Better Learning Podcast

In this episode, Jeff Kubiak talks with Dr. Amy Alzina, superintendent of Cold Spring School District, about running a high-performing small school district in Santa Barbara County. They cover the mission of the Small School Districts Association, building genuine student connection beyond the classroom, designing flexible and indoor/outdoor learning spaces, funding strategies and community trust, and career advice for aspiring school business officials. The conversation closes on emerging school finance trends, concerns over new leave legislation's impact on students, and cautious optimism about AI's role in personalized education.

• Small districts, big impact: SSDA represents 60% of California's school districts, advocating for local control and equitable funding for schools with 2,500 students or fewer.
• Every student needs three advocates: Educators should intentionally connect with students outside their own classroom, not just their assigned group.
• Flexible spaces drive engagement: Barn doors, couches, wobble seats, and outdoor courtyards let students choose how and where they learn best.
• Trust and transparency fuel community investment: Strong test scores, low absenteeism, and visible results (like plaques for donors) build the community support that funds specialist programs.
• New leave policy risks instructional continuity: The 14-week pregnancy leave combined with a 30-day cap on long-term subs could mean a revolving door of teachers for young students learning foundational skills like reading.

About Dr. Amy Alzina:

Dr. Amy Alzina is a trailblazer in TK–12 education and a leading voice in the integration of artificial intelligence across California school systems. As the Chair of ACSA's Artificial Intelligence Task Force and a board member for both the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and the Small School Districts' Association (SSDA), Dr. Alzina plays a pivotal role in shaping statewide AI policy and practice as chair of the SSDA Legislative and Policy Committee.

In addition to serving as Superintendent of Cold Spring School District, one of the top academically performing school districts in the state of California, Dr. Alzina supports districts statewide in implementing AI tools that increase efficiency, personalize learning, and enhance productivity. Under her leadership, Cold Spring has earned a reputation not only for excellence in innovation but also for maintaining the highest standards in student achievement.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Alzina served in Santa Barbara Unified School District as Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education and as Principal of Adams Elementary School, an ESSA Distinguished School recognized as one of the Top 100 Title I Schools in the nation. Her leadership consistently reflects a commitment to equity, excellence, and future-ready learning

Episode 346 of the Better Learning Podcast

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 episode, host Matt Rogers and co-host Dr. Brian McCraw talk with Shara Bumgarner, cofounder of Houston's Joy School, and architect Janann Pittman of Jackson & Ryan Architects about creating a K-8 school built for kids with learning differences. From the school's humble start with four students in 1997 to its thoughtfully designed campus today, Shara and Janann unpack how intentional design - down to door handles and bathroom stalls - can turn a school into a true second home. They dig into individualized instruction, the "it depends" philosophy, and why joy, not just remediation, should be at the heart of every learning space.

Takeaways:

• No one-size-fits-all - Kids are grouped by specific learning needs, not grade level or diagnosis.
• Design follows philosophy - Spaces are built around flexibility and the school's culture, not just function.
• Details matter - Even door handles and toilet flushes were chosen to ease student anxiety.
• Safety enables learning - An anxious brain can't learn, so comfort comes first for kids and parents alike.
• Joy beats survival - Disco balls and dance parties aren't extras - they're core to helping kids truly thrive.

About Shara Bumgarner:

Shara Bumgarner co-founded The Joy School in 1997 and has been our Head of School since 2002. Shara's inspiration for starting The Joy School stemmed from witnessing bright students with learning differences and disabilities slip through the cracks in public school because of a lack of understanding of such students. Shara is committed to providing the most optimal, joyful environment for students and teachers with an emphasis on embracing individual differences. Starting The Joy School changed her life as an educator, and she hopes to have that same impact on each student, parent and teacher at the School. Outside of school, Shara focuses on her family, which includes her supportive husband and three daughters.

Link to Shara's LinkedIn account - Link

Link to The Joy School Website - Link

About Janann Pittman, AIA:

For over 35 years, since her first K-12 and higher education projects, Janann has been passionate about institutional and educational architecture that reinforces and expands communities, and impacts children of all ages.

As a Principal with Jackson & Ryan Architects, Janann is licensed in multiple states, with education projects from Pennsylvania to Texas. Janann seeks to understand her unique clients and their communities, so her designs reflect them and serve them in highly personal ways.

Janann comes from a family of educators and has served on numerous PTO boards and committees for her sons' schools, on the Rice University Alumni Board, and was a founding board member of Books Between Kids.

While Janann loved her time at Rice University, she is most enthusiastic about her middle school years at Shoreham-Wading River Middle School. Named a Blue Ribbon School the first year the award was given, Janann loved the fabulous arts and community service programs, and the focus on interdisciplinary projects, in smaller neighborhood communities. And, the amazing school even had goats!

Link to Janann's LinkedIn account - Link

Link to Education portion of JRA web site Link to JRA education web page

Link to Jackson & Ryan Architects Education brochure Link to Design for Education brochure

Episode 345 of the Better Learning Podcast

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 episode, host Katie Jubenville brings listeners conversations from the A4LE Georgia Chapter Conference on Jekyll Island. Guests explore what "Radically Student Centered™" design truly means, the everyday details students notice that adults overlook, partnerships between design firms and educators, and creative problem-solving during construction — plus some fun local picks for how they'd spend a day on Jekyll Island.

Our guests, in order of appearnace:

Namrata Dani, AIA:

Corgan

Architect

https://www.linkedin.com/in/namratadani/

Jill Hackett:

Turner & Townsend Heery

Director

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillwofford/

Jesse Frasier:

Turner & Townsend Heery

Vice President

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessefrasier/

Carissa Shrock Oyedele, AIA, NCIDQ, LEED AP BDC:

Corgan

Associate Principal, Senior Project Manager & Architect

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carissa-shrock-oyedele-aia-ncidq-leed-ap-bdc-566a3685/

Heli Shah:

CDH Partners, Inc.

Project Director

https://www.linkedin.com/in/helishah/

Jamie B. Case:

CDH Partners, Inc.

Principal (Jamie) & Project Director (Heli)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-b-case-5a640012/

Dawn Hill:

Elbert County School District

Special Education Administrative Assistant

Episode 344 of the Better Learning Podcast

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

This episode comes from the A4LE Northeast Regional Conference in Rochester, New York, hosted by Jessica Westerduin. Guests discuss indicators of a successful school building, what it would mean to walk into their designs 20 years from now, the value of stakeholder collaboration, the role of flexible furniture and adaptability, and the challenges school leaders face guiding their communities through transitions and long-term visioning.

Our special guests, in order of appearance:

Lemuer Perez M.A. ED.:

University Academy Charter High School

Educational Consultant

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemuer-perez-m-a-ed-752854145/

Matthew Gallerani, AIA:

GWWO Architects

Architect

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gallerani-aia-1ba88431/

Julie Spence, AIA, ALEP:

Lavallee Brensinger Architects

Educational Planner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-spence-aia-alep-a706588/

Elizabeth Geldres AIA, PMP, LEED AP, NOMA:

Stantec

Architect, Senior Project Manager, and K-12 Studio Leader

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-geldres/

Jeremy Dwyer, AIA:

CannonDesign

Vice President

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-dwyer-aia-8ab0948/

Emily Czarnecki:

JCJ Architecture

Design Principal

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-czarnecki-a9863212/

Jennifer Grafton, AIA, ALEP & Melissa Martin:

SCHRADERGROUP (Jennifer) & New Holland Elementary School (Melissa)

PA PK-12 Market Segment Leader (Jennifer) & Principal (Melissa)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergrafton/

Episode 343 of the Better Learning Podcast

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

This episode, hosted by Matt Rogers and Katie Jubenville, features conversations from the A4LE Midwest Great Lakes Regional Conference in St. Louis. Guests compare favorite landmarks to the Gateway Arch, then dig into what "radically student-centered" design means, sharing stories about maximizing impact beyond simple building replacement, engaging students and communities in the design process, and what separates schools that merely function from those that truly transform their communities.

Our guests, in order of appearance:

Josh Chism, PE, CEM:

Capital AE

President

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshchism/

Nicole Esser Dryden:

Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP

Senior Associate

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-esser/

Philip Riedel, AIA:

NAC Architecture

Principal, PK-12 Sector Leader

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-riedel-aia-a72b3522/

Brad Erwin:

Paragon Architecture

President

https://www.linkedin.com/in/braderwin/

Jeff Vandel:

North Kansas City Schools

Executive Director of Facilities

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-vandel-8b8a1ab/

Roger Bearup:

Grandville Public Schools

Superintendent

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-bearup-1432b8112/

Nicholas Kent:

Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP

Partner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-kent-a3604211/

Dr. Stephanie Loane:

CSO Architects

Senior Associate

Brenton C. Hite, AIA:

CSO Architects

Principal (Brenton) & Senior Associate (Stephanie)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenton-c-hite-aia-70704838/

Episode 342 of the Better Learning Podcast

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

This episode features conversations recorded at the A4LE Southern Regional Conference in Austin, Texas, hosted by Dr. Brian McCraw and Nick Marmolejo. Guests dig into themes like community-driven design processes, trauma-informed design, furniture and flexible learning spaces, the overuse of "learning stairs," strong architect-educator partnerships, and what truly makes a school thrive versus merely function.

Our guests, in order of appearance:

Jody Sergi, AIA, LEED AP:

Kirksey Architecture

Partner and Director, PK-12 Practice

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-sergi-aia-leed-ap-0005a53/

Cody Boyd, AIA:

PBK

Senior Principal

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-boyd-aia-98368a35/

Olivia Graf:

Architecture for Education

Partner / Design Principal

https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-graf-7a0a8065/

Katie Becker:

JLG Architects

Architect and K12 Planner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebecker1/

Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP:

MA+ Architecture, L.L.C.

Owner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-armbruster-aia-alep/

Easy Foster, RTSBA, FAIC, CPC, LEED AP:

Conroe Independent School District

Executive Director Planning & Construction

https://www.linkedin.com/in/easyfoster/

Brad Hunt:

JLG Architects

K–12 Strategy & Partnerships

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-hunt-b14264286/

Sloan McLain:

Austin Independent School District

Administrative Supervisor of Learning Space Integration

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sloan-mclain-25a26b21/

Episode 341 of the Better Learning Podcast

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

This episode, hosted by Katie Jubenville, takes listeners on the road to the A4LE Southeast Regional Conference, featuring conversations with architects, educators, and facility planners about creating better learning environments. Guests discuss what it means to be "radically student-centered," the messages school buildings send to students and teachers, exciting trends in school design, and how to elevate teacher practice and gauge whether a school is thriving.

Our guests, in order of appearance:

Paulette Myers:

McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture

Architect

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulette-myers/

Matthew Pierzchala, AIA, NCARB, ALEP, WELL AP:

Larson Design Group

Client Leader | Senior Architect | Education Planner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-pierzchala-aia-ncarb-alep-well-ap-8976311a/

Dr. Burke Royster:

Greenville County Schools

Superintendent

https://www.linkedin.com/in/burke-royster-b9436b56/

Robert Oetting:

Beaufort County School District

Chief Operations Officer

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-oetting-a9742514/

Sophia Tarkhan AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, Fitwel Ambassador & Kate Edwards, AIA, NCARB:

Cooper Carry

Project Architects

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-tarkhan-aia-noma-leed-ap-fitwel-ambassador-64792a12/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-edwards-aia-ncarb-937a167/

Joseph Campbell, MS:

Charleston County School District

Construction Procurement Supervisor

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-campbell-ms-741b61b8/

Aimee Eckmann, FAIA:

Perkins&Will

Firmwide K-12 Practice Leader

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-eckmann-faia-269a584/

Episode 340 of the Better Learning Podcast

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 episode, Dr. Sabba Quidwai, CEO of Designing Schools, joins the Better Learning Podcast to explore how educators, students, and communities can navigate AI with hope instead of fear. Drawing on her own path from history teacher to Apple to education consultant, she shares how districts like Roseville Joint Union High School District are bringing students, staff, and community members together to co-design AI-era graduate profiles — and why courageous leadership, shared culture, and storytelling matter more than any specific technology.

Takeaways:

• Hope is a teachable skill, not just a feeling — and it's the root of agency.
• Design with people, not for them — Roseville built a graduate profile in just three sessions by including students, staff, and community.
• Culture and story precede innovation — courageous leadership matters more than any specific tool.
• Students need shared context, not just a voice, or they'll default to asking for rigid rules.
• Local business partnerships make AI literacy real and practical without big budgets.

About Dr. Sabba Quidwai:

Episode 339 of the Better Learning Podcast

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 episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Jessica Westerduin talks with Amanda Vottis, an architectural designer at Mosaic Architects with over 12 years of experience in K-12 educational design. Amanda shares her winding path into school architecture, her philosophy of "radically student-centered" design, and a deep dive into the multi-year Saratoga Springs School District project — a "legacy" renovation initiative built on an educational plan shaped by community input, teacher feedback, and student voice. The conversation explores how thoughtful design (learning stairs, breakout spaces, informal student areas) can transform how kids feel about school, and why understanding student behavior and needs matters more than just filling classroom walls.

Takeaways:

• Design starts with people, not walls. Instead of asking "what does this classroom need," Amanda asks "what do your students need to be successful" — shifting conversations from storage and outlets to real student experience.
• Community alignment sustains long-term projects. Saratoga Springs' educational plan, built through summits, surveys, and teacher/student input, has guided nearly a decade of phased renovations back to a shared vision.
• Dream big before scaling back. Exposing districts to ambitious ideas (like learning stairs and dedicated informal spaces) helps them aim higher instead of defaulting to "practical" but uninspired designs.
• Every student learns differently — design should reflect that. Just as teachers and coaches adapt to different learning styles, school spaces need variety to support how each student thrives.
• Ownership and pride change student behavior. When students feel a space belongs to them, they take care of it and use it — evidenced by the pride shown in Saratoga's new fitness center and cafeteria.

About Amanda Vottis:

Amanda is an Architectural Designer and Accredited Learning Environment Planner with Mosaic Associates Architects. With over a decade of experience, Amanda specializes in designing innovative learning environments for K-12 public schools, colleges, and universities in New York. Collaborating with clients from initial project conception through completion of construction, Amanda enjoys helping clients design projects that align with their unique educational goals and community needs.

Amanda volunteers for the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) New York Chapter Board, serving as past President, and co-captain for Mosaic's CANstruction team.

Episode 338 of the Better Learning Podcast

For more information on our partners:

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - 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 episode, Jeff Kubiak sits down with Dr. Heather Sánchez, Deputy Superintendent of the Bellevue School District in Washington, to explore what it looks like to lead a large public school district from both the instructional and operational sides of the house. Drawing on 26 years in education — from a border-town middle school teacher in New Mexico to overseeing HR, finance, facilities, transportation, and more — Dr. Sánchez shares how Bellevue is centering community voice in everything from strategic planning to building design, and why the most transformative ideas often start with a simple "what if?"

Takeaways:

• Walk both sides of the house. Coming from instruction into operations gives Dr. Sánchez a rare ability to connect learning directly to logistics.

• Listen before you build. The best designs — buildings, programs, strategic plans — start with community voice, not a blueprint.

• Systemize the fires so you can dream. Clear crisis protocols free up the mental space leaders need for long-term vision.

• Small ideas, big impact. The Bellevue Welcome Center started with one hallway conversation. Transformation often does.

• The students are already ahead of us. They're bolder, more creative, and more advocacy-minded than ever. Follow their lead.

About Dr. Heather Sánchez:

Dr. Heather J. Sánchez is a high-impact and systems-focused K–12 executive known for delivering measurable academic results while leading complex organizations with precision, clarity, and vision. With more than 20 years of experience leading high-performing school systems, she strengthens academic outcomes, ensures operational excellence, and expands access to innovative learning opportunities. In her role as Deputy Superintendent, she provides executive leadership across district operations, human resources, and finance and business services, aligning organizational strategy, talent, and resources to deliver on the district's strategic plan and drive measurable results for students.

Dr. Sánchez oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes financial stewardship, human capital strategy, facilities and capital programs, student services, and enterprise operations. She is recognized for her ability to integrate long-range planning, fiscal discipline, and organizational effectiveness with a clear focus on teaching and learning. Her leadership ensures that budgets, staffing models, and operational systems are tightly aligned to district priorities, enabling schools to deliver high-quality instruction and strong student outcomes.

Previously serving as Chief of Schools and Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Sánchez led districtwide improvement efforts that resulted in measurable gains in early literacy and mathematics, while strengthening instructional coherence and expanding access to accelerated learning, dual language programs, STEM opportunities, and student choice. She has a strong track record of advancing innovation and ensuring systems evolve to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of students and families.

Across leadership roles in Washington, Colorado, and New Mexico, Dr. Sánchez brings a rare combination of financial acumen, business-minded leadership, and deep educational expertise. She has served at every level of the PK–12 system, including classroom teacher, instructional coach, school principal, Director of Teaching and Learning and Accelerated Programs, Executive Director of Schools, Chief of Schools, Chief Operating Officer, and now Deputy Superintendent, gaining experience across elementary, middle, high school, and district systems levels. Grounded in this comprehensive background, she maintains a strong commitment to students, families, and educators, prioritizing clarity, communication, and a supportive, high-expectations culture. She is known for building trust with boards and communities, navigating complex challenges with sound judgment, and delivering results through disciplined execution.

Dr. Sánchez holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy, a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership, superintendent certification, and principal and teacher certifications. She has been nationally recognized through Chiefs for Change (Future Chiefs) and Women Leading Ed (Emerging State Executives). Her honors include the Washington Association of School Administrators Doyle E. Winter Excellence in Leadership Award and the Washington State School Achievement Award.

Originally from New Mexico, Dr. Sánchez is committed to academic excellence, responsible governance, and future-ready systems that prepare every student for success in college, career, and life.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-heather-s%C3%A1nchez-22171136/

Episode 337 of the Better Learning Podcast

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