'Ted Lasso' with Heidie Ciesielski, Carla Cummins, and Kevin Stoller

Better Learning Podcast

The hit series Ted Lasso isn’t just about soccer—it’s about leadership, culture, and the power of belief. On a special episode of the Better Learning Podcast, we sat down with Superintendent Heidie Ciesielski to break down the show’s biggest lessons and how they apply to education today.

From Ted’s optimism to his ability to build a strong, student-centered culture, we explored how school leaders can create environments where students and educators thrive. The series highlights the importance of trust, resilience, and the impact of mentorship—qualities that define great school leadership.

Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or just a fan of the show, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how the Ted Lasso mindset can shape the future of learning.

Takeaways:

• There's leaders in all of us
• Parents have a huge impact on their kids- so impact them for good
• Be curious, not judgmental
• There are many different ways to be a good leader
• It's never too late to be a good person

About Heidie Ciesielski:

Superintendent of Fenton Area Public Schools - 26 years in education - previous middle school MASSP principal of the year - previous Executive Director of Teaching and Learning with FAPS. Passionate about organizational leadership, and valuing those that work in the district you lead.

Connect with Heidie Ciesielski:

Fenton Area Public Schools Website: https://www.fentonschools.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidie-ciesielski-ed-s-b29527131/

Twitter: https://x.com/HeidieC24

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 218 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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