Leading Voices in Education

What if we changed the way we think about teaching math? In this episode of Leading Voices in Education , we sit down with Janice Novakovski to talk about building confident, capable mathematicians and creating classrooms where students have the opportunity to truly think, wonder, explain, and make sense of mathematics. Janice reminds us that every student comes to math with a math story — experie...

What if challenging behaviour isn’t about a student choosing not to cooperate, but about a student struggling with the skills needed to meet an expectation? In this episode of Leading Voices in Education , we sit down with Dr. Ross W. Greene, creator of the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions approach, to rethink how we understand challenging behaviour in schools. We explore what it means to l...

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education , we sit down with award-winning journalist and author Jenny Anderson, co-author of The Disengaged Teen , for a thought-provoking conversation about why so many young people are disconnecting from school — and what educators, parents, and schools can do differently. Jenny challenges some of the common assumptions we make about teenagers, including the...

In this powerful episode of Leading Voices in Education , we are joined by Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk to play in the NHL. Jordin shares his honest and inspiring story of growing up in Nunavut, overcoming addiction, navigating grief and loss, and finding his path to healing and resilience. He reflects on the teachers, coaches, mentors, and family members who believed in him, the importance of as...

In the Season 3 premiere of Leading Voices in Education , we welcome Andrew Holland, Deputy Superintendent of Surrey Schools, for a conversation about what it means to lead with purpose, presence, and trust. With more than 30 years in education, Andrew reflects on the teachers and leaders who shaped his own journey and shares why he believes every moment and every conversation matters . He discuss...

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we welcome Brandon Laur of The White Hatter, one of Canada's leading voices in digital literacy, online safety, and youth online behaviour. As technology becomes an increasingly important part of children's lives, many parents and educators are left wondering how to help young people navigate the digital world safely while maintaining trust,...

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we are honored to welcome Margaret Wheatley — internationally respected leadership thinker, educator, and author of Restoring Sanity , Leadership and the New Science , and Turning to One Another . Together, we explore what it means to lead, teach, and remain fully human in a world that often feels increasingly chaotic and disconnected. Margaret speak...

Dr. Deborah MacNamara shares insights on the deep connection between nourishment, relationships, and child development. Discover how understanding attachment and creating relational spaces can transform parenting, education, and food practices.

In this discussion, Nicholas Ferroni shares his journey as a passionate educator, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, fostering empathy, and maintaining well-being in teaching. Discover practical strategies for new teachers, the power of positive communication, and the irreplaceable human element in education.

In this conversation, social emotional learning advocates Sarah Dekerf and Jennifer Boudreau share their journeys from classroom teachers to leaders in social emotional learning (SEL) within Surrey Schools. They discuss the importance of building relationships, defining SEL, and the resources available for educators. The conversation also highlights exemplary practices in schools, strategies for t...

In this conversation, Dr. Dan Siegel discusses the intersection of neuroscience, mindfulness, and education. He introduces the Wheel of Awareness, a tool designed to enhance mindfulness and emotional intelligence in both educators and students. The discussion delves into the importance of integration in mental health, the dynamics of the upstairs and downstairs brain, and practical strategies for...

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education , we sit down with Dr. Sabre Cherkowski to explore what it truly means for educators and school communities to move from simply surviving to genuinely flourishing. Grounded in her research on teacher well-being and positive organizational practices, Sabre invites us to rethink how we approach well-being in schools—not as something extra to add on, but...

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Brad Johnson shares his insights on effective leadership in education, emphasizing the importance of relational intelligence, trust-building, and the need for a supportive school culture. He discusses the challenges faced by new leaders, the significance of storytelling in professional development, and the necessity of shifting from a survival mindset to one that...

In today's fast-paced and increasingly digital world, educators are constantly seeking innovative ways to engage their students. One powerful approach gaining traction is outdoor learning, which integrates nature into the curriculum to enhance literacy and math instruction. In this podcast episode, Dr. Rachel Tidd shared her insights on the significance of place-based education and how it can...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Lauren MacLean Douglas shares her journey into outdoor learning, emphasizing the importance of sit spots and nature-based education. She discusses practical strategies for implementing outdoor learning in the classroom, overcoming barriers, and the intersection of literacy and outdoor experiences. The conversation highlights the benefits of outdoor learning f...

In this engaging conversation, Trevor MacKenzie discusses his journey in education, emphasizing the importance of inquiry-based learning and the role of curiosity in fostering student engagement. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with students, particularly focusing on a student named Garrison, whose journey inspired a shift in MacKenzie's teaching approach. The discussion cov...

In this conversation, Simon Breakspear discusses the evolving landscape of educational leadership, emphasizing the importance of human connection, the challenges of frenzied stagnation, and the need for subtractive decision-making in schools. He introduces the concept of 'pruning' as a strategy for effective leadership, advocating for a focus on impactful actions rather than adding more tasks. The...

In this conversation, Dr. Kari Grain discusses her book 'Critical Hope' and her journey as an educator and leader. She explores the concept of critical hope, the importance of professional development, and how educators can navigate emotional tensions while fostering a hopeful environment. Through personal anecdotes and insights, she emphasizes the need for vulnerability, understanding pri...

In this conversation, Dr. Perry Smith shares his insights on education, leadership, and the integration of Indigenous perspectives in teaching. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in education, the need for relevance in learning, and the role of adaptive leadership in today's educational landscape. Perry also discusses the challenges and opportunities of hybrid learning and the import...

In this conversation, Kuljinder Kaur Brar reflects on how children’s books can be powerful spaces of belonging, shaping identity and affirming culture. She shares why seeing names, faces, and family experiences reflected on the page matters deeply for children and their communities, and how stories can help young readers feel known, valued, and at home in the world. Drawing from her own journey, K...

In this powerful and reflective conversation, JB Mahli, Director of Instruction for the Surrey School district’s Racial Equity Department , shares his transformative journey in education and what it truly means to lead with equity and compassion. JB explores the role of listening circles in building trust and deepening understanding within school communities, and speaks candidly about the responsi...

In this conversation, Hannah Beach, an award-winning educator and emotional health consultant, discusses the pressing issues in education today, particularly the emotional health of students. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students, the need for play and connection, and the role of hope in fostering resilience. Hannah shares practical strategies for educators to colle...

This conversation delves into the neurobiological understanding of children's behavior, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that behaviors often stem from a nervous system response to perceived threats or overwhelm. Lori Desautels highlights how caregivers can better support children by understanding these underlying mechanisms rather than labeling them as simply oppositional or depressed.

In this conversation, Dr. Gordon Neufeld discusses the critical role of parent-child attachment in emotional and social development. He emphasizes that strong attachments foster resilience and confidence in children, and that vulnerability is essential for emotional growth. Neufeld highlights the challenges posed by modern society, including the impact of screens and peer relationships, and advoca...

In this conversation, Dr. Gabor Maté shares his insights on trauma, child development, and the importance of relationships in education. He emphasizes that trauma is not just about past events but the unhealed wounds that affect individuals today. The discussion covers the role of environment, the impact of adverse childhood experiences, and the necessity of play in learning. Dr. Gabor Maté advoca...