The CanadianED Leadership Show

Dean interviews high school philosophy teacher Marcus Blair about how discovering a student had used ChatGPT shifted his initial curiosity into fear and urgency, prompting questions about AI’s impact on classrooms, education, and society. Blair explains how his philosophy background helps him ground AI decisions in critical thinking and ethics, drawing on thinkers like Descartes and approaches lik...

Ryan Strang on the Evolution of School Communications: Strategy, Storytelling, Crisis, and Trust Dean interviews Ryan Strang, Senior Manager of Communications and Community Relations for Ontario’s Grand Erie District School Board and president/executive director of CASE, about how school communications has evolved beyond “just tweeting” into strategic advising, storytelling, brand ambassadorship,...

Dean interviews Kate Arthur about what it means for a skill to become a “literacy” and why AI literacy must build on foundational reading, writing, and numeracy alongside access to networks, tools, and skills. Arthur shares her nontraditional education path, 25 years at the intersection of tech, communications, and education, and how classroom moments like students using Siri pushed her to connect...

Dean records an on-the-road podcast in Moose Jaw with his friend Alan Levine.. They discuss what’s still good about the internet in 2026, emphasizing curiosity, surprises, creativity, and niche communities that share knowledge, alongside the shift of social media from creation to consumption and parasocial influence. Alan describes teaching curiosity through hands-on activities and the value of lo...

Dean interviews Tim Cavey, an elementary vice principal at an independent school in Vancouver and host of the Teachers on Fire podcast, discussing how growth mindset helped Tim persist in podcasting and why he committed to publishing at least 100 episodes—now reaching about 325. Tim shares his path into education (25 years), explains how BC independent schools receive about 50% per-student funding...

Dean introduces a conversation on why online/virtual learning remains a vital, legitimate option in Canadian education, shaped by his early online teaching experience and accelerated by COVID. Guests Jennifer Bertsch, principal of Golden Hills Learning Academy (Alberta), and Robyn Percival, an online science teacher at Ontario’s Virtual Learning Center, compare asynchronous and synchronous models,...

Dean welcomes educator and author and friend, George Couros to discuss using technology only when it improves learning and opens doors for students, emphasizing authenticity, agency, and “going first” as educators. Couros shares how he accidentally entered tech-focused roles, grew through blogging and reflection, and learned to avoid shallow tech use that replaces thinking. They explore examples l...

Dean interviews Dr. Tim Cusack, Dean of Education at Concordia University of Edmonton and a longtime Naval Reserve officer, about how “deck plate leadership” and naval frameworks (including the firefighting fire triangle) can help educators navigate difficult conversations and lead by being present with people. Cusack shares his 2006 Don Cherry impersonation that led to an appearance on Hockey Nig...

Saskatchewan Teachers Federation In this episode,I reconnect with Meredith Rhinas, a senior administrator at the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation, to discuss her journey from classroom teaching to union advocacy and leadership. Meredith shares how she built a large social media following as a content creator after her third child, how her platform evolved during COVID into advocacy—especially for...

Dean interviews Dr. Christopher Fuzessy, superintendent of Foothills School Division in High River, Alberta, about making “flourishing” a central system focus and why it is ongoing, mutual work rooted in interconnected community rather than a checklist. Fuzessy draws on research including Martin Seligman, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s idea that “flourishing is mutual,” and Michael Ungar’s reframing of res...

Dean's guest is  Katherine MacIver, Director of Education at Hastings Prince Edward District School Board in Eastern Ontario, about leadership in education amid constant “noise” and competing demands. MacIver describes focusing on the “big rocks” and keeping conversations centered on students and achievement, while staying connected to classroom learning through tough, curious questions. She empha...

Dean talks with  ed tech consultant Andy McKiel as an example of innovative professional learning that happens outside traditional workshops and even outside education, then they recall first meeting at the 2007 Manitoba Ed Blogger Con focused on early social media and virtual connections. Andy describes moving from a Grade 4 teacher to a district-level digital learning coach role supporting K–12...

Dean reunites with retired Ontario educator Rodd Lucier (“the Clever Sheep”) to unpack seminal professional-learning experiences that shaped their work, from early networked learning and the unconference-style Edcon to the creation of Unplugged in 2012. They describe gathering about 30–39 educators from across Canada (and later beyond) to travel from Toronto to an offline retreat at Northern Edge...

In this podcast episode, Dean interviews Cadmus Delorme, former First Nation chief (elected at 33) and the 10th Chancellor of the University of Regina (appointed July 2025), about leadership that models calm, heart, and relationship-building. Delorme explains the chancellor’s ceremonial and governance duties, shares how his education, upbringing with residential school survivor parents, and golf s...

Superintendent Tom Hamer (Palliser School Division, Lethbridge) discusses Canadian education and leadership, emphasizing that leaders must model the best parts of the job. He compares Quebec and Alberta as similarly proud and “distinct,” but with different approaches: Quebec relies more on government laws and rules embedded in education (including the move from Catholic/Protestant systems to Engli...

Ainsley Rose on Leadership, Learning, and Rethinking School In this episode,I speaks with education consultant and former principal Ainsley Rose about leadership, professional learning, and why school systems need to be rethought. Ainsley explains how consulting began unexpectedly on the day he retired, giving him more freedom to speak boldly about teaching and learning. He challenges the traditio...

In this episode, we delve into how leaders can maintain and model positivity even during challenging times. The conversation features Dean MacInnis, Principal of Sir John Franklin High School in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. We discuss his journey, the challenges of northern education, strategies for retaining staff, and the vital role of principals in fostering a positive school culture. De...

In this episode, we explore the insights and experiences of Stephen Whiffin, Assistant Superintendent in Coquitlam, British Columbia. Stephen elaborates on his journey from political science and technology to educational leadership, highlighting key moments that shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with security, the role of champions in systemic change, and the...

In this episode, we delve into the journey and mission of Let's Talk Science with Dr. Bonnie Schmidt. Discover the organization's commitment to building youth skills and career awareness through STEM-based programming. Dr. Schmidt shares the story of starting the organization as a graduate student in the 1990s amidst a challenging economic climate, her key leadership decisions, and the evolution o...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sandra Lynn Shortall from West Vancouver to explore the depth and intricacies of educational leadership. Sandra shares her journey from classroom teaching to district leadership, discussing the essential blend of heart and soul in education. She offers insights into the challenges and rewards of inclusive education, detailing both successes and ongoing struggl...

In this episode, Dr. Shannon Behan shares her inspiring journey through various educational roles across the globe. From her early days as a dynamic teacher to her leadership positions in international education, she emphasizes the importance of understanding community contexts, fostering relationships, and adapting to cultural nuances. Dr. Behan reflects on pivotal moments in her career, the valu...

In this episode, we delve into the innovative approaches of the Algoma District School Board, particularly focusing on encouraging females in trades, integrating modernized shops, and creating unique learning opportunities like portable welding simulators and a chocolate factory. Lucia Reece, the Director of Education at Algoma, shares insights into her leadership strategies, the importance of pus...

In this episode, we explore the journey and mission of the Institute for Global Solutions, a program designed to empower teenagers to make meaningful changes in the world. The conversation touches on the origin of the program, its objectives, and its impact on students. We also discuss the current state of the world, the importance of hope, and the significant role educators play in shaping a more...

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of public education governance with Stephanie Donaldson, Executive Director of the Ontario Public School Board Association. Stephanie shares her insightful journey and discusses the critical role trustees play in public education. From the challenges faced during the pandemic to her unique perspective on public policy, Stephanie provides a thoughtful...

Join us for a chat with Jeff Grimsdale from Golden Hills School Division in Alberta. We dive into the supportive culture they've cultivated over the past decade, with a focus on mentorship, instructional coaching, and collaboration. Learn about their unique programs like the Powerful Learning Framework, which is built on strategic instruction, authentic engagement, and community contribution. Jeff...