EPISODE 235: ‘Back to School’ with Thea Wayburn
June 4, 2025
Overview:
In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we’re breaking down the 1986 comedy Back to School, where Rodney Dangerfield plays a loud, lovable millionaire who enrolls in college to reconnect with his son and shakes up the entire campus in the process.
Joined by guest Thea Wayburn from BRIC Architecture, host Kevin Stoller and co-host Carla Cummins take a deeper look at how the film portrays higher education, student life, and the meaning of “fitting in.” Part of our ongoing series dissecting school-related movies, we explore what this over-the-top comedy reveals (intentionally or not) about learning environments, relationships, and how schools support, or fail to support, belonging and growth.
Meet Our Guest:
About Thea Wayburn
Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/ZxphM4FRMVkTakeaways:
- Rodney Dangerfield’s character may be unconventional, but his experience highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments where students of all backgrounds feel like they belong – something schools and universities are still working to get right today.
- While Back to School leans into comedy, it also touches on deeper issues like academic elitism, outdated teaching methods, and the value of real-world experience, sparking a conversation about what learning should look like in modern education.
- The movie challenges the idea that there’s only one “right” way to succeed in education. We discuss how schools can better support alternative learners and value life experience alongside academic achievement.
The Host:
Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/
Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/
Learn More About Kay-Twelve:
Website: https://kay-twelve.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kay-twelve-com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kay_twelve/
Episode 235 of the Better Learning Podcast
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.
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
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.