Leading Voices in Education

In this enlightening conversation, Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, discusses her leadership philosophy centered on empathy and kindness. She shares insights from her experiences, including the importance of school visits, the need to give students a voice, and the impact of influential teachers. Ardern also addresses the challenges young people face in m...

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad shares her journey into culturally responsive education, emphasizing the importance of identity, joy, and the five pursuits of education. She discusses practical strategies for teachers to explore and affirm student identities while fostering a joyful learning environment. Gholdy highlights the need for educators to reconnect with their own hi...

In this powerful conversation, Jo Chrona shares her personal and professional journey into Indigenous education and anti-racism. She emphasizes the importance of relationships in learning, the need to unlearn biases, and the misconceptions surrounding Indigenous education. Jo discusses culturally responsive teaching strategies, the impact of privilege and low expectations, and the significance of...

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, Michael Fullan discusses the need for a transformative approach to education, emphasizing the importance of student agency, social intelligence, and collaborative cultures within schools. He critiques the existing educational systems and highlights the role of principals in fostering environments where instructional leadership can thrive. Fullan also...

In this conversation, Dr. Shelley Moore shares her journey in inclusive education, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where all students, including those with disabilities, can thrive. She introduces the Five P's framework for inclusion, discusses the barriers educators face, and highlights the need for purposeful Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Dr. Moore advocates for comm...

In this conversation, Jody discusses the critical importance of connection in education, emphasizing that both educators and students are wired for connection. She highlights the impact of trauma on learning and behavior, advocating for a shift in perspective from seeing students as attention-seeking to understanding their need for connection. Jody also addresses the significance of creating safe...

Summary: In this conversation, Mark Pearmain, the superintendent of Surrey Schools, shares his extensive journey in education, discussing the importance of authenticity in leadership, the challenges of navigating change, and the role of technology in modern education. He emphasizes the need for trust-building in new leadership roles and the significance of maintaining emotional well-being as a lea...

In this compelling episode of Leading Voices in Education , Dr. Michael Ungar—a renowned family therapist and resilience expert—offers a nuanced, research-backed perspective on what it truly means to help children thrive. Moving beyond the simplistic "bounce back" definition of resilience, Dr. Ungar emphasizes that resilience is not solely an internal trait but a dynamic process shaped by supporti...

In this powerful episode of  Leading Voices in Education , we sit down with Jessica Kruger — athlete, artist, entrepreneur, and advocate — whose story of resilience challenges assumptions and redefines what’s possible. From sailing the world as a child to navigating life after a spinal cord injury at age 15, Jessica shares her remarkable journey of reclaiming independence, pushing boundaries, and...

In this episode of  Leading Voices in Education , hosts Sundeep Chohan and Kristi Blakeway engage in a compelling conversation with Lamis Sabra, an esteemed educator and advocate for creative learning. The discussion delves into the pivotal role of creativity in education, examining how it fosters student engagement and nurtures innovation. Sabra shares her insights on integrating creative practic...

This powerful episode of Leading Voices in Education features Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, a hereditary chief and one of Canada’s most respected voices for reconciliation. In a heartfelt conversation, Chief Joseph shares his personal journey from the trauma of residential schools to becoming a national and global advocate for healing, love, and unity. Drawing from his book Namwayut: We Are All One , h...

On this episode of Leading Voices in Education , we talk with Dan Pontefract, author of Work Life Bloom . We dive into the unrealistic pursuit of work-life balance and explore how educators, especially, can blend their professional and personal lives by embracing the concept of "blooming" rather than striving for perfection. Dan discusses how perfectionism, often fuelled by the multiple roles educ...

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Baylis, author of  Self-Compassion for Educators , to explore how mindfulness and self-compassion can transform the way educators navigate stress, burnout, and exhaustion. Lisa shares powerful insights on cultivating resilience both inside and outside the classroom, offering practical strategies to foster sustainable well-being. Together, we discuss the unpre...

A dedicated and experienced educator committed to fostering a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and deep learning through an integrated curriculum in Singapore. Passionate about student-led, skills-based education, Nicola empowers young people to become thoughtful, responsible global citizens. She shares her insights on compassionate systems, journaling, and reflective learning—both with her stud...

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education , we are joined by renowned systems thinker Peter Senge, who shares insights from his influential work, The Fifth Discipline . Peter discusses how principles of learning organizations and Schools That Learn can be applied to transform educational systems, with a particular emphasis on integrating compassionate systems awareness . He offers practical a...