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Dean Shareski interviews leaders from coast to coast to coast discussing innovation, change and the role leaders play in providing Canadian students with a world class education
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
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20 MAY 2025 · In this episode, the discussion focuses on the challenges of balancing the creation of wellbeing conditions with the core business of teaching literacy, numeracy, and overall learning. The importance of integrating both aspects is highlighted, rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive. The conversation features insights into effective leadership, particularly in educational settings, and emphasizes the significance of laughter, a playful spirit, and thoughtful interaction with teams. Camille Williams-Taylor, Director of Education at Durham District School Board in Ontario, shares her journey, including the challenges faced as a black woman in educational leadership. She discusses personal experiences from Manitoba to Ontario, time management strategies, and the integration of personal life with professional responsibilities. Camille's thoughtful approach to leadership, focus on student wellbeing, and emphasis on creating welcoming spaces are key takeaways from this engaging conversation.
00:00Â Introduction and Competing Priorities in Education
01:38Â Guest Introduction: Camille Williams Taylor
03:33Â Balancing Leadership and Personal Life
04:54Â Time Management Strategies
06:27Â Modeling Work-Life Balance
09:16Â Sketch Noting and Visual Learning
13:29Â Journey from Manitoba to Ontario
18:09Â Identity and Representation in Education
24:23Â Influence and Impact of Educators
28:55Â Modernizing School Spaces for Kids
30:55Â The Role of Carpenters in Special Education
32:55Â Leadership Challenges and Competing Priorities
34:03Â Balancing Wellbeing and Education
37:24Â Pathways to Leadership in Education
44:59Â The Importance of Student Voice
46:36Â Personal Recommendations and Reflections
13 MAY 2025 · In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Steve Boots, Saskatchewan's own internet social studies teacher. Steve shares how his most viewed video wasn’t about politics, but about the surprising connection between Boney M and Milli Vanilli. He discusses his transition from being a traditional classroom teacher to an online content creator, his viral moments, and his thoughts on the evolving landscape of education. Steve also opens up about the challenges of teaching during Covid, the joy and stress of the profession, and his inspiration from popular figures like John Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Whether you're an educator, a student, or just curious about the world of social media influencers, this conversation with Steve Boots is packed with insights, humor, and candid reflections. Enjoy!
00:00Â Introduction and Most Viewed Video
01:14Â Meet Steve Boots: Canada's Internet Social Studies Teacher
02:52Â Steve's Journey into Content Creation
04:08Â Balancing Teaching and Content Creation
06:46Â Navigating Social Media as an Educator
25:15Â The Impact of COVID on Teaching
30:11Â Exploring Job Satisfaction and Compensation
31:02Â Shared Responsibility in Education
33:10Â Industrial vs. Cultivating Education Models
36:25Â Personal Stories of Educational Leadership
40:41Â Advice for Aspiring Teachers
45:57Â Role Models and Community in Content Creation
51:32Â Guilty Pleasures and Local Recommendations
55:35Â Conclusion and Future Plans
6 MAY 2025 · Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the power of recognition and mentorship in education with Noa Daniel, a teacher at York Region School Board, Ontario. Noa discusses the importance of celebrating educators, fostering mentorship opportunities for pre-service and seasoned teachers, and her innovative 'Building Outside the Blocks' pedagogical approach. We also explore her extensive contributions as an author, podcaster, and advocate for educational growth. Noa's passion and commitment to supporting teachers and students alike shine through as she reflects on her journey and shares valuable insights.
00:00Â Introduction to Recognition and Mentorship
00:42 Meet Noa Daniel: A Multifaceted Educator
03:06Â Noah's Mentorship Journey
04:57Â Building Outside the Blocks: A Unique Pedagogical Approach
07:04Â Challenges and Successes in Mentorship
12:25Â The Importance of Recognition in Education
17:28 Noa's Creative Ventures: Books and Podcasts
29:35Â Advice for Aspiring Educators
31:01Â Personal Growth and Guilty Pleasures
33:12Â Final Thoughts and Local Recommendations
29 APR 2025 · In this episode, Dean engages in a deep and thought-provoking conversation with Tania Sterling, a longtime public educator and advocate for Indigenous communities and cultures. They discuss Tania's journey from education into the corporate world and back, focusing on her passion for creating better learning opportunities for Indigenous students. Tania shares invaluable insights from her diverse experiences, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building, cultural sensitivity, and authentic leadership. The episode also touches on the complexities of public education, the challenges of effective community engagement, and the ongoing efforts to elevate Indigenous voices within educational frameworks. Don't miss this enlightening dialogue about leadership, education, and making a meaningful impact in communities.
00:00Â The Importance of Authenticity in Meetings
01:48 Meeting Tania Sterling: A Journey Through Education
03:42Â Passion for Indigenous Communities and Cultures
07:04Â Challenges and Progress in Indigenous Education
19:46Â Corporate and Public Education: A Balancing Act
33:51Â Reflections on Leadership and Community Engagement
37:31Â Gratitude and Personal Reflections
40:19Â Woodbridge Gems and Final Thoughts
22 APR 2025 · In this episode, we sit down with Todd Manuel, Superintendent of Schools of Okanagan Skaha in Penticton, British Columbia. Todd shares his unique insights into leading through the complex process of school closures, focusing on the importance of empathetic and transparent leadership. Reflecting on his career transition from a teacher in Coquitlam to his current role, Todd discusses how the district managed a significant reconfiguration due to declining enrollment. He emphasizes the essential role of community engagement, the support from the board, and the collaborative efforts of educators to navigate these changes. Additionally, Todd touches on the district's focus on indigenous education, professional learning, and fostering a resilient, welcoming school culture. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in educational leadership and community building.
00:00Â Introduction and Community Support
01:15Â Meet Todd Manuel: A Leader in Education
03:03Â Todd's Journey to Superintendent
03:44Â The Penticton School District and Community
06:21Â Embracing Indigenous Culture and Education
12:19Â Leadership Challenges: School Closures
15:58Â Supporting Teachers and Students Through Change
19:20Â Building Trust and Vulnerability in Leadership
22:35Â Encouraging Future Leaders
25:44Â Personal Reflections and Recommendations
34:27Â Conclusion and Gratitude
15 APR 2025 · In this inspiring episode, we explore the impact of the Connected North program with co-founder Jennifer Corriero. Jennifer shares how Connected North delivers live, interactive virtual field trips to over 200 partner schools in Northern Remote, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities, significantly increasing student engagement and motivation. The discussion highlights powerful stories of individual impact, the importance of cultural inclusion in education, and the challenges of sustaining a nonprofit organization in the education sector. Jennifer also reflects on her journey as a social entrepreneur and provides valuable advice for emerging professionals. Discover how education can be a tool for healing and growth through innovative and inclusive approaches.
00:00Â Introduction and the Importance of Education
01:26Â Guest Introduction: Jennifer Corriero
03:23Â Connected North and Taking It Global
04:23Â Impact Stories and Program Success
08:46Â Personal Reflections and Influences
13:45Â Challenges and Opportunities in Education
14:35Â Cultural Understanding and Community Impact
20:50Â Highlights and Success Stories
25:42Â The Unique Value of Virtual Field Trips
26:44Â Leadership Challenges and Solutions
28:46Â Fundraising and Resource Management
29:26Â Handling Feedback and Maintaining Quality
31:55Â Advice for Emerging Professionals
40:44Â Balancing Work and Personal Life
43:25Â Exploring Toronto's Hidden Gems
44:28Â Final Thoughts and Achievements
8 APR 2025 · In this episode, we explore the novel approaches of West Vancouver and Ottawa Catholic School Boards in integrating generative AI into educational systems. Dean and the guests, Chris Kennedy (Superintendent, West Vancouver) and Tom D'Amico (Director of Education, Ottawa Catholic), discuss their AI journeys, collaborations, and the significant changes in teaching methodologies. They delve into the challenges and successes of AI-driven learning, share actionable insights and resources for educators, and emphasize the importance of balancing AI with traditional learning and physical literacy. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or AI enthusiast, this discussion offers valuable perspectives on the future of AI in education.
00:00Â Introduction and Reflections on AI Implementation
01:10Â Generative AI in Canadian School Boards
02:18Â Insights from Tom D'Amico and Chris Kennedy
06:24Â AI Tools and Certification Programs
08:24Â Teacher and Student Use of AI Tools
18:08Â Addressing Plagiarism and AI Literacy
23:17Â Success Stories and Impact of AI in Education
26:36Â AI in Education: Overcoming Language Barriers
27:13Â Feedback on AI Translation Tools
28:30Â Indigenous Perspectives on AI
30:26Â Future Directions for AI in Education
33:48Â Balancing AI and Physical Literacy
40:39Â Reflections and Lessons Learned
43:06Â Networking and Resources for AI in Education
1 APR 2025 · In this episode, we sit down with Mistene Clapp, a dedicated educator and vice principal at Limestone District School Board, to discuss her journey in education. Mistene shares stories about her early experiences as a classroom teacher, the importance of valuing all staff members, and her strategies for building a compassionate and inclusive school community. She emphasizes the significance of using AI tools in education and explains the process of transitioning from a teacher to a principal. Tune in to hear Mistene's insights on leadership, relationship-building, and the evolving role of technology in the classroom.
00:00Â Building a Respectful School Culture
01:39Â Early Career and Technology Adoption
03:34Â Path to Leadership in Limestone School Board
06:27Â Roles and Responsibilities of a Vice Principal
12:06Â Memorable Moments as a Classroom Teacher
17:37Â The Importance of Building Relationships
22:25Â Fostering Kindness and Inclusivity
25:28Â Introduction to AI in Education
25:42Â Personal Journey with AI
25:51Â Daily Uses of AI
26:45Â AI in Education
28:34Â Addressing Resistance to AI
31:02Â Concerns About AI
33:05Â Leadership Challenges
36:08Â System Perspective in Education
39:41Â Mentorship and Gratitude
41:36Â Fun and Guilty Pleasures
46:03Â Local Recommendations
26 MAR 2025 · In this engaging episode, we explore the inception and development of a podcast initiative for the Surrey school district. Sundeep, a principal, shares her vision of using podcasts for professional learning and how it became a reality through collaboration with Linda Reeve and Kristi. They discuss the logistics, challenges, and joys of creating educational content for busy educators. Along the way, Sundeep and Kristi reflect on their personal leadership journeys and the importance of mentorship in their careers. They also highlight their favorite podcasts, influential leaders, and the future goals for their own podcast. Tune in for insights on leadership, education, and the power of audio as a learning tool.
00:00Â Introduction and Busy Life of a Principal
00:31Â The Birth of the Podcast Idea
00:56Â Christie's Involvement and Initial Reactions
04:10Â Reflecting on the Origin Stories
04:26Â The First Ignite Talk and Its Impact
05:15Â The Journey of Podcasting Together
08:50Â Challenges and Learning in Podcast Production
16:57Â Professional Learning and Leadership Development
22:07Â Podcasting Influences and Inspirations
27:11Â The Unusual Task of Guest Booking
27:51Â Highlighting Memorable Guests
28:35Â The Impactful Interview with Chief Robert Joseph
30:35Â The Personal Joy of Podcasting
32:02Â Encouraging Leadership in Education
33:21Â Advice for Aspiring Principals
40:37Â Gratitude in Education
43:53Â Personal Recommendations and Closing Thoughts
18 MAR 2025 · In this episode, we delve into the inspiring career of Tyrone Dowling, the Director of Education for the Waterloo Catholic School Board in Ontario. Dowling shares his experiences and challenges as one of the few Black educational leaders in the region. He emphasizes the importance of representation in education and discusses his efforts to increase diversity among teachers. The conversation covers his unexpected path into education, insights on leadership, and the future of teaching amidst technological advancements such as AI. Dowling also touches on his upcoming retirement and his passion for golf. Join us for an in-depth discussion on educational leadership, diversity, and the enduring impact of a dedicated educator.
00:00Â Inspiring the Next Generation
01:18Â Introducing Today's Guest: Tyrone Dowling
03:45Â Tyrone's Journey to Retirement
06:26Â Reflecting on Leadership and Future Plans
17:01Â The Evolution of Black Educators in Ontario
26:12Â Inspiring the Next Generation of Educators
26:52Â Proud Moments and Achievements in the District
27:43Â Innovative Initiatives and Programs
33:03Â Challenges and Leadership Lessons
39:06Â Empowering Teachers and Staff
41:02Â Advice for Aspiring Leaders
44:06Â Gratitude and Reflections
47:33Â Personal Interests and Future Plans
53:40Â Final Thoughts and Farewell
Dean Shareski interviews leaders from coast to coast to coast discussing innovation, change and the role leaders play in providing Canadian students with a world class education
Information
| Author | Advanced Learning Partnerships |
| Organization | voicEd Radio Canada |
| Categories | Education |
| Website | alplearn.com |
| dean@alplearn.com |
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