24/10/2024

Creating Spaces that Support Innovation and Student Success

In this episode of Creating Spaces, we sit down with Mary Sauvageau, a leader in K-12 furniture design. Mary shares her expertise on how creating comfortable, flexible learning environments can have a lasting impact on students and staff alike. She dives into the importance of understanding the goals of a space and how every design choice—from lighting to seating—should be intentional to support student success. Mary also explores trends in K-12 design, like the rise of soft seating and flexibility, and discusses the need for professional development to ensure that everyone understands the why behind these design changes. Her philosophy is clear: designing to the average doesn’t work; instead, we should design to the edges to create spaces where every student can thrive. Mary Sauvageau has spent her entire career in the K-12 furniture business. She serves as the leader of the K-12 team, utilizing her expertise in developing applications for evolving learning environments and relying on her industry experience in anticipating and planning for successful project implementations. Mary oversees all K-12 projects and resources to ensure expectations and objectives are met. She is currently enrolled in the Edmarket ECLPS Education Learning Place Specialist (ECLPS), a new comprehensive and research-informed certification program to elevate the learning experience of school district and industry professionals tasked with planning, managing, and designing learning environments of the future. Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: fomcore.com

28 min

03/10/2024

Creating Spaces to Meet School Needs

In this episode of Creating Spaces, we sit down with Caroline McCormac, Business Development Leader at Meteor Education + Blankenship Associates, who brings over 30 years of experience in transforming school environments. From her early career to her current role, Caroline has worked closely with architects, contractors, and school systems to create learning spaces that foster connection and growth. Caroline shares how her strong relationships with clients have been key to her success, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration in the construction and renovation of school facilities. She reflects on the challenges school systems face today and how understanding these struggles helps in creating more inclusive, prosocial learning environments. With her extensive background, Caroline offers valuable insights into how learning spaces can evolve to meet the needs of both students and staff. In addition to discussing the future of educational spaces, Caroline talks about the profound joy she experiences when witnessing the reactions of students and teachers to newly transformed learning environments. Tune in to hear her perspective on the importance of lifelong learning and the fulfillment that comes from being part of such impactful projects. Caroline McCormac is the Business Development Leader at Meteor Education and Blankenship Associates. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, she has fostered long-lasting relationships with clients and played a key role in the transformation of school spaces, from concept to completion. Outside of work, Caroline enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on beach trips, and seeking out new experiences, including skydiving with her sons on her 50th birthday. Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: fomcore.com

22 min

01/08/2024

Creating Spaces for a Collaborative School Experience

In this episode of Creating Spaces, we welcome Kaitlin, a dynamic fourth-grade teacher wrapping up her first full year in the classroom. From the moment she decided to become a teacher during her own elementary days, Kaitlin has been driven by a profound connection with education and her students. She discusses her early inspiration to teach and how those formative experiences have shaped her approach to education. Kaitlin shares the importance of establishing a bond with her students, emphasizing that feeling loved and belonging are crucial for a positive educational experience. She reflects on how the educational landscape has evolved, particularly highlighting her use of a 'choice board' in her classroom. This innovative tool allows students autonomy over their learning, fostering creativity and agency by offering various activities they can choose from after completing their main assignments. Moreover, Kaitlin is enthusiastic about the rise of flexible seating and the unique 'personalities' each classroom can have, illustrating how spaces can be tailored to fit the needs and styles of different student-teacher combinations. She offers invaluable advice to first-year teachers, advocating for confidence and the importance of seeking mentorship within the school community. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Kaitlin as she shares her unique perspective after her first year of teaching, filled with connection and collaboration. Kaitlin is a 4th grade teacher who has just completed her first year of full-time teaching, having graduated from college in May 2023. She and her fiancé are planning their wedding this summer. Passionate about education and her students, Kaitlin also enjoys hiking with her dogs, staying active, and relaxing with Netflix during her downtime. Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: fomcore.com

20 min

18/07/2024

Creating Spaces To Encourage Young Learners

In this episode, we're joined by Tracey Fritz, an extraordinary educator with 24 years of experience in teaching young learners. Tracey is passionate about making her students feel loved and like they belong in the classroom. She discusses her methods for building trust-based relationships with her students, which helps her set clear expectations and give students agency and choice in their learning. Tracey emphasizes the significant impact of incorporating social-emotional learning into the classroom, noting that it not only enhances academic success but also equips students with essential life skills. She also shares her views on the importance of creating comfortable and inviting classroom spaces where students can move freely, explore their environment, and make independent choices. She highlights how play-based learning and discovery activities allow her students to independently explore the world around them and learn in a hands-on, engaging manner. Tracey is making a profound difference in these young students' lives, ensuring they feel valued and supported as they grow. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Tracey Fritz as she shares her incredible perspectives on education, classroom dynamics, and the transformative power of creating inclusive and interactive learning environments. Tracey Fritz is a dedicated Young 5's Teacher at Mona Shores Public Schools, with 24 years of experience teaching grades Y5-2. A graduate of Aquinas College, she has been married to Patrick Fritz for 27 years and is a mother of 14. Tracey is also an adoptive mom and currently a foster home through Muskegon County DHHS. Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: https://fomcore.com/

21 min

27/06/2024

Creating Spaces for Innovation in Schools

In today's special 'minisode', guest host David Jakes delves into the concepts of improvement and innovation within educational environments. An expert in education and space design, David unpacks what it truly means to enhance learning spaces to better serve both students and teachers. David explores the transformative impact of reimagining educational spaces, discussing how adjustments to the physical environment can foster innovation and exploration. He highlights the importance of creating spaces that allow teachers and students to venture into new educational experiences. This episode particularly focuses on the benefits of flexible environments, like those incorporating Fōmcore's Lil Explorers line, which encourage children to use their creativity and imagination through soft, modular seating arrangements. Join us in this insightful 'minisode' with David Jakes as we explore how thoughtful design and strategic innovation can lead to substantial improvements in educational settings, making them more adaptable and inspiring for every learner. Read more from David by visiting our blog: https://fomcore.com/innovation-in-the-space-of-school Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djakes Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: https://fomcore.com/

10 min

06/06/2024

Creating Spaces for Learning Space Pilot Programs

In today's special 'minisode', guest host David Jakes takes a solo dive into his experience with learning space pilot programs. David, an expert in the realms of education and space design, explores how these strategic programs in school spaces can significantly enhance the educational experience for both educators and students. Learning space pilot programs test spatial designs in classrooms over a semester, involving elements like furniture, lighting, and technology, to understand how these changes affect teaching and learning. David discusses his involvement in pilot programs ranging from single shared spaces to extensive projects across K-12 environments. He shares insights into the benefits of these programs, such as making informed, cost-effective decisions on classroom redesign that will serve schools for decades. David also explains the importance of including the school community in the design process, aligning it with the desired educational outcomes, and integrating professional development to help teachers adapt to and optimize new spaces. He emphasizes the critical role of continuous evaluation, leadership participation, and community engagement in the success of these initiatives. Tune in to this 'minisode' this morning for an educational deep dive with David Jakes, and discover why investing in learning space pilot programs is a strategic move for any educational institution looking to innovate and improve. Read more from David by visiting our blog: https://fomcore.com/learning-space-pilot-programs-everything-you-need-to-know/ Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djakes Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: https://fomcore.com/

7 min

23/05/2024

Creating Spaces that Shape the Student Experience

In this episode, we're joined by Becky Baylor, a passionate educator with over fifteen years of teaching and coaching experience. Becky shares her insights from working in both small and large schools, discussing the impact of staff autonomy and problem-solving approaches in different settings. She emphasizes her commitment to empowering students with confidence and life skills, focusing on communication and kindness while they learn, rather than relying solely on traditional methods to meet academic targets. Becky explores the challenge of balancing the measurement of social-emotional skills with state requirements, and she reflects on the long-term success of her students, aiming to guide them through both academic subjects and life skills. She also highlights the importance of mentorship, sharing how her own mentors shaped her approach as she transitioned into a mentor-focused role. As a coach, Becky believes in guiding teachers rather than positioning herself as the expert, recognizing that teachers know their students best. Now with MeTEOR education, Becky is dedicated to maximizing learning experiences by considering both the physical space and the desired student outcomes. She discusses the importance of understanding student and educator experiences to create functional and engaging learning environments. Becky shares the rewarding moments of seeing students and teachers experience their new spaces for the first time and how she helps teachers find furniture solutions to long-standing challenges. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Becky Baylor on fostering student success, balancing educational goals, and the transformative power of well-designed learning spaces. Becky is a passionate educator who delivers high-energy presentations that invite audiences to engage in deep thinking about educational practices and research while considering their own learning environments. Educators love working with Becky, often describing her as the "coach I never knew I needed." With over fifteen years of public school teaching and coaching experience, a knack for making meaningful connections with educators and an insatiable appetite for helping others maximize learning experiences, Becky knows how to rock a platform, connect with teams, and provide training so that others can effectively impact their spaces too. When not speaking or training, Becky can be found operating power tools while creating DIY projects in her home or earnestly seeking out laughs and smiles from her toddler alongside her husband, Michael. Follow Becky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckybaylor Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: https://fomcore.com/

24 min

09/05/2024

Creating Spaces to Learn from One Another

In this episode, we're joined by David Hawkins, founder of Commonwealth School Equipment, Inc. David brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation as a third-generation leader in the education furniture industry. Growing up watching his father and grandfather, he always aspired to start his own business. Founded in 2008 on Christian principles and values, Commonwealth School Equipment serves educational institutions across Virginia, offering first-class products and turnkey services. David is passionate about creating environments that engage students, ensuring they have comfortable, durable, and functional spaces that foster learning. Whether building his business or starting a new school project, David speaks about the importance of listening and learning from those around him. When starting new projects, David and his team involve educators and students early, forming focus groups to understand their experiences and needs firsthand. This approach enables them to create spaces that truly fit the learners. David shares emerging trends in the industry, like soft, flexible seating, creating cozy nooks and niches, and encouraging group learning. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on collaborative learning, building better educational spaces, and fostering student engagement through collaboration. David Hawkins is the founder of Commonwealth School Equipment, Inc. in Chesterfield County, Virginia. He is a die-hard Washington Commanders football fan, loves traveling, and spends his Sundays worshiping and teaching Bible study at Woodlake United Methodist Church. He and his wife Christen have two daughters, Camdyn and Sierra. Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hawkins-424824162/. Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: https://fomcore.com/

21 min

25/04/2024

Creating Spaces for Personal Discovery and Creative Learning

In this episode, guest anchor Dave Diller is joined by Caleb Parnin, a high school English teacher and soccer coach. Caleb offers a unique perspective as both an educator and a coach, shedding new light on the student experience inside and outside the classroom. Caleb adopts an insightful approach to education by encouraging students to explore their purpose. He gives them the freedom to learn in different ways, reinforcing that it’s okay to question and challenge the norms. Caleb also provides a refreshing perspective on expectations and learning styles within the classroom. Rather than forcing every student into the same box, how can you give students the opportunity to use their talents and show you what they’ve learned in a unique way? As a coach, Caleb emphasizes that every second counts and adopts the mantra "all in" to motivate his team to maximize every moment. For him, coaching goes beyond wins and losses—it's about building his team's confidence and helping them surpass their current capabilities. Whether he's teaching or coaching, Caleb focuses on the importance of inspiring young people to be true to themselves, continue exploring their purpose, and strive to be better than they were the day before. Don’t miss this open and honest exploration of personal discovery and the nuances of the student experience. Caleb Parnin is a high school English teacher in southwest Michigan. Caleb graduated from Trinity International University in 2008 and taught for ten years in the northwest suburbs of Chicago before returning to his alma mater, North Muskegon High School, in 2019. On top of teaching, Caleb is the head coach of the girls varsity soccer team at North Muskegon. His teaching philosophy and coaching philosophy both share the desire to push students and athletes to the next level of their respective journeys. Caleb thoroughly enjoys soccer, cooking, reading, playing guitar, and the flower garden. He is married to his wife Kari, also an educator, and together they have three children, Jackson (10), Charlotte (7), and Henrik (4). Follow Caleb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-parnin-3812bb153/ Follow Caleb on X: https://twitter.com/MrParninNMPS Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: https://fomcore.com/

37 min

11/04/2024

Creating Spaces that Promote Well-Being

In this conversation at EDspaces 2023, we're joined by David Jakes, an expert in the realms of education and space design. David shares his journey from educator to design thinker, emphasizing the importance of spaces that support well-being and student agency. With the educational landscape undergoing significant transformations post-COVID-19, David highlights how intentional design can play a pivotal role in adapting to new learning needs and promoting positive student outcomes. Delving into the possibilities, David offers insights into the design principles that make educational environments more conducive to both learning and well-being. From the significance of student-centered spaces to the value of attending the EdSpaces conference for fresh perspectives, David paints a vivid picture of the evolving world of educational design. The conversation also ventures into the future, touching upon David's interest in artificial intelligence. He shares his thoughts on how AI might intersect with education, potentially enhancing personalized learning and reshaping our approach to educational spaces. Join us for a deep dive into the nexus of design, well-being, and the future of learning with David Jakes. Read more from David by visiting our blog: https://fomcore.com/blog/ Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djakes Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: https://fomcore.com/

16 min

28/03/2024

Creating Spaces for Healthy Movement

The attention span of a typical child is two - three minutes for each year of age. This means that a typical kindergartener can focus on a task for only 10-15 minutes. How do we respond when students struggle to maintain focus for the entire class period? In this first episode of the Creating Spaces podcast, we dive into the essential role of movement in the classroom with educator Jennifer Duffy. With her extensive background in education, Jennifer is able to shed light on the benefits of incorporating both calming and energizing activities into daily routines, aiming to improve focus and engagement among students. We discuss practical tips and strategies for integrating movement, highlighting its importance for physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Jennifer also explores how educators can create more dynamic and inclusive spaces that encourage movement as a natural part of the learning process. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on making classrooms more active and supportive environments for a variety of learners. Jennifer Duffy’s career in education started over 20 years as a Special Education Teacher. Since then, Jennifer has also been an Inclusion Facilitator, Literacy Consultant, Assistive Technologist, Instructional Technologist and is currently an Customer Success Specialist for EPS Learning. Jennifer has a passion for empowering learners to find their voice and cause positive change in a connected world. Learn more through Jennifer’s article on movement in education: https://fomcore.com/quick-and-easy-ways-to-get-your-students-moving/ Follow Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferduffy5/ Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: https://fomcore.com/

22 min

20/03/2024

Welcome to the Creating Spaces Podcast!

Welcome to the Creating Spaces Podcast, your go-to place for engaging discussions with the minds shaping education today. Here, we’re all about fostering connections and belonging through open dialogue. Our guests bring their unique insights and experiences straight to you, creating a shared space for exploration and learning. So tune in, be inspired, and let’s create meaningful spaces together. Welcome to Creating Spaces—let the conversation begin.

1 min

Creating Spaces

Episodes

Creating Spaces that Support Innovation and Student Success

Creating Spaces to Meet School Needs

Creating Spaces for a Collaborative School Experience

Creating Spaces To Encourage Young Learners

Creating Spaces for Innovation in Schools

Creating Spaces for Learning Space Pilot Programs

Creating Spaces that Shape the Student Experience

Creating Spaces to Learn from One Another

Creating Spaces for Personal Discovery and Creative Learning

Creating Spaces that Promote Well-Being

Creating Spaces for Healthy Movement

Welcome to the Creating Spaces Podcast!

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