Better Learning Podcast Kay-Twelve

Do you ever wonder how the spaces where we learn impact our educational journey?
Or how interior design intertwines with education to create environments that foster growth and engagement?
In this conversation, Nikki shares her unique journey from the halls of academia to the forefront of interior design. Drawing from her own school experiences, she illuminates how the environment can shape learning outcomes and student engagement. From there, she delves into her transition into the professional realm, emphasizing the pivotal roles of flexibility and mentorship in personal and career growth.
As Nikki and host Kevin Stoller explore various facets of education design, they shed light on the importance of continuous research and staying abreast of industry trends. Nikki's insights underscore the significance of integrating furniture and professional development into educational spaces, elevating the learning experience for all.
 
Takeaways
School environments play a significant role in student engagement and learning outcomes.
Flexibility and mentorship are crucial for personal and professional growth.
Continual research and staying up-to-date with industry trends are essential in education design.
Integrating furniture and professional development can enhance the learning experience. Traveling with children can be challenging, but it's important to take time for yourself and your relationship.
Missed opportunities for travel can be disappointing, but it's never too late to fulfill your travel dreams.
Researching and choosing the right firm can have a big impact on your career satisfaction.
 
Nikki Snellinger is an interior designer with 9 years of experience in the education market sector. She has been with JCJ for 5 out of those 9 years, working on projects anywhere from pre-K to K-12 to local Boys and Girls Clubs.
Nikki works on all aspects of the project such as figuring out design solutions, making finish selections, producing construction documentation, selecting FF&E and overseeing the furniture installation. Nikki took part in designing the EDMarket classroom design for the 2022 EDSpaces furniture show in Portland, OR. Based off her experience and hard work with that project, she was nominated for the 2023 NextGen Rising Star award and was one of 16 winners.
Nikki Snellinger 2023 NexGen Award Winner
Nominate a Rising Star in Education 40 and Under for the 2024 NexGen Awards
 
 
Follow on Nikki Snellinger on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkisnellinger/
 
Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.
For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/
 
Episode 176 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/
Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

Heidie's journey into education was sparked by her experiences in athletics, where she discovered her competitive drive and desire to make a positive impact on others. Despite initially aiming for a principalship, she embraced the opportunity to become a superintendent as a means to broaden her influence and advocate for students on a larger scale.
One of the central themes of the conversation was the importance of maintaining a student-centered approach in the face of political pressures. Heidie shared her commitment to prioritizing the needs of students above all else, even as external forces attempt to inject politics into the educational landscape. By staying true to her core values and focusing on what truly matters – the students – she aims to create an environment where learning thrives free from political interference.
Throughout the episode, Heidie's passion for organizational leadership and her unwavering dedication to the students and staff of Fenton Area Public Schools shone through. Her authenticity and commitment to fostering a positive learning environment serve as a guiding light for educational leaders everywhere.
 
 
Takeaways
Heidie emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the needs of students above all else, even in the face of political pressures, to create an environment where learning thrives.
Despite initial career aspirations, Heidie seized the opportunity to become a superintendent, driven by her desire to broaden her influence and advocate for students on a larger scale.
Heidie's journey underscores the importance of staying true to core values and embracing discomfort to effect positive change, demonstrating the transformative power of passion-driven leadership in education.
 
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller sat down with Heidie Ciesielski, Superintendent of Fenton Area Public Schools, for an insightful discussion on educational leadership, staying radically student-centered, and navigating the complexities of the superintendent role. With 26 years of experience in education, including stints as a middle school principal and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Heidie brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for empowering those within her district.
 
 
Follow on Heidie Ciesielski on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidie-ciesielski-b29527131/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heidiec24
Fenton Area Public Schools: https://www.fentonschools.org/page/superintendent
 
 
Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.
For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/
 
Episode 175 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/
Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

Ever wondered what drives the passion of an educator?
With a background spanning over a decade of teaching high school English across diverse settings, Katelyn Forcucci's rich experiences have shaped her understanding of the complexities of education and the profound impact teachers can have on their students' lives.
Throughout this conversation, Katelyn shares her reflections on the importance of preparing learners for the future. She emphasizes the critical role educators play in not only imparting knowledge but also nurturing essential skills that will empower students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Takeaways
Educators play a crucial role in preparing learners for the future and should focus on developing their skills and knowledge.
Building strong relationships with students is essential for effective teaching and learning.
Educators should create a positive classroom climate and provide clear expectations and procedures.
Humor and storytelling can be powerful tools in engaging students and creating a positive learning environment.
Education is an undervalued profession that requires dedication and a passion for making a difference in students' lives.
 
Katelyn spent ten years teaching high school English. She has taught: 7-12 graders in Cambridge, Intensive, Honors, and regular English classes as well as Creative Writing and Regents Prep. Katelyn started her teaching career in Upstate New York where she received her tenure. She taught 9 Honors, Cambridge, and 12th grade College Prep English in Florida. She has taught in affluent, rural, and urban settings.
Most recently, Katelyn was the Director of Education for NorvaNivel USA, LLC. She served as an Education Specialist on the Innovations Team for Charter Schools USA where she was instrumental in designing a future-ready school model. Presently, she is independently consulting.
 
Kelsey Jordan 2023 NexGen “Rising Stars” Recipient
 
Follow on Katelyn Forcucci on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-forcucci-eds/
 
Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.
For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/
 
Episode 174 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/
Education Market Association (EDmarket) - https://www.edmarket.org/
Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/
 
Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

From her own school experiences to her professional career in architecture and design, Kelsey Jordan underscores the pivotal role collaboration and empathy play in shaping learning environments.
In this conversation, Kelsey Jordan, an architect specializing in educational design, discusses her school experience and career decisions. Being recognized as one of the upcoming rising stars in education, she shares her passion for equity in the built environment and leveling the playing field for all students. She highlights the need for open-mindedness and reframing questions to foster creativity and innovation.
Kelsey also discusses her future predictions and the importance of storytelling in inspiring change in education. This conversation explores the importance of reaching the average person and promoting educational stories beyond the school community.
Takeaways
Collaboration and empathy are crucial in creating better learning environments.
Designing for equity in the built environment helps level the playing field for all students.
Reframing questions as 'what if' instead of 'how' encourages creativity and innovation.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for inspiring change in education. Producing entertaining content can help reach a wider audience and promote positive messages about education.
Stories have the power to inspire change and challenge negative perceptions of schools.
De-stigmatizing special education is crucial for creating inclusive learning environments.
Networking with professionals from different industries can provide valuable insights and ideas for educational projects.
 
Kelsey Jordan is an Educational Planner and Architect who is experienced as an educational design professional with an emphasis on education and wellness. Her visions for the future of architecture involve strongly embedded ideologies on designing for equity in the built environment.
 
Follow on Kelsey Jordan on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseydjordan/
 
Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.
For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/
 
Episode 173 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/
Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!

School safety extends far beyond fortifying against external threats.
While it's crucial for schools to be secure environments, true safety encompasses more than just repelling intruders and weapons. A genuinely safe school fosters an atmosphere where students, staff, and teachers feel secure not only during emergencies but also in their day-to-day activities.
However, the conventional approach to school design often prioritizes security measures that result in a stark, "prison-like" atmospheres.
In our latest Better Learning Podcast episode, we dive deep into an often overlooked aspect of education: the design of school buildings. Imagine stepping into a classroom where every corner, every color, and every space is carefully crafted to nurture rather than hinder learning. Deepa Bharatkumar, an architect at Bassetti Architects, brings her 17 years of experience to the forefront as she shares insights into how the built environment impacts our educational experiences.
One of the key takeaways from the conversation is the importance of pre-design work and stakeholder engagement. Deepa emphasizes that successful school architecture projects are not just about blueprints and construction; they're about understanding the needs and experiences of the people who will inhabit these spaces.
But the journey doesn't end once the buildings are erected. Post-occupancy evaluation becomes a critical tool in identifying areas for improvement and informing future design decisions. By continuously refining our approach and sharing findings within the design community, we can pave the way for continuous improvement in education.
 
 
Takeaways
Trauma-informed design is crucial in creating safe and supportive learning environments in schools.
Pre-design work and stakeholder engagement are essential for successful school architecture projects.
Post-occupancy evaluation helps identify areas for improvement and informs future design decisions.
Sharing findings and resources within the design community can lead to continuous improvement in education.
 
 
As an architect at Bassetti Architects in Portland, Oregon, Deepa is deeply aware of how the built environment affects people. She sees educational design projects as an opportunity to serve some of the most important people Bassetti designs for – children.
As the mother of two, she places high importance on creating schools that are rewarding and enriching for their users and a landmark for the surrounding community. Over her 17 years in the profession, she has become an advocate for listening to students’ voices, in addition to teacher and district voices, to create spaces that address the needs of the individual and help to create equity within our educational environments.
 
The Bassetti Architecture Trauma-Informed Design Workbook
Bassetti Architects Website
 
 
Follow on Deepa Bharatkumar on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepabharatkumar/
 
 
Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.
 
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.
 
For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/
 
 
 
Episode 172 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/
 
Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our webs

Are standardized tests truly the gatekeepers to higher education, or are they just another hoop to jump through in academics?
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, Kevin Stoller delves deep into this contentious topic with Shaan Patel, the mastermind behind Prep Expert. Brace yourselves for a conversation that will challenge your perceptions of education, standardized testing, and the road to success.
It's no secret that college entrance exams hold immense power over a student's future. Sean Patel knows this firsthand. Despite being a stellar student, he grappled with test anxiety and uncertainty when facing the SAT.
But here's the twist: Patel didn't accept defeat.
Instead, he went on a journey of self-discovery and relentless preparation, ultimately increasing his score an astounding 640 points to perfection. Patel's improvement wasn't just about acing a test; it was about shattering the myth that standardized testing is an insurmountable barrier for those who don't fit the mold.
This shows that the current system is flawed. Standardized testing, though intended to level the playing field, often ends up exacerbating inequalities. It's a game where the rules seem arbitrary, and victory eludes many deserving candidates.
In our conversation, Patel doesn't just critique the status quo; he offers tangible solutions. From reimagining the education system to prioritizing skills over scores, he lays out a roadmap for reform that's as inspiring as it is pragmatic.
 
Takeaways
College entrance exams play a crucial role in the college admissions process and can significantly impact a student's chances of getting into their desired university.
Education should focus not only on content but also on developing skills and traits such as self-motivation, hard work, and time management.
Standardized testing provides a merit-based framework for evaluating students and can help differentiate between individuals in a system with grade inflation.
The education system can sometimes feel like a game, with students and schools trying to navigate the rules and achieve the best outcomes. Life can be seen as a game, with individuals striving to get ahead and succeed in various areas such as business and career.
Equal opportunity is important, but making everyone equal in outcomes may not be realistic or desirable.
The education system faces challenges in balancing equity and access with the realities of the real world.
Drive, grit, and self-motivation are crucial for success, regardless of one's circumstances.
 
Learn More About Prep Expert (As Seen on Shark Tank)
 
Follow on Shaan Patel on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaan-patel-md-mba-399bb8a4/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaanpatel/
 
Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.
Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/.
For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/
 
Episode 171 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/
Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!