Cultivating Connection with KG Education

Have you every wanted to completely reimagine education? That's exactly what Jamie Ewing challenged himself to do when he left his public school teaching position for a private Waldorf school in New York City. An award-winning educator known for STEM, science, and technology integration, Jamie exchanged technology for a chalkboard and embraced a brand-new teaching approach. In this episode of Cult...

In this collaborative episode hosted by Joel Templeman of Tech Manitoba, Leah Obach and Devon Caldwell are joined by other podcasters in education for a panel discussion. As you listen, you'll learn more about how to get started with podcasting and recommended tools/software/apps. All participants share the lessons they've learned about podcasting and some pitfalls to avoid. Tune in to discover wh...

We know how busy teacher life can get—and November offers some extra challenges with the demands of assessment and reporting. It’s more important than ever to squeeze in some wellness, so in this episode, we share our favourite practices and how to fit them into your hectic day. Learn more about how breathwork, mindfulness, movement, and meditation support your mental and physical health to keep y...

Lisa Baylis is a mindfulness and self-compassion expert, an educator, and a published author from beautiful Vancouver Island. In this episode of Cultivating Connection, we chatted about what educators need to know about mindfulness, self-compassion, and sustainable wellness, as well as Lisa’s tips for how to get started. Lisa shares from an authentic place—she doesn’t just write and present about...

Imagine if you could set yourself up for a great school year by implementing three new strategies in your life. In this episode of Cultivating Connection, Leah and Devon share three practices that have made a big difference for them, why they work, and how you can customize them to work for you. Links and resources are shared in the show notes, available at https://kgeducation.ca/2/ Passion Planne...

Kerri Malazdrewicz is a Grade 9-12 teacher at Neelin High School in Brandon, Manitoba and the Vice President of the Manitoba Student Leadership Association.  In this episode, she shares with us how she uses social media in education and how she fosters student leadership at her school.  Kerri also shares her ideas for building connections with colleagues and students.  Listen to thi...

Do you ever struggle to find your voice and use it? In this guided meditation, we explore the power and expansiveness of saying YES to yourself and YES to more of what you want in your life. Using breathwork, mantra, and a guided visualization focusing on the throat chakra, we find the strength to use our voices to invite in joy, possibility, and new experiences. 

Danielle is an educator in Trinidad who is deeply committed to school improvement and adding value through her contributions in the field of education.  Devon met her when she traveled to Trinidad and Tobago in 2015 to deliver professional development workshops as part of Project Overseas.  In this episode, Danielle tells us all about the school system in Trinidad and shares her passion...

Spencer Cotter is an instructional coach and teacher mentor from Michigan. Tune in as the Kenton girls talk to Spencer about boundaries, energy input and output, and wellness in the teaching profession. Spencer shares her personal story, relatable examples, and simple techniques to help teachers make changes to avoid burnout and exhaustion. You won't want to miss learning about the 3 Cs of boundar...

Devon and Leah reflect on two years of working with teachers to offer their unique blend of professional learning and wellness. They share their favourite moments, lessons learned, and their plans for the upcoming year. Show notes at: https://kgeducation.ca/podcasthappyanniversary/

Based on the ideas shared in James Clear's book, Atomic Habits, this guided meditation uses visualization, affirmations, and the feeling state to support healthy habit development. 

Sarah Harrison is a globe-trotting teacher who loves to travel. This Manitoba girl is currently teaching in an international boarding school in England and recently completed her Master of Education degree. In this episode, we talk about what it's like to teach (and live) in a boarding school and her recommendations for pursuing a similar path. Sarah also shares about play-based learning and tips...

On the anniversary of Leah's year of daily meditation, yoga, and journaling, the Kenton girls discuss all things habits and routines. In this episode, you'll learn more about developing new habits, tools and strategies for habit-tracking, and the girls' best tips for success. Devon and Leah also share their favourite books on habits and routines and their new April book club selection, Atomic Habi...

This 7-minute meditation is perfect to connect you to your body, your breath, and the present moment. Leave anxiety and worry behind as you engage in two different grounding techniques that you can practice anytime, anywhere. 

Listen to this simple guided meditation to begin your morning in the best possible way! Enjoy six minutes of visualization, affirmations, and grounding for a day filled with intention and gratitude. 

Jennifer Casa-Todd is a well-known Canadian teacher-librarian and author of KG Education's first-ever book club selection, Social LEADia: Moving Students from Digital Citizenship to Digital Leadership. Devon and Leah chat with Jennifer about her teaching practice, her favourite books (she's all about young adult fiction these days), how she takes care of herself (hint: it's not about disconnecting...

Loving kindness (known as "metta") meditation is the practice of sending warm, kind thoughts to yourself and the people in your life. It's a great way to cultivate kindness and compassion while repeating a series of mantras. Committing to this practice regularly has been associated with more positive emotions, increased social connection, and greater self-compassion (among many other benefits cite...

Do you love to read but struggle to fit it in? In this podcast episode, Devon and Leah talk about why reading for pleasure is so important and share some tips for making time in your busy schedule to read. They also interview each other about their favourite books and how they use the Goodreads app to track what they're reading and what they'd like to read. Find out their hacks for squeezing in re...

Any time is the perfect time to set new goals and intentions, but there's nothing like a brand-new year to set or recommit to important goals! Beginning with breathwork and a body scan, this soothing guided meditation helps you hone in on short-term and long-term goals. 

This meditation is designed to give you the space to examine, experience, and manifest what you truly desire. Gain clarity, explore the emotions, and express gratitude to come into true alignment with what you wish to attract. 

A little twist on the traditional version for our teacher friends!

The winter solstice is a time to acknowledge the shortest day of the year as a return to light--a time for both reflection and re-birth. Use this guided meditation as an opportunity to consider what you wish to release. Make space for new and exciting opportunities in the months ahead as you step from darkness to light. 

Feeling out of balance, anxious, or uncertain doesn't feel good. Meditation is a powerful tool for helping you restore equilibrium and that feeling of "I am okay". Working with the mantra of "I am okay", enjoy this ten-minute guided meditation to lead you to a place of balance and ease. 

Devon shares current research and helpful strategies to identify and reframe your feelings during these challenging times. Visit the show notes to find more information about the topics she's discussed as well as how to access the MTS Educator Assistance Program and local mental health services. 

This 8-minute body scan guides you through a full-body relaxation experience, from the crown of your head to the tips of your toes. This meditation is perfect for the transition from school to home or to help you drift off to sleep.