『Better Learning Podcast』のカバーアート

Better Learning Podcast

Better Learning Podcast

著者： Kay-Twelve
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概要

 The Better Learning Podcast is about improving education at all levels - Schools (public, charter, private, independent), Higher Education, & Corporate/Adult Learning. The major theme is to break down the silos and learn from others doing innovative things in education. We highlight innovative programs & initiatives, lessons learned, improvements to educational space, and real-world tactics while getting a deeper understanding of the people behind the innovation. Our guests include Heads of Schools, Superintendents, Principals, Entrepreneurs, Non-profit leaders and other innovators. Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve & author of Creating Better Learning Environments, is the host.©Copyright 2026
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  • Teamwork Makes the Dream Work with Erica Thompson

    Teamwork Makes the Dream Work with Erica Thompson
    2026/03/18
    What if a school could rebuild not just itself, but the community's trust and identity? In this episode, Carla Cummins and Nick Marmolejo sit down with Erica Thompson, Business Development professional at Wells Building Systems, to explore how schools serve as the heartbeat of their communities. From her unexpected journey through accounting and Colorado's early marijuana industry to becoming a passionate advocate for K-12 construction, Erica shares how building schools is about far more than bricks and mortar—it's about creating spaces where students discover who they are. Drawing from her work across Colorado's diverse communities, Erica reveals how the built environment shapes student identity, why schools are "networking machines," and how one Denver neighborhood fought to reclaim their closed high school—and won. Takeaways: Teamwork makes the dream work: Radically student-centered design means shifting from "me" to "we"—creating environments where students learn to build their teams and cultivate lifelong relationships Schools are networking machines: Beyond academics, schools create micro-communities—band kids, athletes, robotics crews—where students form identities and connections that last decades Research the community, not just the building: Understanding demographics, attending town halls, and reading master plans reveals what each unique community truly needs from their school Strategic, not sacrifice: When budgets tighten, stay rooted in your district's mission—make strategic decisions rather than compromising what students deserve Measure success by who comes back: When Montbello High School reopened after a decade, 1,100 of 1,200 freshman seats filled immediately—proof that communities will invest in spaces that invest in them Design for generations: Today's students become tomorrow's parents and grandparents—build schools that honor the past while serving futures you'll never see About Erica Thompson: My career began with an ambitious plan to become a nuclear engineer, which quickly pivoted (after an honest math check) to accounting. I earned my CPA license at 22 and began auditing small to mid-sized banks during the very exciting years of 2007 to 2014. That experience led me into the emerging medical marijuana industry, where I helped companies create GAAP-compliant accounting practices in a world needing it. Reconciling cash without banks was as unconventional as it sounds, and it taught me adaptability, creativity, resilience, and humor. While entrepreneurship sparked my interest in sales, it was construction manufacturing that truly shaped my career. I entered the industry as a Sales Representative at General Shale, where I helped amplify regional brick sales and adopted my guiding motto: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. Under the mentorship of Mark Stutz and later Jared Rabin at Rio Grande, I learned the power of solution-based selling. Shifting from providing products to solving real problems. These mentorships taught me to build long- term, developmental relationships, one of which ultimately led me to Wells. Today, I serve in Business Development at Wells, where I focus on connecting with end users to gather insights, identify market opportunities, and support strategic growth. Surrounded by strong leadership, including Dan Parker, I've found my professional home. This role naturally led me to A4LE and a passion for learning environment spaces that do far more than house education; they anchor communities, shape generations, and serve as points of connection. I highlight leadership throughout my story because my journey has never been just about "me". It's a collective we. None of this happens alone. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-thompson-cpa-csi-cdt-141906172/ Learn More About Kay-Twelve: Website: https://kay-twelve.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kay_twelve/ Episode 307 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
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    30 分
  • How School Architecture Shapes Student Futures with Jesse Miller

    How School Architecture Shapes Student Futures with Jesse Miller
    2026/03/11

    What if the buildings we design for students could shape not just how they learn, but who they become?

    In this episode, Jeff Kubiak and Carla Cummins sit down with Jesse Miller, Managing Senior Principal at PBK Architects, to explore how K-12 architecture can transform education from the ground up. From designing Compton High School alongside Dr. Dre to creating spaces where students don't want to leave, Jesse reveals how thoughtful design decisions today can impact generations of learners for the next century.

    Drawing from over two decades designing schools across California, Nevada, and Texas, Jesse shares how truly radically student-centered environments are built through vision, community input, and asking one essential question: will this make a student's daily experience better?

    Takeaways:

    • Design for a hundred years, not today: Schools must outlast current pedagogy—ask what education looks like 70 years from now, not just what works in 2026
    • Every square foot matters: From corridor nooks to bathroom design, if a student will experience it, it deserves intentional thought
    • Put learning on display: Create environments where students can "shop their future" by seeing what peers are creating and achieving across campus
    • Include every voice: Teacher workshops reveal current needs, but student workshops unlock what's truly possible—get both perspectives before a single line is drawn
    • Flip the script on control: Traditional schools were optimized for managing students; radically student-centered schools support how they learn, move, collaborate, and belong
    • Measure success by who stays: When kids don't want to leave campus at 9 PM, you've designed something right
    • When learners thrive, communities flourish: This is the heart of radically student-centered design

    About Jesse Miller:

    With over twenty two plus years of expertise in architectural design and sustainable solutions, I currently serve as Managing Senior Principal at PBK overseeing the West Region, where I contribute to innovative and sustainable civic and education projects. I currently lead over 260 design and engineering professionals committed to elevating our clients places and spaces into environments beyond imagination. My previous leadership role as Regional Sector Leader for DLR Group allowed me to drive impactful design strategies in the California K-12 sector, leveraging my skills in design research and sustainable architecture.

    Certified as an architect by the California Architects Board and holding credentials as a LEED Green Associate and DBIA professional, I am dedicated to fostering collaborative environments that prioritize sustainability and innovation in educational spaces. My mission is to create designs that inspire learning and positively impact communities.

    Learn More About Kay-Twelve:

    Website: https://kay-twelve.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/

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

    Episode 306 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
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    44 分
  • How Informal Learning Spaces Are Changing the Way Kids Learn with Anne Fullenkamp

    How Informal Learning Spaces Are Changing the Way Kids Learn with Anne Fullenkamp
    2026/03/04
    What if your school building wasn't just a place where learning happens, but one of the most powerful teachers in the room? In this episode, Mark Barga sits down with Anne Fullenkamp, Senior Director of Creative Experiences at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, to explore how thoughtfully designed spaces can spark curiosity, boost confidence, and expand what students believe is possible. From hallways that invite discovery to classrooms that adapt to every learner, Anne reveals how architecture can quietly shape mindsets, behaviors, and futures. Drawing from her accidental journey from practicing architect to museum exhibit designer—where she's spent nearly two decades living alongside her own designs—Anne shares how truly student-centered environments are built through empathy, collaboration, and treating schools like the laboratories they can be. Takeaways: Buildings as learning tools: Design schools that actively participate in learning, not just house it—every wall, hallway, and corner can tell a storyStart with "what if": Center design charrettes on how spaces will look and feel, not just how many seats you needRemove barriers to curiosity: Create environments where teachers can respond in the moment without calling facilities for a work orderMake movement matter: Balance gross motor and fine motor experiences throughout the day—even the hallways can serve learningDesign for adaptability: Treat schools like museums—plan for environments to evolve with changing pedagogy and technology over 50+ yearsBudget smarter, not bigger: You don't need massive investments to start—make small bets, experiment with a corner or underused classroom firstWhen learners thrive, communities flourish: This is the heart of radically student-centered design About Anne Fullenkamp: Anne Fullenkamp, Associate AIA, LEED AP, Senior Director of Creative Experiences, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh With more than 25 years of experience in the museum design and architectural fields, Anne is responsible for design and execution of museum experiences at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. In her role as Senior Director of Creative Experiences, she oversees the Museum's permanent exhibits and collections, artist residencies, traveling exhibit program, design consulting and other business development programs, leading complex design teams consisting of artists, scientists and researchers. Since joining the Museum of Pittsburgh in 2006, Anne has served as lead designer, contributing to the on-going development of the Museum's Play with Real Stuff design philosophy for informal learning environments that advocates for authenticity in all museum experiences. In addition, she is leading the Museum's universal design initiative, working with cultural organizations in Pittsburgh to advise on best practices for update the physical amenities to help make the city a hub for accessibility in the arts. As part of this work, she was part of the team to coordinate the implementation of Universal Design practices on the Museum campus, that resulted in MuseumLab, a major capital project on campus, receiving isUD certification from the University at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning's Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center). Anne is the point person for ongoing research with the IDEA Center in the application of universal design principles on our campus. Likewise, she has received training from in the IDEA Center in the practice of universal design and continues to pursue continuing education opportunities in the discipline. In recent years, Anne's work in inclusive design practices has expanded to include her design consulting work with K-12 schools. As part of the Museum's vision to transform education, Anne serves as an experience consultant for school districts, teachers and architects to help maximize the informal learning opportunities within the formal school environment, focusing specifically on the convergence of social-emotional learning and STEAM curriculum with overall health and wellbeing of the school community. Learn More About Kay-Twelve: Website: https://kay-twelve.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kay_twelve/ Episode 305 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
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    49 分
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