Listen to our Latest Better Learning Podcast EPISODE 302: Designing Schools for Students with Sarah Dirsa

EPISODE 185: Empowering Women in Education

July 3, 2024

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we feature special guest host Clarissa Darbone and guest speaker Merri Salazar, a project manager at Pfluger Architects. This episode delves into the fascinating world of K-12 education design, highlighting the importance of being student-centered and the power of community engagement.

Overview:

Merri Salazar brings a wealth of experience working in K-12 education and shares her insights on the significance of understanding the unique needs of each district. She emphasizes that the heart of her job is designing spaces that not only support but also elevate the goals of each community.

Merri passionately discusses the value of community engagement in creating successful school projects. She shares that the projects which turn out the best are those that actively seek and incorporate community input.

Meet Our Guest:

Meet Merri Salazar:
Merri Salazar is a detail-conscious project manager who works with project teams to ensure every unique goal and objective is met. For over five years, she has been an essential part of the Pfluger team in Houston.

Her ability to visualize and communicate ideas promotes a better understanding of design intent and enhances collaboration with the client, design team, and contractor. Merri is passionate about creating spaces that uplift and inspire, making every project a meaningful experience for its users.

Sound Bites to Ponder:

“Every district has a different story. I like how they talk and listen to their communities.”

“The projects that turn out the best are the ones that go out and figure out what the community really wants.”

Follow on Merri Salazar on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merri-salazar-4948b544/
Website: https://www.faainc.com/

Takeaways:

  • K-12 education design is focused on being student-centered and meeting the unique needs of each district.
  • Understanding the goals and priorities of the community is crucial in creating successful school projects.
  • Engaging with the community and gathering input helps ensure that school designs align with their needs and desires.
  • Budget constraints can be a challenge in school projects, but creative solutions and partnerships can help overcome them.
  • The mission and purpose of an architecture firm play a significant role in guiding their work and creating meaningful experiences for students.

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
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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:

Who made this episode possible?
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) – https://www.a4le.org/
Education Leaders’ Organization – https://www.ed-leaders.org/
Second Class Foundation – https://secondclassfoundation.org/

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.

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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.