Shows
Teacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 14: Shawnna Purkis and Teacher PassionsEpisode 14: Teacher Passions and Purposeful Practice with Shawnna PurkisRead the full episode TRANSCRIPT here.In this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Chey sits down with middle school educator and artist Shawnna Purkis to explore how teacher passions—especially in the arts—can elevate classroom learning, build stronger student connections, and create more joyful teaching experiences.Shawnna shares her journey from aspiring professional artist to dedicated Grade 8 teacher, and how she continues to weave her love of art into her cross-curricular teaching. Together, Chey and Shawnna unpack what happens when schools tap...2025-06-0425 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 13: Getting to Know French Immersion with Kendra HatchEpisode 13: Getting to Know French Immersion with Kendra HatchIn this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Pav sits down with Kendra Hatch, an elementary French Immersion teacher in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), to unpack the structure, benefits, and challenges of French Immersion programs.Kendra shares her personal journey as a French Immersion student turned teacher and explains the differences between Extended, Middle, and Early Entry French Immersion programs. With firsthand experience in all three, she offers invaluable insights into how French Immersion supports language development, critical thinking, and lifelong learning skills...2025-04-2833 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 12: Designing Original Lessons with Betty ZhangEpisode 12: Designing Original Lessons with Betty ZhangIn this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Chey sits down with Betty Zhang, a dynamic high school educator and practicing artist, to explore the creativity and collaboration behind building original, student-centered lessons from the ground up.From Angry Birds-inspired parabola graphs to full-scale fashion design and dollhouse builds, Betty shares how her projects blend curriculum with imagination, and how trusting relationships with colleagues fuel some of the most innovative teaching in her school.Betty emphasizes the importance of finding inspiration everywhere—from professional development se...2025-04-1849 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 11: Contract Updates and Election Insights with Emily MacklinEpisode 11: Contract Updates and Election Insights with Emily MacklinIn this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Chey and Pav sit down with Emily Macklin, ETT Executive Member and Lead Negotiator, to discuss the latest updates on the newly ratified contract with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB)—what educators need to know and what this means moving forward.But that’s not all. With an upcoming government election on the horizon, Emily shares insights on why this election matters for teachers, public education, and the broader labour movement. She provides guidance on what educ...2025-02-1420 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 10: STEM in the Classroom with Kamla and ZeliaEpisode 9: STEM in the Classroom with Kamla Rambaran and Zélia Capitao-Tavares
In this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Chey and Pav are joined by Kamla Rambaran and Zélia Capitao-Tavares, two innovative educators who are making significant strides in integrating STEM, coding, and gaming into the classroom. Kamla and Zélia share their journey as teaching partners, their commitment to fostering community in learning spaces, and their passion for empowering students, particularly female-identifying students, through technology and collaboration.
The episode dives into their inspiring work with Girls Who Game, a program supported by...2025-01-2044 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 9: Classrooms and Coaching with Ryan RichardsEpisode 9: Classrooms and Coaching with Ryan Richards
In this episode of Teacher Talk, we sit down with Ryan Richards, an experienced middle school teacher and inspiring educator from Toronto. Ryan dives into the heart of teaching at the middle school level, sharing his insights on fostering meaningful connections with students and preparing them for the complexities of life beyond the classroom. From navigating the challenges of lesson plans that don’t always land to emphasizing the importance of recognizing students’ humanity, Ryan provides a refreshing perspective on education as an investment in young people rather than just curr...2024-11-201h 16Teacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 8: Kindergarten with Rosy and AngelaEpisode 8: Kindergarten with Rosy and Angela
In this episode of Teacher Talk, host Pav Wander chats with Rosy Suppa and Angela Orrico, two passionate Kindergarten teachers, about the joys and wonders of early childhood education. Together, they explore how connecting with nature enriches learning experiences, fosters curiosity, and supports child development. From outdoor adventures to hands-on exploration, discover how these educators harness the power of the natural world to inspire their youngest learners. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or new to the profession, this conversation will leave you recharged with fresh ideas and perspectives!
If...2024-10-2247 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 7: Bargaining Update with Laura McCoyEpisode 7: Bargaining Update with Laura McCoy
In Episode 7 of "Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast," host Pav Wander sits down with Laura McCoy, Executive Officer for Ward 6 and 11, Chief Negotiator, and Executive Liaison to the Collective Bargaining Committee for the Elementary Teachers of Toronto (ETT). Laura provides an in-depth look into the current state of collective bargaining for the ETT, sharing valuable insights into the process, goals, and ways members can get involved.
Introduction to Laura McCoy:
Laura's background as a teacher with 23 years of experience, primarily teaching art to intermediate students.
Her extensive involvement...2024-05-2924 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 6: Building Thinking Classrooms with Diana HongIn Episode 6 of "Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast," guest Diana Hong shares her perspectives and experiences as an Elementary Hybrid Math Learning Partner with the Toronto District School Board. Diana discusses the many ways that math pedagogy is implemented in Elementary education, and dives deep into the Building Thinking Classrooms (Dr. Peter Liljedahl) process along with the successes and challenges she has seen along the way.
The episode delves into practical aspects, with Diana exploring the many ways her mathematics space has been revolutionized through exploring the math thinking process, and through social and emotional aspects that i...2024-02-2351 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 5: The Power of Health and Physical EducationIn Episode 5 of "Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast," guest Davin Yu shares his perspectives and experiences as a Physical Education teacher and a homeroom teacher in Toronto. Davin discusses the many misconceptions and misnomers about Health and Physical Education and how the subject has necessarily evolved over the past 20 years as a teacher in the board.
The episode delves into practical aspects, with Davin exploring the many ways he has revolutionized what HPE looks like in elementary education. Davin shares some of the real and everlasting struggles that students and teachers face in order to meet needs i...2024-01-0448 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 4: Antiracist Leadership in Elementary EducationIn Episode 4 of "Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast," guests Kathy Lewis and Hardeep Shergill share their perspectives and experiences as anti-racist leaders in education. Kathy's commitment stems from her personal experiences as a black Afri-Caribbean woman, witnessing the marginalization of Black Indigenous students. Hardeep, a Punjabi Sikh woman with a disability, draws from her upbringing in an underserved neighborhood and her family's history of fleeing British colonial actions. Both advocate for a transformative education that centers student identity, caregiver voices, and sacred knowledge while challenging intersecting systems of oppression. They stress the need to bridge theory and practice, actionize a...2023-10-0752 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 3: The Value of the Teacher-LibrarianIn Episode 3 of "Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast," guests Christie Vella and Rabia Khokhar explore the pivotal role of teacher librarians in today's education landscape. These unsung heroes are not just bookkeepers; they are champions of literacy, curating diverse collections that foster a love for reading and a sense of belonging among students. Teacher librarians also serve as instructional leaders, tailoring reading experiences to individual student preferences and bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Furthermore, this episode highlights how teacher librarians create vibrant learning spaces, extending education beyond the classroom through innovative approaches and support for...2023-09-1342 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 2: The Power of Reflection with Matthew MorrisIn this inspiring second episode of "Teacher Talk," we explore "The Power of Reflection" with special guest, teacher Matthew Morris. As an experienced educator, Matthew shares how reflection has transformed his teaching practice and impacted the lives of his students. From his initial motivation to become a catalyst for change to fostering a reflective culture among colleagues, Matthew reveals the profound benefits of introspection and self-analysis in education. Join us as we delve into his personal experiences, insights, and the transformative power of embracing reflection for positive change in the classroom.
See the TRANSCRIPT f...2023-07-0440 minTeacher Talk: An ETT PodcastEpisode 1: Centrally Assigned Teachers - The Impact We Don't SeeIn the first full length episode of "Teacher Talk," we explore the impactful role of learning coaches in education. Hosted by ETT member and middle school teacher, Pav Wander, the podcast features conversations with Linette, Jennifer, and Ellen, who share their unique journeys as learning coaches specializing in areas such as early literacy, student mental health, transitions in middle years, and student support from kindergarten to grade 12. Despite facing challenges and often being misunderstood, learning coaches and other specialized support roles play a vital part in ensuring student success and joy. Additionally, central staff members contribute significantly to the e...2023-06-121h 07
Teacher Talk: An ETT PodcastVision and Mission with Helen Victoros and Nigel BarriffeIn the first episode of "Teacher Talk," hosts and elementary teachers Chey Cheney and Pav Wander sit down with the Elementary Teachers of Toronto (ETT) President, Helen Victoros, and Vice President, Nigel Barriffe, to talk about the vision and mission of the podcast series. Through the conversation, Helen and Nigel highlight the incredible work being done in Toronto schools and provide insights about the challenges that teachers face in those very same school settings. The ETT podcast is a great example of the power of podcasting to create impactful content and bring awareness to critical issues.
2023-05-2930 min