EPISODE 109: Cultivating a Community of Learners | FETC EDITION

February 27, 2023

Sarah Hembree is the principal of Elizabeth Cobb Middle School, a progressive public middle school in Tallahassee, Florida. Under her leadership, Cobb meets the unique needs of adolescents through compassion, strong relationships, curiosity, and a lot of humor.

Overview:

With over 20 years of experience in secondary education, Sarah is passionate about seeing students through their journey of adolescence. During her tenure at Cobb, she is re-envisioning the idea of discipline, leading daily community-building activities, and supporting families through ongoing education and partnership. When students feel safe, seen, heard, and held in loving community, middle school turns out to be a much richer experience than the terrible cliché we’ve all come to know. With the right mix of support and engagement, Sarah knows we can tap into everyone’s superpowers and help them grow into their full potential.

Unlocking others’ potential doesn’t end at the eighth grade. Sarah mentors experienced educators seeking to take on a leadership role or make their next career move. Aspiring leaders seek out Sarah’s guidance because they value her expertise in giving ongoing, actionable feedback and supportive coaching; building relationships through trust and purposeful interactions; curriculum design based on individual-student need; developing long and short-term strategic plans, and fostering an environment where every employee is valued.

Meet Our Guest:

Website Links:
Elizabeth Cobb Middle School
LinkedIn Profile

The Host:

While students may only be 20%-25% of our population today, they are 100% of our future. That is why education is one of the most important investments a country can make and the sole purpose for the existence of the Better Learning Podcast.

The Better Learning Podcast brings on valued guests that talk about ways we can improve education for our kids. Because after all, they are 100% of our future!

Kevin Stoller:
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.

Kay-Twelve
LinkedIn Profile
Twitter Profile

If you are interested in being on the show or know someone who would be a great guest, please visit the Better Learning Podcast website.

Our Partners:

Kay-Twelve:
Kay-Twelve
LinkedIn Profile
Twitter Profile

Better Learning Podcast
Better Learning Podcast
YouTube Profile

Association for Learning Environments (A4LE):
The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)
LinkedIn Profile
Twitter Profile

Second Class Foundation
Second Class Foundation

Be a Guest on the Better Learning Podcast!

Are you rethinking what learning environments can be? We are always looking for thoughtful school leaders, designers, and educators to join the Better Learning Podcast and share real stories from the field.

As a guest, you will take part in meaningful conversations about student centered design, planning, and collaboration and how these ideas show up in real schools. We explore what is working, what is evolving, and what educators can do today to create learning spaces that truly support students and teachers.

If you are passionate about improving learning environments and have insights, experiences, or lessons to share, we would love to have you on the podcast.

Better Learning Podcast Request Form

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About the podcast

The Better Learning Podcast explores the ideas, strategies, and stories shaping today’s learning environments. Host Kevin Stoller sits down with school leaders, designers, and educators to uncover how thoughtful design, planning, and collaboration can transform schools into spaces that truly put students first.

Through in-depth conversations, the podcast highlights how Radically Student Centered™ approaches can make a tangible difference in schools, inspiring educators, administrators, designers, and anyone passionate about the future of learning.