Leading Voices in Education

In this powerful episode of Leading Voices in Education , we are joined by Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk to play in the NHL. Jordin shares his honest and inspiring story of growing up in Nunavut, overcoming addiction, navigating grief and loss, and finding his path to healing and resilience. He reflects on the teachers, coaches, mentors, and family members who believed in him, the importance of asking for help, and how educators can create spaces where students feel safe to be heard. Jordin also shares his powerful idea of “finding your tundra” —finding the place that helps you slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. A heartfelt conversation about resilience, identity, Indigenous perspectives, mental health, the impact of teachers, and believing in yourself.

In the Season 3 premiere of Leading Voices in Education , we welcome Andrew Holland, Deputy Superintendent of Surrey Schools, for a conversation about what it means to lead with purpose, presence, and trust. With more than 30 years in education, Andrew reflects on the teachers and leaders who shaped his own journey and shares why he believes every moment and every conversation matters . He discusses building positive school cultures intentionally, leaning into courageous conversations, treating people as professionals, and creating the conditions for students and staff to thrive. Andrew also shares how an authentic learning experience in Grade 7 changed the way he saw himself as a learner, and ultimately influenced how he approached teaching and leadership. From moving beyond grades to rethinking what education is designed to do, this conversation explores how we can create schools where every student has the opportunity to see themselves as successful.

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, independence, and healthy relationships. Brandon brings years of experience working directly with students, families, and schools to share practical, research-informed insights about online safety, social media, digital citizenship, and the realities young people face online today. Together, we explore common misconceptions about youth and technology, the role of parents and educators in supporting digital wellbeing, online grooming and exploitation, social media use, monitoring versus trust, and how strong relationships remain the most important protective factor for young people. Throughout the conversation, Brandon offers reassuring and actionable advice for families and educators, emphasizing that online safety is not about fear, it is about connection, communication, and helping young people develop the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Whether you're a parent, teacher, school leader, or caregiver, this episode provides valuable guidance for supporting children and youth with confidence, care, and compassion in the digital age.

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 speaks candidly about the pressures educators are facing today, the importance of community, and why schools can become “islands of sanity” for both students and adults. This conversation dives into themes of compassion, creativity, generosity, mindfulness, and the human spirit. Margaret challenges us to move beyond fear and self-protection and instead create conditions where people can thrive, connect, and find meaning together. From the power of stillness and reflection to the importance of service and relationships, this episode is a powerful reminder that education is ultimately about humanity. Whether you are a teacher, school leader, parent, or simply someone searching for hope and grounding in uncertain times, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for staying centered while supporting others.

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 teachers on call (TOCs), and the significance of self-care for educators.

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 teachers to connect with their students. Dr. Siegel emphasizes the concept of Mindsight, which encompasses insight into one's own mental processes, empathy for others, and the integration of self with the relational world. He concludes with personal practices that promote well-being, highlighting the significance of connection in fostering a healthy mind.

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 as something already present that we can notice, nurture, and grow. She introduces the idea that flourishing is not about ignoring challenges, but about holding space for both struggle and possibility at the same time. Through practical examples and powerful stories, we explore how small, intentional shifts—like pausing to notice moments of connection, sharing stories of success, or creating space for reflection—can transform school culture. Sabre emphasizes that well-being is deeply relational, shaped by how we show up for one another, and built through everyday interactions that foster belonging, trust, and care. This conversation is a reminder that flourishing isn’t a destination—it’s something we cultivate together, one small step at a time.

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 fosters thriving educational environments. Dr. Johnson also introduces the concept of EduFables, a narrative-driven approach to professional learning, and highlights the critical role of appreciation and recognition in enhancing staff engagement and combating burnout.

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 transform the learning experience for students of all ages. As the author of "Wild Learning, Practical Ideas for Bringing Teaching Outdoors," she explores how outdoor environments can enrich traditional academic subjects, particularly literacy and math. Her journey into outdoor education began when her own children thrived in a Forest Preschool setting, which inspired her to rethink the conventional classroom model. One of the key takeaways from Dr. Tidd's discussion is the idea that outdoor learning can significantly support students with diverse needs, especially those who are sensory seekers. By taking lessons outside, teachers can create a more inclusive environment where students can move freely and engage with their surroundings. For example, teaching multiplication using natural elements like leaves or stones can make abstract concepts more tangible and relatable. Many educators hesitate to incorporate outdoor learning due to concerns about logistics and planning. Dr. Tidd reassures teachers that they don't need elaborate setups to begin. Simple modifications, such as using plastic manipulatives outside or taking a class walk with learning objectives, can pave the way for outdoor education. She encourages teachers to start small, gradually building their outdoor practice as they gain confidence and experience.

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 for all students, including those with diverse needs, and provides valuable resources for educators looking to enhance their teaching practices.

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 covers practical strategies for implementing inquiry in the classroom, the significance of scaffolding, and the need for a supportive community of learners. MacKenzie also addresses the challenges educators face in balancing curriculum demands with fostering student agency and offers insights into maintaining well-being as an educator.

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 discussion also touches on the significance of well-being for leaders and practical strategies for managing time and priorities in the educational context.

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 privilege, and the role of systems in education. The discussion culminates in a hopeful vision for the future of education and the importance of daily practices for well-being.

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 importance of professional development for educators. His reflections on personal experiences and the future of education provide a comprehensive view of the evolving educational environment.

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, Kuljinder speaks to the role of authors, illustrators, and educators in building more inclusive bookshelves that honour diverse lived experiences.

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 responsibility of allyship in meaningful anti-racism work. He challenges educators to examine and dismantle systemic racism in schools while remaining anchored in relationship and care. The conversation also highlights the importance of wellness habits for educators, reminding us that personal well-being is not separate from the work—but essential to sustaining courageous, equity-centered leadership.

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 collect their students and create a nurturing environment, while also addressing the delicate balance of consequences and warmth in the classroom. Her insights provide a hopeful perspective on the challenges faced by educators and the potential for positive change.

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.