small thing someone can do to change their school?”


    Episode 208 of the Better Learning Podcast


    Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.

    For more information on our partners:


    Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/

    Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/

    Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/

    EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/

    Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/

    Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website
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    40 分
  • Furniture Should Guide Design, Not Follow It

    Furniture Should Guide Design, Not Follow It
    2024/11/20
    Is your furniture shaping the way students learn? In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller welcomes Amanda Hastings, NCIDQ, ALEP, IIDA, Senior Interior Designer at SLAM Collaborative. Together, they dive into the critical role of furniture in shaping educational environments and its impact on students, teachers, and communities. Amanda’s passion for creating dynamic, student-centered learning spaces shines as she shares her approach to furniture design in schools. With nearly two decades of experience and a client-centered philosophy, she emphasizes that furniture should do more than complement design—it should guide it. Takeaways: Furniture should guide the design, not just follow it. Engaging teachers early in the design process is crucial. Quality furniture impacts student learning and engagement. Educating decision-makers on furniture value is essential. Community involvement can drive educational improvements.Building a positive school culture is as important as the physical space. Collaboration among designers, educators, and communities is key. Amanda’s approach to interior design is both thoughtful and deeply client-centered. With almost two decades of experience in designing inclusive environments, she brings a wealth of expertise to her work, particularly in the public-education sector. Amanda’s design philosophy is rooted in connection—she prioritizes building relationships with clients to understand their unique needs and visions and values understanding the "why" behind every design decision. Her designs are conceptually grounded, blending creativity with the personality of the client to create engaging, dynamic spaces where everyone will thrive. Her recent completion of the ALEP program in 2023 was driven by her passion for designing educational environments, and equipped her with expert knowledge and an enhanced desire to not only create student-centered spaces that enrich their learning experience but also to bring this knowledge to the clients and communities she works with. Sound Bites: "Furniture should guide the design, not just follow it." "We need a cultural shift in education." "Seeing furniture in person makes a huge difference." "The furniture world can be confusing." "The transformation of schools is the best part." Follow Amanda Hastings on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-hastings-shea-ncidq-alep-iida-ba603755/ Learn More About The SLAM Collaborative Website: https://slamcoll.com/ Instagram: theslamcollaborative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-s-l-a-m-collaborative/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSLAMCollaborativeArchitecture X: https://x.com/SLAMcollab Episode 207 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website Transcript Kevin Stoller (00:06.754) Welcome to the Better Learning Podcast. My name is Kevin Stoller, host of the show, and we're always looking at how we can improve education from a variety of different aspects. We've been really digging into the furniture aspect and how much it impacts the space over some recent episodes, and I've been having a lot of conversations. So that's why my guest today, Amanda Hastings. Amanda, how are you doing? Amanda Hastings Very good. Thank you for having me. Kevin Stoller Yeah. And so why don't you give a little bit of just like your intro and the firm you're with and what your role is. And then we're just going to go back because we were having conversation and that's really I want to get back to really just the conversational part of it. Amanda Hastings I am a senior interior designer at the SLAMM Collaborative based in Connecticut. We have firms all over the country, but mostly the public ed work that we do K-12 schools is in Connecticut and out of our Rhode Island office, Connecticut office. Mostly just Connecticut and Rhode Island are where we focus. I've been working on public ed for most of my career. So probably like the 18 years or so. And again, mostly Connecticut. And yeah, it's become one of those things where I just kind of fell into doing schools because the firm I worked for before did it. And then it just has become a passion of mine where now I solely do K-12 public school work. And it is something that I'm definitely passionate about, like the learning environments and the furniture aspects of that. Last year I ...
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    38 分