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The Better Learning Podcast is about improving education at all levels - Schools (public, charter, private, independent), Higher Education, & Corporate/Adult Learning. The major theme is to break down the silos and learn from others doing innovative things in education. We highlight innovative programs & initiatives, lessons learned, improvements to educational space, and real-world tactics while getting a deeper understanding of the people behind the innovation. Our guests include Heads of Schools, Superintendents, Principals, Entrepreneurs, Non-profit leaders and other innovators. Kevin Stoller, CEO of Kay-Twelve.com & author of Creating Better Learning Environments, is the host.

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  2. Scott Bess | Innovating New Ways to Teach Students

Scott Bess | Innovating New Ways to Teach Students

Nov 30, 2022

Scott Bess set out to break the one-size-fits-all high school academic mold and launch Purdue Polytechnic High School where students learn in an engaging, hands-on environment and are inspired to seek out what they learn rather than be told what to learn.

As Head of School, Scott created the vision and strategy for the initial Purdue Polytechnic High School in 2017. He has subsequently opened two more campuses. He is leading the planning for the expansion of Purdue Polytechnic High School throughout the state of Indiana.

Scott has spent most of his career innovating new ways to teach students and instill in them a love to learn. Prior to joining Purdue Polytechnic High School, Scott was President of Goodwill Education Initiatives and founder of The Excel Center, which offers adults who have dropped out of school an opportunity to earn a diploma. He helped expand The Excel Center’s model across the nation and today, The Excel Center serves more than 6,000 students in multiple states.

A proud graduate of Purdue University (B.S., Mathematics) and Marian University (M.A., Education), Scott has been a teacher, IT executive and business owner. He is a Pahara Fellow, has served on the boards for the Danville Community School District and EmployIndy, and currently serves on the Central Indiana Board of Ivy Tech Community College, the Region 5 Works Council and the Washington, DC, Goodwill Excel Center. Additionally, Scott was appointed to the State Board of Education in September of 2021. 

Scott has four grown children and lives in Danville, Indiana, with his wife, Robin.

 

Season 6, Episode 27 of the Better Learning Podcast

 

Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast, Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture, and Executive Director of Education Leaders' Organization, the exclusive peer network for School Leaders.