Education Matters Podcast

In this podcast episode, Camillo Cipriano, the Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer for the Niagara Catholic District School Board, shares insights into his role and personal journey. He reflects on his upbringing in Milton, Ontario, and how his childhood experiences of imaginative play and exploration shaped his problem-solving skills. Camillo discusses the challenges and opportunities i...

In this engaging conversation, Sunil discusses his journey from a traditional math teacher to an advocate for a more humanistic approach to mathematics education. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, curiosity, and play in learning, and how these elements can transform the way mathematics is taught. Sunil also highlights the need to reintroduce the history of mathematics and its connectio...

In this episode, David DeSantis, the Director of Education for the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic School Board, shares his journey from growing up in an Italian immigrant family in Hamilton, Ontario, to becoming a director of education in Ontario, Canada. He discusses the importance of music in education, the challenges faced by new teachers, and the role of mentorship in his career. David emphasize...

In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, we explore the evolving role of education in Canada, particularly focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. We discuss  the importance of AI literacy, equity of access, and the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the educational landscape. Dean Shareski and Anna Villalta share their insights on how AI can be us...

In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Reg Klassen, the executive director of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASA), shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Saskatchewan to a successful career in education. He discusses the importance of building relationships in education, the impact of teachers on students, and the need for parental involvement in...

In this conversation, Pino Buffone shares his journey from being a child of Italian immigrants to becoming the Director of Education at the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. He reflects on his upbringing in a bilingual household, the importance of education instilled by his parents, and his experiences navigating the education system as a multilingual learner. Pino discusses the challenges of...

In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, host Jason Buccheri speaks with Doug Roberts, founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation. They discuss Doug's background, his work with school superintendents, and the importance of innovation in public education. Doug shares personal anecdotes from his upbringing in Northport, New York, and reflects on the significance of safe s...

In this conversation, Mark Daly shares his journey from aspiring jazz musician to a prominent figure in AI at Western University. He discusses the importance of literature and diverse learning experiences in shaping his perspective. Mark reflects on philosophical insights from Dan Dennett, emphasizing the need for a careful approach to AI and its implications for society. He highlights the urgency...

In this podcast episode, Mark Edwards shares his extensive journey in education, influenced by his upbringing in a family of educators. He discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing institutional racism within educational systems, recounting personal experiences and transformative practices that led to significant improvements in student outcomes. Mark emphasizes the role of technology...

In this episode, Dr. Scott McLeod discusses the transformative power of mindset in education, emphasizing that the biggest barrier to change is not resources but rather deeply embedded beliefs about schooling. He explores the concept of deeper learning, where students are empowered and engaged through inquiry, relevance, and voice. McLeod shares insights from his extensive experience visiting scho...

In this conversation, Ira Socol shares his extensive experience in education, focusing on creating learner-centered environments. He reflects on his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, and how his childhood experiences shaped his views on education, including his journey through education, law enforcement, the impact of dyslexia on his education, and the transformative experience of attending an alt...

Antonio Vendramin, a principal in the Surrey School District, shares his experience and insights in education. He discusses his journey from being a classroom teacher to a principal and his passion for opening a new school. Antonio emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students, colleagues, and parents, and the impact it has on learning. He believes in the power of personalizati...

In this engaging conversation, Jason Buccheri interviews Shannon Behan, the president of the British Columbia Principals and Vice Principals Association. They discuss Shannon's background, her experiences growing up in a small community, and the importance of play in childhood education. The conversation delves into the balance between rigor and creativity in education, the vital role of principal...

In this episode, the conversation delves into the life and work of Dr. Marc Brackett, who shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by trauma to becoming a leading voice in emotional intelligence. The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, particularly the influence of his uncle Marvin, and how it shaped his understanding of emotions. Marc reflects on his academic path, t...

In this special episode of the Education Matters podcast, brought to you by the Mental Health Summit, Jason Buccheri is joined by co-host Gina Cherkowski and they're guest, Jessica Janzen. In this conversation, Jessica discuses her multifaceted life as a motivational speaker, author, and charity founder, reflecting on her upbringing on a farm and the challenges she faced, including bullying an...

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jody Carrington and Dr. Gina Cherkowski discuss their work in mental health, particularly in schools, and the importance of emotional well-being for both children and adults. They explore the journey of becoming a psychologist, the role of sports in emotional development, and the rising concern of emotional illness in society. The conversation emphasizes the need for c...

In this conversation, Julia Fallon, the executive director of SETDA, shares her journey from growing up in Seattle to her experiences in New York City and her current role in educational technology. She discusses the importance of innovative learning environments, the role of SETDA in supporting educators, and the need for community and professional development in education. Julia emphasizes the s...

In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Dr. John Malloy shares his extensive journey in education, reflecting on his experiences from being a teacher to a superintendent and now an Assistant Executive Director at AASA. He discusses the importance of curiosity, the impact of outdoor experiences on learning, and the need for education to adapt to the changing world. Dr. Malloy emphasizes t...

 In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Rebecca Winthrop discusses her journey from a rural upbringing in Oregon to her current role at the Brookings Institution, where she leads the Center for Universal Education. She shares insights on the importance of education as a fundamental human right, her experiences working with the Commission for Refugees, and the development of her book, &#...

Vincent Andrisani, a faculty member at Carleton University, shares his background in sound studies and how it has shaped his teaching. He explores the importance of thinking with our ears—examining sound, listening, and sound cultures as essential tools for understanding the world. Vincent breaks down three assignments he gives his students—an audio portrait, a soundscape composition, and a docume...

Andrew McLuhan joins the podcast to discuss his journey into his family’s intellectual legacy and the founding of the McLuhan Institute. He reflects on his unconventional path—growing up in Toronto, later moving to the countryside, and receiving an informal education through his family’s artistic and intellectual circles. Andrew shares how he came to embrace his grandfather Marshall McLuhan’s work...

Avery, an educator with 25 years of experience, shares his journey from competitive tennis to language learning and the deep connections that make education meaningful. He critiques rigid grading and time-based learning while exploring more flexible, student-centered approaches. The conversation examines the impact of technology—especially social media and AI—on learning, weighing its benefits in...

In this episode of Education Matters , I sit down with Andy Schaefer to explore the lessons he’s learned from a career at the intersection of education and technology. We dive into his early experiences, the moments that shaped his passion for learning, and his journey into the world of edtech. Andy shares his perspective on what makes a great leader—highlighting inspiration, courage, and the abil...

Dr. Karen Beerer, an experienced educator and former senior executive at Discovery Education, reflects on her journey in education and the lifelong importance of learning. She emphasizes the many positive developments happening in classrooms across the United States and the need to amplify them. Karen shares her insights on what makes a great teacher—passion for instruction, adaptability, and a co...

In this conversation, Jason Buccheri speaks with Dean Shareski about the importance of joy in education, the role of community in classrooms, and the impact of childhood experiences on learning. They explore the significance of independence for children, the qualities of effective educational leaders, and what makes a classroom engaging and supportive. Dean shares insights from his extensive exper...