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!

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.