Better Learning Podcast

In episode 117 of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller speaks with suicide prevention expert Dr. Gregory A. Hudnall about reducing youth suicide through peer intervention. Dr. Hudnall is the founder of Hope4Utah, a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. His school-based peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, Hope Squad, has been responsible for referring over 5,000 students for help and over 1,000 hospitalizations. The Hope Squad program is now in over 1,000 schools in the U.S. and Canada.

During the episode, Dr. Hudnall discusses the importance of early intervention and how peer-to-peer support can be an effective way to prevent youth suicide. He shares his personal experiences with suicide crisis response and highlights the impact of community collaboration in suicide prevention efforts. Dr. Hudnall emphasizes the need for schools to create a culture of connectedness and provide support to students who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Listeners will learn about the Hope Squad model, which empowers students to identify and help their peers who may be at risk of suicide. Dr. Hudnall shares success stories and best practices for implementing the program in schools. He also provides resources for listeners who want to get involved in suicide prevention efforts in their communities.

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to become more educated and involved in suicide prevention. Dr. Hudnall urges listeners to take a proactive approach to addressing youth suicide and to work together as a community to create a safer and more supportive environment for young people.

Episode 117 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.

Who made this episode possible?

Dr. Gregory A. Hudnall

1. Hope Squad

2. Connect on LinkedIn!

Kevin Stoller

1. Connect on LinkedIn!

2. Follow on Twitter!

Kay-Twelve

1. Kay-Twelve Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast

1. Better Learning Podcast Website

2. Follow on YouTube!

3. Subscribe on Apple!

4. Subscribe on Spotify!

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

1. The Association for Learning Environments Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Education Leaders' Organization

1. The Education Leaders' Organization Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation

1. The Second Class Foundation Website

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller sits down with Kendrick Wong, Senior Marketing Manager at Harvard Graduate School of Education, to discuss the reason why school superintendents are quitting their jobs at an alarming rate.

They discuss the importance of creating a culture of support and communication within school districts, as well as the need for training and development programs for school leaders to help them navigate the challenges of their role.

This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of education leadership, and offers practical solutions for creating a more supportive and sustainable environment for school superintendents.

Episode 118 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.

Who made this episode possible?

Kendrick Wong

1. Harvard Graduate School of Education

2. Connect on LinkedIn!

Kevin Stoller

1. Connect on LinkedIn!

2. Follow on Twitter!

Kay-Twelve

1. Kay-Twelve Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast

1. Better Learning Podcast Website

2. Follow on YouTube!

3. Subscribe on Apple!

4. Subscribe on Spotify!

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

1. The Association for Learning Environments Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Education Leaders' Organization

1. The Education Leaders' Organization Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation

1. The Second Class Foundation Website

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller speaks with Joshua Samuel, Founder of Coins for College, about the importance of supplemental resources for socioeconomically disadvantaged students in accessing top colleges. Samuel introduces Coins for College, a platform where students can earn Scholarship Points through attendance, assessments, and supplemental learning. These Scholarship Points equal data points that colleges can use to make informed decisions on admissions and scholarship awards.

The discussion delves into how the Scholarship Points system works, how it can level the playing field for students who may not have had access to traditional resources, and how it can benefit colleges in creating a more diverse and inclusive student body. Samuel also shares his personal story and the inspiration behind creating Coins for College.

Episode 119 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.

Who made this episode possible?

Joshua Samuel

1. Coins for College

2. Connect on LinkedIn!

Kevin Stoller

1. Connect on LinkedIn!

2. Follow on Twitter!

Kay-Twelve

1. Kay-Twelve Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast

1. Better Learning Podcast Website

2. Follow on YouTube!

3. Subscribe on Apple!

4. Subscribe on Spotify!

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

1. The Association for Learning Environments Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Education Leaders' Organization

1. The Education Leaders' Organization Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation

1. The Second Class Foundation Website

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller talks with Connie Edwards, Chief Business Officer for the School Superintendents of Alabama, about the importance of confidential peer networks for school leaders.

Connie shares her insights on why school leaders need a confidential space to share their challenges and concerns with peers who can relate to their experiences. She highlights the benefits of joining an exclusive peer network for school leaders like the Education Leaders' Organization (ELO).

When you become a member of ELO, you gain access to a confidential forum of 6-10 peers who meet once a month to work through the Top 5% and Bottom 5% of their lives. This forum is like a Mastermind group, but better. It's a mix of personal and professional development that has been utilized for over 40 years in other industries. The structure of the meeting pulls out meaningful discoveries by utilizing experience sharing vs. advice giving. Forum is truly a life altering experience for leaders.

Throughout the episode, Connie and Kevin discuss the benefits of peer networks, the challenges of being a school leader, and the importance of personal and professional development. They share their experiences and insights on how confidential peer networks can help school leaders navigate their roles with more confidence and effectiveness.

If you're a school leader looking for a supportive community of peers, then this episode is for you. Tune in to learn more about the benefits of joining a confidential peer network like ELO and how it can help you grow both personally and professionally.

Episode 116 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.

Who made this episode possible?

Connie Edwards

1. School Superintendents of Alabama

2. Connect on LinkedIn!

Kevin Stoller

1. Connect on LinkedIn!

2. Follow on Twitter!

Kay-Twelve

1. Kay-Twelve Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast

1. Better Learning Podcast Website

2. Follow on YouTube!

3. Subscribe on Apple!

4. Subscribe on Spotify!

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

1. The Association for Learning Environments Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Education Leaders' Organization

1. The Education Leaders' Organization Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation

1. The Second Class Foundation Website

In this episode, host Kevin Stoller takes us to the 2023 AASA conference in San Antonio, Texas. Kevin talks to 19 school leaders and asks them two questions: (1) What Keeps You Up at Night? and (2) Who Are Your Most Trusted Advisors?

The answers to these questions are alarming and shed light on the challenges that school leaders face in their day-to-day work. From student safety to budget constraints, school leaders are grappling with a range of issues that affect not only their schools but also their personal lives.

Kevin and his guests discuss the need for a peer-to-peer network exclusively for school leaders. They explore the challenges of finding a supportive community that can help school leaders work through their issues while growing personally and professionally.

Throughout the episode, Kevin and his guests offer practical tips and advice on how to navigate the challenges of being a school leader. They share their experiences and insights on how to build a supportive network and find trusted advisors.

If you're a school leader who is looking for a supportive community to help you navigate the challenges of your role, then this episode is for you. Listen in as Kevin and his guests talk through the issues that are keeping school leaders up at night and explore where they can go for help.

Episode 115 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.

Who made this episode possible?

PJ Caposey, Superintendent

1. Meridian School District

Barbara Mullen, Superintendent

1. Rush-Henrietta Central School District

Nick Ouellette, Superintendent

1. Hudson School District

John Robidoux, Superintendent

1. Swansea Public Schools

Jesse Steiner, Superintendent

1. Northwestern Local Schools

Karen Cheser, Superintendent

1. Durango School District 9-R

Dr. Brian Yearwood, Superintendent

1. Columbia Public Schools

Charles Johns, Superintendent

1. Glenbrook High School District 225

Claudia Avery, Deputy Superintendent

1. Fairfield County School District

Sandy Strayer, Superintendent

1. Henry County Public Schools

Dale Olinger, Superintendent

1. Lolo School District 7

Mike Slagle, Superintendent

1. Raymore-Peculiar School District

Sharon Kherat, Superintendent

1. Peoria Public Schools District 150

Ed Nichols, Superintendent

1. Madison City Schools

Thomas Bongiovi, Superintendent

1. Orange-Ulster Boces

Tricia Mooney, Superintendent

1. Hermiston School District

Peter Finch, Superintendent

1. West Valley School District

Mike Toole, Assistant Principal

1. Highlands Elementary School

Edward Manuszak, Executive Director

1. Washtenaw ISD

Kevin Stoller

1. Connect on LinkedIn!

2. Follow on Twitter!

Kay-Twelve

1. Kay-Twelve Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast

1. Better Learning Podcast Website

2. Follow on YouTube!

3. Subscribe on Apple!

4. Subscribe on Spotify!

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

1. The Association for Learning Environments Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Education Leaders' Organization

1. The Education Leaders' Organization Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation

1. The Second Class Foundation Website

In this roundtable discussion, four podcast hosts - Charles Fournier, Michael B. Horn, Jethro Jones, and Kevin Stoller - come together to discuss the concerning trend of teachers leaving the profession and what can be done to attract and retain great teachers in education.

Episode 114 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.

Who made this episode possible?

Charles Fournier

1. Those Who Can't Teach Anymore

2. Connect on LinkedIn!

Michael B. Horn

1. Class Disrupted

2. Connect on LinkedIn!

Jethro Jones

1. Transformative Principal

2. Connect on LinkedIn!

Kevin Stoller

1. Connect on LinkedIn!

2. Follow on Twitter!

Kay-Twelve

1. Kay-Twelve Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast

1. Better Learning Podcast Website

2. Follow on YouTube!

3. Subscribe on Apple!

4. Subscribe on Spotify!

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

1. The Association for Learning Environments Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Education Leaders' Organization

1. The Education Leaders' Organization Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation

1. The Second Class Foundation Website

In this episode, host Kevin Stoller talks to two guests, Kristy Custer and Lakin Zamorano, about the rise of esports in high schools and universities. Lakin is a senior at Maize South High School in Kansas and plays on the school's Call of Duty team. He also serves as the editor in chief for One Maize Media. Kristy is the President of Educational Innovation for the High School Esports League (HSEL) and has over 24 years of experience in education, including working as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal.

They discuss the benefits of e-sports for students, including improved communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. They also explore the potential career opportunities in the esports industry and how it can be a pathway to higher education. Additionally, Kristy shares insights on how HSEL supports students, coaches, and schools in building and managing e-sports teams.

Episode 113 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.

Who made this episode possible?

Kristy Custer

1. High School Esports League (HSEL)

2. Connect on LinkedIn!

3. Follow on Twitter!

Lakin Zamorano

1. One Maize Media

2. Maize South High School

3. Follow on Twitter!

Kevin Stoller

1. Connect on LinkedIn!

2. Follow on Twitter!

Kay-Twelve

1. Kay-Twelve Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast

1. Better Learning Podcast Website

2. Follow on YouTube!

3. Subscribe on Apple!

4. Subscribe on Spotify!

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

1. The Association for Learning Environments Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Education Leaders' Organization

1. The Education Leaders' Organization Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation

1. The Second Class Foundation Website

If you think teachers are undervalued and mistreated, you should know that many teachers are leaving the profession in frustration. If things don't change, the talent pool will get even thinner as more quit. In this episode, we sit down with Charles Fournier to discuss why teachers are leaving education and explore resources available to teachers to help them professionally.

Charles Fournier teaches high school English in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He is the creator and producer of the podcast Those Who Can't Teach Anymore. When creating a new class project, he fell into freelancing for Wyoming Public Radio. He is the host of The Mountain Time Podcast Hour and the sound designer for the award-winning podcast, The Modern West. Charles is also a Fund for Teachers Fellow.

Charles' affection for public radio began in the back seat of cars. He remembers listening to Car Talk and This American Life during drives across Wyoming. Little has changed. Charles fell into volunteering as an Assistant Producer for HumaNature while creating a podcast unit for his high school students. The reporters of WPR graciously taught Charles about the production process, which led to his own contributions to WPR programming and a class project that students still enjoy.

If you enjoyed this episode, we encourage you to check out Charles' new 7-part podcast series "Those Who Can’t Teach Anymore" that is all about exploring why teachers are leaving education and what can be done to stop the exodus. You can find it on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts!

Episode 112 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.

Who made this episode possible?

Charles Fournier

1. Wyoming Public Media

2. Connect on LinkedIn

Kevin Stoller

1. Connect on LinkedIn!

2. Follow on Twitter!

Kay-Twelve

1. Kay-Twelve Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast

1. Better Learning Podcast Website

2. Follow on YouTube!

3. Subscribe on Apple!

4. Subscribe on Spotify!

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

1. The Association for Learning Environments Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Education Leaders' Organization

1. The Education Leaders' Organization Website

2. LinkedIn Profile

3. Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation

1. The Second Class Foundation Website

Dr. Joe Clark has been in education since 1992. He has worked as a high school English teacher and assistant principal, middle school principal, personnel director, and assistant superintendent. Currently, Joe is in his 12th year as the superintendent of the Nordonia Hills City Schools, a district serving 3,600 students in Northeast Ohio. He is also a core professor in American College of Education's Educational Leadership Master's program.

Joe spent 10 summers as a camp counselor, director, and bus driver, and 24 years as a mobile disc jockey. He received all three of his degrees at Kent State University. His dissertation is titled "A legislative and judicial analysis of sexual relationships between American secondary students and their teachers." Dr. Clark is the author of the book If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song (A Superintendent's Spin on Making Schools Rock). Dr. Clark is the youngest of 11 kids. He is married to Amie and has two adult sons. His best buddy is Frankie, a five-year-old beagle/English bulldog hybrid.

Episode 110 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.

Who made this episode possible?

Dr. Joe Clark

• Nordonia Hills City School District
• Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song
• Follow on Twitter!

Kevin Stoller

• Connect on LinkedIn!
• Follow on Twitter!

Kay-Twelve

• Kay-Twelve Website
• LinkedIn Profile
• Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast

• Better Learning Podcast Website
• Follow on YouTube!

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

• The Association for Learning Environments Website
• LinkedIn Profile
• Twitter Profile

Education Leaders' Organization

• The Education Leaders' Organization Website
• LinkedIn Profile
• Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation

• The Second Class Foundation Website

For 25 years, Dr. Terrie Noland has put her energy into leadership and literacy; first as a teacher and administrator, and now as a national non-profit Literacy Leader. Terrie mentor’s leaders about the latest research around the science of reading. She hosts a podcast, Learning Ally Literacy Leadership, to build a community of literacy champions.

Recognized as a national thought-leader, Terrie speaks to crowds to hear captivating stories, leadership principles, research, and best practices in Literacy, which she always delivers with humor, and inspiration. 

Terrie is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner and has a Ph.D. in Literacy. She is Maxwell Leadership Certified and a member of the President's Advisory Council. She hosts the Spotlight Learning Series by Learning Ally and builds communities of educators to lead large in Literacy. Terrie's passion runs deep for children and she is truly an advocate for them and the educators who serve them.

Episode 108 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.

Who made this episode possible?

Terri Noland

• Learning Ally
• Connect on LinkedIn!
• Follow on Twitter!

Kevin Stoller

• Connect on LinkedIn!
• Follow on Twitter!

Kay-Twelve

• Kay-Twelve Website
• LinkedIn Profile
• Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast

• Better Learning Podcast Website
• Follow on YouTube!

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)

• The Association for Learning Environments Website
• LinkedIn Profile
• Twitter Profile

Education Leaders' Organization

• The Education Leaders' Organization Website
• LinkedIn Profile
• Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation

• The Second Class Foundation Website