Advertise on podcast: Leading Voices in Education

On this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we’re joined by Dr. Leyton Schnellert to explore inclusive education, student diversity, and how educators can create learning environments where every student can thrive. We discuss practical ways to honour learner variability, build on student strengths, and ensure all learners have meaningful opportunities to participate, belong, and succeed.

What does it take to create a classroom where students are thinking, not just completing the work? This week on Leading Voices in Education, we sit down with Peter Liljedahl, the creator of Building Thinking Classrooms, to explore how we can transform mathematics and numeracy learning by rethinking traditional classroom practices. From getting students actively engaged in problem-solving to creating opportunities for collaboration, perseverance, and deeper mathematical thinking, Peter challenges us to consider what happens when we shift the focus from teaching students how to solve problems to creating the conditions for them to think for themselves. Because being busy isn't the same as thinking, and thinking is where learning begins. Join us for a conversation full of ideas to take back to your classroom and put into practice. Listen to the latest episode of Leading Voices in Education, wherever you get your podcasts.

What happens when we move beyond simply teaching content and start thinking about how the brain learns? In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we’re joined by Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, for a powerful conversation about learning, culture, relationships, and the science behind how students learn. Zaretta explores what it really means to create classrooms where students are challenged, supported, and given the tools to become more independent learners. We talk about cognitive development, productive struggle, culturally responsive teaching, and why building strong relationships is so important—but isn’t the end goal. It’s a conversation that will challenge educators to think differently about what we do in classrooms and, most importantly, why we do it. Listen to the full episode of Leading Voices in Education wherever you get your podcasts.

What if we changed the way we think about teaching math? In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we sit down with Janice Novakovski to talk about building confident, capable mathematicians and creating classrooms where students have the opportunity to truly think, wonder, explain, and make sense of mathematics. Janice reminds us that every student comes to math with a math story — experiences, beliefs, successes, struggles, and ideas that shape how they see themselves as mathematicians. We talk about the power of math talks, rich mathematical conversations, listening to student thinking, and moving beyond simply getting the “right answer” to understanding the reasoning behind it. This conversation is full of practical ideas for teachers who want to develop numeracy, mathematical thinking, and confidence in their students. And perhaps one of the biggest takeaways?Math is about so much more than answers. It’s about thinking. 🎧 Listen to our conversation with Janice Novakovski on Leading Voices in Education.

What if challenging behaviour isn’t about a student choosing not to cooperate, but about a student struggling with the skills needed to meet an expectation? In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we sit down with Dr. Ross W. Greene, creator of the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions approach, to rethink how we understand challenging behaviour in schools. We explore what it means to look beyond the behaviour, identify the unsolved problems underneath it, and work collaboratively with students to find solutions rather than relying primarily on consequences or behaviour management. It’s a conversation that challenges us to shift our lens from “What’s wrong with this student?” to “What’s getting in the way?”

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we sit down with award-winning journalist and author Jenny Anderson, co-author of The Disengaged Teen, for a thought-provoking conversation about why so many young people are disconnecting from school — and what educators, parents, and schools can do differently. Jenny challenges some of the common assumptions we make about teenagers, including the idea that disengaged students are simply lazy, unmotivated, or too distracted by technology. Drawing on years of research and conversations with young people, she explores what is really happening beneath the surface of disengagement. We dive into the four modes of engagement — Passenger, Resistor, Achiever, and Explorer — and how students can move between these modes depending on their environment, experiences, relationships, and sense of agency. Jenny also explores what happens when a mode becomes an identity and why we need to be careful about labelling students based on how they show up at school. We talk about the difference between achievement and genuine engagement, the pressure placed on high-achieving students, and why a student can appear successful while not actually being deeply engaged in their learning. Jenny shares practical ways parents and educators can support students without taking away their autonomy or making decisions for them. The conversation also explores choice, agency, curiosity, resilience, and productive struggle. Jenny explains why giving students meaningful choices is so important if we want them to develop the ability to make decisions for themselves — and why schools may need to rethink how much of the learning experience is something that is done to students versus something they can actively shape. We discuss what an engaging school experience might actually look like, including more opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, participate in meaningful experiences, move beyond simply sitting and listening, and see a real-world impact from their learning. And finally, Jenny shares an important challenge for educators: if we want to build resilience, we may need to become more comfortable with discomfort in classrooms and create opportunities for students to experience productive struggle. This is a conversation about teenagers, but the questions reach far beyond adolescence: How do we create environments where young people have agency? How do we move beyond compliance? And how do we help students become curious, resilient, engaged learners who understand who they are and what matters to them?

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.