Shows
Creating SpacesCreating Spaces that Support Innovation and Student SuccessIn this episode of Creating Spaces, we sit down with Mary Sauvageau, a leader in K-12 furniture design. Mary shares her expertise on how creating comfortable, flexible learning environments can have a lasting impact on students and staff alike. She dives into the importance of understanding the goals of a space and how every design choice—from lighting to seating—should be intentional to support student success.
Mary also explores trends in K-12 design, like the rise of soft seating and flexibility, and discusses the need for professional development to ensure that everyone understands the why behind thes...2024-10-2428 minCreating SpacesCreating Spaces to Meet School NeedsIn this episode of Creating Spaces, we sit down with Caroline McCormac, Business Development Leader at Meteor Education + Blankenship Associates, who brings over 30 years of experience in transforming school environments. From her early career to her current role, Caroline has worked closely with architects, contractors, and school systems to create learning spaces that foster connection and growth.
Caroline shares how her strong relationships with clients have been key to her success, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration in the construction and renovation of school facilities. She reflects on the challenges school systems face today and how...2024-10-0321 minCreating SpacesCreating Spaces for a Collaborative School ExperienceIn this episode of Creating Spaces, we welcome Kaitlin, a dynamic fourth-grade teacher wrapping up her first full year in the classroom. From the moment she decided to become a teacher during her own elementary days, Kaitlin has been driven by a profound connection with education and her students. She discusses her early inspiration to teach and how those formative experiences have shaped her approach to education.
Kaitlin shares the importance of establishing a bond with her students, emphasizing that feeling loved and belonging are crucial for a positive educational experience. She reflects on how the educational...2024-08-0120 minCreating SpacesCreating Spaces To Encourage Young LearnersIn this episode, we're joined by Tracey Fritz, an extraordinary educator with 24 years of experience in teaching young learners. Tracey is passionate about making her students feel loved and like they belong in the classroom. She discusses her methods for building trust-based relationships with her students, which helps her set clear expectations and give students agency and choice in their learning. Tracey emphasizes the significant impact of incorporating social-emotional learning into the classroom, noting that it not only enhances academic success but also equips students with essential life skills.
She also shares her views on the importance...2024-07-1920 minCreating SpacesCreating Spaces for Innovation in SchoolsIn today's special 'minisode', guest host David Jakes delves into the concepts of improvement and innovation within educational environments. An expert in education and space design, David unpacks what it truly means to enhance learning spaces to better serve both students and teachers.
David explores the transformative impact of reimagining educational spaces, discussing how adjustments to the physical environment can foster innovation and exploration. He highlights the importance of creating spaces that allow teachers and students to venture into new educational experiences. This episode particularly focuses on the benefits of flexible environments, like those incorporating Fōmcore's L...2024-06-2710 minCreating SpacesCreating Spaces for Learning Space Pilot ProgramsIn today's special 'minisode', guest host David Jakes takes a solo dive into his experience with learning space pilot programs. David, an expert in the realms of education and space design, explores how these strategic programs in school spaces can significantly enhance the educational experience for both educators and students.
Learning space pilot programs test spatial designs in classrooms over a semester, involving elements like furniture, lighting, and technology, to understand how these changes affect teaching and learning. David discusses his involvement in pilot programs ranging from single shared spaces to extensive projects across K-12 environments. He...2024-06-0606 minCreating SpacesCreating Spaces that Shape the Student ExperienceIn this episode, we're joined by Becky Baylor, a passionate educator with over fifteen years of teaching and coaching experience. Becky shares her insights from working in both small and large schools, discussing the impact of staff autonomy and problem-solving approaches in different settings. She emphasizes her commitment to empowering students with confidence and life skills, focusing on communication and kindness while they learn, rather than relying solely on traditional methods to meet academic targets.
Becky explores the challenge of balancing the measurement of social-emotional skills with state requirements, and she reflects on the long-term success of...2024-05-2323 minCreating SpacesCreating Spaces to Learn from One AnotherIn this episode, we're joined by David Hawkins, founder of Commonwealth School Equipment, Inc. David brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation as a third-generation leader in the education furniture industry. Growing up watching his father and grandfather, he always aspired to start his own business. Founded in 2008 on Christian principles and values, Commonwealth School Equipment serves educational institutions across Virginia, offering first-class products and turnkey services.
David is passionate about creating environments that engage students, ensuring they have comfortable, durable, and functional spaces that foster learning. Whether building his business or starting a new school...2024-05-0920 minCreating SpacesCreating Spaces for Personal Discovery and Creative LearningIn this episode, guest anchor Dave Diller is joined by Caleb Parnin, a high school English teacher and soccer coach. Caleb offers a unique perspective as both an educator and a coach, shedding new light on the student experience inside and outside the classroom.
Caleb adopts an insightful approach to education by encouraging students to explore their purpose. He gives them the freedom to learn in different ways, reinforcing that it’s okay to question and challenge the norms. Caleb also provides a refreshing perspective on expectations and learning styles within the classroom. Rather than forcing every st...2024-04-2536 minCreating SpacesCreating Spaces that Promote Well-BeingIn this conversation at EDspaces 2023, we're joined by David Jakes, an expert in the realms of education and space design. David shares his journey from educator to design thinker, emphasizing the importance of spaces that support well-being and student agency. With the educational landscape undergoing significant transformations post-COVID-19, David highlights how intentional design can play a pivotal role in adapting to new learning needs and promoting positive student outcomes.
Delving into the possibilities, David offers insights into the design principles that make educational environments more conducive to both learning and well-being. From the significance of student-centered spaces...2024-04-1115 minCreating SpacesCreating Spaces for Healthy MovementThe attention span of a typical child is two - three minutes for each year of age. This means that a typical kindergartener can focus on a task for only 10-15 minutes. How do we respond when students struggle to maintain focus for the entire class period?
In this first episode of the Creating Spaces podcast, we dive into the essential role of movement in the classroom with educator Jennifer Duffy. With her extensive background in education, Jennifer is able to shed light on the benefits of incorporating both calming and energizing activities into daily routines, aiming...2024-03-2822 minCreating SpacesWelcome to the Creating Spaces Podcast!Welcome to the Creating Spaces Podcast, your go-to place for engaging discussions with the minds shaping education today. Here, we’re all about fostering connections and belonging through open dialogue. Our guests bring their unique insights and experiences straight to you, creating a shared space for exploration and learning. So tune in, be inspired, and let’s create meaningful spaces together. Welcome to Creating Spaces—let the conversation begin.2024-03-2000 min
Better Learning PodcastJeremy Leffring | Supporting Education from the Factory FloorOur educational system is not simply comprised of children with their teachers and administrators. The whole educational system is supported by the work of people in the for-profit spaces: software engineers, architects, publishers, and furniture designers and manufacturers. In this episode, Kevin Stoller speaks with Fōmcore Founder, Jeremy Leffring. They talk about how a company Fōmcore helps make a difference, their shared mission of improving education, and what a service-guided company behaves. For more on Fōmcore, visit https://fomcore.com/. Jeremy Leffring is the Co-Owner of Fōmcore, a company that specializes in s...2023-08-0233 min