Professional Development With Mr. Drover

On this episode of Professional Development, I sit down with Erin Teschuk to explore her incredible track journey. From her early days in high school to competing on the world stage, Erin shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Learn about her, her experiences at North Dakota State University, and the challenges she faced on her path to the World Championships and the Olympics. Erin&#39...

In this second part of the conversation with Mikhail Gerylo, Mik and Conrad continue their exploration of the intersection between education, physical fitness, and personal growth. They dive deeper into the challenges teachers face in maintaining their well-being and the pivotal role of professional development in preventing burnout. Mik shares more about his Spartan racing journey, detailing the...

In this episode of Professional Development, Conrad Drover engages in a deep conversation with Mikhail Gerylo, a teacher and athlete, exploring the intersection of education and athletics. They discuss the challenges of balancing teaching responsibilities with athletic training, the importance of surrounding oneself with high achievers, and the need to instill healthy habits in students. The conve...

With the new year upon us I reflect on my podcasting journey, sharing the ups and downs of creating content and the lessons I've learned along the way. From the technical challenges of setting up my home studio to the joy of connecting with diverse and fascinating guests, I offer an inside look at what it takes to produce a podcast. I encourage you to pursue your passions without waiting for p...

Join Conrad and Matt as they dive deep into the world of running training. Explore the essentials of threshold workouts, speed work, VO2 max, and long runs, and discover how these elements boost athletic performance. Learn about the physiological changes that come with varied workouts and the critical role of recovery. This episode highlights the importance of a holistic training approach, where c...

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Matt Van Schepdael. We talk about Matt’s journey as a graduate student in microbiology and biochemistry, especially his research into bacterial secretion systems, most notably the type six secretion system. Our conversation digs into the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and how biotechnology might offer promising alternatives. We also get into...

In this episode, we finish our conversation with the Calgary Police Service by talking about the diverse roles of police officers that go beyond just patrol. From child protection to crisis intervention, we discuss how police, through multi-disciplinary approaches, work to help the citizens they serve and address issues in empathetic ways. We also touch on the similarities between policing and tea...

Welcome to Season 2 of Professional Development! I n this premiere episode, I sit down with Constable Brennan Martin and Sergeant Angie Tetley from the Calgary Police Service. In this episode, I pick the officers' minds about all things policing, especially what it takes to be a cop. In this first part, we explore how each of the officers found their "call to serve" and how sometimes...

In this episode, I’m joined by Sairan Aqrawi , an accomplished engineer and passionate mentor, to explore the three pillars that shape her coaching philosophy: Clarity, Action, and Consistency. We discuss the importance of integrating personal passions with professional life, the evolving role of mentorship in career development, and how embracing change can lead to personal growth. Aqrawi shares...

In this episode, I’m joined by William Skulsky, a veteran construction and mechanics teacher from southern Alberta, to explore the four pillars that shape his teaching philosophy: Pride, Patience, Persistence, and Precision. We talk about the importance of hands-on learning, the evolving role of technology in education, and how strong relationships with students are foundational to meaningful lear...

Dr. Poppy Gibson is a senior lecturer in education, researcher, and all-around strong voice when it comes to rethinking how we teach and learn. In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to build authentic relationships with students, why every learner is like a brick wall (in the best way), and how educators can navigate the chaos with purpose. We talk ADHD, imposter syndrome, parent...

In this episode of Professional Development, I sit down with Mitch Catacutan, a teacher currently teaching middle school in WInnipeg, Manitoba. I had to the pleasure of having Mitch as my first mentor-teacher back in University. Coincidently, I was also Mitch's first (and last) student -teacher. We discuss our experiences in education, focusing on mentorship, teaching strategies, and the importanc...

Today, I’m joined by Steve Boots, a veteran educator, content creator based in Saskatchewan. Steve brings over 17 years of classroom experience and a passion for making Canadian politics and current events accessible, engaging, and often hilarious. In this episode, We explore the morale crisis in education, the complexities of teacher certification across provinces, and the economic implications o...

In this episode of Professional Development, I sit down with Cassandra Masters, a multi-talented educator with a background in music and karate. We explore Cassandra’s journey from a band and choir specialist to a generalist teacher aspiring to move into educational leadership. Cassandra discusses how her karate training shaped her approach to structure and discipline in the classroom and reflects...

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In this episode of Professional Development, we continue the discussion with Neil Sandham— We explore how Indigenous perspectives can be meaningfully integrated into classrooms—not just by adding content, but by shifting the very way we think about science, inquiry, and knowledge itself. Neil reflects on his time teaching in Morley, Alberta, and challenges the performative nature of some current F...

In this episode of Professional Development, I sit down with Neil Sandham—an experienced educator, shop teacher turned science specialist, and a thoughtful voice in Alberta’s education landscape—for a wide-ranging conversation on what’s really happening in schools today. Neil shares his personal journey from earning an English degree to teaching science for over three decades, and how he’s adapted...

In this episode of Professional Development , I sit down with Timothy Cho, a North Korean escapee, human rights advocate, and Christian activist, to explore his extraordinary journey—from surviving political prison camps in North Korea to building a new life in the United Kingdom. Timothy shares raw, first-hand accounts of escaping twice from North Korea, surviving Chinese detention, and the emoti...

In this episode of Professional Development , I sit down with Jordan Lawson, a dedicated teacher based in southern Alberta. We explore Jordan’s unique journey into education—from an early interest in dentistry to discovering a true passion for teaching. Jordan reflects on the impact of early academic experiences, the importance of resilience, and how building strong relationships with students sha...

In this episode of Professional Development, I sit down with Marc Geller, known for his captivating portrayal of Kier Eagan in Apple TV+'s hit series, Severance. We explore Marc's journey as an actor, from his early experiences in theater and navigating the challenges of auditions to his work on the critically acclaimed Severance. Marc shares insights into bringing the enigmatic Kier to life, work...

In this episode of  Professional Development , I sit down with Michelle Haugan, an educational assistant, to talk about her journey into education. We dive into the challenges of working with students with complex needs and the importance of emotional regulation and self-care in the teaching profession. Michelle shares her experiences overcoming self-doubt, the power of building strong relationshi...

In this episode, I sit down with Quinn Lyness , the founder of the Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL) , a revolutionary team-based league inspired by Formula One . Quinn shares his journey from student-athlete to sports entrepreneur , breaking down how CTFL is bridging the gap between Olympic hype and year-round fan engagement . We dive into the business of sports , discussing sponsorships, at...

In this episode of  Professional Development , I sit down with Ben Porter, a science, math, and sports medicine teacher in southern Alberta, to uncover the hidden costs of being an educator. We dive into his transition from private to public education, the surprising financial trade-offs, and the emotional toll of teaching high-academic courses. Ben opens up about the unspoken expectations placed...

In this episode of Professional Development , I sit down with Molly Maguire , a humanities teacher in southern Alberta, now in her second year of teaching. We explore how her educational background shapes her approach to history , the role of discussion and performance in humanities education , and the unexpected ways science, drama, and humanities intersect in the classroom. Molly shares how she...

In this episode of Professional Development , I sit down with Jessica O'Connell, a distinguished Canadian long-distance runner and Olympian. We delve into her remarkable athletic journey, from competing at the Rio Olympic Games to her transition from athlete to coach. Jessica shares her insights on resilience in sports, the challenges of overcoming injuries, and the importance of cross-training fo...