By Kay-Twelve
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The podcast currently has 196 episodes available.
Justin Baiardo, Executive Director and Founder of Explore Academy, joins us to share the groundbreaking model of his charter school, where the focus is on offering students a truly individualized learning experience.
At Explore Academy, students are given the unique opportunity to choose from different versions of every class, allowing them to pick the teaching style that best suits their needs. This student-centered approach pairs students with teachers based on learning styles, fostering an environment where both can thrive.
What sets Explore Academy apart is its commitment to student choice and teacher creativity. As Justin explains, "The school could be around for 10,000 years and no two students would ever share the same educational pathway." This model empowers students with the autonomy to shape their education, while teachers are encouraged to innovate in their instructional methods.
Explore Academy's journey began with a high school program but has since expanded to include middle and elementary schools. The goal remains steadfast: to prepare students for college and provide them with a strong foundation in both academic and life skills. However, unlike many institutions that push for rapid expansion, Explore Academy is focused on stabilizing its current schools, ensuring quality education, and maintaining their student-centered philosophy.
Takeaways:
Explore Academy offers different versions of every class, allowing students to choose the teaching style that works best for them.
The school focuses on preparing students for college and providing them with a strong foundation in academic and life skills.
The model allows teachers to be more creative and individualized in their teaching methods.
Parents appreciate the level of individuality and choice that the school provides for their children's education. Explore Academy is focused on stabilizing their current schools and maintaining their philosophy of student-centered education.
They prioritize offering quality education and ensuring student excellence over rapid expansion.
Justin Baiardo is the founder and executive director of Explore Academy - Albuquerque and co-founder of Explore Learning Systems. Over the past several years, he has worked to bring the beginning network of Explore Academy schools into existence while implementing a novel and innovative educational model seen nowhere else in the country.
Visit Explore Academy's Website: https://www.explore.academy/
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 194 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/
Kay-Twelve - https://www.kay-twelve.com/
EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/
Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/
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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngamba/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Johngamba7
Penn GSE Website: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/about-penn-gse/catalyst
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 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 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/
Kay-Twelve - https://www.kay-twelve.com/
EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/
Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/
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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-turnbaugh-59b38835
Website: https://pbk.com/
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 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 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/
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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esheninger/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricCSheninger
X: https://x.com/E_Sheninger
Website: https://ericsheninger.com/
Follow on Nicki Slaugh on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-slaugh-a396155b/
X: https://x.com/nickiatquest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principal_nickislaugh/
Website: https://www.nickislaugh.com/
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 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 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/
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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faithborkowsky/
Follow on Judy Boksner on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-boksner-478b5118/
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 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 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/
Are you passionate about education and literacy? If so, this episode of the Better Learning Podcast is a must-listen! Titled The Power of Reading Proficiency, this episode dives deep into the urgent need to improve reading skills across the United States.
Brandon Cardet-Hernandez shares his journey in education, from growing up in a group home to becoming the president of Mrs. Wordsmith. He emphasizes the importance of reading proficiency and the impact it has on a person's life. Brandon discusses his experiences as a special education teacher, working in school reform, and serving as an education advisor for Mayor Bill de Blasio.
They also discuss the confusion surrounding the science of reading and the need for a more comprehensive approach to literacy education. They explore the challenges in the current education system and the importance of personalized learning and low-stakes testing. Brandon emphasizes the need for collaboration and creative solutions to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed in reading.
Takeaways:
Reading proficiency is crucial for success in life, and access to reading materials and support can greatly impact a person's educational outcomes.
Educators often enter the field to address personal experiences or to make a positive change in the education system.
Collaboration between different stakeholders, including policymakers, schools, and families, is essential for improving education.
The work of Mrs. Wordsmith focuses on improving reading skills through phonics, vocabulary, and explicit instruction.
The science of reading includes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and vocabulary, all of which are crucial for reading comprehension.
School boards play a crucial role in shaping education policies and should prioritize literacy as a key focus area.
A recognized leader and changemaker, Brandon has spent his career working to reimagine the systems, structures, and tools that accelerate opportunity and close achievement gaps. Brandon previously served as the Senior Education Advisor to former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the NYC Department of Education. A former special education teacher, Brandon has sat at the helm of two high schools, leading both institutions through transformational change.
Sound Bites to Ponder:
"Half of young people in the US are reading below grade level."
"We need to be putting a level of urgency on reading and literacy because our schools are failing in this area."
"We're focused on the science of reading, which includes phonemic awareness, phonics, and explicit instruction around vocabulary."
"We need to recognize that the six hours and 20 minutes of a school day may not be sufficient for every child."
Follow on Brandon Cardet-Hernandez on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncardethernandez/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandoncardet/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonCardet
Boston Public Schools Website: https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/1030
Mrs. Wordsmith Website: https://mrswordsmith.com/
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 189 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/
Matt Beaudreau and Kevin Stoller have had transformative journeys through the traditional education system, ultimately leading them to create alternative, student-centered educational models. Drawing from their experiences, they emphasize the importance of fostering curiosity and engaging in meaningful conversations within the learning environment.
In their conversation, Matt and Kevin address the challenges and opportunities in the evolving education landscape. They acknowledge the high demand for alternative education options and the need for systemic change within traditional schools. Parental involvement is highlighted as a crucial component in this shift, with parents playing an active role in their children's education.
Matt shares the hurdles faced in making their programs accessible to all, advocating for a broader shift in mindset to embrace these new educational models. By focusing on the holistic development of students and the involvement of families, Matt's work represents a reimagining of education that seeks to reseed freedom in our children and nation through comprehensive family education.
Takeaways:
The traditional education system often prioritizes playing the game of school rather than fostering genuine learning and growth.
Alternative models like Acton Academy and Apogee focus on learner-driven education, curiosity, and good conversation.
Parents play an active role in the educational process, and their own learning and growth are important as well.
Finding and building communities of like-minded individuals is crucial for creating and sustaining alternative educational models.
The traditional school system needs to change
There is a religious affinity for the current school system that hinders change
As a Keynote Speaker, Consultant, and Coach to organizations around the world, Matt Beaudreau's clients have ranged from Wells Fargo, Honeywell, and Lockheed Martin to American Eagle, Cedars-Sinai and the United States Air Force. Matt has a reputation as a provocative thought leader in educational and personal development practices. He is a two-time featured TEDx speaker and he was named Corporate Trainer of the Year at Stanford University, having spoken to over 250,000 people across the world.
Sound Bites to Ponder:
"School for me was easy because I knew how to play school."
"School has a big, giant, clunky, disgusting system that's self-perpetuating."
Follow on Matt Beaudreau on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-beaudreau-071a5b99/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbeaudreau/
Twitter: https://x.com/MattBeaudreau
Apogee Strong Website: https://apogeestrong.com/
Apogee Strong Foundation: https://www.apogeestrongfoundation.org/
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 188 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!
In the latest episode of The Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller sits down with Mike Cobb, the Futurist in Residence at Forsyth Country Day School and a former member of the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia. This insightful conversation delves into Mike's remarkable journey from working in independent schools in the United States to participating in the groundbreaking NEOM project.
Mike shares his transition to NEOM, a futuristic city project in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its ambitious vision and goals. NEOM aims to revolutionize education with personalized learning experiences, cutting-edge technologies, and a strong focus on teacher-student relationships. Mike highlights the use of facial recognition, biometric feedback, AI robotics, and social robots in enhancing the educational experience.
Designed to support NEOM employees and their families, the NEOM Community School provides a unique, flexible learning environment from infancy through the 12th grade. The school focuses on building relationships and giving students agency in their education. Its spaces are designed to be flexible, incorporating natural light and blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor learning. Additionally, the school's scheduling is tailored to meet the needs of employees, offering extended hours and opportunities for personalized learning.
Takeaways:
NEOM is a futuristic city project in Saudi Arabia that aims to reimagine education and create personalized pathways for students.
Teacher-student relationships are still the most important factor for success in education, even with the use of innovative technologies.
NEOM utilizes facial recognition, biometric feedback, AI robotics, and social robots to enhance the learning experience.
Mike Cobb's experience in NEOM has shaped his perspective on the future of education and his role as a futurist in residence at Forsyth Country Day School. The Neom Community School in Saudi Arabia was designed to support the employees and families of Neom, starting from infants to the 12th grade.
Mike Cobb is a visionary and results-oriented educational leader with a track record of successfully steering schools towards organizational excellence. With over 34 years of experience, he has served in various roles, including accomplished classroom teacher, division head, admissions/enrollment leader, and Head of School. He is also an international speaker and has been a key education leader in the forward-looking NEOM project in Saudi Arabia.
Sound Bites to Ponder:
"The relationships between the teachers and the students were still the number one indicator for success."
"We were doing some really cool things using again facial recognition, but we were also using things where we were looking at biometric feedback to look at engagement for students in class."
"We blew up the traditional 45-minute class schedule and created a dynamic schedule that allowed for authentic learning and student agency."
"Relationships are still the most important thing in education. AI can free up time for teachers to focus on building relationships."
"The Neom Community School's spaces were designed to be flexible, bringing in natural light and blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor learning."
Follow on Mike Cobb on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmcobb1/
Website: https://www.neom.com/
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 187 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!
Mike Beckham's story begins in the nonprofit sector, where he developed a deep understanding of mission-driven work. Transitioning to the business world, he founded Simple Modern in 2015, a company now known for its premium drinkware and lifestyle products. Beckham emphasizes that at the core of entrepreneurship lies a desire to solve problems and bring new ideas to life. He believes that entrepreneurship is a form of creativity, where individuals get paid to solve problems and create something valuable.
A key takeaway from Beckham’s journey is the significance of a growth mindset. He shares that successful entrepreneurs are experimenters who love learning and decoding what people want. This mindset, combined with the ability to understand where to apply new knowledge, is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
Beckham stresses the importance of having a clear mission and purpose from the outset. Simple Modern’s commitment to generosity, donating at least 10% of annual profits to nonprofit organizations, is a testament to this principle. He believes that building a company without knowing its mission and purpose is like trying to drive a car without knowing where you’re going.
Mike Beckham’s story is a powerful example of how a clear mission, a growth mindset, and a commitment to values can drive entrepreneurial success. His journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a difference through entrepreneurship. Tune in to the Better Learning Podcast to hear more about his inspiring journey and insights.
Takeaways:
Entrepreneurship is driven by a belief in a vision and a desire to solve problems.
Having a growth mindset and a love for learning are key traits of successful entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship is a form of creativity, where individuals create something new and bring it to the world.
A company can prioritize both values and purpose, creating a unique culture and giving back to the community.
Entrepreneurs often combine different skills and experiences to find innovative solutions. Start with a clear mission and purpose in entrepreneurship
Embrace a growth mindset and be willing to learn and grow
Build relationships and have a clear vision before starting a business
Transform and adapt your business model when faced with challenges
Create a culture of generosity and giving in organizations
Sound Bites to Ponder:
"Entrepreneurs are first and foremost, they're kind of experimenters that love learning and love kind of decoding what's going on and what people want and how to serve people."
"Entrepreneurship is getting paid to solve problems."
"It usually starts with survival first and then we find our way."
"Having the desire to learn and the willingness to grow plus the judgment of understanding where to apply that, that's what gets you where you want to be."
"Building a company when you don't know the mission and the purpose is like building a car while you're trying to drive it without knowing where you're trying to drive."
Follow on Mike Beckham on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/
Twitter: https://x.com/mikebeckhamsm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebeckham/
Website: https://www.mikebeckhamblog.com/
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 186 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/
Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we feature special guest host Clarissa Darbone and guest speaker Merri Salazar, a project manager at Pfluger Architects. This episode delves into the fascinating world of K-12 education design, highlighting the importance of being student-centered and the power of community engagement.
Merri Salazar brings a wealth of experience working in K-12 education and shares her insights on the significance of understanding the unique needs of each district. She emphasizes that the heart of her job is designing spaces that not only support but also elevate the goals of each community.
Merri passionately discusses the value of community engagement in creating successful school projects. She shares that the projects which turn out the best are those that actively seek and incorporate community input.
Takeaways:
K-12 education design is focused on being student-centered and meeting the unique needs of each district.
Understanding the goals and priorities of the community is crucial in creating successful school projects.
Engaging with the community and gathering input helps ensure that school designs align with their needs and desires.
Budget constraints can be a challenge in school projects, but creative solutions and partnerships can help overcome them.
The mission and purpose of an architecture firm play a significant role in guiding their work and creating meaningful experiences for students.
Merri Salazar is a detail-conscious project manager who works with project teams to ensure every unique goal and objective is met. For over five years, she has been an essential part of the Pfluger team in Houston.
Her ability to visualize and communicate ideas promotes a better understanding of design intent and enhances collaboration with the client, design team, and contractor. Merri is passionate about creating spaces that uplift and inspire, making every project a meaningful experience for its users.
Sound Bites to Ponder:
"Every district has a different story. I like how they talk and listen to their communities."
"The projects that turn out the best are the ones that go out and figure out what the community really wants."
Follow on Merri Salazar on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merri-salazar-4948b544/
Website: https://www.faainc.com/
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 185 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/
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