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Better Learning Podcast

Better Learning Podcast

Von: Kay-Twelve
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 The Better Learning Podcast is about improving education at all levels - Schools (public, charter, private, independent), Higher Education, & Corporate/Adult Learning. The major theme is to break down the silos and learn from others doing innovative things in education. We highlight innovative programs & initiatives, lessons learned, improvements to educational space, and real-world tactics while getting a deeper understanding of the people behind the innovation. Our guests include Heads of Schools, Superintendents, Principals, Entrepreneurs, Non-profit leaders and other innovators. Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve & author of Creating Better Learning Environments, is the host.©Copyright 2026
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  • The Power of Community-Centered Design with Courtney Ter-Velde

    The Power of Community-Centered Design with Courtney Ter-Velde
    Feb 18 2026
    In this episode, Carla Cummins and Jessica Westerduin speak with Courtney Ter-Velde, K-12 Project Manager and Interior Design Specialist at LaBella Associates, about radically student-centered design in educational spaces. Courtney shares her unique journey from musical theater performer and sociology major to interior designer specializing in K-12 education. She discusses her passion for working with smaller rural districts where design impact resonates deeply throughout the community, including a playground project that transformed a district that hadn't seen updates in 30 years. The conversation explores how schools can be spaces where students find safety, develop trust, and discover their sense of self—going far beyond just improving educational outcomes. Courtney also reflects on the balance between technology and traditional learning methods, noting research supporting pen-and-paper learning alongside digital tools. Takeaways: Schools shape more than academics: Design spaces where students can find safety, build trust, and develop their sense of selfSupport educators too: Create environments that empower teachers to focus on their vital workAsk deeper questions: Build trust with stakeholders to move beyond surface-level conversations about storage and into meaningful dialogueEvery project deserves full attention: Budget size doesn't determine the level of care—smaller districts often see the biggest community-wide impactBalance technology thoughtfully: Integrate digital tools while respecting research on pen-and-paper learning and diverse learning stylesPeople are our greatest resource: Collaborate across disciplines—designers, manufacturers, educators—to create truly successful spaces About Courtney Ter-Velde: Courtney Ter Velde, NYS CID, is K–12 Project Manager and Interior Design Specialist and in the Architecture Division at LaBella Associates, in their Rochester, NY location. A graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with over thirteen years of industry experience, she specializes in educational programming, space planning, standardization, visualization, and evidence-based design that supports social-emotional learning, wellness, and equity. Courtney is an Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) and LEED Green Associate, bringing expertise in educational visioning, community engagement, pre-design planning, and sustainable, student-centered environments. She currently supports multiple school districts across the western NY region, guiding projects from pre-referendum through construction, including capital improvement initiatives focused on safety, accessibility, technology integration, and flexible, future-ready learning spaces. A recognized leader and advocate for educational design, Courtney is a former New York Chapter President and current Northeast Region President-Elect of the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), where she advances interdisciplinary collaboration and industry engagement. She serves on the Monroe 2 BOCES Student Foundation Board, mentors students through the IIDA Explorer Program, and contributes to professional discourse through conference presentations and publications. Through her design work, leadership, and community involvement, Courtney is dedicated to creating healthy, inclusive, and inspiring environments that elevate learning and positively impact the next generation. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneytroytervelde/ 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 303 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
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    38 Min.
  • Designing Schools for Students with Sarah Dirsa

    Designing Schools for Students with Sarah Dirsa
    Feb 4 2026

    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
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    32 Min.
  • The Lightning Strike is Coming...

    The Lightning Strike is Coming...
    Jan 21 2026

    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
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    10 Min.
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