Creating Spaces

Creating Spaces that Support Innovation and Student Success

In this episode of Creating Spaces, we sit down with Mary Sauvageau, a leader in K-12 furniture design. Mary shares her expertise on how creating comfortable, flexible learning environments can have a lasting impact on students and staff alike. She dives into the importance of understanding the goals of a space and how every design choice—from lighting to seating—should be intentional to support student success. Mary also explores trends in K-12 design, like the rise of soft seating and flexibility, and discusses the need for professional development to ensure that everyone understands the why behind these design changes. Her philosophy is clear: designing to the average doesn’t work; instead, we should design to the edges to create spaces where every student can thrive. Mary Sauvageau has spent her entire career in the K-12 furniture business. She serves as the leader of the K-12 team, utilizing her expertise in developing applications for evolving learning environments and relying on her industry experience in anticipating and planning for successful project implementations. Mary oversees all K-12 projects and resources to ensure expectations and objectives are met. She is currently enrolled in the Edmarket ECLPS Education Learning Place Specialist (ECLPS), a new comprehensive and research-informed certification program to elevate the learning experience of school district and industry professionals tasked with planning, managing, and designing learning environments of the future. Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ [https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/] Fōmcore Website: fomcore.com [https://fomcore.com]

Creating Spaces to Meet School Needs

In this episode of Creating Spaces, we sit down with Caroline McCormac, Business Development Leader at Meteor Education + Blankenship Associates, who brings over 30 years of experience in transforming school environments. From her early career to her current role, Caroline has worked closely with architects, contractors, and school systems to create learning spaces that foster connection and growth. Caroline shares how her strong relationships with clients have been key to her success, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration in the construction and renovation of school facilities. She reflects on the challenges school systems face today and how understanding these struggles helps in creating more inclusive, prosocial learning environments. With her extensive background, Caroline offers valuable insights into how learning spaces can evolve to meet the needs of both students and staff. In addition to discussing the future of educational spaces, Caroline talks about the profound joy she experiences when witnessing the reactions of students and teachers to newly transformed learning environments. Tune in to hear her perspective on the importance of lifelong learning and the fulfillment that comes from being part of such impactful projects. Caroline McCormac is the Business Development Leader at Meteor Education and Blankenship Associates. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, she has fostered long-lasting relationships with clients and played a key role in the transformation of school spaces, from concept to completion. Outside of work, Caroline enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on beach trips, and seeking out new experiences, including skydiving with her sons on her 50th birthday. Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: fomcore.com

Creating Spaces for a Collaborative School Experience

In this episode of Creating Spaces, we welcome Kaitlin, a dynamic fourth-grade teacher wrapping up her first full year in the classroom. From the moment she decided to become a teacher during her own elementary days, Kaitlin has been driven by a profound connection with education and her students. She discusses her early inspiration to teach and how those formative experiences have shaped her approach to education. Kaitlin shares the importance of establishing a bond with her students, emphasizing that feeling loved and belonging are crucial for a positive educational experience. She reflects on how the educational landscape has evolved, particularly highlighting her use of a 'choice board' in her classroom. This innovative tool allows students autonomy over their learning, fostering creativity and agency by offering various activities they can choose from after completing their main assignments. Moreover, Kaitlin is enthusiastic about the rise of flexible seating and the unique 'personalities' each classroom can have, illustrating how spaces can be tailored to fit the needs and styles of different student-teacher combinations. She offers invaluable advice to first-year teachers, advocating for confidence and the importance of seeking mentorship within the school community. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Kaitlin as she shares her unique perspective after her first year of teaching, filled with connection and collaboration. Kaitlin is a 4th grade teacher who has just completed her first year of full-time teaching, having graduated from college in May 2023. She and her fiancé are planning their wedding this summer. Passionate about education and her students, Kaitlin also enjoys hiking with her dogs, staying active, and relaxing with Netflix during her downtime. Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ [https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/] Fōmcore Website: fomcore.com [http://fomcore.com]

Creating Spaces To Encourage Young Learners

In this episode, we're joined by Tracey Fritz, an extraordinary educator with 24 years of experience in teaching young learners. Tracey is passionate about making her students feel loved and like they belong in the classroom. She discusses her methods for building trust-based relationships with her students, which helps her set clear expectations and give students agency and choice in their learning. Tracey emphasizes the significant impact of incorporating social-emotional learning into the classroom, noting that it not only enhances academic success but also equips students with essential life skills. She also shares her views on the importance of creating comfortable and inviting classroom spaces where students can move freely, explore their environment, and make independent choices. She highlights how play-based learning and discovery activities allow her students to independently explore the world around them and learn in a hands-on, engaging manner. Tracey is making a profound difference in these young students' lives, ensuring they feel valued and supported as they grow. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Tracey Fritz as she shares her incredible perspectives on education, classroom dynamics, and the transformative power of creating inclusive and interactive learning environments. Tracey Fritz is a dedicated Young 5's Teacher at Mona Shores Public Schools, with 24 years of experience teaching grades Y5-2. A graduate of Aquinas College, she has been married to Patrick Fritz for 27 years and is a mother of 14. Tracey is also an adoptive mom and currently a foster home through Muskegon County DHHS. Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ [https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/] Fōmcore Website: https://fomcore.com/ [https://fomcore.com/]

Creating Spaces for Innovation in Schools

In today's special 'minisode', guest host David Jakes delves into the concepts of improvement and innovation within educational environments. An expert in education and space design, David unpacks what it truly means to enhance learning spaces to better serve both students and teachers. David explores the transformative impact of reimagining educational spaces, discussing how adjustments to the physical environment can foster innovation and exploration. He highlights the importance of creating spaces that allow teachers and students to venture into new educational experiences. This episode particularly focuses on the benefits of flexible environments, like those incorporating Fōmcore's Lil Explorers line, which encourage children to use their creativity and imagination through soft, modular seating arrangements. Join us in this insightful 'minisode' with David Jakes as we explore how thoughtful design and strategic innovation can lead to substantial improvements in educational settings, making them more adaptable and inspiring for every learner. Read more from David by visiting our blog: https://fomcore.com/innovation-in-the-space-of-school [https://fomcore.com/quick-and-easy-ways-to-get-your-students-moving/] Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djakes Creating Spaces Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creatingspacespod/ Fōmcore Website: https://fomcore.com/