The Podclass

In this episode of The Podclass, Dr. Kimberley Schonert-Reichl, Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at UBC's School of Population and Public Health, delves into the fundamental importance of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). She defines its core competencies and emphasizes its pivotal role in establishing a secure and nurturing learning environment. Notably, the episode underscores tha...

In this episode, experts Greg Paterson and Karen Matson explore the intricate landscape of addressing alcohol use in school settings. Greg, drawing from education, psychology, and addiction services, joins forces with Karen, an advocate in mental health promotion and prevention. Infographic for Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health:  https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2023-05/CGAH-Drin...

In this episode, we dive into the world of education and the importance of helping students find their passions and navigate their paths to success. Our guest, Jason Kupery, the Director of Learning at Palliser School Division shares his journey as an educator and how he's working to create programs that empower students to discover their interests and purpose. The conversation delves into the cha...

Elizabeth and Jamie speak with Nancy Luyckfassel, Professional Development Coordinator at the Alberta Teachers Association, about teacher well-being. They look at the ways that systems and institutions can support teachers, through avenues like professional development, issues advocacy, and more. Additional Resources: The 2021 Workplace Friendship & Happiness Survey: Wildgoose USA . We Are Wil...

Jamie speaks with Tom Wong, a learning leader for the Unique Pathways program with the Calgary Board of Education, about the best ways to support students in acute crises. They dive into ways that relationships with students, parents, and other teachers are integral to creating environments where students are supported.

Elizabeth speaks with Natalie Costa from Alberta Health Services and Sarah Balla from Elk Island Catholic Schools about taking a weight-neutral approach to physical education classes. They cover a host of topics from fitness testing to nutrition, school sports to swim classes, and more. Additional Resources: Canada's Food Guide Mills, A., & Osborn, B. (2013).  Shapesville . Gurze Books. (...

Elizabeth talks with Dr. Michelle Kilborn, assistant professor of teaching from the University of Calgary, about ways to build lesson plans where well-being is embedded. They discuss ideas that contribute positively to students' and collective classroom well-being, including active, dynamic and creative learning activities. Additional Resources: Dweck, C. (2006).  Mindset: The New Psychology...

Jamie is joined by Daley Laing from the ARC Foundation to discuss ways to make classrooms equitable for all genders. They dive into the SOGI 123 framework, as well as look at concrete strategies for creating inclusive class environments. Additional resources: The ARC Foundation SOGI 123 Website SOGI-inclusive Book List Schrefer, E. (2022). Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Anim...

Elizabeth is joined by Adam Pratt, an elementary school teacher and health and wellness consultant with Ever Active Schools, to discuss the new Alberta physical education and wellness curriculum. They discuss ideas and methods for implementing any curriculum, and ideas for cross-curricular connections in physical education and other classes. Additional resources: Alberta Physical Education and Wel...

Jamie chats with GEOEC president and junior high teacher Court Rustemeyer about the long-lasting impacts of outdoor education, and how getting outside doesn't just benefit students, but teachers as well! Starting small at the beginning of the school year can set the stage for a successful year in nature. Resources: Global Environmental and Outdoor Education Council  (GEOEC) Outdoor Learn...

Jamie talks with Lauren Alston, PhD candidate and former provincial GSA coordinator, about Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA's) and how they benefit school communities as a whole, contribute to student leadership skills, and how teachers can support GSA's in their own school communities. Resources: altView Foundation Fyrefly in Schools Program Alberta GSA Network Alberta GSA Network Facebook Page Albert...

Jamie guides us through conversations about how well-being can be brought to life, set against the backdrop of Shaping the Future - an annual conference that focuses on wellness in school and community settings. Hear from a number of Ever Active Schools team members, teachers, health promoters, and students about well-being and the different ways it can look to each person. Additional Resources: S...

Note: This episode is the second part of Jamie's conversation with Dr. Karlee Fellner. We strongly recommend listening to part 1 of this conversation first as some of the ideas discussed are linked to the earlier conversation ( listen to part 1 here ). Jamie continues his conversation with Dr. Karlee Fellner about the intersections of culture, spirituality and well-being. They discuss the idea tha...

Jamie is joined by Dr. Karlee Fellner, founder and CEO of maskihkiy wellness and associate professor at the University of Calgary, to talk about the intersections of culture, spirituality and overall well-being. They delve into personal wellness as part of collective wellness, including the impact that previous generations and land have in our well-being. This is part 1 of the interview with Dr. K...

Jamie is joined by Jocelyn Graham and Kaitlyn Hill, health promotion facilitators with Alberta Health Services, to dive into sexual health education. Jocelyn and Kaitlyn share a variety of strategies and resources that any teacher can use in their classroom to provide evidence-based, inclusive sexual health education to students of all ages. Additional Resources: Teacher Greeting Students video Te...

Elizabeth discusses substitute teaching with Dr. Jodi Harding-Kuriger, a teacher of 16 years and passionate health & physical education proponent. They explore the benefits of substitute teaching, and Jodi provides tried and true strategies for substitute teachers as they venture into new classrooms. Resources: Follow Jodi on Twitter: @JodiKuriger The Book with No Pictures  by B.J. Novak...

Andrea Dion, Chesa Peter, and Scott Bailey from Ever Active Schools join Elizabeth to discuss ways to bring physical activity into your classroom, regardless of the subject. They look at the importance and benefits of daily physical activity, how to tie activity to cross-curricular outcomes, and provide different games and examples that you can start using the next time you're in your classroom! R...

Dr. Astrid Kendrick and Dr. Theodora Kapoyannis from Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary join Elizabeth to discuss the role of emotional labour in education, teaching as relational work, and self-care in the presence of collective well-being. Additional resources: Compassion Fatigue, Emotional Labour and Educator Burnout: Research Study (Alberta Teachers Association) Heart Ca...

Jamie talks with Cindy Andrew, a health promotion consultant with organizations including the Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia and the Psychology Foundation of Canada. Cindy shares her expertise in ways to promote healthy behaviours and curb problematic substance use in students through a comprehensive school health approach. They discuss how some types of substance use education...

Former B.Ed. student Rebecca St. Louis shares how an assignment in the EDUC 551 course at the University of Calgary informed a successful school-wide initiative to promote kindness during her field experience. She also shares advice on making the most of her last semester and applying for teaching positions. Resources: Kindness Bingo Cards Encouraging Positive Mental Health in Schools with Andrew...

Jamie talks with Dr. Jen Leo, director at The Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement, and Katrina Maximchuk, executive director at Paralympic Sports Association, about making physical activity and education accessible for all students. They share stories, practical strategies, resources, and games to help practitioners "just do it!" Additional Resources: Get Active Together (not...

Jamie is joined by Dr. Doug Gleddie, Dr. Lauren Sulz and Jonathan Mauro to discuss all things school sports. They look at the ways school sports are part of a healthy school community, what benefits they provide to students who participate, and how school sports can be reimagined so more students can benefit. Additional resources: The Podclass: Electives

Content warning: discussions of suicidal ideation and abuse Jamie talks with Alberta Health Services Youth Addiction and Mental Health Provincial Advisory Council (YAMH PAC) members Katelyn, Nik, and Heather about their experiences on the council and lived experiences with mental health and addiction. They share the activities and resources that have supported them in their journeys and ideas for...

Recorded as a virtual panel session for Shaping the Future 2021 . Join a panel of podcast hosts, producers, educators and enthusiasts for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of "The Podclass: Conversations on School Health.” Learn the evidence behind why podcasts are a great strategy for professional learning, how this series was brought to life and is being utilized in a “flipped classroom” ap...

Jamie talks with Dr. Rahat Zaidi, an Associate Professor in Second Language Pedagogy at the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary about diversity in culture, language, and backgrounds in Canadian classrooms. She shares resources and strategies for teachers to acknowledge and honour diversity without having to be a language or cultural expert. Additional Resources Living Together: Mus...