Help Teach

Tune in to this re-release of a hidden gem that opened Season 3 of Help Teach, where we dissect the nuts and bolts of inclusive playgrounds, from funding to construction, and discuss the importance of both free play and universal design for young people of all abilities. Join Mihai and Melissa as they explain how crucial inclusive (not "accessible"!) playground equipment can be for young learners....

Enjoy this re-release of one of most popular episodes from the Help Teach vault. In December, 2024, Mihai reconnected with his elementary school principal John McMahon to discuss how teachers can help their students of all abilities discover their potential through an arts-infused education. Join Mihai and John McMahon as they reminisce on old times and tell inspiring stories of students whose liv...

In this episode, we discuss recovery after Post Concussion Syndrome and the importance of access to the classroom, even when it seems impossible. Join Mihai and debut author Paulina Turczynska as they discuss the long and little-known road to recovery faced by those suffering from Post Concussion Syndrome. They share stories about making one's own adventures while stuck in bed, talk about pursuing...

In this episode, we discuss ADHD in the modern day, in adulthood and, most importantly, in the classroom. Join Mihai and young entrepreneur Ammaar Khan as they explore the most recent developments in understanding ADHD, especially among adults and women of all ages. Together, they tackle persistent misconceptions about the condition, highlight the vital importance of diagnosis and access to inform...

In this episode, we discuss disability in post-secondary and professional education, the impact of policy on access and the power of professors to make a difference in their students' lives. Join Mihai and his new colleague, Toufic Chehab, as they break down the impact of provincial and federal policy on accessibility in Canadian post-secondary institutions. They share stories of their experiences...

In this episode, we discuss transitioning from high school to post-secondary studies as a disabled student and three tips for making the most of the experience. Join Mihai and Help Teach's first-ever guest, Payton Given, as they catch up on life and discuss transitioning from high school to post-secondary as a disabled student. They celebrate Payton's budding para-athletics career, connect over th...

Join me as I offer some life updates on where I've been and where I'm headed in 2025. In this episode, I lay out some plans for the future of Help Teach, chat about my experience so far in law school, and share my Top 5 favourite moments of 2025. Toronto Pearson International Airport earns RHF Gold Certification More about RHFAC Gold About Master Smith, Difference Maker Help Teach Episode 30

Bonus content for Episode 35 with Gillian Nycum about neuropluralism in the classroom and her work, Authentic Front by Gillian Nycum (soon to be Fields of Potential) .

In this episode, we take a new approach to the challenge of neurodiversity in the classroom and offer a simple solution for teachers to make their students feel welcome: the C.A.I.R. framework. Join Mihai and Gillian Nycum as they discuss the concept of "neuropluralism"; not just inviting neurodiverse people to our table, but being curious about what goes on at theirs. They distill the challenges...

In this episode, we delve into the sometimes conflicted world of entrepreneurship and accessibility, especially for those living with a visual impairment. Join Mihai and Aidan Gibbons as they explore the challenge of finding the right balance between being an advocate and "fitting in" in the world of entrepreneurship, business, and project management. They also talk about visual impairment in the...

In this episode, we delve into the sometimes conflicted world of entrepreneurship and accessibility with Help Teach's second visually impaired guest. Join Mihai and Aidan Gibbons as they explore the challenge of finding the right balance between being an advocate and "fitting in" in the world of entrepreneurship, business, and project management. They also talk about visual impairment in the class...

Join Mihai Covaser as he recaps and summarizes the most important lessons from Season 3 of Help Teach, with a focus on the vital importance of attitudes and mentality. Thank you for another amazing year of engagement, from all around the world! We can't wait to bring you more inspiring stories and helpful lessons with a new sound from a new team of volunteers. Thank you for listening, and I'll see...

In this episode, we explain the "accessibility Spidey-sense" that often accompanies life as a disability advocate or ally and how we can more effectively share the work of learning together in the classroom. Join Mihai and Talina Papazian as they discuss allyship, advocacy, and the variety of hats disabled and non-disabled people wear in pursuit of a more accessible community. They break down the...

In this special milestone episode, Help Teach goes international as we explore the power of our own attitudes in shaping our disability experience. Join Mihai and Andrew Gadd as they discuss the foundational role of educators in shaping the personal perceptions and attitudes that young people with disabilities carry into their adult lives. We often talk about the obstacles created by others' judgm...

In this long-awaited return episode, we take a deep dive into user experience design, digital platforms, and accessibility in the modern age. Join Mihai and Valérie Chabot as they discuss the important role user experience design experts play in creating intuitive and accessible websites and apps for everyone to enjoy. Together, they bridge the gap between the digital world and the classroom to hi...

In this episode, we take a trip down memory lane to highlight the vital role that an arts-infused education can play in a young student's life. Discover how we can all foster inclusion and excellence through the arts together heart-warming episode. Happy holidays! Join Mihai and John McMahon as they reminisce on old times and tell inspiring stories of students whose lives were forever changed afte...

In this episode, we dissect the nuts and bolts of inclusive playgrounds, from funding to construction, and discuss the importance of both free play and universal design for young people of all abilities. Join Mihai and Melissa as they explain how crucial inclusive (not "accessible"!) playground equipment can be for young learners. They offer recommendations for teachers on how to help advocate for...

In this episode, we explore a program designed to make dreams come true for young people with disabilities in Nova Scotia and talk about why new experiences are crucial for developing self-confidence in the classroom and beyond. Thank you Dimitri and Darren for your amazing work! Join Mihai and Payton as they bring you the story of Payton's experience with Dream Wings, a program that gives Nova Sc...

In this episode, we answer the question, "What lessons can Canada learn from around the world to improve its accessibility landscape?" We explore the idea that our attitudes may do more heavy lifting than we think in making our environments more accessible. Join Mihai and Maggie as they compare notes about their experiences with accessibility abroad. On their conversational voyage, they pass by mo...

In this episode, we respond to our previous conversation on the proper role of support staff in the school system and ask a Certified Educational Assistant (CEA) about her views and experiences. Join Mihai and Delrene Stade as they discuss the difficulties of working as a CEA/EA in various school districts, including a lack of administrative engagement and proper training for new support staff. Th...

In this episode, we trace the multi-faceted experience of life with cerebral palsy through the stages of education and into the professional world and workforce. Join Mihai, Marco Pasqua, Payton Given, and Lucy Diaz as they discuss the experience of life with cerebral palsy (CP) in Canada as it relates to education and work. They trace the outline of the life of a CP advocate through elementary sc...

In this episode, we discuss the role of Educational Assistants and the value of accounting for some extra time in the classroom to support a variety of students and their needs. Join Mihai and Jordan Lowe as they discuss the formative role of Educational Assistants (EAs) in the Canadian public school system and their personal experiences with educational support. They touch on patience, compassion...

Join Mihai Covaser on a trip back through 2023 to learn a bit more about the "why?" behind the show and reflect on the past, present, and future of Help Teach. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In this episode, we discuss the concept of collaborative inclusion and how the classroom benefits from open doors to conversation between students, teachers, and parents.  Join Mihai and Kyla Bresch as they discuss the concept of collaborative inclusion, drawing on personal stories of well-adapted classrooms and the benefits of collaboration to achieve accessible ends. Together, they highlight the...

In this episode, we discuss the intersection of public and alternative forms of education and lessons that teachers can learn to supplement their accessibility plan in the classroom. Join Mihai and Aaron Wang as they discuss alternative forms of education, such as online and private schooling, and what public school teachers can learn from these programs to make their classrooms more accessible. T...