Reinventing Education

In this episode of Reinventing Education, Rob and Brendan explore teacher planning and collaborative planning in a counsellor-centred school, where planning emerges from what is happening in the moment rather than being imposed in advance. They discuss planning as a reflective process — making sense of what has already occurred, surfacing ideas and misconceptions, and responding to the interests a...

Today on the podcast, Brendan and Rob talk PD and what it really means in practice in a counsellor centred school. They explore how genuine professional development grows from what’s needed in the community, where learning is shared, reflective, and constantly evolving. A PD where meaning sits at the centre — not metrics or checklists. When everyone supports each other’s growth, goals become more...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Michelle Auton, educator, speaker, and author of the powerful book What Happy Teachers Do. We dive into her simple yet transformative three-step self-care system designed to help teachers stay calm in class, maintain work–life balance, and reignite their passion for teaching. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, Michelle’s insights are a breath...

Daphne Wallbridge works with new principals stepping into leadership. An educator, superintendent, author, and speaker, Daphne brings practical insight into what it means to lead with awareness, manage ego without losing confidence, and share vulnerably without oversharing. Essential listening for anyone navigating the early years of school leadership. We highly encourage you to check out Daphne's...

On today’s episode of the Reinventing Education, Brendan sits down with Craig Randall, educator, author, and creator of the Trust-Based Observations (TBO) model. Craig shares how TBO replaces judgment and anxiety with trust, reflection, and meaningful growth—helping teachers feel safe to take risks, innovate, and truly improve. We dive into how short, frequent, conversation-based observations offe...

Middle school doesn’t have to be a phase we just survive, it can be a transformative, exciting journey. In this episode, we reconnect with Chris Balme, author of Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome, about reimagining these years as a time for real-world exploration and growth. Chris reveals why middle schoolers are underrated and how the right challenges can unlock thei...

"The Three Types of Schools: Who’s Right About What Makes a ‘Good’ Education?" In this episode our guests are from The Community Connection podcast. Hosts Nathaniel Provencio and Dr. Eric Worcester, along with our own Brendan O'Leary explore the three dominant school models—Expert, Coach, and Counselor. Each has its own take on what makes a good education and how schools should operate. Join us as...

Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools In this episode, we're joined by author, speaker and "recovering high school principal" Dr. Darrin Peppard, to talk about Culture First Classrooms. Creating a positive classroom culture is both an art and a science—and Darrin shares practical strategies and powerful stories that show how it’s done. In his boo...

This week, we sit down with Erica Saccoccio, host of The Childcare Director’s Chair podcast and YouTube channel. A seasoned early years educator, Erica currently runs several childcare centres and brings a wealth of experience to the table. We explore what makes an outstanding Early Years (EY) program, as Erica shares her vision for nurturing environments that grow alongside child development. She...

Dr. Joey Weisler dives into the impact of trauma in our education system. We’ll explore the role of educators—what it is, what it isn’t—and the important distinction between your classroom being a therapeutic environment versus trying to provide therapy for students. Connect with Dr. Joseph Weisler Website Linkedin Social media handles--instagram @classroomnarratives and @throneintheclassroom.  Li...

Your school has 4 dimensions: the organizational, relational, actionable and personal. You and everyone there, focuses on one more than the others. Too often we think about improving one dimension of school without considering the interconnected others. In this episode we'll explore how to use the 4 dimensions tool can: -help you define and solve problems -communicate more effectively with others

In this episode of Reinventing Education, Rob and Brendan explore the impact of flattening hierarchies in schools, focusing on a counselor-centered approach where all voices are equal. They discuss the benefits of shared responsibility in student-led inquiries and the fluidity of roles, but also examine challenges like uneven workload and lack of oversight. Tune in for a lively debate on this bold...

In this episode, hosts Rob and Brendan explore a counselor-centered approach to education, where hierarchy is flattened and staff function as peers rather than authority figures. This creates a school environment rooted in authenticity, empathy, and shared responsibility. They discuss how educators can promote emotional well-being and personal growth by shifting away from traditional roles and emb...

If you only listen to one episode of our podcast, make it this one.  It is a summary of what we're all about.  In this episode, we unpack the three distinct roles that a school can have for a student. Schools either serve students as their expert, coach or counsellor. Each type organizes differently and has a different kind of culture. However, most schools are an unintentional mix of all 3 which...

In this episode of the Reinventing Education Podcast, hosts Rob and Brendan dive into a pressing topic at the center of political debates around the world: should there be a dedicated Department of Education Management at the government level? This idea raises complex questions about how we oversee, fund, and guide education systems. Rob and Brendan examine both the potential benefits and the sign...

In this episode of the Reinventing Education Podcast, Rob & Brendan dive into the transformative role of the Counselor Principal within progressive, sociocratic, or counselor-centered schools. Unlike the traditional hierarchy of the expert-led "pyramid" model or the managerial "star" approach of a coach principal, the counselor principal thrives in a flattened hierarchy where collaboration and...

Today, Rob and Brendan hit pause on our exploration of the counselor-centered school to dive into some eye-opening headlines about the current state of teacher attrition. Following up on our previous discussion about the teacher shortage, we turn our attention to a recent article that sheds light on why so many educators are leaving the profession. We’ll explore compelling stories, including that...

Today, Rob and Brendan dive into the counselor-centered approach to libraries and P.E. spaces. In P.E. there is a move toward treating these parts of the school as flexible, community-driven areas that explore and embrace a range of approaches to physical health. We’ll look at how these spaces are shaped by the ongoing needs of students and their communities. The same goes for libraries, which, in...

Welcome! Today Rob and Brendan dive into the knotty topic of the four-day school week. Countries like Belgium and various states in the U.S. are trying it out for reasons such as reducing operational costs, combating teacher burnout, and offering students more time for family activities. Why is this shift happening, and what are the potential drawbacks? And—dare we say—could there be some surprisi...

How do counselor schools approach shared spaces like gymnasiums and lunchrooms? At first glance, it might seem like a minor issue, but move one piece, and the whole system shifts. If the counselor classroom is built on the idea of negotiating learning time, then shared spaces in schools must also be negotiated by everyone involved. Suddenly, we realize these spaces can adapt to fit the needs of th...

In today’s episode, we explore the counselor-centered approach to schools, focusing on how this method reshapes education by designing learning spaces that foster freedom, choice, and inquiry. We’ll discuss how this approach unites environments to support both personal and academic growth while also addressing some of the challenges it introduces. Join us as we dive into the importance of creating...

In this episode, Rob and Brendan discuss how a counselor-centered approach balances the three aims of education: citizenship, workforce preparation, and self-development by challenging traditional metrics of success and advocating for positive interactions and personal responsibility over standardized test scores. We delve into how this approach aims to build a resilient, compassionate community w...

In this episode, we explore schools centered on student meaning and development through pursuing meaning. -we discuss the benefits of this including meaningful contributions to a community and the pursuit of what matters to individual students -but also the drawbacks of ensuring we are doing so well and the potential for students to drift aimlessly  

Join us as we explore how a counsellor centered school might approach the challenge of aligning personal meaning with workplace readiness. We delve into how intrinsic values can serve both the self and our communities and how we must address the challenges and opportunities of pursuing meaningful paths, from nurturing dreams to bridging the gap between school ideals and real-world demands.

In today's episode, we speak with Hans van Heesewijk, an educator who was integral to the founding of the Agora School system utilised in schools across the Netherlands. The Agora model is a child centred approach that prioritises individualised learning experiences. It has no standard classes, classrooms, or fixed curriculum, instead students are encouraged to pursue their passions and interests...