Shaping Lifelong Learning for Students with Dr. Greg Taranto

About this episode

Dr. Greg Taranto discusses how Canon-McMillan School District is reimagining elementary education to foster lifelong learning.

What if the spaces we design for children today could shape how they learn for a lifetime? In this episode, Mark Barga sits down with Dr. Greg Taranto, Superintendent of Canon-McMillan School District, to explore what happens when a growing district seizes the opportunity to reimagine elementary education. From an unexpected career pivot out of cardiac rehab to leading one of Pennsylvania's fastest-growing districts, Greg shares how Canon-McMillan is building more than a new school—they're building capacity for full-day kindergarten, balanced classrooms, and a future where every child feels like they belong. Takeaways: Growth is an opportunity, not just a challenge: When your district is expanding rapidly, use construction projects to solve multiple problems at once—new capacity, balanced class sizes, and the launch of full-day kindergarten across the entire district Full-day kindergarten must look different than first grade: The extra time isn't about adding more academics—it's about structured play, developmentally appropriate practice, and giving interventions a head start before gaps widen Large buildings can still feel small: A "school within a school" neighborhood model…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Greg Taranto

Topics covered

• lifelong learning
• elementary education
• kindergarten
• school design
• student belonging

Keywords

• growth
• full-day kindergarten
• balanced classrooms
• school within a school

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Shaping Lifelong Learning for Students, the Frank S. Manchester Journalism Award

Places: Pennsylvania

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