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Designing a Second Home for Students with Learning Differences with Shara Bumgarner & Janann Pittman
In this episode, host Matt Rogers and co-host Dr. Brian McCraw talk with Shara Bumgarner, cofounder of Houston's Joy School, and architect Janann Pittman of Jackson & Ryan Architects about creating a K-8 school built for kids with learning differences. From the school's humble start with four students in 1997 to its thoughtfully designed campus today, Shara and Janann unpack how intentional design - down to door handles and bathroom stalls - can turn a school into a true second home. They dig into individualized instruction, the "it depends" philosophy, and why joy, not just remediation, should be at the heart of every learning space. Takeaways: No one-size-fits-all - Kids are grouped by specific learning needs, not grade level or diagnosis. Design follows philosophy - Spaces are built around flexibility and the school's culture, not just function. Details matter - Even door handles and toilet flushes were chosen to ease student anxiety. Safety enables learning - An anxious brain can't learn, so comfort comes first for kids and parents alike. Joy beats survival - Disco balls and dance parties aren't extras - they're core to helping kids truly thrive.   About Shara Bumgarner: Shara Bumgarner co-founded The Joy School in 1997 and has been our Head of School since 2002. Shara's inspiration for starting The Joy School stemmed from witnessing bright students with learning differences and disabilities slip through the cracks in public school because of a lack of understanding of such students. Shara is committed to providing the most optimal, joyful environment for students and teachers with an emphasis on embracing individual differences. Starting The Joy School changed her life as an educator, and she hopes to have that same impact on each student, parent and teacher at the School. Outside of school, Shara focuses on her family, which includes her supportive husband and three daughters. Link to Shara's LinkedIn account - Link Link to The Joy School Website - Link   About Janann Pittman, AIA: For over 35 years, since her first K-12 and higher education projects, Janann has been passionate about institutional and educational architecture that reinforces and expands communities, and impacts children of all ages. As a Principal with Jackson & Ryan Architects, Janann is licensed in multiple states, with education projects from Pennsylvania to Texas. Janann seeks to understand her unique clients and their communities, so her designs reflect them and serve them in highly personal ways.  Janann comes from a family of educators and has served on numerous PTO boards and committees for her sons’ schools, on the Rice University Alumni Board, and was a founding board member of Books Between Kids.  While Janann loved her time at Rice University, she is most enthusiastic about her middle school years at Shoreham-Wading River Middle School. Named a Blue Ribbon School the first year the award was given, Janann loved the fabulous arts and community service programs, and the focus on interdisciplinary projects, in smaller neighborhood communities. And, the amazing school even had goats! Link to Janann's LinkedIn account - Link Link to Education portion of JRA web site  Link to JRA education web page Link to Jackson & Ryan Architects Education brochure Link to Design for Education brochure   Episode 345 of the Better Learning Podcast 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/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website      
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