Better Learning Podcast

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Carla Cummins is joined by her daughter Jennifer Cummins and special guests Candace Seda and Stephanie Seda for a fun and thought-provoking dive into Disney's 2006 cultural phenomenon High School Musical. With a multigenerational panel of educators, designers, and education advocates, the group explores how the film's catchy tunes, teen drama, and feel-good message intersect with real-life high school experiences.

Set at the fictional East High School, High School Musical follows Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez as they challenge stereotypes, break out of their expected roles, and redefine what it means to belong. The conversation goes beyond choreography to unpack deeper themes of identity, student voice, peer pressure, and the often rigid boxes students are placed in.

Carla, Jenny, Candace, and Stephanie reflect on how the film's message of "breaking free" still resonates with students today. They discuss the importance of cultivating environments where young people feel seen, safe, and empowered to pursue their full potential—whether on the court, in the lab, or on stage. Together, they celebrate the magic of student-centered learning while confronting the real challenges schools face in living that out.

Takeaways:

• Students are more than stereotypes. Just like Troy and Gabriella, students thrive when given the freedom to explore interests outside of their "assigned" labels. Schools should nurture the whole child—not just the athlete, the scholar, or the artist.
• When students try something outside of the norm, they need allies—peers, teachers, and parents—who encourage them to break free from expectations and find their voice.
• Culture eats curriculum for breakfast. A strong, inclusive school culture is the foundation for student growth. The environment at East High showed how cliques and unwritten rules can restrict potential.
• Candace reflected on how High School Musical—with its vibrant sets, energetic common spaces, and distinct zones for different student identities—influences how designers think about school environments today. The film reminds us that the physical space of a school tells a story. When designing schools, it's not just about functionality; it's about creating places where students feel inspired, seen, and connected.

About Candace Seda, NOMA, AIA, NCARB:

Candace Seda is an Atlanta-born architect with almost a decade of professional experience in the K-12, higher education, civic, and medical office sectors. She earned her B.S. Arch and M. Arch from the Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in graphic design and sustainability. As the daughter of an educator, she channels her passion for education and community to create inspiring learning environments, positively impacting the educational experience for future generations. Candace leverages her graphic design expertise to craft visually compelling and cohesive spaces through experiential graphics.

Known for leading conversations on inclusion and equity, Candace aims to make quality design accessible to those historically excluded or overlooked, benefiting both clients and industry professionals. She accomplishes this through her work at Craig Gaulden Davis Architecture, organizations like VANOMA and Diversity Architecture, as well as her design firm Candace Seda Design.

About Stephanie Seda:

Stephanie Seda, a 26-year-old 5th-grade teacher based in Athens, GA, is deeply committed to empowering Black and Brown students to become confident leaders. With a strong passion for Social Studies education, Stephanie strives to make history come alive for her students, encouraging them to engage with the world around them.

Outside the classroom, Stephanie is an avid reader and TV enthusiast, always ready for a thoughtful conversation. When she's not teaching or discussing the latest book or show, you can find her singing or roller skating, embracing her creative side and enjoying life to the fullest.

Learn More About Craig Gaulden Davis | PBK

Website: https://cgdarch.com/

Learn More About Candace Seda, NOMA, AIA, NCARB:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candaceseda/

Learn More About Jennifer Cummins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-cummins-/

Connect with host, Carla Cummins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/

Episode 228 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

Kevin Stoller is joined by longtime educator and podcast host Steve Miletto to unpack the 1984 film Teachers, a gritty dramedy that offers an unflinching critique of the American public school system. Directed by Arthur Hiller and starring Nick Nolte, Teachers dives headfirst into the dysfunction, bureaucracy, and burnout often hidden behind school walls.

Set in a troubled urban high school, the story centers on idealistic teacher Alex Jurel, who's caught between his desire to make a difference and a system that seems determined to maintain the status quo. With subplots involving a mentally ill teacher who was never removed, a student lawsuit, and apathetic staff, the movie blurs the line between satire and sobering reality.

Kevin and Steve discuss how many of the themes from Teachers—such as disengaged leadership, systemic failure, and student disillusionment—still resonate in today's schools. Their conversation explores what's changed (and what hasn't) in the decades since the film's release, the importance of strong school culture, and how educators can lead with purpose in the face of institutional challenges. It's a raw and honest discussion about the role of teachers, the need for systemic change, and the heart it takes to truly connect with students.

Takeaways:

• Teachers (1984) offers a satirical yet sobering critique of the American public school system, many of which still resonate today.
• The character of Alex Jurel represents the struggle of passionate educators trying to make a difference within a broken system.
• The episode explores how authentic relationships and emotional intelligence are still the most powerful tools educators have.
• The discussion underscores the mental health toll on both students and teachers in rigid, outdated school environments.
• Despite the challenges, the film and the conversation both reinforce why committed, caring educators matter more than ever.

About Steve Miletto:

Steven Miletto, EdD has been an educator in Georgia(US) for 38 years. He has served public school families as a history teacher, assistant principal, high school principal, and RESA (Regional Education Service Agency) Executive Director in the Heart of Georgia RESA (8 years) and now with North Georgia RESA (3years). In 2009, he was the Georgia Principal of the Year and a finalist for NASSP/MetLife National Principal of the Year in 2010. In 2007 he received the Atlanta Braves/AT&T Educator of the Year Award. His focus in education is to help kids achieve their dreams.

Learn More About Steve's Podcast, Teaching Learning Leading K12

Website: https://www.stevenmiletto.com/episodes/

Learn More About Steve Miletto

Website: https://www.stevenmiletto.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmiletto/

Twitter: https://x.com/SRMiletto

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKFLbruqt3wFKTMQg56gDtg

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Episode 227 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

Mean Girls, directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, is a cult classic teen comedy based on Rosalind Wiseman's book Queen Bees and Wannabes. The film humorously yet accurately portrays the harsh realities of high school social dynamics, focusing on cliques, peer pressure, and the impact of popularity on self-identity.

The story follows Cady Heron, a homeschooled girl navigating the cutthroat social hierarchy of public high school life after moving from Africa. As she infiltrates "The Plastics," the school's most popular clique, Cady faces a moral dilemma that tests her values, self-image, and relationships. Though often comedic, the movie sheds light on serious issues like bullying, conformity, and the challenges of adolescence.

In this episode, Kevin Stoller, Nancy Shapiro Rapport, and Steven Shapiro discuss the movie through the lens of parenting and education. They explore the challenges faced by kids and parents in today's society, particularly focusing on the mental health crisis and the breakdown of family structures. The conversation delves into character analyses, the impact of school environments, and the importance of emotional health in raising children.

Takeaways:

• Consistent, intentional conversations about values and behavior are essential for raising resilient, emotionally healthy children. Small, deliberate actions can lead to significant, long-term results.
• A strong family culture, built on open communication and shared values, can help children navigate social pressures and define their identity. Parents need to engage in ongoing discussions about kindness, respect, and self-worth.
• Technology has fundamentally changed how teens communicate and form relationships. Setting boundaries around device use and fostering in-person connections can help counteract the isolating effects of screen time.
• Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and social interactions can be intense and confusing. Understanding the pressures teens face helps parents provide better support.
• Schools can support parents by reinforcing positive behaviors and values, while communities can provide a support network for parents navigating the challenges of raising children.
• Comedy can be an effective way to connect with teens, understand their world, and initiate meaningful conversations. Movies like Mean Girls use humor to highlight real issues in adolescence.

About Steven Shapiro:

Steven Shapiro is a veteran school reimaginer, with over 30 years of K-12 classroom teaching experience, 15 concurrent years as a high school humanities program director, and four years as a district leader of experiential learning. Steven is the host of the acclaimed podcast Experience Matters. He delivers keynote presentations on topics including supporting parents in the digital age, addressing the youth mental health crisis, and designing authentic learning experiences. Steven and his wife Susan are the proud parents of three adult children.

About Nancy Shapiro Rapport:

Nancy spent the majority of her 34-year public-education career as a school counselor, supporting students and parents in navigating the challenging "middle years." Her leadership roles in professional development and crisis management showcased her ability to identify needs, empathize with various stakeholders, and deliver results.

As a certified Hudson Institute coach, Nancy has extensive training in coaching and human development. She has taught courses on learner mindset and question thinking, helping adults pursue a life of curiosity, inquiry, and possibility. Nancy brings a wealth of experience in both child and adult learning to her role as co-founder of Our Family Culture. Most importantly, she is the proud parent of two adult children, Emily and Jacob.

Learn More About Our Family Culture:

Website: https://ourfamilyculture.org/

Connect with Steven Shapiro:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-shapiro-experience-matters/

Connect with Nancy Shapiro Rapport:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancysrapport/

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Episode 226 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

Few movies capture the essence of leadership, teamwork, and adaptability quite like Top Gun.

While it's a high-octane film about elite fighter pilots pushing their limits, the lessons it offers extend far beyond the cockpit—straight into the world of education. Just like Maverick and his fellow aviators must embrace continuous learning, mentorship, and resilience, educators and school leaders face the challenge of preparing students for an ever-evolving future.

In this review, we'll break down the powerful parallels between Top Gun and education, exploring what it means to foster a high-performance learning environment where every student can take flight.

Takeaways:

• Just like Top Gun pilots constantly train and refine their skills, educators must embrace ongoing professional development to adapt to new teaching methods, technologies, and student needs.
• Maverick learns from his instructors and teammates, just as students benefit from strong teacher-student relationships. Great educators inspire, challenge, and support students to reach their full potential.
• While Top Gun pilots start as fierce competitors, they quickly realize success depends on working together. In education, collaboration among teachers, administrators, and students creates the best learning environments.

About Stacey Waxtan:

Stacey tells her client's story with every selection, building a user experience with intention, form, and delight. A New York City native with a touch of Minnesota nice, she leads the HUNT Interiors Team with style and grace, developing concepts with client direction and overarching themes. Stacey orchestrates collaboration across disciplines, champions new technologies, and supports a true team environment that celebrates the best ideas.

As inspiration is paramount to design, Stacey has traveled to conferences and art exhibits in Paris, Milan, Tel Aviv, Tokyo, and across the United States. Mentoring high school and college students, Stacey strives to inspire the next generation of designers and architects to lead with a design story, and always from the perspective of the end user.

Stacey is passionate about community building and art in public spaces. She's a member of AIA, serves as Board Member on the Community Design Center of Rochester, is a repeat team member [and runway model] in the AIA Rochester Product Runway Fashion Show, and practices ballet whenever possible.

FF&E Procurement Revisionism Series

• Episode 1: Seeing Furniture as an Active Participant in the Learning Environment
• Episode 2: How to Select the Right Solution and Ensure Buy-In
• Episode 3: Furniture Procurement Doesn't Have to Be Hard or Scary

What is The End of Average Concept?

Learn More About HUNT EAS:

Website: https://www.hunt-eas.com/

Connect with Stacey Waxtan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-veolette-waxtan-87503a6/

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Episode 225 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 this special episode, we take a nostalgic look back at the early recordings that sparked our popular movie review format. This episode is a fun compilation of guests sharing their favorite school-related movies and TV shows, along with their thoughts on what's realistic — and what's not — about those stories.

Our guests represent voices from across the country, including Pennsylvania, Utah, Texas, Missouri, Montana, Arizona, Wisconsin, California, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Kentucky, New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Rhode Island. Each guest answered 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 answers ranged from heartwarming classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and inspiring dramas. Here's a breakdown of the most mentioned titles:

• School of Rock - 6 mentions

• Abbott Elementary - 4 mentions

• Remember the Titans - 2 mentions

• Grease - 2 mentions

• The Sound of Music - 1 mention

• Dead Poets Society - 1 mention

• Home Alone - 1 mention

• Annie - 1 mention

• Welcome Back, Kotter - 1 mention

• Dangerous Minds - 1 mention

• Summer School - 1 mention

• Top Gun - 1 mention

• Stand and Deliver - 1 mention

• To Sir, With Love - 1 mention

• Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1 mention

• Fast Times at Ridgemont High - 1 mention

• Most Likely to Succeed - 1 mention

• Gilmore Girls - 1 mention

• Glee - 1 mention

• The Long Game - 1 mention

• A Christmas Story - 1 mention

• Billy Madison - 1 mention

• The OC - 1 mention

• The Breakfast Club - 1 mention

• I Love Lucy - 1 mention

• Friday Night Lights - 1 mention

• Yesterday - 1 mention

• Old School - 1 mention

• Boston Public - 1 mention

• Freedom Writers - 1 mention

• Ted Lasso - 1 mention

• Back to School - 1 mention

Whether you're a fan of inspiring educators, unforgettable student antics, or heartwarming school stories, this episode is packed with entertaining insights from guests who know education best. Tune in to hear what your peers are watching and maybe add a few new titles to your must-watch list!

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Episode 224 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

What Do The Incredibles and Educators Have in Common?

In our latest Better Learning Podcast episode, we dive into The Incredibles (2004) and uncover powerful insights for educators. Just like Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl face lawsuits that restrict their powers, teachers often feel held back by red tape and policies that limit their ability to innovate in the classroom.

We explore how educators can break free from these constraints, unlocking their creativity, adaptability, and empathy to make a bigger impact. Plus, we break down fun film moments that mirror real-life school experiences.

Takeaways:

• Everyone wants to be special and normal at the same time
• Teachers aren't the only adults that can have an impact
• Everyone has their own superpowers
• Different is okay

About Mercedes Johnson:

In 1995, Mercedes Ramirez Johnson narrowly survived a commercial airplane crash that killed 160 people, including her parents. She presents her proprietary Second Chance Living concept, an innovative mindset and approach with a proven track record, to organizations such as General Electric, ExxonMobil, Microsoft, NASA, Chevron, and the various branches of the US Armed Forces.

Before becoming a speaker, Mercedes spent nearly a decade in high-level sales in the pharmaceutical and medical software industries. A record-breaking, multimillion dollar producer, she became the youngest female and sole Latino account executive at Cerner Corporation. She is an active leader in philanthropic organizations advocating for special needs children and children's health initiatives, notably for Make-A-Wish and The National MPS Society. Mercedes and her story have been the subject of considerable national and international media coverage.

About Katie Riley:

Katie Riley's extensive career reflects a strong dedication to transforming education, particularly for students with diverse learning needs. With 25 years of experience in various educational settings, including public and private schools, and her work in parish schools, she has built a reputation as an educator passionate about making a difference for all students.

Her journey began in the challenging but rewarding environments of Chicago Public Schools and Dallas Independent School Districts, where she was determined to improve educational outcomes for students with different learning styles. As her career progressed, her expertise expanded, and she took on leadership roles as an educational consultant and an administrator of high-impact schools in Dallas.

Katie continues her deep commitment to innovation in education and a drive to advocate for students who may otherwise be overlooked. She is currently an educational consultant who works with schools and families to help ensure all students find an environment where they can be successful.

Connect with Mercedes Ramirez Johnson:

Website: https://www.mercedesramirezjohnson.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-ramirez-johnson-5536234/

X: https://x.com/MRamirezJohnson

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Episode 223 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

What happens when competition goes way too far?

In this episode, we dive into Battle Royale—the cult classic that makes The Hunger Games look like a friendly school fundraiser—to uncover any connections to education. Joined by TikTok movie reviewers BrandonToksMovies and Ben Treadway, we break down the film's themes of competition, authority, and survival—and how they (thankfully, in a less deadly way) mirror the struggles students face in real life.

Can we actually learn anything from this extreme scenario to improve schools? How does this dystopian scenario reflect the pressures students face today? Tune in as we try reading between the lines and figure out what Battle Royale can teach us.

Takeaways:

• The teacher on the very first day sets the tone for how the class is going to be run
• Creating connection creates care
• Don't pit students against each other, foster connection and growth together
• As a teenager, hormones run the show

Brandon and Ben are the hosts of The Cinemast Podcast, a film podcast where they discuss both new and favorite films from two different perspectives, Ben is the everyman and Brandon is the cinephile. In addition to the podcast, Brandon creates movie-related content on TikTok and Instagram under the username @brandontoksmovies. They both live in Arizona with their families. Check Out The Cinemast Podcast:

Website: https://brandontoksmovies.com/

Connect with BrandonToksMovies:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brandontoksmovies

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandontoksmovies/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandonToksMovies

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Episode 222 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

It's 1987. The surf's up, the sun's out, and high school teacher Freddy Shoop is about to have the summer of his life… until he's roped into teaching remedial English to a group of students who would rather be anywhere else.

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Kevin, Eric, and Mark crack open Summer School, the cult classic that blends outrageous 80s comedy with a surprisingly insightful take on teaching, student motivation, and the eternal struggle between fun and responsibility.

We break down what makes Mark Harmon's Mr. Shoop one of the most unexpectedly relatable teachers in movie history—does his unconventional, rule-breaking approach make him a terrible educator, or the kind of mentor students actually need? We also dive into the misfit classroom of 80s archetypes, from the horror-obsessed duo of Chainsaw and Dave to the overachieving student with test anxiety, and discuss how these characters still reflect real-world education challenges today.

Takeaways:

• Connecting with students has a huge impact
• Sometimes you need respect from students before they like you
• Have fun and be yourself
• Take the five seconds to say something individualized to a student

Connect with Eric Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esstoller/

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Episode 221 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

Can one teacher change the course of a student's life? Can curiosity survive in a system that prioritizes conformity?

October Sky is more than just a heartwarming story about a boy and his rockets—it's a powerful look at the impact of education, ambition, and the struggle between dreams and expectations. But how accurately does it reflect today's schools?

Are students still discouraged from pursuing unconventional paths? Do educators still have the power to ignite change? In this review, we'll break down what October Sky gets right (and where it misses the mark) when it comes to the modern classroom.

Takeaways:

• Curiosity and inquiry are still not be nurtured in schools
• Project based learning allows students to be self directed and follow their passions
• Dreaming doesn't get you where you want to be- action is required
• Just don't quit! - Advice from Michael
• Having a network helps when you get stuck

About Michael Duncan:

An award-winning superintendent and longtime champion of education transformation, Dr. Mike Duncan is the President and CEO of Battelle for Kids.

Mike was one of the longest-serving superintendents in the state of Georgia, leading Pike County Schools for 18 years from 2005 until his retirement in 2023. He worked diligently to reimagine educational opportunities and implement enduring transformation for all students in Pike County. He spearheaded the creation of their Portrait of a Graduate and worked to achieve the district's mission of developing creative problem solvers.

Mike was honored as the Georgia Superintendent of the Year in 2021. Under Mike's leadership, Pike County Schools was actively engaged in EdLeader21, the national network of Battelle for Kids, for more than a decade during his superintendency. Mike is also the co-founder and co-designer of the Georgia Deeper Learning Network for Workforce Readiness and Economic Prosperity. An educator at heart, Mike has served as a high school principal and a middle school teacher and principal. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master's degree from the University of Georgia, along with a bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University.

Learn More About Battelle for Kids:

Website: https://www.battelleforkids.org/

Connect with Michael Duncan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-duncan-edd/

Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Episode 220 of the Better Learning Podcast

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

Radio is a powerful example of why being different doesn't mean being wrong—and how society often struggles with that distinction.

Based on a true story, the film follows the relationship between high school football coach Harold Jones (played by Ed Harris) and a young man with an intellectual disability, James Robert "Radio" Kennedy (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.). Initially an outcast in the community, Radio is taken under Coach Jones's wing, gradually becoming a beloved figure at the school.

The film ultimately teaches that just because someone doesn't fit traditional expectations doesn't mean they're wrong or less than. True strength lies in compassion, and real leadership is about lifting others up rather than shutting them out. Radio encourages us to rethink our biases and embrace people for who they are, not just for how they compare to societal norms.

Takeaways:

• Education should be student focussed
• Everyone should have a chance to learn
• One person can change a community

About Meredith Watassek:

Meredith Watassek joined Stantec as an Education Planner after more than 24 years in Education. The last nine years of her career as an educator, she served as Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the sixth largest school district in Texas. Meredith has guided dozens of Stantec clients through the engagement process on projects while simultaneously leading planning and specifications development for future academic spaces.

Several of her most recent projects include School Master Planning for Alvin Community College, visioning and design of the Career and Technical Education Center for Lamar CISD, and School Master Planning and Specifications for Salteaux First Nations in Saskatchewan, Canada. Before joining Stantec, Meredith oversaw Stantec's design and execution of the James Reese Career and Technical Education Center for Fort Bend Independent School District in Sugar Land, TX, defining program and project scope for the new facility.

With a rich background in CTE, Meredith can communicate with educators in a way that architects cannot; because she's been in their shoes, at the front of a classroom, managing both success factors and the student experience. She believes that learning environments shape a student's experience, even if just passively. It is inside schools that students develop beliefs about their ability to be successful. For this reason, Meredith maintains that designers, planners, architects, and contractors have a responsibility to provide the most nurturing environment possible for students.

Connect with Meredith Watassek:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watassek-meredith-a561b23a/

Twitter: https://x.com/MWatassek

Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Episode 219 of the Better Learning Podcast

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