#EduCrush

Gender-based violence continues to be a problem in our society and stems from limiting gender norms, specifically for boys and men. Dr. Gerald Walton is a professor in the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University in Ontario and his area of study has been gender identity, violence in schools, and the larger concept of rape culture.  On the episode, we discuss how teachers can disrupt the modern...

Strategy hacks are designed to be bite-sized episodes that provide teachers a tool they can use in their classroom, tomorrow. Executive Functions (EFs) are higher orders in the brain that allow us to manage and process the world we live in. In this strategy hack, Becca talks about a practical way to invite students to understand EFs so they can get the most out of lessons and set personal growth g...

What would a school look like if teachers were in charge? How would administrative tasks be managed? What impact would this have on student learning? Zaynab Baalbaki previously worked for Escuela Verde, a public charter school in Wisconsin that operates as a testing lab for the Teacher Powered Schools network. On the episode, she shares her experience working as a teacher with no formal leadership...

On project feature episodes, school-based practitioners tell the story of how they disrupted the status quo in their context. In this episode, learn about how a team of grade 6 teachers and an instructional coach worked together to breathe life back into Social Studies through current events, student voice, and an authentic audience. Read this episode as a blog post at https://educrushpod.com/podc...

Creativity is an energizing force that allows us to breathe new life into our work as educators. In this solo episode by host Natalie Vardabasso, learn more about what exactly creativity is (and isn’t), why it needs liberating, and how to do just that in our classroom and schools. View the episode as a blog post at https://www.educrushpod.com/liberating-creativity / 

EduCrush is a podcast that aims to reimagine and rehumanize education. In the second season, host Natalie Vardabasso will continue to feature the dope and disruptive humans who are leading change and unleashing authentic learning. Season two will also introduce bite-sized project features and strategy hacks to equip educators to make innovative ideas a reality in their classrooms.

In the final episode of season one, Dr. Leyton Schnellert describes how he disrupts both teacher education and academic research by designing learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, inclusive, and always in the context of real classrooms. As Leyton says, “The kids are the curriculum and diversity is a resource that helps me teach better and helps everyone learn from each other.” View full...

Math has traditionally been a space dominated by the simple binary of right and wrong answers, but the modern world requires skills, dispositions, and competencies that demand complexity. Kim Petersen and Sheryl Walters have spent the past year creating a “Profile of a Math Learner.” Learn what that is, what it includes, and practical instructional strategies that bring it to life in the classroom...

Teacher expectations have a massive impact on student learning, and yet, they are often one of the most forgotten factors in school improvement efforts. In the episode, Ken brings the humor, heart and hammer to call our attention to the limiting beliefs that reside in many school cultures and how educators need to work together to move ALL students to and through the bar. View full show notes at w...

It doesn’t matter if you work in a company, a hospital, a not-for-profit organization, or a school, we are all facing the same problem; our ways of working are limiting the potential of humans to adapt to complex challenges. On the episode, we explore the hierarchical structures of our past which are still plaguing us today, and how the adults in a school can better work together to transform educ...

I thought I was a unicorn until I met Nick Moskaluk; the only other edupodcaster in Calgary. Turns out, we have even more in common including a reluctance to become a teacher, a love for creativity in the classroom, and a low-key obsession with the brilliant minds in the educational field. 

To achieve equity and meet the demands of the future, many of our institutions and operating systems are due for a massive overhaul. But what does exactly does that look like? As a former principal, superintendent, deputy minister of education and current CEO, Dr. Greg Bass has spent his career leading transformational change and has learned that it requires courage, collaboration, and a culture o...

Unprofessional Development, hosted by Mealy and Tudisco, features the hilarious stories teachers tell in the workroom, the barroom, and the coffee house. In the true spirit of PodSwaps, this three-way interview covers a wide range of topics including Frankensteined careers, magic wands, and fictional teachers. You might call it...funprofessional.  Follow @unprocast on Twitter and stay tuned for mo...

As male teachers of colour in their school district, Gerardo and Kev felt like unicorns. That is, until they found each other and started to talk about their shared experiences on a podcast called Too Dope Teachers and a Mic. On the episode, we explore the microaggressions they’ve experienced while working in a predominantly white profession and how we can build a more culturally responsive practi...

Engagement is a key outcome of every teacher’s practice, but what does it actually look like? In 2009, Dr. Sharon Friesen led a study to figure out how many students across Canada were engaged in school socially, academically, and intellectually. The findings will floor you.

PodSwap(n): when two podcasters jump on each others' shows to double down on the awesome. In this bonus episode, I chat with Shane Lawrence, host of The Ed Podcast. We talk podcasting (obviously), what he's learned about teaching after interviewing over 160 guests, and the joyful discovery of making things. 

In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear says, “Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.” So how might a teacher’s practice change if they were no longer within the walls of a traditional classroom? On the episode, learn from a teacher, instructional coach, and fellow podcaster about how teaching in an online environment offers new possibilities. View full show notes at w...

As a former art teacher turned celebrated artist, Michelle has learned a lot about creativity and how it can transform education. Dream with us about a future for education that is grounded in the “basics”; love, passion, and connections.  View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com ! 

Many of us are trying to find ways to connect school to the wider community, but what would happen if a community was empowered to create their own school? Learn how a teacher took creative control of his career by co-designing a unique learning experience called “The Farm” with fellow members of his rural, Albertan community. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com ! 

Trying a different approach to learning in our classrooms can be daunting but collaborating with a colleague can help us find comfort in the discomfort of change. On the episode, we learn how two educators leaned into uncertainty, curiosity, and the community to create an award-winning project.  View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com ! 

Reconciliation is a personal journey that all Canadian educators have been called to embark upon. But where does that journey start? Where does it end? How might we walk the long and uncertain road together? Sarah Midanik is an inspiring Indigenous professional and leader who is honoring the legacy of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack by helping educators to take #reconciliACTION. View full show note...

At nearly 90-years-old, Jim Gray has learned a thing or two about innovation as a legendary Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and engaged citizen. Turns out, what it takes to be an innovator is also what makes for living a quality life; curiosity, connections, and confidence. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com ! 

Who we are as people largely influences how we embrace creativity and innovation in our lives and work. Though our reasons for embracing change might be different, the need for collaboration and a risk-tolerant culture is universal. Learn from a business innovation consultant about the many different paths that innovators might follow and the cultural conditions that amplify the journey. View full...

Teachers are innovators when they embrace new and better ways of making learning happen in the classroom. However, leaders need to be innovators as well to inspire teachers to take a risk and try something different. Learn more about innovation in the educational space and the barriers that we must overcome to bring new ideas into schools. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com ! 

In honor of the new year, I have a special treat for you... Stay ready for not one, not two, but THREE new episodes next week featuring three different guests, all talking about one topic: innovation. Listen to this bonus episode for a sneak preview!