EPISODE 188: Challenging the Game of School

July 24, 2024

Matt Beaudreau and Kevin Stoller have had transformative journeys through the traditional education system, ultimately leading them to create alternative, student-centered educational models. Drawing from their experiences, they emphasize the importance of fostering curiosity and engaging in meaningful conversations within the learning environment.

Overview:

In their conversation, Matt and Kevin address the challenges and opportunities in the evolving education landscape. They acknowledge the high demand for alternative education options and the need for systemic change within traditional schools. Parental involvement is highlighted as a crucial component in this shift, with parents playing an active role in their children’s education.

Matt shares the hurdles faced in making their programs accessible to all, advocating for a broader shift in mindset to embrace these new educational models. By focusing on the holistic development of students and the involvement of families, Matt’s work represents a reimagining of education that seeks to reseed freedom in our children and nation through comprehensive family education.

Meet Our Guest:

Meet Matt Beaudreau:
As a Keynote Speaker, Consultant, and Coach to organizations around the world, Matt Beaudreau’s clients have ranged from Wells Fargo, Honeywell, and Lockheed Martin to American Eagle, Cedars-Sinai and the United States Air Force. Matt has a reputation as a provocative thought leader in educational and personal development practices. He is a two-time featured TEDx speaker and he was named Corporate Trainer of the Year at Stanford University, having spoken to over 250,000 people across the world.

Sound Bites to Ponder:

“School for me was easy because I knew how to play school.”

“School has a big, giant, clunky, disgusting system that’s self-perpetuating.”

Follow on Matt Beaudreau on Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-beaudreau-071a5b99/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbeaudreau/

Twitter: https://x.com/MattBeaudreau

Apogee Strong Website: https://apogeestrong.com/

Apogee Strong Foundation: https://www.apogeestrongfoundation.org/

Watch on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/aFJEJw0ejkw

Takeaways:

  • The traditional education system often prioritizes playing the game of school rather than fostering genuine learning and growth.
  • Alternative models like Acton Academy and Apogee focus on learner-driven education, curiosity, and good conversation.
  • Parents play an active role in the educational process, and their own learning and growth are important as well.
  • Finding and building communities of like-minded individuals is crucial for creating and sustaining alternative educational models.
  • The traditional school system needs to change.
  • There is a religious affinity for the current school system that hinders change.

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:

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!

Do you have a favorite school-related movie that left a lasting impact? Join us as a guest on the Better Learning Podcast, where we dive into iconic films, break down memorable moments, and hand out fun awards—all while connecting them to real-world education.

From standout teachers to unforgettable one-liners, we’ll explore how these movies reflect (or totally exaggerate!) school life. Plus, you’ll get to share your own insights and experiences in education.

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About the podcast

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.