Better Learning Podcast
The Better Learning Podcast is about improving education at all levels - Schools (public, charter, private, independent), Higher Education, & Corporate/Adult Learning. The major theme is to break down the silos and learn from others doing innovative things in education. We highlight innovative programs & initiatives, lessons learned, improvements to educational space, and real-world tactics while getting a deeper understanding of the people behind the innovation. Our guests include Heads of Schools, Superintendents, Principals, Entrepreneurs, Non-profit leaders and other innovators. Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve & author of Creating Better Learning Environments, is the host.
Episodes
What if the buildings we design for students could shape not just how they learn, but who they become?
In this episode, Jeff Kubiak and Carla Cummins sit down with Jesse Miller, Managing Senior Principal at PBK Architects, to explore how K-12 architecture can transform education from the ground up. From designing Compton High School alongside Dr. Dre to creating spaces where students don't want to leave, Jesse reveals how thoughtfu...
What if your school building wasn't just a place where learning happens, but one of the most powerful teachers in the room?
In this episode, Mark Barga sits down with Anne Fullenkamp, Senior Director of Creative Experiences at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, to explore how thoughtfully designed spaces can spark curiosity, boost confidence, and expand what students believe is possible. From hallways that invite discovery to cla...
What if your school building wasn't just a place where learning happens, but one of the most powerful teachers in the room?
In this episode, Jessica sits down with Susan Morgan to explore how thoughtfully designed spaces can spark curiosity, boost confidence, and expand what students believe is possible. From hallways that invite discovery to classrooms that adap...
In this episode, Carla Cummins and Jessica Westerduin speak with Courtney Ter-Velde, K-12 Project Manager and Interior Design Specialist at LaBella Associates, about radically student-centered design in educational spaces. Courtney shares her unique journey from musical theater performer and sociology major to interior designer specializing in K-12 education. She discusses her passion for working with smaller rural districts where ...
In this episode, Jessica Westerduin and Carla Cummins speak with Sarah Dirsa, principal at KG&D Architects, about radically student-centered design in educational spaces. Sarah shares her unique journey from English teacher to architect, explaining how her teaching experience in Florence and St. Louis shaped her approach to creating flexible, individualized learning environments. She discusses innovative projects featuring collabor...
Register for the live stream here!
Kevin Stoller and Matt Rogers are building anticipation for a live stream event on February 2nd at 2 PM Eastern—and they're keeping it mysterious. They promise this announcement will be unexpected and game-changing for anyone in educational design, school leadership, and construction. If you're not there, you'll be behind the curve.
The hosts also reflect on their 2025 season exploring school mov...
In Adam Sandler's Billy Madison, an immature heir's journey back through grade school becomes a wild, comedic exploration of learning, privilege, and the power of second chances. As Billy stumbles from kindergarten to high school, the film asks: what does it really mean to grow up, and how do our experiences in school shape who we become? And for educators, how can humor, humility, and a willingness to start over help us connect wi...
In this episode, Julia Miller from Playful Learning Landscapes discusses how her team co-designs playful, student-centered learning spaces in public areas like parks and bus stops. She emphasizes the importance of including children's voices in every step of the design process, using evidence-based principles, and fostering community engagement to create fun, meaningful learning experiences for all kids.
Learn More About Kay-Twelve...
In this episode, Celeste Karier of FGM Architects joins Katie Jubenville to discuss designing radically student-centered educational spaces. Celeste shares how her team gathers input from both students and adults, uses surveys and prototypes, and encourages real-world feedback to create environments that support academic and social-emotional needs. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of technology and the importance ...
In this episode, Ronni Jarvis, Educational Solutions Manager at Alumni Educational Solutions, joins Lauren Glunz to discuss the importance of radically student-centered learning environments. Ronni shares real-world examples of how flexible furniture and thoughtful classroom design can support collaboration, student comfort, and engagement. (Here's an example of this!) The conversation highlights the value of giving students owners...
In this episode, Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber joins Matt Rogers to discuss the importance of radically student-centered learning environments. Drawing on her extensive background in education, design, and research, Dr. Scott-Webber shares insights on how space, neuroscience, and universal design principles can transform learning experiences. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between educators, students, and designer...
In this episode, David Shulkin joins Matt Rogers to discuss the journey of creating radically student-centered learning environments. David shares insights from his experience leading school renovations, emphasizing the importance of student choice, meeting diverse needs, and engaging all stakeholders in the design process. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of change management, the value of flexible spaces, a...
In this episode, Dr. Erin Reilly-Sanders joins Nick Marmolejo to discuss what it means to be radically student-centered in education. Erin shares insights from her work in educational design and teaching, emphasizing the importance of flexible, inclusive learning environments and the shift from traditional teacher-centered models to more collaborative, student-focused approaches. The conversation highlights real-world examples and ...
In this episode, Dr. Amira McLemore Wolfson, CEO of Pace School, joins Matt Rogers to discuss creating radically student-centered learning environments for students with autism and social-emotional needs. Amira shares how thoughtful classroom design, flexible spaces, and collaboration with staff and students lead to improved learning, well-being, and engagement. The conversation highlights the importance of evolving educational spa...
In this episode, interior designer Sukanya Walsh from Quinn Evans joins Matt Rogers to discuss the importance of creating student-centered learning environments. Sukanya shares her approach to designing flexible, collaborative spaces that adapt to students' evolving needs, highlights the value of involving students and educators in the design process, and reflects on trends shaping the future of educational spaces.
Learn More Ab...
In this episode, Dr. Brian O'Keefe, assistant superintendent at Wheaton Unit School District 200, joins host Katie Jubenville to discuss radically student-centered education. Dr. O'Keefe shares insights on recent school renovations, including flexible classrooms and innovative lighting designed to support student well-being and learning. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to diverse student needs, fostering stro...
In this episode, Matt Rogers interviews Dr. Kirsty Montgomery, head of school at Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, Illinois. Dr. Montgomery shares her perspective on radically student-centered education and discusses how thoughtful design decisions—like centralizing student support services—can positively impact student well-being and learning. The conversation explores the school's historic campus, the importance of community...
In this episode, Matt Rogers interviews Patrick Smith, principal of Aspen Ridge Elementary School, about the process of designing and opening a new, radically student-centered school in Osseo Area Schools, Minnesota. Patrick shares insights on involving students, staff, families, and the community in the planning process, the importance of innovative learning spaces, and the district's commitment to collaboration and inclusion. The...
In this episode, Matt Rogers interviews architect Tracy Hucul from Quinn Evans Architects. Tracy shares her insights on radically student-centered design, emphasizing the importance of listening to students, creating diverse and inclusive learning environments, and giving students agency in shaping their educational experiences. The conversation explores how educational spaces are evolving, the impact of AI on learning and design, ...
In this episode, Matt Rogers welcomes guest Dave Broz, professor at Columbia College Chicago and former global educational space designer. They discuss the importance of radically student-centered design, the shift away from "average" solutions, and how flexible, adaptable environments can better support diverse student needs. Dave shares insights from both his teaching and design experience, highlighting the evolving role of techn...
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