Episodi

  • When Do You Move Fast and When Do you Go Slow?

    When Do You Move Fast and When Do you Go Slow?
    Feb 24 2026
    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 English/French with no religious links in schools), while Alberta emphasizes parent and community choice—reflected in Palliser’s small-school “boutique” mix, K–12 models, a national sports school in Calgary with 19 alumni headed to the Winter Olympics, and both Christian and Islamic schools. Hamer shares how he moved from Quebec to Alberta at 44, his early-career experience in Quebec’s Eastern Townships during one-to-one laptop innovation (and its challenges), and how those lessons helped Palliser shift from computer labs to mobile tools and respond quickly during COVID. He also outlines a leadership approach centered on culture and climate: clear mission/values, making urgent decisions when needed, and creating safe team spaces for disagreement, iteration, and shared problem-framing. He notes his pride in staff resilience after an October Alberta “blip” that harmed teachers, and closes with rapid-fire personal topics and a Lethbridge recommendation (Galt Museum area and coulee trails to Helen Schuler Nature Centre).

    00:00 Quebec vs Alberta Mindsets

    04:29 From Quebec to Lethbridge

    08:16 Quebec Tech Innovation Era

    13:47 One to One Lessons Learned

    16:56 Pandemic Readiness Playbook

    20:48 Leading Culture at Palliser

    25:41 Decision Speed and Triage

    28:02 Leading Through Resistance

    30:09 Proud After the Blip

    35:02 Autonomy and Identity

    37:24 Mentor Shout Out

    39:10 Rapid Fire Personal

    40:13 Running and Longevity

    42:33 Books and Binge Picks

    46:30 Hidden Gem Lethbridge

    48:09 Closing Thanks
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    49 min
  • Does Your Team Know What You Believe?

    Does Your Team Know What You Believe?
    Feb 17 2026
    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 traditional “grade-level boxes” model, arguing that linear teaching contradicts continuous progress and can fuel disengagement when students are ahead or already know the material. The conversation covers persistent assessment challenges, the mismatch between collaboration and school hierarchies, and the need to elevate student and teacher voice. Ainsley emphasizes that leaders must model the positive, instructional parts of their role—principals as instructional leaders rather than administrators—and shares his non-negotiables for professional learning: focus on only three priorities, reduce initiative fatigue, and build PD that strengthens existing practice. He also recounts a formative leadership moment in a large bilingual high school, where an “I believe” speech, clear decision-making, and consensus-building shifted school culture. The episode closes with advice for aspiring leaders—clarify your values, read widely, and listen well—plus a mentor shout-out, current reads, and a few personal quick hitters.

    00:00 Why the ‘grade-level boxes’ model fails kids (and fuels misbehavior)

    01:08 Meet Ainsley Rose: bold leadership, second-half strengths, and a different lens on schools

    02:57 Retirement that wasn’t: the phone call that launched his consulting career

    11:56 System redesign: structure, assessment, collaboration, and real teacher/student voice

    17:10 Professional learning that sticks: the ‘triangle’ focus and non‑negotiables

    28:00 From Phys Ed Teacher to Principal: Thrown Into a 5,000-Student Bilingual School

    31:43 The “I Believe” Speech Showdown: Union Pushback, Staff Meeting, and a New Direction

    38:24 Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Values, Influence, Reading, and Listening

    43:03 Shout-Out Mentor: Gordon El Hard and the Discovery of Human Talent

    44:37 Quick Hitters: What He’s Reading, Guilty Pleasures, and Okanagan Hidden Gems
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    52 min
  • Does Anyone Want Your Job?

    Does Anyone Want Your Job?
    Feb 10 2026
    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. Dean also shares insights about his role as president of the Canadian Association of Principals (CAP) and the upcoming CAP conference in Regina. Join us as we uncover the essence of effective leadership in the face of adversity.

    00:00 Introduction to the Diverse Staff
    00:46 Longevity in Education: Pros and Cons
    01:32 Conversation with Dean McInnis
    03:34 Life in Yellowknife: Embracing the Northern Climate
    06:50 Navigating Education in the Northwest Territories
    09:10 Challenges and Changes in Curriculum
    14:21 Recruitment and Retention of Teachers
    19:27 Leadership Challenges and Reflections
    29:15 Building Respect and Overcoming Challenges
    30:50 The Importance of Positivity and Authenticity
    32:25 Gratitude and Mentorship
    34:25 Introduction to CAPS
    35:32 CAPS' Role and Impact
    43:44 Upcoming CAP Conferences
    47:21 Personal Interests and Recommendations
    50:28 Hidden Gems of Yellowknife
    52:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    53 min
  • How Do We Balance Innovation with Educational Integrity?

    How Do We Balance Innovation with Educational Integrity?
    Feb 3 2026
    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 strategies for successfully integrating technology in schools. Additionally, Stephen shares his focus on supporting students with exceptional needs and navigating new challenges. This discussion provides valuable perspectives on leadership, technology adoption, and maintaining safe learning environments in today's evolving educational landscape.

    00:00 Balancing Innovation and Safety in Education
    00:37 Introducing Stephen Whiffin: A Multi-Talented Leader
    02:36 Stephen's Journey: From Political Science to Education
    03:46 Early Technology Adoption and Influences
    06:11 Building a Career in Education and Technology
    11:23 Leadership and Systemic Change in Education
    14:17 Navigating Risks and Failures in Technology Implementation
    21:58 The Role of Champions in Systemic Change
    24:29 Managing Change: Go Slow to Go Fast
    25:22 Building a Support Team for Educational Change
    27:31 Developing Leadership in Education
    30:31 New Challenges and Expanding Portfolios
    35:14 The Role of Technology in Inclusive Education
    40:23 Personal Reflections and Influences
    42:47 Quickfire Questions and Recommendations
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    48 min
  • What's the Worst that Can Happen?

    What's the Worst that Can Happen?
    Jan 27 2026
    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 of Let's Talk Science into a significant educational resource. We also explore the impact of AI on education, the importance of being purpose-driven, and reflections on critical moments in her 34-year journey. Join us for an inspiring conversation about empowering the next generation and navigating the future of education.

    00:00 Introduction to Let's Talk Science
    02:33 Founding Story of Let's Talk Science
    03:42 Early Challenges and Growth
    08:19 Mentorship and Key Decisions
    12:28 Balancing Business and Education
    15:08 Overcoming Perceptions and Expanding Reach
    23:42 National and Regional Programming
    27:11 Foundations and Interdisciplinary Learning
    28:31 The Importance of STEM and STEAM
    29:27 Reflecting on 34 Years of Let's Talk Science
    34:37 Leadership Challenges and Decisions
    36:41 Navigating the Future with AI
    42:55 Encouraging Young Leaders
    45:45 Gratitude and Acknowledgements
    47:02 Personal Recommendations and Insights
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    51 min
  • Maybe Work-Life Balance Isn't a Thing?

    Maybe Work-Life Balance Isn't a Thing?
    Jan 20 2026
    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 struggles. The conversation also covers her academic journey, the impact of her family's educational background, and the vital role of continuous learning. Sandra emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and the willingness to disrupt traditional educational models for the betterment of students and communities. Join us for an enlightening discussion that reveals the true passion behind effective educational leadership.

    00:00 Introduction to Work-Life Balance in Educational Leadership
    01:17 Behind the Scenes: Podcast Editing and Production
    02:27 Interview with Dr. Sandra Lynn Shortall: Personal and Professional Insights
    03:32 The Art of Blogging: Sharing and Disrupting Educational Ideas
    10:13 Inclusivity in Education: Challenges and Success Stories
    22:10 The Evolution of Inclusive Education: Personal Experiences and Systemic Changes
    25:48 Pursuing Higher Education: The Impact of Doctoral Research
    29:42 Nurturing Future Educational Leaders
    30:12 Advice for Aspiring Educational Leaders
    30:32 The Reality of Educational Leadership
    32:43 The Joy and Complexity of the Work
    34:13 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
    36:39 Gratitude and Influences
    41:51 Current Reads and Inspirations
    44:34 Guilty Pleasures and Escapism
    50:35 Hidden Gems of West Vancouver
    53:46 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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    54 min
  • How Can Travel Transform a Leader?

    How Can Travel Transform a Leader?
    Jan 13 2026
    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 value of travel in shaping her educational philosophy, and the challenges and rewards of school leadership. Join us for a compelling conversation that highlights the complexities and joys of educational leadership and the critical role school principals play in shaping the future of education.

    00:00 A Hard Lesson Learned
    01:59 The Impact of Travel on Education
    02:46 Journey to Becoming an Educator
    03:46 International Teaching Experience
    05:30 Returning to BC and Embracing Primary Education
    07:23 The Value of Travel in Education
    08:21 Understanding Global Educational Perspectives
    12:51 The Unique Strengths of BC Education
    22:20 Highlights of a Dynamic Career
    27:03 Traveling Across Canada and Beyond
    28:18 The Role of Principals in Education
    30:09 Challenges Faced by School Principals
    31:06 Supporting Principals with Infrastructure
    37:00 Encouraging Leadership in Education
    37:46 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
    39:39 The Importance of Mentorship
    41:26 Balancing Work and Life
    44:26 Gratitude and Influences
    46:27 Quickfire Questions and Hidden Gems
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    51 min
  • How Do You Build a Legacy of Leadership?

    How Do You Build a Legacy of Leadership?
    Jan 6 2026
    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 pushing for diverse thinking within her team, and the vital role of partnerships in educational success. We also explore the significance of engagement in student attendance and career pathways post-COVID and touch on Reece’s commitment to developing future leaders within the education system.

    00:00 Introduction to Trades and Female Empowerment
    01:21 New Year and Show Introduction
    01:41 Guest Introduction: Lucia Reece
    02:42 Leadership and Team Dynamics
    03:20 Focus on Careers and Education
    04:17 Lucia's Longevity and Leadership Style
    05:39 Building a Strong Team
    08:52 Innovative Programs and Sports Academies
    11:16 Career Pathways and Trade School Vision
    13:20 Community Partnerships and Future Plans
    20:48 Leadership Development and Succession Planning
    28:57 Personal Reflections and Gratitude
    31:22 Reading, Hobbies, and Local Insights
    35:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    36 min