'Lean on Me' with Brian O'Keeffe and Kevin Stoller

Better Learning Podcast

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we dive into the iconic 1989 film Lean on Me, starring Morgan Freeman as the unforgettable Principal Joe Clark—a tough, uncompromising, and deeply committed educator who is called in to rescue a failing inner-city school on the brink of state takeover.

Set in Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, the film dramatizes the true story of how Clark used controversial, often militant methods to confront violence, low academic performance, and deteriorating morale. But underneath the shouting, chain-wrapped doors, and expelled drug dealers lies a message about courage, leadership, and believing in students when no one else will.

Joining host Kevin Stoller for this breakdown is Dr. Brian K O’Keeffe, who brings an educational leader’s perspective to the real-world challenges reflected in the film. Together, they explore what Lean on Me gets right—and wrong—about education reform, school culture, and the role of school leaders today.

Takeaways:

• Lean on Me reminds us that strong leadership often requires making bold, unpopular decisions. Principal Joe Clark’s extreme methods may have sparked controversy, but his unwavering commitment to student success lit a fire for change.
• Clark’s toughest love came from a deep belief in his students’ potential. This episode highlights how powerful it can be when educators see beyond circumstances and treat students as capable of excellence - sometimes before they believe it themselves.
• Before any academic improvements can happen, a school must rebuild its culture. The film shows how restoring order, setting expectations, and cultivating pride in the school community were the essential first steps. The same applies in today’s schools—culture drives outcomes.

About Dr. Brian K O'Keeffe

From finishes to space planning and furniture selection, Thea collaborates with project team members, consultants, district staff, and stakeholders to develop interior design solutions that enhance their school’s design and align with the district’s educational goals. Thea balances design expertise with end user advocacy to facilitate focus group sessions and synthesize feedback, creating spaces that reflect a learning community’s unique identity.

Learn More About Dr. Brian K O'Keeffe:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-o-keeffe-ed-d-sfo-22348719/

Learn More About Community Unit School District 200:

Website: https://www.cusd200.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/district200

Twitter: https://x.com/cusd200

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cusd200

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 236 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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