Leading Voices in Education

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...

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education , we sit down with educator, author, and digital learning leader Dean Shareski to explore one of the biggest shifts facing schools today: the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Drawing on decades of experience as a classroom teacher, district consultant, and global thought leader in digital learning, Dean shares how his deep commitment to joy, hum...

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education , Sundeep and Kristi sit down with three educators from Douglas Elementary in the Surrey School District — Angela Thiessen, Jacqueline Robinson, and Caitlyn Worth — who have spent the past four years teaching side-by-side and strengthening their practice through shared learning, reflection, and collaboration. Together, they explore what Compassionate...

In this enlightening conversation, Meta Miriam Boll, co-founder of the Center for Systems Awareness at MIT, discusses the transformative potential of compassionate systems in education. She emphasizes the need for a redesign of the educational framework to foster genuine human connection, awareness, and emotional well-being among students and educators. The dialogue explores the importance of inte...

In this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl discusses the vital role of social emotional learning (SEL) in education, emphasizing its foundational importance for both students and teachers. She shares personal experiences that shaped her passion for SEL, the impact of teacher well-being on student outcomes, and the integration of mindfulness practices in the classroom. The conve...

Authors Shane Safir, Marlo Bagsik, and Dr. Sawsan Jaber join us to discuss Pedagogies of Voice — a powerful call to reimagine classrooms where students don’t just participate but lead . Together, they unpack the barriers that silence young people, the ten toxins that block learning, and four domains that cultivate agency: identity, belonging, inquiry, and efficacy. They close with reflections on c...