What would a school look like if teachers were in charge? How would administrative tasks be managed? What impact would this have on student learning?

On project feature episodes, school-based practitioners tell the story of how they disrupted the status quo in their context.

In this solo episode by host Natalie Vardabasso, learn more about what exactly creativity is (and isn’t), why it needs liberating, and how to do just that in our classrooms.

In the final episode of season one, Dr. Leyton Schnellert describes how he disrupts teacher education and academic research by designing learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, inclusive, and always in the context of real classrooms. As Leyton says, “The kids are the curriculum and diversity…

Math has traditionally been a space dominated by the simple binary of right and wrong answers. However, there are many important competencies, mindsets, and values that students can learn in the Math classroom if we embrace complexity and rethink the binary bias.

In the episode, Ken brings the humor, heart, and hammer to call our attention to the limiting beliefs that live in many school cultures and how we need to work together to move ALL students to and through the bar.

Our ways of working are limiting the potential of humans to adapt to complex challenges. On the episode, we explore the hierarchical structures of our past which are still plaguing us today, and how the adults in a school can better work together to transform…

As a former principal, superintendent, deputy minister of education and current CEO, Dr. Greg Bass has spent his career leading transformational change and has learned that it requires courage, collaboration, and a culture built on trust.

On the episode, we explore the microaggressions Gerardo and Kev experienced while working in a predominantly white profession and how we can build a more culturally responsive practice in our classrooms to disrupt this system of oppression.

Engagement is a key outcome of every teacher’s practice, but what does it actually look like? In 2009, Dr. Sharon Friesen led a study to figure out how many students across Canada were engaged in school socially, academically, and intellectually. The findings will floor you.

In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear says, “Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.” So how might a teacher’s practice change if they were no longer within the walls of a traditional classroom? On the episode, learn from a teacher, instructional…

As a former art teacher turned celebrated artist, Michelle has learned a lot about creativity and how it can transform education. Dream with us about a future for education that is grounded in the “basics”; love, passion and connections.

Learn how a teacher took creative control of his career and demonstrated what community engagement truly means when we co-designed a unique learning experience called "The Farm" with local experts in his rural, Albertan community.

Trying a different approach to learning in our classrooms can be daunting but collaborating with a colleague can help us find comfort in the discomfort of change. On the episode, learn how two educators leaned into uncertainty, curiosity, and the community to create an award-winning…

Reconciliation is a personal journey that all Canadian educators have been called to embark upon. But where does that journey start? Where does it end? How might we walk the long and uncertain road together?

At nearly 90-years-old, Jim Gray has learned a thing or two about innovation as a legendary Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and engaged citizen. Turns out, what it takes to be an innovator is also what makes for living a quality life; curiosity, connections, and confidence.

Who we are as people largely influences how we embrace creativity and innovation in our lives and work. Though our reasons for embracing change might be different, the need for collaboration and a risk-tolerant culture is universal. Learn from a business innovation consultant about the…

Teachers are innovators when they embrace new and better ways of making learning happen in the classroom. However, leaders need to be innovators as well to inspire teachers to take a risk and try something different. Learn more about innovation in the educational space and…

Stories are integral to our humanity and a powerful tool in many industries. Learn how to facilitate a project that builds a safe community through storytelling, while also building students’ writing and digital literacy skills.

Media plays a critical role in how we make sense of ourselves, others, and the world around us. On the episode, we unpack the concept of social justice education before looking at ways that we might disrupt privilege by incorporating media into the classroom.

When we are responsible for the learning and growth of others, we know that feedback is our greatest ally. However, feedback must land with the person receiving it if it is going to motivate them to take the next steps.

Assessment has the potential to either amplify or inhibit learning. On the episode, we dig into how to assess to cultivate deeper learning and develop the competencies students will need for the 21st century.

Conflict is inevitable in education, but luckily it is also an opportunity to build more meaningful connections with those work with. Learn practical strategies from a Human Resources specialist that allow you to seek to understand when things get tense.

Connections are the foundation upon which we educate. Learn from a psychologist about why they are so powerful and the policies, structures and personal biases that are driving disconnection.

Circle meetings are a protocol that provides a safe space for students to practice their social skills and tackle topics that matter most to them. Learn how to facilitate them to build a culture of belonging in your classroom.

How we experience learning in our own life has a huge impact on the experiences we create for our students. Find out how a Metis-Cree assistant professor created a philosophy of learning after surviving addiction, homelessness and reclaiming his indigenous identity.

As a society, we have answered this question in many different ways throughout our history. First, we will take a journey into the past before see how Ted arrived at the purpose that compelled him to start a school from scratch. Spoiler: it wasn't childcare.

Now is the time to lean into the discomfort of talking about race. On this episode, we acknowledge our identities as a Black American and a white Canadian and discuss what it means to be anti-racist, and the #SmallGreatThings we can do as educators.

Welcome to #EduCrush! In honour of something new, we are going to discuss how to adopt a beginner’s mindset by getting curious, knowing where to look, and giving ourselves the permission to explore new routes.