The Better Learning Podcast combines education and entertainment in a fresh, engaging format where guests share their favorite school-related movies. Host Kevin Stoller leads dynamic conversations, exploring memorable scenes, iconic characters, and timeless lessons through award-style categories like “The John Keating Award” for standout teachers and “Realistic or Ridiculous?” to dissect school life portrayals.
With humor, analysis, and reflection, each episode celebrates the fun, flaws, and impact of these films while sparking nostalgia and insights. Whether you’re an educator, student, or movie buff, join us to relive the movies that shaped how we see school life, and share your favorites.
January 22, 2025
From brain to athlete, basket case to princess, The Breakfast Club captures the cliques and complexities of high school life in a way that’s as relatable today as it was in the 80s. This iconic film brings together five vastly different students for a Saturday detention that becomes an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and breaking down stereotypes.
In this episode, Kevin Stoller and co-host Carla Cummins are joined by Dr. Michael Cardona, superintendent at San Marcos School District in Texas, to revisit the movie and dive into its deeper messages. Along the way, they hand out fun awards (including the new "Where Are They Now?" category) and share personal stories from their own school experiences.
But the conversation doesn’t stop with the movie—our hosts explore how The Breakfast Club reflects the challenges educators face today, from fostering connections across divides to embracing innovation in education.
Tune in for a mix of movie nostalgia, heartfelt anecdotes, and fresh perspectives on how schools can break down walls, just like in the library detention.
Watch on YouTube:
Takeaways:
- Parents have an impact on the classroom and student experiences
- You never truly know who someone is until you dive deeper
- Everyone makes mistakes, but everyone can learn from them
About Dr. Michael Cardona:
The San Marcos CISD School Board named Dr. Cardona as Superintendent of Schools in 2016. During his time in San Marcos CISD, Dr. Cardona has implemented a dual language program, expanded AVID districtwide, implemented GEAR Up grants affecting five cohorts of students, and created an Early College model within San Marcos High School. This past year SMHS graduated 39 students who earned their Associate’s Degree before high school graduation. During the 2024-2025 school year, San Marcos CISD and Texas State University signed a historic MOU that will place juniors and seniors who meet eligibility onto the university campus for concurrent enrollment with all expenses covered by the university and school district.
Dr. Cardona and team have extended the Career and Technical Education program to offer 21 career pathways of studies and added a state-of-the-art STEAM Center on the San Marcos HS campus as part of the 2017 Bond. Dr. Cardona is known as a leader who believes in whole child development. San Marcos provides whole family supports through SEL counselors on all secondary campuses along with Community Schools on every campus.
While leading SMCISD, Dr. Cardona also earned his PhD in Education at Texas A&M University College Station. Both Dr. Cardona and his wife, Laura, have taken in all of San Marcos over the last 8 years and Laura is a key member of the San Marcos Mermaid Society. Dr. Cardona’s oldest son, Mac, attends Texas State University while his youngest son attends Parents have an impact on the classroom and student experiences Colorado School of the Mines. Dr. Cardona and Laura’s daughter attends Texas State University. In their spare time, Dr. Cardona loves traveling and playing with his five Corgis.
Connect with Dr. Michael Cardona:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-cardona-21a51420/
Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/
Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/
Connect with San Marcos Consolidated ISD
Website: https://www.smcisd.net/
Episode 216 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 episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.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/
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