Shows
Leading Voices in EducationS2E12: Dean Shareski - Teaching in the Age of AIIn this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we sit down with educator, author, and digital learning leader Dean Shareski to explore one of the biggest shifts facing schools today: the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Drawing on decades of experience as a classroom teacher, district consultant, and global thought leader in digital learning, Dean shares how his deep commitment to joy, humanity, and curiosity shapes the way he approaches AI in education. Dean reflects on his journey from teaching grade one to supporting districts across North America, and how his early love of technology has evolved into a...
2025-11-2534 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E11: Compassionate Systems in Action — Douglas Elementary Teachers Share Their JourneyIn this episode of Leading Voices in Education, Sundeep and Kristi sit down with three educators from Douglas Elementary in the Surrey School District — Angela Thiessen, Jacqueline Robinson, and Caitlyn Worth — who have spent the past four years teaching side-by-side and strengthening their practice through shared learning, reflection, and collaboration.Together, they explore what Compassionate Systems Thinking looks like in the real world of elementary classrooms, from grade one to grade six. The teachers share how this framework has reshaped their understanding of self-awareness, connection, and classroom systems — and how it’s transforming their students’ wellbeing, relationships, communicat...
2025-11-1836 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E10: Dr. Mette Miriam Boell - Redesigning Education for Compassionate SystemsIn this enlightening conversation, Meta Miriam Boll, co-founder of the Center for Systems Awareness at MIT, discusses the transformative potential of compassionate systems in education. She emphasizes the need for a redesign of the educational framework to foster genuine human connection, awareness, and emotional well-being among students and educators. The dialogue explores the importance of integrating social emotional learning with systems thinking, the challenges of changing entrenched educational structures, and practical strategies for educators to cultivate a more compassionate and effective learning environment.
2025-11-0436 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E9: Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl - The Heart of Education: Embracing SELIn this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl discusses the vital role of social emotional learning (SEL) in education, emphasizing its foundational importance for both students and teachers. She shares personal experiences that shaped her passion for SEL, the impact of teacher well-being on student outcomes, and the integration of mindfulness practices in the classroom. The conversation highlights the necessity of creating a positive classroom environment, addressing student behavior with empathy, and the influence of compassionate leadership. Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl also reflects on her work with the Dalai Lama and offers practical advice for educators to foster well-being in...
2025-10-2842 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E8: Pedagogies of Voice - Empowering Student Voices in EducationAuthors Shane Safir, Marlo Bagsik, and Dr. Sawsan Jaber join us to discuss Pedagogies of Voice — a powerful call to reimagine classrooms where students don’t just participate but lead. Together, they unpack the barriers that silence young people, the ten toxins that block learning, and four domains that cultivate agency: identity, belonging, inquiry, and efficacy. They close with reflections on community, well-being, and the courage it takes to teach vulnerably.
2025-10-2143 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E7: Jacinda Ardern – A Different Kind of Power: Kindness as a StrengthIn this enlightening conversation, Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, discusses her leadership philosophy centered on empathy and kindness. She shares insights from her experiences, including the importance of school visits, the need to give students a voice, and the impact of influential teachers. Ardern also addresses the challenges young people face in making a difference and the significance of teaching history for nation-building. Her reflections on imposter syndrome and the importance of well-being in education provide valuable lessons for educators and leaders alike.TakeawaysEmpathy and kindness are essential qualities...
2025-10-1426 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E6: Dr. Gholdy Muhammad - The Power of Joy & Culturally Responsive Teaching in EducationIn this enlightening conversation, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad shares her journey into culturally responsive education, emphasizing the importance of identity, joy, and the five pursuits of education. She discusses practical strategies for teachers to explore and affirm student identities while fostering a joyful learning environment. Gholdy highlights the need for educators to reconnect with their own histories and the histories of their students to create a more inclusive and empowering educational experience.
2025-10-0735 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E5: Jo Chrona: "Unlearning, Relearning – A Path Toward Truth and Reconciliation"In this powerful conversation, Jo Chrona shares her personal and professional journey into Indigenous education and anti-racism. She emphasizes the importance of relationships in learning, the need to unlearn biases, and the misconceptions surrounding Indigenous education. Jo discusses culturally responsive teaching strategies, the impact of privilege and low expectations, and the significance of high expectations based on relationships. The conversation concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future of education, highlighting the need for commitment to learning and doing differently.
2025-09-3041 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E4: Dr. Michael Fullan - Transforming EducationIn this episode of Leading Voices in Education, Michael Fullan discusses the need for a transformative approach to education, emphasizing the importance of student agency, social intelligence, and collaborative cultures within schools. He critiques the existing educational systems and highlights the role of principals in fostering environments where instructional leadership can thrive. Fullan also addresses the implications of AI in education and the necessity of critical thinking and creativity in preparing students for the future. Takeaways:The existing educational system is ineffective and needs transformation.Students and teachers should be co-developers of the educational system.Testing...
2025-09-2338 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E3: Dr. Shelley Moore - "Every Learner Belongs: A Conversation on Inclusive Education"In this conversation, Dr. Shelley Moore shares her journey in inclusive education, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where all students, including those with disabilities, can thrive. She introduces the Five P's framework for inclusion, discusses the barriers educators face, and highlights the need for purposeful Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Dr. Moore advocates for community reflection and data-driven decisions to ensure educational equity, and she provides innovative teaching strategies that support diverse learners. TakeawaysInclusion is about creating a sense of belonging for all students.The Five P's framework is essential for effective inclusive education.Mindset...
2025-09-1638 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E2: Jody Carrington - Wired for Connection: Reframing Behaviour in EducationIn this conversation, Jody discusses the critical importance of connection in education, emphasizing that both educators and students are wired for connection. She highlights the impact of trauma on learning and behavior, advocating for a shift in perspective from seeing students as attention-seeking to understanding their need for connection. Jody also addresses the significance of creating safe and inclusive environments in schools, the role of privilege and representation, and the necessity for educators to maintain their passion and purpose amidst challenges. The conversation underscores the need for emotional regulation and empathy in educational settings, ultimately aiming to foster a...
2025-09-0940 minLeading Voices in EducationS2E1: Mark Pearmain - Navigating Leadership in EducationSummary: In this conversation, Mark Pearmain, the superintendent of Surrey Schools, shares his extensive journey in education, discussing the importance of authenticity in leadership, the challenges of navigating change, and the role of technology in modern education. He emphasizes the need for trust-building in new leadership roles and the significance of maintaining emotional well-being as a leader. Mark also expresses his hopes for the upcoming school year, focusing on the importance of kindness and community support in overcoming challenges.Takeaways:Mark Pearmain has 30 years of experience in education.Authenticity is crucial...
2025-09-0232 minLeading Voices in EducationDr. Michael Ungar: Resilience - Helping Kids Grow Through Challenge, Not OverprotectionIn this compelling episode of Leading Voices in Education, Dr. Michael Ungar—a renowned family therapist and resilience expert—offers a nuanced, research-backed perspective on what it truly means to help children thrive. Moving beyond the simplistic "bounce back" definition of resilience, Dr. Ungar emphasizes that resilience is not solely an internal trait but a dynamic process shaped by supportive environments, relationships, and equitable systems. Through engaging stories and practical strategies, he highlights the importance of age-appropriate challenges, natural consequences, and strong adult connections in building resilience. He critiques the overextension of trauma-informed practices that may unintentionally promote fragility, unde...
2025-05-2736 minLeading Voices in EducationJessica Kruger - Redefining Resilience: Challenging Limits and PerceptionsIn this powerful episode of Leading Voices in Education, we sit down with Jessica Kruger — athlete, artist, entrepreneur, and advocate — whose story of resilience challenges assumptions and redefines what’s possible. From sailing the world as a child to navigating life after a spinal cord injury at age 15, Jessica shares her remarkable journey of reclaiming independence, pushing boundaries, and changing perceptions of disability. She opens up about her experiences breaking barriers in modeling, wheelchair rugby, and culinary school — including facing exclusion from programs and ultimately becoming the first wheelchair user to complete VCC’s pastry arts program. Alongside her accomplishm...
2025-05-1332 minLeading Voices in EducationLamis Sabra: Cultivating CreativityIn this episode of Leading Voices in Education, hosts Sundeep Chohan and Kristi Blakeway engage in a compelling conversation with Lamis Sabra, an esteemed educator and advocate for creative learning. The discussion delves into the pivotal role of creativity in education, examining how it fosters student engagement and nurtures innovation. Sabra shares her insights on integrating creative practices into the classroom, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an environment where students feel empowered to express themselves and think critically. The episode also explores strategies for educators to overcome challenges in implementing creative curricula and highlights the transformative impact of embracing c...
2025-04-2935 minLeading Voices in EducationChief Robert Joseph: Namwayut - We Are All OneThis powerful episode of Leading Voices in Education features Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, a hereditary chief and one of Canada’s most respected voices for reconciliation. In a heartfelt conversation, Chief Joseph shares his personal journey from the trauma of residential schools to becoming a national and global advocate for healing, love, and unity. Drawing from his book Namwayut: We Are All One, he speaks with wisdom and compassion about the meaning of reconciliation, the role of education in restoring identity and belonging, and how simple acts of kindness can lead to profound transformation. This episode invites educators and li...
2025-04-1539 minLeading Voices in EducationDan Pontefract: Work-Life BloomOn this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we talk with Dan Pontefract, author of Work Life Bloom. We dive into the unrealistic pursuit of work-life balance and explore how educators, especially, can blend their professional and personal lives by embracing the concept of "blooming" rather than striving for perfection. Dan discusses how perfectionism, often fuelled by the multiple roles educators play, can hinder growth, and he encourages leaders to prioritize authenticity and value in their teams. The conversation also touches on key leadership qualities such as trust, norms, and how leaders can help their teams feel valued and...
2025-04-0133 minLeading Voices in EducationLisa Baylis: Self-Compassion for EducatorsIn this episode, we sit down with Lisa Baylis, author of Self-Compassion for Educators, to explore how mindfulness and self-compassion can transform the way educators navigate stress, burnout, and exhaustion. Lisa shares powerful insights on cultivating resilience both inside and outside the classroom, offering practical strategies to foster sustainable well-being. Together, we discuss the unprecedented challenges educators face today and how mindful practices can help reduce feelings of guilt, insecurity, and self-judgment. Tune in to discover how embracing self-compassion can empower you to show up for yourself and your students with renewed energy and purpose.
2025-03-1137 minLeading Voices in EducationNicola Wilson : Compassion in Practice and Reflective LearningA dedicated and experienced educator committed to fostering a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and deep learning through an integrated curriculum in Singapore. Passionate about student-led, skills-based education, Nicola empowers young people to become thoughtful, responsible global citizens.She shares her insights on compassionate systems, journaling, and reflective learning—both with her students and fellow educators. Emphasizing the power of vulnerability, she explores concepts like the Ladder of Inference, a model that helps us understand how we interpret situations and make decisions. By encouraging metacognition and shared thinking, Nicola equips learners with the tools to navigate complexity with cl...
2025-02-2532 minLeading Voices in EducationPeter Senge: Compassionate Systems AwarenessIn this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we are joined by renowned systems thinker Peter Senge, who shares insights from his influential work, The Fifth Discipline. Peter discusses how principles of learning organizations and Schools That Learn can be applied to transform educational systems, with a particular emphasis on integrating compassionate systems awareness. He offers practical advice on how educators, leaders, and communities can confront the complex challenges of today’s schools, emphasizing the importance of compassion and empathy in system-wide change. With a focus on creating more adaptive, resilient, and collaborative learning environments, Peter provides actionable strategies to...
2025-02-0633 min