'October Sky' with Michael Duncan, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller

Better Learning Podcast

Can one teacher change the course of a student’s life? Can curiosity survive in a system that prioritizes conformity?

October Sky is more than just a heartwarming story about a boy and his rockets—it’s a powerful look at the impact of education, ambition, and the struggle between dreams and expectations. But how accurately does it reflect today’s schools?

Are students still discouraged from pursuing unconventional paths? Do educators still have the power to ignite change? In this review, we’ll break down what October Sky gets right (and where it misses the mark) when it comes to the modern classroom.

Takeaways:

• Curiosity and inquiry are still not be nurtured in schools
• Project based learning allows students to be self directed and follow their passions
• Dreaming doesn't get you where you want to be- action is required
• Just don't quit! - Advice from Michael
• Having a network helps when you get stuck

About Michael Duncan:

An award-winning superintendent and longtime champion of education transformation, Dr. Mike Duncan is the President and CEO of Battelle for Kids.

Mike was one of the longest-serving superintendents in the state of Georgia, leading Pike County Schools for 18 years from 2005 until his retirement in 2023. He worked diligently to reimagine educational opportunities and implement enduring transformation for all students in Pike County. He spearheaded the creation of their Portrait of a Graduate and worked to achieve the district’s mission of developing creative problem solvers.

Mike was honored as the Georgia Superintendent of the Year in 2021. Under Mike’s leadership, Pike County Schools was actively engaged in EdLeader21, the national network of Battelle for Kids, for more than a decade during his superintendency. Mike is also the co-founder and co-designer of the Georgia Deeper Learning Network for Workforce Readiness and Economic Prosperity. An educator at heart, Mike has served as a high school principal and a middle school teacher and principal. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia, along with a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University.

Learn More About Battelle for Kids:

Website: https://www.battelleforkids.org/

Connect with Michael Duncan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-duncan-edd/

Connect with co-host, Carla Cummins:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-cummins-01449659/

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

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

Episode 220 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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