Listen to our Latest Better Learning Podcast EPISODE 305: How Informal Learning Spaces Are Changing the Way Kids Learn with Anne Fullenkamp

EPISODE 218: ‘Ted Lasso’ with Heidie Ciesielski

February 5, 2025

The hit series Ted Lasso isn’t just about soccer—it’s about leadership, culture, and the power of belief. On a special episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we sat down with Superintendent Heidie Ciesielski to break down the show’s biggest lessons and how they apply to education today.

Overview:

From Ted’s optimism to his ability to build a strong, student-centered culture, we explored how school leaders can create environments where students and educators thrive. The series highlights the importance of trust, resilience, and the impact of mentorship—qualities that define great school leadership.

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or just a fan of the show, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how the Ted Lasso mindset can shape the future of learning.

Meet Our Guest:

About Heidie Ciesielski:
Superintendent of Fenton Area Public Schools – 26 years in education – previous middle school MASSP principal of the year – previous Executive Director of Teaching and Learning with FAPS. Passionate about organizational leadership, and valuing those that work in the district you lead.

Connect with Heidie Ciesielski:
Fenton Area Public Schools Website: https://www.fentonschools.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidie-ciesielski-ed-s-b29527131/
Twitter: https://x.com/HeidieC24

Watch on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/dDN3P1b1YA0

Takeaways:

  • There’s leaders in all of us
  • Parents have a huge impact on their kids- so impact them for good
  • Be curious, not judgmental
  • There are many different ways to be a good leader
  • It’s never too late to be a good person

The Host:

Host, 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.

Connect with Kevin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/

Our Partners:

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/

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.