Building a School with Input From Everyone with Regan Shields Ives and Amy Vachon

In this episode, host Jessica Westerduin sits down with Regan Shields Ives, principal and studio leader at Finegold Alexander Architects, and Amy Vachon, principal at Gladstone Elementary School in Cranston, Rhode Island. Together, they explore how deep collaboration between educators, students, and architects shaped the design of Gladstone's new school building — one built around project-based learning, flexible spaces, and student voice. From visioning sessions with kids to co-teaching trials and curiosity centers, this conversation is a masterclass in what it looks like to truly put students at the center of every decision.

About Regan Shields Ives: Regan is a Principal and studio leader for Finegold Alexander's educational and cultural projects. She is passionate about design for education and creating spaces that are welcoming, safe, and supportive of students, teachers and administrators. Regan is a true consensus builder, leading school communities and large stakeholder groups to collaborative and cost-effective solutions. She is past President for the New England Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments.

About Amy Vachon:Amy is Principal of Gladstone Elementary School. Under her leadership, the school prioritizes students' academic and social emotional skills so that they are prepared to succeed in their futures. Amy's goal is to promote a safe school environment that is based on respect, kindness, and high academic achievement.

Episode 331 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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