'School of Rock' with Mason Pashia

Better Learning Podcast

In this episode of the Better Learning Podcast, host Kevin Stoller is joined by co-host Matt Rogers and guest speaker Mason Pashia, Partner (Storytelling) at Getting Smart Collective, for an energetic and thought-provoking conversation centered around the 2003 cult classic School of Rock. Known for his work amplifying the voices of educators and change-makers through storytelling, Mason brings a fresh and imaginative lens to how we think about student engagement, creative expression, and nontraditional learning paths.

School of Rock follows the story of Dewey Finn, a struggling musician who finds unexpected purpose—and unleashes unexpected potential—when he poses as a substitute teacher and transforms a class of rule-following prep school kids into a rock band. Together, Matt and Mason explore the film’s deeper themes of passion, authenticity, and belonging in education. They reflect on how schools can create space for students to discover their identities, pursue what excites them, and challenge conventional measures of success—all while staying grounded in a mission to serve and empower every learner.

Takeaways:

• School of Rock highlights how stepping outside traditional curriculum and teaching methods can unlock student potential and engagement in surprising ways.
• Dewey Finn's enthusiasm for music becomes the bridge that allows students to connect with their interests—and with each other. Educators can harness this same power by leading with passion.
• The film underscores the importance of allowing students to have a say in their learning journey. When students are given autonomy, they rise to the occasion and take ownership of their growth.
• Matt and Mason explore how School of Rock challenges rigid definitions of success and encourages schools to recognize diverse forms of excellence—not just academic achievement.

About Mason Pashia:

Mason Pashia is a Partner (Storytelling) at Getting Smart Collective. Through publications, blogs, podcasts, town halls, newsletters, and more, he helps drive the perspective and focus of GettingSmart.com. He advocates for data and collective imagination and uses this combination to launch campaigns that amplify voices, organizations, and missions. With over a decade in the storytelling sector (including brand strategy, marketing and communications, and the arts), Mason is always striving to inspire as well as inform.

Learn More About Mason Pashia:

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

Mason's Substack: Featuring Weekly Original Music and Poetry

Learn More About The Getting Smart Podcast:

Website: https://www.gettingsmart.com/podcast/

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About Matt Rogers:

Matt Rogers is a dynamic professional deeply committed to advancing the education industry through innovative strategies and impactful initiatives.

As the Communications Manager at Kay-Twelve, he leads transformative efforts in education by revolutionizing physical learning environments and improving education through the use of media. His dedication has earned him recognition as Kay-Twelve’s Core Values Employee of the Year in both 2021 and 2022, and also positioned him as one of the inaugural winners of the NexGen Awards in 2023.

Matt joined the Kay-Twelve team in 2019 as an intern while attending Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. Matt’s multifaceted approach extends beyond his role at Kay-Twelve; he serves as the lead Producer for the Better Learning Podcast where they facilitate enlightening discussions that break down the silos of physical space, leadership, and culture in education.

Learn More About Matt Rogers

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-rogers-profile/

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/

Connect with host, Kevin Stoller:

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

Episode 231 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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