In our last Rising Stars episode of 2023, we feature Aaron Evans - a Kay-Twelve team member that is all about being Radically Student Centered™! The episode kicks off with Aaron reflecting on his own educational journey, sharing a poignant and personal story about growing up with ADHD. As a student, Aaron faced numerous challenges within the education system, struggles that many students with ADHD can relate to. His candid discussion about these experiences serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.
As the conversation unfolds, Kevin and Aaron delve into the importance of change management in education. Aaron emphasizes the critical need for supporting teachers as they navigate new learning environments, a topic that resonates deeply given the rapid changes in educational approaches over the past decade. His insights highlight the necessity of creating student-centered spaces that are adaptable and dynamic.
One of the standout themes of the episode is the emphasis on data-driven improvement. Aaron passionately discusses the importance of capturing and analyzing data to drive continuous enhancement in education. This approach is not just about collecting numbers but about making informed decisions that can lead to real, tangible improvements in the learning experience for students.
Takeaways:
Change management is crucial in the education industry to support teachers in adapting to new learning environments.
Capturing data and continuously improving are essential for making a real impact in education.
The industry has made progress in creating student-centered spaces, but there are still challenges to overcome.
School leadership plays a vital role in driving change and implementing effective strategies.
Collaboration between educators, architects, and furniture manufacturers is key to creating successful learning environments. Strong leadership is crucial in education to guide and develop staff and students.
The education system is shifting towards project-based learning and technology integration.
Parents are looking for schools that prioritize character development and emotional regulation.
The role of educators is evolving, and there is a need to rethink class size and building utilization.
Technology will continue to have a significant impact on education, and there is a need to adapt and embrace change.
Aaron is a professional with over ten years of experience in the education industry. He lives in San Marcos, Texas, with his wife Natalie and three dogs named Bailey, Daisy and Paisley. In his free time, Aaron enjoys traveling and trying new recipes in the kitchen. He has also become an Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP) through the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE).
Aaron Evans 2023 NexGen Award Winner
Nominate a Rising Star in Education 40 and Under for the 2024 NexGen Awards
Follow on Aaron Evans on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-evans-alep-1892ba72/
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 180 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/
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