Better Learning Podcast

Kay-Twelve

The Better Learning Podcast combines education and entertainment in a fresh, engaging format where guests share their favorite school-related movies. Host Kevin Stoller leads dynamic conversations, exploring memorable scenes, iconic characters, and timeless lessons through award-style categories like "The John Keating Award" for standout teachers and "Realistic or Ridiculous?" to dissect school life portrayals. With humor, analysis, and reflection, each episode celebrates the fun, flaws, and impact of these films while sparking nostalgia and insights. Whether you're an educator, student, or movie buff, join us to relive the movies that shaped how we see school life, and share your favorites at betterlearningpodcast.com. The Better Learning Podcast is hosted by Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve and author of Creating Better Learning Environments. The podcast is also associated with other organizations that are focused on improving education including the Education Leaders' Organization (ELO) and the Second Class Foundation.

  1. 3d ago ·  Video

    Facilities Leadership in a Fast-Growing District with Matt Wark

    Matt Wark, Chief Facilities Officer for Forsyth County Schools, joins Katie Jubenville to share his unconventional path from a struggling student written off by his own guidance counselor to leading facilities for one of Georgia's fastest-growing, top-performing school districts. Matt discusses how his personal journey through teaching, administration, and district leadership shapes his "houses, not buildings" philosophy of facilities management, and dives into how Forsyth balances explosive growth with maintenance, community trust, and cost. He also shares his perspective as president of the Georgia 4LE chapter on building stronger partnerships between school districts and industry vendors statewide. Takeaways: A rough start built a mission — Written off as a student, Matt now champions paths for every kid, not just test scores. Facilities are "houses," not buildings — Treating schools like home builds pride for students and staff alike. Growth means balance — Forsyth is shifting from new construction to upgrading older schools' infrastructure. Patience over quick fixes — Matt's top advice: slow down, since fast decisions create new problems. Partnerships over contracts — As Georgia 4LE president, Matt connects districts and vendors through trust, not transactions. About Matt Wark: He is currently the Chief Facilities Officer for Forsyth County Schools. He is married to Sara Wark who works in Atlanta at the Coca Cola headquarters and they have 4 children (Mason, Riley, Jordan and Bailey) ages 13,11,10,8.   He is originally from southwest Michigan where he grew up on a family-owned farm.   He moved to Georgia in 2003 and became a teacher with Fulton County Schools.  He taught 2nd grade and 5th grade including special education.  He then moved to Clarke County Schools to become an assistant principal.  There met his wife and relocated back to north Georgia and was an assistant principal with Dawson County Schools.  While working in Dawson County he was promoted to the position of Principal.  After 5 years of working in Dawson County he was called to become the Director of Assessment and Accountability with Baldwin County School District in Milledgeville, Ga.  After 2 years in Baldwin County, he was promoted to Deputy Superintendent.  As his family grew and his wife continued traveling to Atlanta daily, he decided to move back to the Atlanta area and what better place than north Ga.  Matt successfully became the Chief Facilities Officer for Forsyth County Schools and also lives in Forsyth County where all 4 of his children attend Forsyth County Schools.   In Matt's current role, he oversees all maintenance and facilities needs for the district.  This includes all new construction, renovations, modifications, general maintenance, custodial, grounds maintenance as well as, all future planning for the school district.  Currently Matt oversees over 9 million square feet which includes 53 total buildings with more schools to come in the near future.  Forsyth County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Georgia and has no signs of slowing down.    Episode 350 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

  2. Aug 26 ·  Video

    Making Every Dollar Count with Jennifer Gibb

    In this episode, Jeff Kubiak talks with Jennifer Gibb, Vice President of Business Development at Van Pelt Construction Services, about turning school bond measures into real buildings. With 20+ years spanning district facilities leadership, bond program management, and consulting, Jen shares how districts navigate tight budgets, layered funding sources, and community skepticism to deliver modern learning environments. The conversation dives into strategic bond planning, the real story behind fast-tracked construction after a razor-thin bond vote, balancing capital projects against general fund crises, and designing flexible "good bones" buildings that age well.  Takeaways: Passing a bond is step one, not the finish line. Districts must keep planning and lining up alternative funding even before — and especially after — a bond vote. Speed protects value. Construction dollars depreciate the moment a bond passes, so moving fast (shovel-ready design/permitting) stretches every dollar further. Facilities and general fund health are linked. Big bond programs can mask general fund struggles — spending on buildings while cutting staff requires careful, honest community messaging. "Good bones" beat trendy design. Flexible layouts, strong lighting/HVAC, and updatable furniture keep buildings relevant for decades without full rebuilds. Radically student-centered means every action counts. From ribbon-cuttings to picking up trash, small contributions to a school environment build pride and lasting impact. About Jennifer Gibb: Jennifer Gibb is the Vice President of Business Development at Van Pelt Construction Services, where she helps California PK–14 educational institutions turn vision into reality through strategic planning, funding, and program management. With more than 20 years of experience in educational facilities, Jennifer is passionate about building strong partnerships, creating innovative solutions, and helping communities deliver exceptional learning environments. A recognized leader in the education facilities industry, she is equally committed to mentoring others, giving back to her community, and leading with purpose. Outside of work, Jennifer is a wife, a proud mom of two, and an advocate for making a lasting difference for students and the communities they serve. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtgibb Website - https://vpcsonline.com/   Episode 349 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

  3. Aug 19 ·  Video

    Turning Campuses into Learning Tools with Orin Williams

    Jeff Kubiak sits down with Orin Williams, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities, Planning, and Development at Riverside Unified School District, to unpack a 33-year career in school facilities planning. Orin traces his path from architecture school at Cal Poly Pomona through private practice into public education facilities, sharing how his design background shapes his advocacy for thoughtful, human-centered school environments. The conversation covers turning aging campuses into cohesive learning spaces, building community trust around bond projects, balancing tight budgets against big ambitions, and weaving "gamified" learning (like the fractions-based basketball game "Fraction Ball") directly into campus design. Orin also reflects on an unplanned detour into maintenance leadership, the emotional weight communities carry around legacy schools, and what keeps him hopeful about the future of public education. Takeaways: Great architecture needs a great client. Districts get better schools when they advocate for design excellence, not just function. Trust comes from transparency. Honest communication turns skeptics into supporters — don't overpromise. Every space can teach. Gamified hallways, playgrounds, and murals turn campuses into learning tools. Change is emotional. Treat community pushback like grief — validate feelings before presenting facts. Cross-training builds better leaders. Experience across design, construction, and maintenance fosters collaboration over rivalry. About Orin Williams: With more than 33 years of experience dedicated to public education via capital facilities planning, construction, and maintenance, Orin Williams has led several major capital bond programs totaling over $2.9 billion. Currently, Orin serves as Assistant Superintendent, Facilities, Planning & Development for the Riverside Unified School District - the 15th largest school district in California. Previously serving for 8 years as Assistant Superintendent, Facilities & Governmental Relations for the Santa Ana Unified School District, Mr. Williams' span of responsibility included leading the Planning & Design, Construction, and Maintenance & Operations departments with teams totaling over 260. Similarly, Orin serving for over 4 years as Associate Vice Chancellor, Facilities, Planning & Development for the Riverside Community College District, Orin led a $800 million bond program developing numerous projects at the District's three colleges and various education centers. Additionally, Mr. Williams served the Riverside Unified School District twice previously as Director of Facilities, and later as Director of M&O for a total of over 17 years. Lastly, Orin served as Facilities Planner for the Pomona Unified School District for 2 years. Williams holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, was an Engineering major at U.C. Riverside, and holds numerous professional certifications. Orin served as President of the Southern California Chapter and member of the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), and member of Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH), and School Energy Coalition (SEC), and serves as a workshop panel member as well as served on various committees within these educational facility-focused organizations. In 2022, Orin received the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) State Classified Employee of the Year award.   Episode 348 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

  4. Aug 12 ·  Video

    Inside Rock Hill's $336M Vision for Safer, Smarter Schools with Andrew Jones

    In this episode, Matt Rogers sits down with Andrew Jones, Executive Director for Safety and Emergency Management at Rock Hill School District (South Carolina), to explore how safety and design intersect in modern school construction. Andrew shares his winding path from youth ministry to law enforcement, teaching, and school administration before landing in his current role. The conversation dives deep into the district's new Sunset Park Elementary School project — a $336 million, 10-year facilities initiative — covering CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), hardwired access control, AI-powered cameras, generator-backed security systems, and pod-style learning layouts. Andrew emphasizes collaborative decision-making, visiting other campuses, and balancing beautiful, light-filled learning environments with rigorous safety standards. He closes with his guiding philosophy: prepare and plan rather than simply hope and pray, all in service of keeping students and staff safe. Takeaways: Safety is built in from day one, not added later. School security now covers access control, cameras, communications, and weather alerts. Critical systems run on backup power to stay functional during outages. Campus tours and community input shaped the new pod-style school design. Proven, practical solutions beat flashy tech — "prep and plan," not "hope and pray."   Episode 347 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

  5. Aug 5 ·  Video

    Student-Centered Leadership in a Small District with Dr. Amy Alzina

    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. Takeaways: 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

  6. Jul 29 ·  Video

    Designing a Second Home for Students with Learning Differences with Shara Bumgarner & Janann Pittman

    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

  7. Jul 22

    Learning by Region at A4LE Georgia

    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

  8. Jul 22

    Learning by Region at A4LE Northeast

    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

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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Better Learning Podcast combines education and entertainment in a fresh, engaging format where guests share their favorite school-related movies. Host Kevin Stoller leads dynamic conversations, exploring memorable scenes, iconic characters, and timeless lessons through award-style categories like "The John Keating Award" for standout teachers and "Realistic or Ridiculous?" to dissect school life portrayals. With humor, analysis, and reflection, each episode celebrates the fun, flaws, and impact of these films while sparking nostalgia and insights. Whether you're an educator, student, or movie buff, join us to relive the movies that shaped how we see school life, and share your favorites at betterlearningpodcast.com. The Better Learning Podcast is hosted by Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve and author of Creating Better Learning Environments. The podcast is also associated with other organizations that are focused on improving education including the Education Leaders' Organization (ELO) and the Second Class Foundation.

Information

  • Creator
    Kay-Twelve
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©Copyright 2026
  • Show Website
    Better Learning Podcast