'Hoosiers' with Dr. Deb Kerr and Kevin Stoller

Better Learning Podcast

If you’ve ever rooted for the underdog, Hoosiers probably lives rent-free in your head.

The 1986 classic isn’t just about basketball—it’s about second chances, small-town pride, and what happens when people start believing in themselves and each other. Set in 1950s Indiana, the film follows a high school basketball team no one expects to win… until they do.

In this episode, we explore why Hoosiers continues to resonate in classrooms and communities alike. From Coach Norman Dale’s controversial methods to the redemptive arc of Shooter, the town drunk turned assistant coach, there’s no shortage of teachable moments. At its core, Hoosiers is a story about grit, growth, and the undeniable impact of mentorship.

Whether you’re an educator, a coach, or just someone who still gets chills watching the final game, this episode breaks down what Hoosiers has to say about leadership, trust, and building belief in unlikely places.

Takeaways:

• Coach Dale’s insistence on fundamentals—and his refusal to compromise—highlights the tension between tradition and transformation in education and leadership.

• Shooter’s redemption arc is a powerful reminder of the importance of giving people a chance to rise when others have written them off.

• The tiny gym, the limited roster, the towering opponents—it all reinforces the idea that success isn’t about size, but about heart, unity, and vision.

• "Don’t get caught up in the size of the arena"—a lesson for educators and students alike. Great things can come from the smallest places when expectations are high and support is strong.

About Dr. Deborah Kerr:

Dr. Deborah Kerr is proud to serve as Superintendent of St. Francis Public School District, where she is leading a bold vision to become the best version of SFPSD yet. With a deep commitment to student-centered, equity-focused, and future-driven education, Dr. Kerr is focused on building strong partnerships with staff, families, and the community.

Through her listening and learning tour, she’s discovered a shared passion for diversity, dedication to student success, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every learner. Her mission: to help every student discover their strengths, passions, and purpose—and prepare them for a future they choose.

Learn More About Dr. Deborah Kerr:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deb-kerr-7b2aaa19/

Learn More About St. Francis Public School District:

Website: https://www.stfrancisschools.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StFrancisSDWI/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stfrancissd_wi/

X: https://x.com/StFrancisSDWI

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/

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 240 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.

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/

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