Page 13 - School Planning & Management, July/August 2019

Thought Leader:
Tom Brennan is the
founder and CEO of
School Outfitters
and Past Chair of the
EdMarket Board of
Directors. He is pas-
sionate about helping
educators prepare students for the future and believes in fostering long-lasting partnerships with school districts.
Company:
School Outfitters
Website:
www.SchoolOutfitters.com
Contact Info:
800-260-2776
Q: Are you seeing a change in the attitudes of educators about new designs of learning spaces?
A: In the 20 years since I started School
Outfitters, I have never seen educators more receptive to new furniture innovations that can support changing pedagogy. While not as important as the teacher, research shows a great environment helps kids feel more loved, engaged, and focused. This makes our work even more fun, because we can make
a more meaningful impact in the classroom with our new designs. I encourage teachers and administrators to embrace new options because the journey to better education is a never-ending process.
Q: What trend has you most concerned?
A: Confusing the construction event with real change. I worry when I see customers who expect a new physical learning environment to suddenly make people teach or learn differently. Change is a process that must
be fostered and developed in an organization full of human beings who tend to resist it. It’s hard work, and perhaps the most critical skill educators need to be developing today. You’re going to fail along the way, but that failure can drive improvement as you learn. Don’t make
trend to include spaces within schools or universities that are designed for reflection, or to offer respite. These spaces are primarily meant to provide students with a chance to step away from their usual “busyness.” They may be called a reflection room, meditation room, mindful room, or even multi-faith room.
Q: Why do today’s students need a place to get away from their usual tasks or schedules?
A: The pressures on students have multiplied, much as they have for adults. The push for excellence; the abundance of extracurricular activities; the all-too-familiar pattern of mass shootings. Certainly, the growing influence of social media on young lives can also exacerbate the stress that students of all ages are experiencing.
Research shows that the need for student mental health resources is increasing. For example, the American Psychological Association reports a 30 percent increase in college students seeking on-campus counseling. With 75 percent
of all serious adult psychiatric illnesses
the ribbon-cutting the end of your discussions about how to foster learning. Make it the beginning.
Q: What’s most important in selecting a vendor?
A: First, I would look for a vendor partner who is willing to listen. There are a lot who just start selling their solution before even understanding your problem. Your needs deserve careful analysis and consideration by any vendor.
Next, I would look for responsiveness—do
they do what they say they are going to do, in
a timely manner? Not everyone has done the work of creating a truly customer-responsive organization. Once they propose a solution, it ought to ladder back perfectly to your goals and answer your question—they need to show they were paying attention! When delivery comes there will inevitably be minor hiccups—watch how they handle these unplanned issues. Do they do it with efficiency and grace? Ultimately, you are trying to find vendors who understand your needs and are trustworthy. That trust must be earned.
starting by age 25, schools and universities play an essential role in addressing mental health issues early.
Q: How are institutions addressing the need for spaces which allow students to focus on their mental health?
A: A growing number of institutions are providing quiet spaces where students can gather their thoughts, reflect, pray, or meditate. These spaces may be furnished with soft seating, floor cushions, or mats. Calming colors are often used, and soft music may be played. If practical, these types of rooms or spaces
are located in a quiet part of the building,
with guidelines that restrict group study or conversation. The use of electronic devices may be discouraged or prohibited. Additional points may include restricting food or drink, or the use of scented candles or incense.
Experts recognize that emotional health is important for succeeding in school. This growing trend to provide reflective spaces is evidence of administrators seeking to engage students’ spirits as well as their brains.
Thought Leader:
Lisa Schmidt, LEED-AP, is the director of Strategic Initiatives at National Office Furni- ture, a manufacturer of seating, tables,
and case goods for
learning environments and more.
Company:
National Office Furniture
Website:
www.NationalOfficeFurniture.com
Contact Info:
Lisa can be reached at Lisa.Schmidt@National OfficeFurniture.com.
Q: Education facilities at all levels are undergoing quite a bit of change. What is one trend you are following regarding new space types?
A: At National we are tracking the emerging
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