E342

Learning by Region at A4LE Midwest Great Lakes

From Better Learning Podcast · Hosted by Kevin Stoller

Jul 22, 2026·28:50

Episode summary

In this episode of Better Learning Podcast: This episode, hosted by Matt Rogers and Katie Jubenville, features conversations from the A4LE Midwest Great Lakes Regional Conference in St. Louis. Guests compare favorite landmarks to the Gateway Arch, then dig into what "radically student-centered" design means, sharing stories about maximizing impact beyond simple building replacement, engaging students and communities in the design process, and what separates schools that merely function from those that truly…

Original publisher description

This episode, hosted by Matt Rogers and Katie Jubenville, features conversations from the A4LE Midwest Great Lakes Regional Conference in St. Louis. Guests compare favorite landmarks to the Gateway Arch, then dig into what "radically student-centered" design means, sharing stories about maximizing impact beyond simple building replacement, engaging students and communities in the design process, and what separates schools that merely function from those that truly transform their communities. Our guests, in order of appearance: Josh Chism, PE, CEM: Capital AE President https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshchism/ Nicole Esser Dryden: Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP Senior Associate https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-esser/ Philip Riedel, AIA: NAC Architecture Principal, PK-12 Sector Leader https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-riedel-aia-a72b3522/ Brad Erwin: Paragon Architecture President https://www.linkedin.com/in/braderwin/ Jeff Vandel: North Kansas City Schools Executive Director of Facilities https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-vandel-8b8a1ab/ Roger Bearup: Grandville Public Schools Superintendent https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-bearup-1432b8112/ Nicholas Kent: Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-kent-a3604211/ Dr. Stephanie Loane: CSO Architects Senior Associate Brenton C. Hite, AIA: CSO Architects Principal (Brenton) & Senior Associate (Stephanie) https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenton-c-hite-aia-70704838/ Episode 342 of the Better Learning Podcast 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