BEST In Class

Peter & Patti Bezanson
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

What if every family, teacher, and student could get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to manage schools and the work it takes to make them great? Welcome to BEST in Class, the show where we dive into how schools really run, how students really thrive, and how the people leading the work actually get it done. Each episode, we sit down with people in the education arena, like student champions. classroom standouts, school leaders, policy thinkers, and education innovators who are highlighting what's possible in American education. We'll talk about everything from how states fund their schools to what it takes to win national academic competitions, why a head of school gave up his office for a rolling cart, how charter and district schools can actually work together, and what it really takes to build and lead great schools. I'm Patti Bezanson.And I'm Peter Bezanson, and we've spent our careers inside schools and managing the nation's highest performing school networks. That means working with educators, analyzing policy, launching programs, and learning from people who are obsessed with helping kids succeed. We are endlessly curious about what works, what doesn't, and how we can create real lasting outcomes for students and their families. Each week, we'll raise the questions you've always wondered about, unpack the stories behind education headlines, spotlight practical and innovative ideas for school leaders, and we'll have some fun along the way. Whether you're a parent, an educator, a student, or just someone who cares about the future of public education, this show is for you. Subscribe and join us for the first season of BEST in Class wherever you get your podcasts.

Episodes

  1. Aug 17

    Desert Acres to Classroom Dollars – Making Sense of Arizona’s State Land Trust

    What do millions of acres of Arizona land have to do with your child’s classroom, teacher pay, housing costs, and the state’s future? More than most people realize.In this episode of BEST In Class, hosts Patti Bezanson and Peter Bezanson explore Arizona’s State Land Trust, a little-known but enormously important public asset created at statehood to support public education. Joined by Lorenzo Romero, President of BASIS Educational Ventures and former Arizona State Budget Director, and Glenn Farley, Director of Policy Research at Common Sense Institute Arizona, the conversation breaks down how the trust works, how it generates funding for schools, and why new research suggests Arizona may have left significant value on the table over the last century.Listeners will gain a clear understanding of the trust’s history, its impact on classrooms and communities today, and the policy choices that could shape school funding, housing, and economic growth for generations to come.

  2. Jul 28

    Rolling Into Leadership: The School Principal Breaking All the Rules

    What happens when a school leader gives up the corner office and replaces it with a rolling cart? In this inspiring episode of Best in Class, hosts Patti and Peter Bezanson sit down with Jared Lamb, Head of School at BASIS Baton Rouge Materra, whose unconventional leadership style has captivated millions online. Best known as the "TikTok Principal," Jared shares why he traded his office for a mobile cart, how a single video unexpectedly went viral, and why being present in the hallways has transformed his school culture. But this conversation goes far beyond social media. Jared explains how daily check-ins with every teacher, servant leadership, and a relentless focus on supporting educators have helped create one of Louisiana's top-performing schools. From leadership lessons and teacher recruitment to handling internet fame, criticism, and building trust with staff, this episode is packed with practical strategies for anyone who leads people. Whether you're an educator, administrator, business owner, or simply interested in authentic leadership, you'll walk away with fresh ideas about visibility, culture, and leading by example.

  3. Jun 10

    Welcome to BEST In Class!

    A sneak peek at what's ahead...

  • 3 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

What if every family, teacher, and student could get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to manage schools and the work it takes to make them great? Welcome to BEST in Class, the show where we dive into how schools really run, how students really thrive, and how the people leading the work actually get it done. Each episode, we sit down with people in the education arena, like student champions. classroom standouts, school leaders, policy thinkers, and education innovators who are highlighting what's possible in American education. We'll talk about everything from how states fund their schools to what it takes to win national academic competitions, why a head of school gave up his office for a rolling cart, how charter and district schools can actually work together, and what it really takes to build and lead great schools. I'm Patti Bezanson.And I'm Peter Bezanson, and we've spent our careers inside schools and managing the nation's highest performing school networks. That means working with educators, analyzing policy, launching programs, and learning from people who are obsessed with helping kids succeed. We are endlessly curious about what works, what doesn't, and how we can create real lasting outcomes for students and their families. Each week, we'll raise the questions you've always wondered about, unpack the stories behind education headlines, spotlight practical and innovative ideas for school leaders, and we'll have some fun along the way. Whether you're a parent, an educator, a student, or just someone who cares about the future of public education, this show is for you. Subscribe and join us for the first season of BEST in Class wherever you get your podcasts.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter & Patti Bezanson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean