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. 4D AGO

    Designing Schools for Students with Sarah Dirsa

    In this episode, Jessica Westerduin and Carla Cummins speak with Sarah Dirsa, principal at KG&D Architects, about radically student-centered design in educational spaces. Sarah shares her unique journey from English teacher to architect, explaining how her teaching experience in Florence and St. Louis shaped her approach to creating flexible, individualized learning environments. She discusses innovative projects featuring collaborative zones, adaptable classrooms, and spaces that foster student agency and ownership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of listening to stakeholders, meeting learners where they are, and designing schools that evolve beyond traditional classroom models to prepare students for future careers and technologies. Takeaways: Listen first: Understand pedagogical goals and community needs before designing Meet learners where they are: Accommodate diverse learning styles with flexible spaces Challenge assumptions: Reimagine schools beyond traditional classroom models Design for choice: Create varied zones for individual, small group, and collaborative learning Think ahead: Build adaptable spaces for evolving technology and teaching methods 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 302 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

    32 min

  2. JAN 21

    The Lightning Strike is Coming...

    Register for the live stream here! Kevin Stoller and Matt Rogers are building anticipation for a live stream event on February 2nd at 2 PM Eastern—and they're keeping it mysterious. They promise this announcement will be unexpected and game-changing for anyone in educational design, school leadership, and construction. If you're not there, you'll be behind the curve. The hosts also reflect on their 2025 season exploring school movies like Billy Madison and School of Rock. For 2026, they're pivoting to tackle real industry problems while keeping the fun alive, with themes tied to their big February reveal. Mark your calendar and register—this is one you can't miss. 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 301 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

    10 min

  3. 12/31/2025

    'Billy Madison' with Brian Schoch, Katelyn Forcucci and Kevin Stoller

    In Adam Sandler's Billy Madison, an immature heir's journey back through grade school becomes a wild, comedic exploration of learning, privilege, and the power of second chances. As Billy stumbles from kindergarten to high school, the film asks: what does it really mean to grow up, and how do our experiences in school shape who we become? And for educators, how can humor, humility, and a willingness to start over help us connect with students—and ourselves—on a deeper level? Through Billy's misadventures, the eccentric cast of teachers and classmates, and the absurd challenges he faces, we see the importance of perseverance, the value of community, and the unexpected lessons that come from embracing failure. The movie reminds us that transformation—whether in a classroom, a school, or a person—often begins with a willingness to be vulnerable, to laugh at ourselves, and to try again. On this first-ever live audience recording of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by  Brian Schoch and Katelyn Forcucci, along with responses and insights from multiple audience members. Together, they explore what Billy Madison reveals about education, leadership, and the messy, joyful process of learning at any age. Takeaways: Growth in education isn't always linear—sometimes it takes a few detours, mistakes, and a sense of humor to get where we need to go. Privilege and opportunity can shape our educational journeys, but real learning requires humility, effort, and support from others. Teachers and classmates play a crucial role in helping us overcome setbacks and discover our strengths. Embracing failure and starting over can lead to deeper understanding, resilience, and empathy. Laughter and playfulness can break down barriers, build community, and make learning more meaningful for everyone. The live audience's questions and reflections add fresh perspectives, reminding us that learning is a shared, ongoing adventure. Join us for this lively episode as we blend comedy, education, and real-time audience energy to uncover the lessons hidden in Billy Madison's outrageous return to school. 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 300 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

    46 min

  4. 12/11/2025

    What Radically Student Centered™ Means to Julia Miller - EDspaces 2025

    In this episode, Julia Miller from Playful Learning Landscapes discusses how her team co-designs playful, student-centered learning spaces in public areas like parks and bus stops. She emphasizes the importance of including children's voices in every step of the design process, using evidence-based principles, and fostering community engagement to create fun, meaningful learning experiences for all kids. 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 298 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

    8 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    What Radically Student Centered™ Means to Celeste Karier - EDspaces 2025

    In this episode, Celeste Karier of FGM Architects joins Katie Jubenville to discuss designing radically student-centered educational spaces. Celeste shares how her team gathers input from both students and adults, uses surveys and prototypes, and encourages real-world feedback to create environments that support academic and social-emotional needs. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of technology and the importance of adapting to future changes in education. 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 297 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

    9 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    What Radically Student Centered™ Means to Ronni Jarvis - EDspaces 2025

    In this episode, Ronni Jarvis, Educational Solutions Manager at Alumni Educational Solutions, joins Lauren Glunz to discuss the importance of radically student-centered learning environments. Ronni shares real-world examples of how flexible furniture and thoughtful classroom design can support collaboration, student comfort, and engagement. (Here's an example of this!) The conversation highlights the value of giving students ownership of their space and predicts that student-centered approaches will become the standard in education over the next decade.   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 296 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

    6 min

  7. 12/11/2025

    What Radically Student Centered™ Means to Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber - EDspaces 2025

    In this episode, Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber joins Matt Rogers to discuss the importance of radically student-centered learning environments. Drawing on her extensive background in education, design, and research, Dr. Scott-Webber shares insights on how space, neuroscience, and universal design principles can transform learning experiences. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration between educators, students, and designers, and emphasizes the value of flexible, inclusive spaces that support engagement, well-being, and future-ready skills. 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 295 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

    9 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    What Radically Student Centered™ Means to David Shulkin - EDspaces 2025

    In this episode, David Shulkin  joins Matt Rogers to discuss the journey of creating radically student-centered learning environments. David shares insights from his experience leading school renovations, emphasizing the importance of student choice, meeting diverse needs, and engaging all stakeholders in the design process. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of change management, the value of flexible spaces, and the need to prepare students for an evolving future. 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 294 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

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 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 2022
  • Show Website
    Better Learning Podcast