Education Matters Podcast

In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri sits down with Dean MacInnis, President of the Canadian Association of Principals, and Dr. Alec Couros, Professor of Educational Technology and Media. Presented in partnership with the Canadian Association of Principals, the conversation dives into the shifting role of school leadership as generative artificial intelligence arrives faster than traditional systems can respond.The guests explore the "policy gaps" currently facing administrators and the real-world challenges emerging in schools, such as the rise of deepfakes and the need to rethink student assessment. Dr. Couros argues that while AI can act as a "thinking partner" to alleviate administrative burdens, it also requires educators to protect the fundamental value of "writing as thinking".Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] AI Leadership Challenges And Policy Gaps For School Principals[00:00:54] Introducing Dean MacInnis And Dr Alec Couros[00:01:39] Career Background Of Canadian Association Of Principals President[00:02:25] Dr Alec Couros Educational Technology And Media Expertise[00:02:45] Addressing Real World School Issues Like Deepfakes[00:04:17] Canadian Association Of Principals History And Mission[00:06:12] Principals As Lead Learners Within School Culture[00:08:13] Developing Provincial Governance For Educational Software[00:10:04] Rethinking Assessment And Instructional Learning Spaces[00:13:06] Overcoming Fear Of The Unknown In Leadership[00:15:57] Practical AI Tools For Budget Forecasting And Communication[00:18:12] Managing Data Privacy Within The Microsoft Ecosystem[00:20:10] Cognitive Offloading And Habits Of Student Minds[00:22:50] Essential Human Elements In Teacher Feedback And Interaction[00:24:22] Using AI As A Strategic Thinking Partner[00:27:18] Identifying True Evidence Of Learning Beyond Product Focus[00:29:45] Introducing AI Literacies At The Kindergarten Level[00:32:05] Sequence Of Literacy Mastery Before AI Implementation[00:34:53] Humanistic Side Of Social Emotional Well Being[00:37:32] Reorienting Classroom Time To Foster Human Relationships[00:39:40] Reducing Teacher Prep Time Through Automated Workflows[00:41:13] Transparent Planning And Human In The Loop Accountability[00:42:03] Closing Thoughts And Support For The CAP Conference[00:42:45] Territory And Treaty Acknowledgement For Land Stewardship[00:43:06] Podcast Subscription Information And Host Credits

In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri leads a vital discussion on the evolving challenges facing boys and men in modern society and the education system. Inspired by the research of Richard Reeves, the conversation explores startling statistics regarding declining academic achievement and rising rates of suicide among young males. Joining the roundtable are Ashanti Branch, founder of the Ever Forward Club; Christian Long, founder of Bonfire Consultancy; and veteran educator Dominic Scuglia.The guests share profound insights from their decades of experience, discussing the "masks" boys wear to hide their vulnerability and the cultural rituals lost in the transition to adulthood. From the impact of social media algorithms to the desperate need for male role models in elementary schools, the panel examines how educators can foster healthy masculinity through curiosity and deep trust. This episode serves as a powerful call to action for school leaders to move beyond standard metrics and prioritize the emotional honesty and connection required for young men to thrive.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] - Introduction to healthy masculinity and educational trust.[00:01:07] - Jason Buccheri welcomes listeners to the Education Matters podcast.[00:01:57] - Addressing mental health challenges facing boys and men today.[00:02:45] - Meet the guests: Christian Long, Ashanti Branch, and Dominic Scuglia.[00:04:48] - Exploring support issues for boys and Richard Reeves' research.[00:05:45] - Alarming statistics on male suicide and academic achievement gaps.[00:07:20] - Ashanti Branch on real-world youth conference experiences.[00:08:46] - A middle schooler's need for emotional vulnerability and crying.[00:10:08] - Cultural catchphrases that challenge modern masculinity.[00:11:22] - Identifying what young men feel they must hide most.[00:13:08] - The shift in relationships when boys are told to be the "man of the house".[00:15:04] - Christian Long on curiosity as the sweet spot for male connection.[00:17:47] - Moving past one-liners to deep intellectual conversation.[00:20:02] - The powerful metaphor of the mask in male bonding.[00:21:13] - Dominic Scuglia on the formation of the mask by age 14.[00:23:53] - Does competition foster or hinder love and trust?.[00:27:22] - Breaking the rules: Transitioning from middle school to high school algebra.[00:30:27] - Creating circles for "real talk" and lunch-hour bonding.[00:34:04] - The moment boys drop the exterior bravado and share truth.[00:39:05] - The trail as a facilitator for adult male grounding.[00:44:08] - Lost rituals: Restoring the rite of passage for modern men.[00:51:06] - Intervention strategies for male role models in elementary schools.[00:56:23] - Highlighting the "bright lights" in male educational leadership.[01:06:28] - Why belonging in school must extend beyond the classroom bells.[01:18:31] - Christian Long on the non-negotiable commitment to emotional honesty.

This special episode of the Education Matters podcast, hosted by Jason Buccheri and Dr. Gina Cherkowski, features an in-depth conversation with renowned child psychiatrist and educator Dr. Jean Clinton. Recorded in anticipation of the 2026 Mental Health and Schools Summit, the discussion centers on the transformative power of human connection, encapsulated in Dr. Clinton’s guiding principle: "love builds brains".Dr. Clinton bridges the gap between complex neuroscience and daily life, explaining how safe, nurturing relationships act as essential "nutrients" for a child’s developing brain. The conversation explores the "brain under construction" during adolescence, shifting the focus from controlling behavior to understanding the biological drivers of risk-taking and peer connection.Listeners will gain practical insights into the "rupture and repair" cycle in relationships and the importance of creating school environments where every student "feels felt". Moving beyond individual roles, Dr. Clinton calls for a "systemness" approach, where educators, parents, and community leaders work together to prioritize the well-being and flourishing of every learner.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] - Introduction to the Mental Health and Schools Summit 2026[00:00:32] - Dr. Jean Clinton: Why Relationships are Essential Brain Nutrients[00:01:26] - Meet the Guest: Dr. Jean Clinton’s Legacy in Child Development[00:02:43] - Shifting the Focus: Creating Conditions for Student Flourishing[00:03:44] - Welcome to the Podcast: Jason Buccheri & Dr. Gina Cherkowski[00:04:31] - Knowledge Translation: Making Neuroscience Accessible for Everyone[00:05:42] - The Core Message: Love Builds Brains Explained[00:06:44] - Nurture vs. Nature: How the Environment Shapes Genetic Expression[00:07:07] - The Biology of Connection: Building Neural Pathways[00:08:34] - Safe vs. Scary: How Emotions Impact a Child’s Ability to Learn[00:09:59] - "I Feel, Therefore I Learn": Shifting the Educational Paradigm[00:11:19] - Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis in Canada[00:12:41] - Fractured Connections: The Reality of Modern Relationships[00:13:57] - The Need for a "Village": Overcoming Adult and Child Longevity[00:16:12] - The Danger of "Stuffing the Duck": Beyond Rote Curriculum[00:18:14] - Engagement Requires Connection: Re-evaluating the Education System[00:20:08] - Transcendent Thinking: Helping Kids Dream of a Better Future[00:21:12] - Creating an Authentic Sense of Belonging in Schools[00:22:39] - Leading with Values: System-Level Changes for Student Well-being[00:24:25] - "Feel Felt": The Importance of Teacher and Staff Well-being[00:26:16] - Adolescence: Understanding the "Brain Under Construction"[00:28:23] - The Dopamine Buzz: Why Teens Take Risks for Peer Connection[00:30:17] - Parenting Advice: Progress, Not Perfection[00:34:09] - The Power of Repair: Healing Relationship Ruptures[00:36:46] - Building Resilient Communities: It Takes a Whole System[00:46:59] - Closing Remarks: Contemplating the Future of Education

This episode of Education Matters features an in-depth conversation with Kelly Hines, Vice President and Chief of Staff at Discovery Education. With a unique career trajectory that began with 15 years as a classroom teacher before transitioning into various leadership roles in the EdTech sector, Kelly provides a rare perspective that bridges pedagogical intent with organizational strategy.Host Jason Buccheri and Kelly explore the systemic complexities of school systems and the critical importance of building authentic partnerships between districts and EdTech providers. Kelly shares her "three pillars" for success: aligning the needs of the buyer, the lived experience of the educator, and the long-term outcomes for students. The discussion also dives into the "unicorn talent" required in EdTech—individuals who possess both business fluency and a deep understanding of learning science. Whether discussing the necessity of teacher planning time or the value of "recess" for all students, this episode offers essential insights for founders, operators, and education leaders looking to navigate the intersection of business and the classroom.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Kelly Hines on Executive Hiring Strategy[00:00:53] Guest Introduction: Kelly Hines[00:01:12] Discovery Education Vice President Role Overview[00:01:30] Classroom Teaching Background and National Board Certification[00:02:06] Evolution of EdTech Executive Leadership Roles[00:02:36] Intersection of Pedagogy and Business Fluency[00:03:10] Aligning Educator Experience with Student Outcomes[00:03:44] Living in Asheville North Carolina Mountains[00:05:00] Childhood Memories of Wilmington North Carolina[00:06:24] Developing a Lifelong Love for Reading[00:07:25] Intentional Career Path into Teaching Profession[00:09:32] Fifteen Year Classroom Teaching Tenure Experience[00:10:59] Career Transition from Classroom to EdTech[00:11:15] Discovery Educator Network Community Building[00:13:38] Success Dispositions for Modern EdTech Careers[00:15:06] Understanding Systemic Complexity in Education[00:17:40] Investing in Educators as Critical Stakeholders[00:20:07] Transitioning from Sales Leadership to HR[00:21:04] Organizational Effectiveness and People Experience Strategy[00:23:02] Challenges in Hiring and Retaining EdTech Talent[00:27:33] Identifying Curious and Agile Learners in Interviews[00:31:33] Presentation Skills and Authentic Connection Tactics[00:36:57] Critical Advice for EdTech Founders and Operators[00:40:53] Product Plus Partnership Strategy for School Districts[00:43:58] Magic Wand Solution for Better Public Education[00:47:39] Education Matters Podcast Conclusion and Credits

In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri sits down with Peter Worley, co-founder of The Philosophy Foundation, to explore the vital role of philosophical inquiry in modern schooling. In an era dominated by instant information and fast thinking, Worley advocates for bringing "slow thinking" back into the classroom to help students weigh arguments and question assumptions.Worley discusses his transition from a professional musician to a philosophical practitioner, explaining how Socratic principles and the "ensemble effect" allow whole classes to engage in deep, divergent thinking. The conversation debunks common misconceptions regarding children's capacity for abstract thought and introduces practical classroom tools like the "Hypothesis Box" and an Open Questioning Mindset (OQM). Finally, Worley offers insights for educators on shifting from prescriptive to descriptive teaching to foster metacognitive learners prepared for a complex world.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] - How Storytelling Activates Moral Agency in Students[00:00:59] - Guest Introduction - Peter Worley[00:01:26] - The Need for Slow Thinking in an Age of Instant Information[00:01:42] - Why the Study of Philosophy is Critical for Modern Education[00:02:19] - Meet Peter Worley: Bringing Philosophy Back to Schools[00:03:17] - Exploring What Philosophy Actually Looks Like in a Classroom[00:03:30] - Changing Classroom Culture Through Philosophical Dialogue[00:04:10] - Thinking Well as a Practice: Essential Education Tools[00:04:26] - Peter Worley’s Current Work with Schools and Police[00:05:49] - Early Life: Growing Up with a "Free Range" Childhood[00:07:16] - The Importance of Risky Play in Child Development[00:08:40] - Peter Worley’s Journey from "Annoying Kid" to Philosopher[00:11:03] - How Dungeons & Dragons Influenced Philosophical Writing[00:13:50] - The Teachers Who Inspired a Lifelong Love of Inquiry[00:16:30] - Discovering Formal Philosophy After Failing A-Levels[00:18:14] - From Music Teacher to Founding The Philosophy Foundation[00:19:39] - Using Socratic Principles to Teach Knowledge Through Questioning[00:23:40] - The "Ensemble Effect" in Group Philosophical Inquiry[00:25:11] - Debunking Misconceptions About Children's Abstract Thinking[00:28:51] - Practice: The Hypothesis Box Lesson for Classrooms[00:31:09] - Conceptually Open vs. Grammatically Closed Questions[00:34:51] - Coaching Teachers on Questioning and Responsive Structures[00:42:04] - Cultivating an Open Questioning Mindset (OQM) in Teachers[00:46:07] - Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Approaches to Student Assessment[00:57:51] - Final Advice: How to Become a Metacognitive Learner

In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri continues the Edtech series featuring guest Brad Fountain, a former teacher and administrator with over twenty years of experience inside the Edtech industry. Fountain provides a unique dual perspective, bridging the gap between classroom realities and corporate development to explain why districts often adopt and eventually abandon technology.The conversation dives deep into common pitfalls for Edtech companies, specifically the danger of prioritizing "clicks" and usage metrics over genuine instructional impact. Fountain argues that more time on a device does not equate to better learning and stresses the importance of preserving the "productive struggle" essential to student comprehension.For school leaders, Fountain offers a practical framework for identifying instructional gaps before making purchasing decisions. He provides timely advice on navigating the AI hype, urging districts to establish firm privacy and engagement policies before scaling these tools. Whether you are a founder building tools or an educator leading a district, this episode offers essential insights into strategic implementation and long term thinking in the digital age.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Defining The Ultimate Goal Of EdTech Companies[00:02:11] Scaling Impact Through Digital Solutions[00:04:25] Brad Fountain’s Formative Years In Dallas[00:06:48] Why Impactful Teaching Matters Most[00:09:10] Early Classroom Tech And MayaQuest[00:11:33] A Life-Changing Trip To The Tour De France[00:13:34] Advice For Early-Stage EdTech Founders[00:15:54] Understanding The Productive Struggle In Learning[00:18:08] How Tech Can Support Rather Than Replace Teachers[00:20:12] Asking The Right Questions During Product Development[00:22:32] The Educational Value Of Virtual Labs[00:24:48] Analyzing Usage Metrics Vs Instructional Impact[00:27:04] Balancing Screen Time With In-Class Instruction[00:29:11] Innovations In Digital Lesson Planning[00:31:19] A Guide For School District Administrators[00:33:22] Tracking Student Progress Through Data[00:35:47] Strategic Adoption Processes For School Districts[00:38:04] Identifying Instructional Gaps Before Buying Tech[00:40:13] The Role Of AI In Supporting Educators[00:42:26] Developing Safe And Effective District AI Policies[00:44:37] Providing Meaningful Instructional Time For Students[00:46:35] Validating EdTech Vendors Through Peer References[00:48:48] Final Thoughts And Rapid Fire Recommendations[00:50:52] Closing Remarks And Episode Wrap-Up[00:52:14] Outro And How To Stay Connected

In this episode of the Education Matters Podcast, Jason Buccheri sits down with Marc Kielburger, co-founder of the WE movement and a visionary who has influenced millions of students across Canada and beyond. Marc shares deeply personal reflections on his journey—from winning a national science fair in grade seven to navigating the complex intersection of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and global education.The conversation dives into the urgent challenges facing modern classrooms, particularly the disruptive potential of Artificial Intelligence. Marc argues that as technology begins to automate traditional instruction, the role of the teacher must be fundamentally redefined to focus on mentorship, emotional connection, and fostering a sense of "wholeness" in students. From discussing the "National Volunteer Service Initiative" to his recent work with the King family, Marc offers a candid look at resilience and the enduring importance of purpose-driven leadership.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] The Most Important People In The World[00:00:54] Introduction To Marc Kielburger And the WE Movement[00:02:09] Resilience After The Political Fallout In Canada[00:03:01] Why Teachers Must Be More Than Instructors[00:04:08] Marc's Current Legacy Projects And New Initiatives[00:05:14] Exploring Longevity, Biohacking, And Wellness[00:06:05] Growing Up In A Family Of Educators[00:07:23] Lessons In Service And Entrepreneurship From Childhood[00:08:53] Marc’s First Love: Applying Science To Real Life[00:10:23] Publishing A Cleaning Guide At Age Twelve[00:11:14] How Parents Leading By Example Sparked A Movement[00:12:33] The Origin Story Of Free The Children[00:14:20] Building A Global Organization For Youth Agency[00:15:11] Challenges Of Social Entrepreneurship In Canada[00:16:53] How To Remove Red Tape For Social Impact[00:18:10] Learning From International Models Of Social Enterprise[00:20:16] Reflections On Public Challenges And Personal Growth[00:21:56] The Future Of The National Volunteer Service Initiative[00:23:19] Finding Purpose And Recalibrating After Loss[00:25:42] The Impact Of AI On The Future Of Education[00:28:45] Why The Education System Must Move Rapidly[00:30:06] Prioritizing Human Connection Over Technology[00:32:54] Redefining The Teacher-Student Relationship[00:38:13] The Controversial Need For Love In Classrooms[00:43:07] A Twenty-Year Vision For Public Education

In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri explores the vital role of philosophy in the modern school system with guest Professor Anthony Grayling, a world-renowned public philosopher and principal of Northeastern University London. This conversation is another installment in our Big Idea series, which explores the thinkers, traditions, and questions sitting at the heart of what education is and what it might become. Professor Grayling challenges the idea of philosophy as a niche academic subject, presenting it instead as a "wider understanding" that is absolutely vital for an educated person. He highlights how philosophical inquiry provides essential tools for navigating an increasingly complex world by fostering reflection, mature dialogue, and self-understanding.The two discuss the practical implementation of these ideas, with Grayling suggesting that philosophy should not be another siloed subject but a framework that allows every other subject to make sense. They also examine Grayling's decision to found his own university to preserve the tutorial model and how the emergence of AI may be forcing society to rediscover more human-centered forms of learning rather than automating them away. Throughout the episode, Grayling emphasizes the vital distinction between "training"—the acquisition of practices—and "education"—the final stage of understanding and reflection that allows individuals to "own their lives". This episode is a compelling look at how philosophy can help cultivate sharper thinkers and more empathetic, democratic citizens.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] - Harmony vs. Uniformity In Modern Society[00:01:01] - Introducing The Big Idea Series[00:01:30] - Who Is Professor Anthony Grayling?[00:02:24] - Philosophy As The Framework For Good Citizenship[00:03:08] - Cultivating Sharp Thinkers And Empathetic Citizens[00:03:45] - Current Writing Projects In Paris[00:04:43] - Childhood Influences And Growing Up In Africa[00:05:39] - Discovering Plato’s Dialogues At Age Twelve[00:07:21] - The Power Of Literature and Reading Early[00:08:51] - Influential Teachers And Inspirational Tutors[00:10:49] - Connecting Literature To Human Reality[00:12:23] - Aristotle On Education And Leisure[00:12:52] - Distinguishing Education From Vocational Training[00:14:55] - Defining Philosophy As Disciplined Inquiry[00:16:58] - Critical Thinking In The Age Of Misinformation[00:19:05] - Teaching Philosophy To Young Children[00:22:22] - Why Socrates Is A Key Figure Today[00:26:06] - Subversive Ideas and Autonomous Thinking[00:28:01] - Socratic Self-Criticism And Self-Understanding[00:30:18] - Finding Stability In Stormy Geopolitical Shifts[00:32:33] - Opportunities For Human-Centered Learning With AI[00:37:00] - Critiquing Standardized Testing In Education[00:44:27] - Why I Founded The New College Humanities[00:52:56] - Why Democracy Needs The Humanities[01:01:04] - A Magic Wand For Public Education Reform

In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri explores the vital role of educational identity in the modern school system with guest Reginald Klassen, the Executive Director of CASSA. As a special instalment in the "Podcast Lounge Series," this episode features a collection of voices recorded directly in the podcast lounge during the annual Canadian Association of School System Administrators Conference. The two discuss these ideas through insights from guest speakers interviewed in the podcast lounge. These "micro-interviews" cover themes ranging from diversity and multiculturalism to high-performing school systems and the foundational role of truth and reconciliation. This episode provides a compelling look at how education helps develop well-rounded citizens capable of nuanced thinking across the country.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday —don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] The Education Matters Podcast Intro[00:00:41] Reginald Klassen On The Concept Of The Good Life[00:01:24] Voices From The CASSA Leadership Conference[00:01:45] What Makes Canadian Education Special[00:02:44] Introducing CASSA Executive Director Reginald Klassen[00:03:12] National Conference 2026 In Saskatoon[00:03:55] Jason Buccheri Welcomes Reginald Klassen[00:04:12] Upcoming CASSA Conference Registration Details[00:05:07] Theresa Ramirez On Diversity In Canadian Education[00:05:29] Dean Shareski On Indigenous Education And Immigration[00:05:51] Elizabeth Crawford On Multiculturalism And Inclusivity[00:06:23] Courtney Clarke On Student Centered School Systems[00:06:41] Mallory Maynard On Complexity In Education[00:06:52] Gil Abisdris On Meeting Diverse Student Needs[00:07:32] Protecting Classroom Diversity In Canada[00:08:51] Souhail Soujah On Global Recognition Of Equity[00:09:28] Mike McMann On Sharing Resources Across Provinces[00:10:06] Cassandra Jack Caldeira On Student Wellbeing[00:10:37] Peggy McCourt On Personalizing The Student Experience[00:11:05] The Importance Of Eliminating Obstacles To Learning[00:12:54] Marie Helen Goyetche On Accessible Public Education[00:13:04] Jameel Aziz On Public Education As A Leveling Field[00:15:21] Daniel Kearley On Teacher Student Connectivity[00:17:20] Jenness Moffat On Community And Citizenship[00:19:01] Sandra Herbst On Democracy And Reconciliation[00:20:58] How Education Shapes The Next Generation Of Citizens[00:23:42] Michael Hager On Promoting Indigenous Languages[00:24:17] Donna Fry On Truth And Reconciliation Calls To Action[00:24:45] Jason Drysdale On Preparing Kids For Democratic Society[00:25:39] Meaningful Progress Towards Reconciliation In Education[00:27:33] Recognizing Foundational Indigenous History In Schools[00:28:15] Kevin Kaardal On High Performing School Systems[00:28:34] Andrew Holland On Activating The Power Of Teachers[00:28:48] Tom D'Amico On Innovation Without National Direction[00:29:03] Karen Boyd On Reflecting Canadian Values In Schools[00:29:25] Stephen Jaddock On Doing Best For Students Regionally[00:29:46] Maintaining High Performance While Focusing On The Human[00:30:44] Financial And Professional Commitment To Education[00:31:28] Walking Beside Every Student On The Road Of Learning[00:32:12] Continuous System Improvement Beyond Resting On Laurels[00:32:38] Conclusion Of The Pan Canadian Educational Conversation[00:33:45] Next Year Summit And Podcast Lounge Details

In this episode of Education Matters, host Jason Buccheri explores the vital role of philosophy in the modern school system with guest Jonny Thomson, a former teacher and founder of Mini Philosophy. The conversation challenges the idea of philosophy as a niche academic subject, presenting it instead as the "beating heart" of a child's education. Thomson highlights how philosophical inquiry provides essential tools for navigating an increasingly complex world by fostering reflection, mature dialogue, and intellectual humility.The two discuss the practical implementation of these ideas, with Thomson suggesting that philosophy should not be another siloed subject but a critical lens integrated into existing curricula—from science to history. They also examine the rising popularity of Stoicism and how the emergence of AI may be forcing society to find deeper meaning through philosophical thought. Throughout the episode, Thomson emphasizes the art of "distillation"—condensing dense concepts into engaging, accessible insights that stick with students long after the lesson ends. This episode is a compelling look at how philosophy can help develop well-rounded citizens capable of nuanced thinking.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Why Philosophy Is The Best Place To Discuss Big Ideas [00:01:00] Making The Case For Philosophy At The Heart Of Education [00:01:30] How Mini Philosophy Makes Complex Topics Accessible [00:03:09] Jonny Thomson On Growing Up In Oxfordshire [00:04:05] Childhood Memories By The Seaside In Kent [00:04:53] Why The Sound Of Seagulls Brings A Spark Of Joy [00:05:44] Finding Beauty In The Pests Of Brighton Beach [00:06:15] The Importance Of Self Regulated Play In Early Childhood [00:07:50] How Bad Teachers Can Impact Your Love For Learning [00:08:33] Choosing Philosophy Over The Family Path Of Psychology [00:09:44] Navigating Life As A Second Child Seeking Attention [00:10:19] Exploring Philosophical Ideas Through Short Form Video [00:11:42] Building A Mature Space For Online Discourse And Debate [00:12:15] The Art Of Distillation For Effective Teaching [00:13:58] Broadening The Philosophical Lens Beyond Western Traditions [00:15:38] From The Classroom To Writing A Best Selling Book [00:18:09] Using Social Media As A Crowdsourcing Tool For Opinion [00:20:23] Balancing University Level Content With Viral Social Trends [00:21:46] Understanding The Psychological Triggers Behind Shareable Content [00:23:46] Why Controversial Or Taboo Topics Struggle With The Algorithm [00:25:12] Breaking Down The Modern Popularity Of Stoicism [00:31:07] How Our Beliefs Directly Affect Our Daily Behavior [00:41:08] Practical Ways To Integrate Philosophy Into Current Curriculums [00:52:43] Reimagining The School System For The Age Of AI [00:56:39] The Critical Role Of Parenting In A Child's Education

In the debut of the Big Ideas sub-series, host Jason Buccheri sits down with renowned author, poet, and scholar B.W. Powe for a wide-ranging conversation on education, media ecology, and the cultivation of the "poetic being."B.W. Powe—a student of Marshall McLuhan and Northrop Frye—bridges the gap between deep academic tradition and the urgent challenges of our media-saturated present. A former high school dropout turned York University professor, Powe shares his unique journey and his philosophy of "awareness practice." He challenges the traditional, goal-oriented classroom, proposing instead that teaching should be an "alchemy" of mutual mentorship and "degrees in decoding."In an era defined by what Powe calls "anti-information," this episode offers a blueprint for recovering depth, slowness, and attention. From the prophetic visions of McLuhan to the visionary tradition of Canadian culture, this conversation provides essential insights for educators, media ecologists, and anyone seeking to remain "live and aware" in the electronic cosmos.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Navigating a Media Saturated Environment & Misinformation[00:00:41] Introduction to the Big Ideas Series: Depth Over Hot Takes[00:01:52] Rethinking Teaching: Education as a Revelation for the Now[00:02:30] Awareness Practice: Transforming the Classroom Space[00:03:06] Portrait of a Media Ecologist: Marshall McLuhan & Northrop Frye[00:04:08] The Electronic Cosmos: Slowness vs. Digital Speed[00:05:35] Starting In Medias Res: Why Beginnings are Difficult[00:06:44] Navigating Non-Euclidean Space in the Electronic World[00:08:09] Stream Elsewhere Press: New Directions in Independent Publishing[00:09:33] The Via Negativa vs. Via Positiva in Creative Life[00:10:12] Gatherings vs. Classes: Cultivating Poetic Aporia[00:11:50] Mentorship in Education: Moving Beyond Hierarchy[00:13:01] Defining Anti-Information: The Deluge of Virulent Data[00:15:33] B.W. Powe’s Journey: From High School Dropout to Scholar[00:18:34] Living Outside Institutions: The "Weed by the Wall" Philosophy[00:19:43] The Influence of Music and Deep Listening on Thinking[00:22:14] The Role of the Muse: How Great Teachers Open the Mind[00:24:26] Entering the University as a Music Student[00:28:11] Meeting the Giants: Marshall McLuhan & Northrop Frye[00:29:40] The Prophetic Vision of McLuhan: The Medium is the Message[00:33:52] Technology as an Environment: Altering Human Consciousness[00:38:06] Encounters with Pierre Elliott Trudeau & Canadian Identity[00:42:40] Toward a Canada of Light: A Visionary Cultural Tradition[00:46:10] The Urgent Need for "Degrees in Decoding" Media[00:52:18] Simplicity vs. Reductiveness in Modern Politics[01:05:51] Literary Ecology: Restoring Alphabetic Awareness[01:14:11] Transformation vs. Transportation: The Soul in the Electronic Age[01:23:21] The Embodiment of Hope: Action Over Prescriptions

In this episode of the special series on Edtech, host Jason Buccheri sits down with Dr. Julian Reed, a professor at Furman University and founder of ActiveEd, the company behind Walkabouts. Dr. Reed’s journey bridges deep academic research with the startup world, offering a blueprint for building tools that truly serve the classroom.A self-described hyperactive kid who struggled in school, Julian has dedicated his career to studying how physical activity improves cognition and academic performance. In this conversation, he shares the physiological science behind movement—including how it stimulates brain growth factors—and explains why traditional classrooms are often poorly designed for how children learn.Julian discusses the founding of Walkabouts and offers critical advice for Edtech founders on team building and navigating the complex K-12 procurement market. This conversation provides essential insights into scaling a practice for maximum impact on student performance.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] - Entrepreneurship Advice Risk-Taking and Learning From Failure[00:00:54] - Episode Intro Bridging Classroom Research and Edtech Startups[00:01:11] - Meet Dr Julian Reed ActiveEd and Walkabouts Founder[00:02:12] - Edtech Blueprint How to Build Tools That Actually Help Teachers[00:03:11] - Academic Background Health Sciences and Child Cognition Research[00:04:33] - Early Education Struggles and the Impact of Boarding School[00:06:10] - Academic Journey Transitioning From Physical Therapy to Sports Medicine[00:07:50] - Researching Physical Activity Cognition and Child Kinesiology[00:09:03] - Combating Childhood Obesity through Active School Days[00:11:15] - Scaling Educational Impact Through Digital Business Models[00:12:17] - Partnering With Experts Finding Complementary Skill Sets[00:13:28] - Scientific Evidence The Empirical Link Between Movement and Learning[00:14:51] - Case Study Improved Performance in Under-Resourced Schools[00:16:43] - Leveraging Physical Activity for Better Classroom Management[00:17:27] - Physiological Benefits Blood Flow Oxygen and Brain Development[00:19:36] - Executive Function How Movement Stimulates Brain Control Centers[00:21:27] - Professional Development Practical Movement Lessons for Teachers[00:23:47] - Kinetic Pedagogy Reaching Different Types of Learners[00:25:50] - Scaling Edtech Impact Using Cloud Based Platforms[00:27:46] - Edtech Fundraising Friends Family and Angel Networks[00:30:45] - The Challenges of Selling Into the Education Market[00:33:19] - Founding Advice Skin In The Game and Team Building[00:35:07] - Fixing Education Promoting Community Engagement and Parental Empowerment[00:36:50] - Modern Literacy Rates and the Need for Entrepreneurial Education[00:37:44] - Closing Remarks Final Lessons for Edtech Founders

In this inaugural episode of our new sub-series on Education Technology, host Jason Buccheri is joined by seasoned EdTech veteran Matt Monjan, founder of Infuse Ed. With decades of experience on the front lines—including 14 years at Discovery Education—Matt offers a rare, unvarnished look at the realities of the K-12 market.This conversation is a must-listen for EdTech founders, startups, and investors who want to bridge the gap between building a great tool and achieving successful, long-term implementation in a school district. Matt emphasizes the importance of co-building with district leaders rather than trying to shoehorn finished products into existing systems. He shares critical insights on understanding the "family trees" of district leadership and the "lighthouse approach" for strategic, localized growth. Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran, Matt's practical advice provides a roadmap for navigating procurement and implementation effectively.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Advice For Co-Building With School Leaders[00:00:38] Introduction To Education Matters New Tech Sub-Series[00:01:21] Bridging The Gap Between Founders And Districts[00:01:42] Introducing EdTech Seasoned Leader Matt Monjan[00:02:44] Welcome To The Show From Maryland[00:03:42] Matt Monjan’s Professional Background And EdTech Journey[00:04:42] Starting At Discovery Education During The Streaming Media Shift[00:06:16] Reflections On Educational Background And Early Learning[00:08:43] Understanding Shifts In Learning And Digital Device Use[00:10:04] Transitioning From Career Resistance To Education Calling[00:11:48] Working With Administrators To Help Kids[00:12:15] Inspiring Experiences From Miami-Dade Turnaround Schools[00:14:15] The One Constant For Successful Educational Leaders[00:15:45] Advice For Startups On Engaging With School Leaders[00:16:53] Overview Of Infuse Ed And Scaling Outreach[00:18:47] Common Traits Of The Best EdTech Companies[00:20:23] Common Mistakes Founders Make With AI And Product Impact[00:22:35] Why Building EdTech With Intent Is Key To Success[00:24:19] Building Trust And Navigating District Procurement Realities[00:25:23] The Lighthouse Approach For Early EdTech Growth[00:27:52] Understanding The Family Trees Of District Leaders[00:29:24] Challenges In School District Tech Adoption And Awareness[00:30:50] Strategies For Successful Long-Term Product Implementation[00:33:05] Future Trends In EdTech: Innovation In AI And Content[00:39:51] Social Impact Lens: Focusing On What Is Good For Kids[00:42:30] Podcast Credits

In this special episode of the Education Matters Podcast, host Jason Buccheri is joined by Mental Health Summit founder Dr. Gina Cherkowski to reflect on last year’s gathering and explore what’s ahead for the 2026 Mental Health Summit in Banff. Together, they share powerful insights from educators, leaders, and students on how schools can meaningfully support mental health, well-being, and belonging.The conversation highlights the importance of caring for educators, fostering emotionally safe learning environments, and strengthening community connections. The episode also features an in-depth interview with keynote speaker Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl, who unpacks the research behind social-emotional learning, stress contagion in classrooms, and why mental health must be a foundational part of education.Register for the 2026 Mental Health summit here!Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Episode Introduction And Mental Health Summit Partnership[00:01:19] Welcome Back With Dr. Gina Cherkowski[00:02:24] 2026 Mental Health Summit Dates And Keynote Highlights[00:03:35] Emotional Regulation And Supporting Educators[00:04:04] Schools As Safe Spaces For Mental Health[00:06:03] Supporting Student Mental Well-Being[00:07:10] Living With Intention And Wellness[00:08:05] Belonging As A Foundation For Learning[00:09:49] Community, Connection, And Mental Health[00:12:02] Mental Health As A Shared Community Responsibility[00:13:38] Men’s Mental Health And Breaking Stigma[00:15:50] Why Schools Must Lead Mental Health Support[00:17:47] Early Intervention And Emotional Education[00:19:54] Personal Mental Health Stories And Resilience[00:22:05] Stories As Healing And Youth Voices[00:24:06] Introducing Dr. Kimberly Schonert-Reichl[00:25:45] Growing Up Curious And Learning Early[00:28:19] Teachers Who Shape Our Lives[00:30:30] Social Emotional Learning And Life Success[00:32:27] Research Linking SEL To Academic Outcomes[00:36:07] Supporting Teachers To Support Students[00:38:15] Stress Contagion In Classrooms[00:40:33] MindUP Program And Neuroscience[00:44:57] Reimagining Schools With A Magic Wand[00:47:05] Open-Access SEL Research Journal[00:48:20] Reimagining Education Systems[00:50:33] Gratitude, Mentorship, And Collaboration[00:51:44] Global Research Forum Announcement[00:53:53] 2026 Summit Reminder And Closing Reflections[00:54:39] Land Acknowledgement And Final Credits

In this conversation, Chris Fuzessy shares his journey from growing up in Montreal to becoming a leader in education in Alberta. He discusses the importance of community, the impact of Indigenous education, and the role of mental health and well-being in schools. Chris emphasizes the need for trust and transparency in educational leadership and explores the potential of AI in enhancing teaching and learning. He also reflects on his book 'Emanate', which delves into leadership, mental health, and self-reflection, and shares his vision for the future of education, focusing on sustainability and community engagement.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠educationmatters.media⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Human Intelligence Vs. Artificial Intelligence Continuum[00:00:48] Episode Introduction And Guest Overview[00:02:58] Guest Introduction And Location[00:03:04] Land Acknowledgement From Treaty 7 Territory[00:03:39] Roots In Montreal And Moving West[00:06:06] Early Memories Of Learning And Curiosity[00:07:57] Reigniting Curiosity In Grade 11 English[00:09:24] Detours Before Education And Finding Purpose[00:11:28] Becoming A Parent And A New Lens On Teaching[00:15:16] Masters And PhD In Inuit And Indigenous Education[00:18:01] Time In Northern Communities[00:19:05] Community In Indigenous Contexts[00:22:37] Inspiration From Student Leadership Conferences[00:26:29] Characteristics Of Great Classrooms[00:30:10] Scaling Great Learning Through Trust And Transparency[00:31:14] Building Trust As Ongoing Work And Psychological Safety[00:34:34] Flourishing As A North Star For The Division[00:36:21] Workplace Wellness And Mental Health In The System[00:38:16] Wellness Is Personal And Systems Should Support Opt-In[00:40:48] Evidence And Indicators Of Impact[00:43:10] Turning To AI Work In The District[00:45:05] Starting Point For AI And Continuum Lens[00:46:06] Building Internal Tools In Microsoft 365[00:47:30] Curriculum Lesson Generation And Fine-Tuning[00:49:33] FSD Assistant For Policies And Procedures[00:51:15] Advice For District Leaders On Where To Start With AI[00:54:30] Introducing The Book Emanate[00:56:15] First Step For Leaders: Self-Reflection And Values[00:59:40] Future Of Education And The Social Contract[01:03:34] Magic Wand Change For Canada[01:06:40] Recommendations And Readings[01:08:44] Braiding Sweetgrass And Mutual Flourishing[01:10:25] Closing Thanks And Reflection[01:10:42] Podcast Credits And Outro

In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Gary Stager shares his insights on education, emphasizing the importance of making learning engaging and meaningful for students. He reflects on his own educational experiences, the influence of music and programming, and the need to reclaim the art of teaching in a system often dominated by rigid pedagogical approaches. Stager discusses the potential impact of AI on education and envisions a future where schools foster creativity and personal expression. He draws parallels between jazz and education, highlighting the value of collaboration and improvisation in the learning process. Ultimately, Stager advocates for a transformative approach to education that prioritizes student agency and joy in learning.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ educationmatters.mediaAbout: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Opening Reflections On Learning[00:00:34] Setting The Stage For Human Purpose[00:02:58] Gary’s Current Work And Philosophy[00:04:26] Growing Up In New Jersey[00:06:36] Early Encounters With Math And Music[00:08:53] The Fastest Way From The Top To The Bottom[00:10:58] Teachers Who Opened Doors[00:12:57] Independence And Childhood Freedom[00:14:59] Discovering World-Class Teachers[00:16:49] The Path Toward Education[00:21:07] Accidentally Becoming A Teacher Of Teachers[00:23:11] Early Vision Of Computing For Children[00:27:28] The Most Inspiring Classrooms In The World[00:31:20] Why Greatness In Learning Matters[00:33:45] The Rise Of Pedagogical Authoritarianism[00:38:37] The Project As The Unit Of Concern[00:40:26] The Question That Transforms Teaching[00:42:18] When Systems Undermine Good Teachers[00:45:24] The Cost Of Assessment-Driven Schooling[00:47:40] University Myths And The Culture Of Scarcity[00:49:59] The Power Of Purpose And Passion[00:54:21] AI Will Force A Reckoning[00:56:08] Why Most AI Talk In Education Is Misguided[01:00:28] The Learner’s Apprentice And New Possibilities[01:02:50] The Real Threats Of AI Policy[01:05:13] Why Schools Must Stop Building Walls[01:07:30] A Dystopian Future Of Schooling[01:09:57] A Hopeful Future Of Possibility[01:12:25] Learning From The World’s Best Educators[01:14:33] What Jazz Teaches About Learning[01:19:15] The Wonder Of Mastery Across Generations[01:20:52] What Gary Would Do With A Magic Wand[01:22:47] Closing Thoughts And Gratitude

In this conversation, Jason Buccheri hosts Michael Stevenson and Mark Pearmain to discuss the evolving landscape of education, focusing on the concept of human flourishing. They explore the importance of redefining educational purposes beyond mere employment, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that includes emotional, ethical, and social competencies. The discussion also highlights the role of collective efforts in education, the integration of diverse worldviews, and the impact of AI on future learning environments. The speakers share insights on how education systems can adapt to better prepare students for a rapidly changing world, advocating for a collaborative and inclusive approach to learning.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Cold Open – What If Education Isn’t About Productivity? [00:00:47] Host Intro – AI, Automation & The Meaning Of Education [00:01:41] Theme Overview – Reimagining Purpose & Human Flourishing [00:03:10] Summit Mention – Canadian Education Leadership Summit [00:03:58] Guest Check-In – London And Surrey, BC [00:04:36] Michael Stevenson – OECD Role And Vision [00:05:28] Mark Pearmain – Surrey School District Overview [00:07:20] Personal Path – Why Education? [00:07:25] Michael Stevenson – From BBC To OECD And The Ancient-Future Lens [00:09:49] Mark Pearmain – Formative Teachers And Family Influence [00:12:35] Shifts In Education – Post-COVID Perspective & BC’s Competency Curriculum [00:16:50] Global Context – Groundswell For Change And Learning As A Way Of Being [00:19:35] Collaboration – OECD And BC Connection At Whistler [00:23:35] Defining Human Flourishing – Happiness, Meaning, Relationships & Accomplishment [00:25:39] Critique – Education For Employment Vs. Education For Flourishing [00:28:39] Balancing Basics – Foundational Skills Before Flourishing [00:30:40] Individual And Collective Flourishing – Educating Beyond The Self [00:34:58] Schools As Communities – Everyone’s Role In Student Success [00:37:23] Student Voice – Agency In Learning And AI Ethics [00:39:35] Four Worldviews – Indigenous, Pre-Modern, Modern, Post-Modern [00:43:08] Truth & Reconciliation – Embedding Indigenous Perspectives In BC Education [00:45:29] Healing & Acknowledgment – Intergenerational Trauma And Renewal [00:48:46] Five Core Competencies – Ethical Competence And Acting In The World [00:51:31] Adaptive Problem-Solving And Meaning-Making [01:05:00] The Role Of AI – Harnessing Technology Without Losing Agency [01:21:58] Practical Advice – Starting Small And Sustaining Change [01:27:29] Reflections – The Humanistic Thread Of Education

In this week’s episode of Education Matters, storyteller and advertising veteran Neal Foard explores story-first leadership—how small, consistent acts of care shape culture faster than any memo. Drawing on a Bay Area upbringing and a career helping brands explain ideas clearly, Neal shows how leaders can use stories to set tone, build trust, and make values visible in daily routines. He contrasts classroom joy with test obsession, unpacks “love-letter” messaging that helps people feel seen, and makes the case for arts and performance as courage builders. Practical takeaways include prompts for staff meetings, ways to reinforce fairness, and habits that strengthen belonging.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Opening: Kindness as Daily Practice[00:00:49] Guest Introduction: Neal Foard[00:03:00] Where Is Neal Today[00:03:29] Bay Area Upbringing[00:04:26] Context of the Late 60s[00:06:54] School Then vs. Now[00:07:59] Earliest Memory: Reading & Puppets[00:08:48] Spanish at Five & Language Affinity[00:09:29] Free-Range Childhood Adventures[00:10:54] Hare Krishna Parade Memory[00:13:07] Shift to Helicopter Parenting[00:14:42] Early Love of History[00:18:43] Family Storytellers & SNL Reenactments[00:19:59] Punk Band & the Performance Bug[00:20:50] College Plays for Courage[00:23:13] Showbiz Light: Explaining Ideas[00:26:28] ‘Torches to Be Lit’ & Ad Fat[00:27:36] Accidental Entry into Advertising[00:31:16] Lessons: Initiative & Partners[00:33:04] Human Nature in Ads[00:34:38] Love-Letter Advertising[00:47:24] Pocket Acts of Kindness[00:49:33] Leaders Set Tone with Stories[00:51:50] Tire Shop Parable: Two Stories[00:57:16] Media Diet for Students[00:58:16] Advice to Young Men[01:04:53] If I Ran Schools[01:07:58] Media Recommendations[01:11:25] Closing & Land Acknowledgement

In this engaging conversation, Chris Kennedy, a seasoned educator and superintendent, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of education, the impact of AI, and the importance of community and leadership in schools. He reflects on his upbringing in a family of educators, the inspiring teachers he has encountered, and the need for innovative approaches in classrooms. Chris emphasizes the significance of engaging parents, the role of school leadership, and the necessity of equity in access to educational tools. He also discusses the future of education, advocating for a balance between technology and human connection, and shares his vision for a more inclusive and effective educational system.Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Opening Reflection on AI[00:00:43] Guest Introduction: Chris Kennedy[00:03:07] Where He’s Calling From (West Vancouver; Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation)[00:04:10] Early Life in Richmond; First Teaching Job[00:04:31] Teaching with His Mom; Meeting His Wife[00:07:38] Childhood Interests: Geography & Politic0s[00:09:22] Growing Up Then vs Now[00:10:22] Early Reading Challenges & Advocacy[00:12:17] Inspiring Teaching Examples[00:14:28] What Great Classrooms Look Like[00:15:34] Teachers I Admire[00:16:59] Why Principals Matter[00:18:48] Working With Parents (Updating Mindsets)[00:21:25] Opening Classrooms: Portfolios & Parent Ed[00:23:30] Becoming a Young Superintendent[00:26:43] Age Diversity in Leadership[00:32:52] Equity & Access With AI[00:35:29] Rethinking Assessment; Co-Creating With AI[00:38:37] Staff Support & AI Leads[00:41:11] Diffusion vs Mandates[00:42:31] People Provide Inspiration (Not AI)[00:45:27] Assessment, Ranking & Sorting[00:47:46] 50-Year Futures: Right vs Wrong Paths[00:49:34] Magic Wand: AI + Physical Literacy; Literacy/Numeracy; All Means All[00:51:18] Media Recommendations & Longevity Theme[00:53:14] Outro & Credits

In this deeply reflective episode of The Education Matters Podcast, Dr. Pius Ryan—Superintendent of Schools in North Vancouver—offers a sweeping yet grounded vision of education. Tracing a path from his early days in Newfoundland to his current leadership in British Columbia, he brings both heart and systems thinking to bear on a central question: what kind of education is needed for a good life in a changing world? He discusses designing classrooms as communities rather than silos; treating education as relationship—with self, others, the Earth, and modern technology; navigating the tension between structure and creativity in systems leadership; and advancing a national conversation about the purpose and ends of public schooling. He also considers what AI, synthetic biology, and ecological collapse demand of educators today. The episode resists quick fixes, focusing instead on values, clarity, and the long arc of public education in Canada.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Opening: Inspiring Teachers & Principals[00:00:47] Guest Introduction: Pius Ryan[00:03:00] Land Acknowledgement & Location[00:03:51] Role as Superintendent Overview[00:05:37] Childhood in Newfoundland & Labrador[00:06:52] Freedom of Childhood vs. Today[00:09:30] Early Education Vibe (Less Urgency)[00:11:18] Random Spark: Othello & Moonfleet[00:12:57] Studies & Path (English → Psych → Doctorate)[00:14:37] Aristotle: Episteme, Techne, Phronesis[00:14:59] What Makes a Good Life?[00:21:52] Three Relationships: Tech, Earth, Self/Other[00:24:48] Canadian Education Strengths[00:25:58] System Leadership Approach[00:31:39] BC Curriculum & Indigenous Perspectives[00:34:14] Circular Economy & Environmental Literacy[00:36:28] Schools as Community Hubs[00:37:58] Structural Constraints (Bells, Contracts)[00:40:41] Equipping Students: Mindset & Agency[00:43:58] Tech in Learning & Phones at School[00:48:36] ChatGPT & Writing Pedagogy[00:49:54] District Approach to AI (Helping Teachers)[00:53:16] Advice for EdTech Companies[00:55:41] Ministry–District Renewal Mechanism[01:00:52] 50-Year Outlook—Worries & Hope[01:01:37] Magic Wand: Classrooms as Communities[01:05:22] Unions/Structure: Modern Design[01:08:05] Recommendations: Books & Authors[01:09:43] Closing Credits

In this conversation, Brendan Browne, the Director of Education at the Toronto Catholic District School Board, shares insights from his extensive career in education. He discusses his upbringing, the impact of technology on childhood, and the importance of philosophy in education. Brendan emphasizes the significance of creating inspiring classrooms where students feel loved and safe, the role of trust in leadership, and the challenges of managing large school districts. He also highlights innovative initiatives in special education and his vision for the future of education, focusing on critical thinking and independence.This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Education Perfect⁠⁠, a complete teaching and learning toolkit built to support Canadian classrooms. Education Perfect empowers educators to track progress, personalize learning, and support purposeful practice. Its tools are flexible and designed to help Canadian teachers amplify their impact in the classroom. See for yourself and book a free demo today at ⁠⁠educationperfect.com⁠⁠.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Sponsor Message – Education Perfect[00:00:27] Opening Reflection: The Power of Ideals in Education[00:01:11] Introduction to Dr. Brendan Browne[00:03:31] Kite Metaphor – Freedom and Structure[00:03:54] Starting the Conversation[00:04:25] Current Role at Toronto Catholic DSB[00:06:20] Career Path: From Burlington to Director of Education[00:08:18] Childhood and Family Influences[00:10:24] Growing Up Without Devices – Being Present[00:12:20] Philosophy, Ideals, and Meliorism[00:16:17] Academic Background – Literature, Sociology, Philosophy[00:18:21] The Case for Philosophy in High Schools[00:22:14] What Makes a Great Classroom? Love and Safety[00:25:50] Conditions for Scaling Loving Classrooms[00:27:00] Parents and Partnership with Schools[00:29:09] Challenges of Leading Large Districts[00:32:16] Leadership Lessons: Trust and Teamwork[00:36:09] Story: Trusting a Teacher in Charge[00:40:56] Building Effective Senior Leadership Teams[00:43:22] Special Education & Independence Rubric Initiative[00:49:19] Changing the Narrative: Support vs. Independence[00:53:26] Kite Metaphor Revisited – Structure and Freedom[00:55:22] Education 50 Years in the Future[00:58:36] Magic Wand: Inspiring Staff Daily[01:00:29] Media Recommendation: In Rainbows by Radiohead[01:03:01] Closing & Acknowledgements

In this weeks podcast, join us as we dive into the world of BC trustees with Tracy Loffler, the President of the BC School Trustees Association. Tracy shares her journey from a school trustee to leading an organization that advocates for public education across British Columbia. Discover her experiences, the challenges she faces, and her vision for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments across the province's 60 school boards. Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply passionate about education, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the future of learning and the importance of community-driven advocacy.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Opening Reflection[00:03:02] Introducing Tracy Loffler[00:04:50] Moving Across BC as a Child[00:06:00] Childhood Play and Early Love of Reading[00:07:35] Adapting to Multiple Schools[00:08:56] Outdoor Learning in BC[00:09:55] The Most Inspiring Thing as a Trustee[00:11:55] What Makes a Great Classroom[00:12:48] What Parents Need to Understand About the System[00:14:35] The Role of a School Trustee[00:16:42] What is BCSTA?[00:18:32] Enhancing Student Learning Framework[00:20:46] Professional Development for Trustees[00:23:01] Understanding Co-Governance in BC[00:24:28] Policy Issues on the Horizon[00:26:36] Supporting Boards with AI Policy[00:28:25] Representing All 60 School Districts[00:31:20] Federal Collaboration Through CSBA[00:33:10] Addressing Child Poverty and Student Complexity[00:34:50] Vision for the Future of Education[00:36:15] A Magic Wand for Education[00:37:18] Media Recommendation: Ted Lasso[00:38:46] Closing Message of Hope

In this podcast episode, Camillo Cipriano, the Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer for the Niagara Catholic District School Board, shares insights into his role and personal journey. He reflects on his upbringing in Milton, Ontario, and how his childhood experiences of imaginative play and exploration shaped his problem-solving skills. Camillo discusses the challenges and opportunities in modern education, emphasizing the importance of allowing children to fail and learn from their mistakes. He highlights the need for a balance between technology and traditional learning methods, advocating for environments where children can rely on their creativity and resilience.Camillo also touches on the evolving role of educators and the importance of building trust within the education system. He shares his thoughts on the impact of AI in education, expressing both excitement and caution about its integration. Camillo envisions a future where AI supports personalized learning while maintaining the essential human connection between teachers and students. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Education Perfect⁠⁠⁠, a complete teaching and learning toolkit built to support Canadian classrooms. Education Perfect empowers educators to track progress, personalize learning, and support purposeful practice. Its tools are flexible and designed to help Canadian teachers amplify their impact in the classroom. See for yourself and book a free demo today at ⁠⁠⁠educationperfect.com⁠⁠⁠.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Sponsor Message – Education Perfect [00:01:17] Welcome and Guest Introduction [00:03:31] Camillo’s Current Role and Background [00:04:59] Growing Up in Milton and Childhood Reflections [00:07:30] Imagination, Risk, and Childhood Freedom [00:09:28] Changing Parental Perspectives Over Generations [00:11:49] Overprotection vs Underprotection in Modern Parenting [00:13:41] Street Hockey and the Loss of Unstructured Play [00:15:49] Importance of Resilience Through Play [00:17:30] Love of Math and Maps [00:19:14] University Studies and Early Career in Business [00:21:19] Finding a Calling in Education [00:23:07] First Classroom Experience [00:24:25] Inspirational Stories from Former Students [00:28:02] Planting Seeds: The Long-Term Impact of Education [00:30:25] Discipline as a Teaching Tool [00:32:24] The Purpose of School Discipline [00:34:33] What Makes a Great Classroom [00:36:44] What Makes a Great School Leader [00:43:39] The Principal as a Champion of Learning [00:45:32] Helping Parents Understand Today’s Classrooms [00:47:45] Inviting Parents into the Classroom [00:50:08] Relationships Between Schools and Families [00:52:08] Misunderstanding Complexity in Classrooms [00:54:28] AI in Education: Early Stages of Adoption [00:56:56] The Potential of AI to Personalize Learning [00:58:23] Concerns About Overreliance on Technology [01:00:19] AI and the Importance of Foundational Skills [01:01:51] AI and the Need to Preserve Writing and Thinking [01:03:27] Camillo’s Vision for Education in 50 Years [01:05:14] If Camillo Had a Magic Wand: Building Trust [01:07:19] Media Recommendations and Final Thoughts

In this engaging conversation, Sunil discusses his journey from a traditional math teacher to an advocate for a more humanistic approach to mathematics education. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, curiosity, and play in learning, and how these elements can transform the way mathematics is taught. Sunil also highlights the need to reintroduce the history of mathematics and its connection to the humanities, arguing that math education should prioritize human flourishing. He shares insights from his experiences and introduces the Global Math Summit, aimed at fostering a collaborative environment for educators to reimagine math instruction.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Choosing a New North Star for Mathematics[00:00:45] Episode Introduction and Guest Overview[00:03:04] Sunil Joins from Pickering, Ontario[00:04:25] Growing Up: From Tasmania to North York[00:06:10] Leaving Teaching at the Peak[00:07:55] Finding Voice Through Storytelling[00:08:20] The Magic of Free Childhood Play[00:10:32] A 9-Year-Old’s Love Affair with a Math Textbook[00:13:05] The Mystery and Romance of Mathematics[00:15:05] Curiosity as a Measure of Student Well-Being[00:16:35] Math for Human Flourishing[00:18:36] Rediscovering the Roots of Math in the Humanities[00:20:43] The False Fluency of High Marks in Math[00:22:08] What a Flourishing Math Classroom Looks Like[00:24:12] Wonder, Curiosity, and Student Voice[00:26:12] The Hidden History of Math Education[00:28:39] Losing Wisdom and the Boring Curriculum Trap[00:30:49] Fluency Reimagined: Adding Historic and Contemporary[00:32:59] Jodie Foster’s French and the True Meaning of Fluency[00:33:41] Rethinking the Math Credentials Debate[00:36:04] Mutual Learning and Honesty in the Classroom[00:38:26] Redefining Play in Mathematics[00:40:50] The Etymology of “School” and “Silly”[00:42:21] Mental Health and Mathematical Wellness[00:44:19] Curiosity as a Proxy for Mental Health[00:46:44] The Spirituality of Mathematics[00:47:33] The Story of Sophie Germain[00:52:21] Humanizing Math Through Storytelling[00:53:47] Discovering the History of Zero[00:57:04] Negative Numbers and the Power of Early Conceptual Play[00:58:39] Preventing the Collapse of Mathematical Understanding[01:00:00] Introducing the Global Math Summit in Sardinia[01:03:15] Pietro Cataldi and Teaching Math in Italian[01:05:03] Changing the Vector of Mathematics[01:06:23] A New North Star for Math Education[01:07:10] Media Recommendations from Sunil Singh[01:09:00] Closing Reflections and Gratitude

In this episode, David DeSantis, the Director of Education for the Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic School Board, shares his journey from growing up in an Italian immigrant family in Hamilton, Ontario, to becoming a director of education in Ontario, Canada. He discusses the importance of music in education, the challenges faced by new teachers, and the role of mentorship in his career. David emphasizes the need for mental health support in schools, the significance of early childhood education, and the successful initiatives implemented in his school board, particularly in literacy education. He concludes with a hopeful vision for the future of education, focusing on empathy and compassion.This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠Education Perfect⁠⁠, a complete teaching and learning toolkit built to support Canadian classrooms. Education Perfect empowers educators to track progress, personalize learning, and support purposeful practice. Its tools are flexible and designed to help Canadian teachers amplify their impact in the classroom. See for yourself and book a free demo today at ⁠⁠educationperfect.com⁠⁠.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Sponsor Message – Education Perfect[00:01:22] Introduction to David DeSantis[00:03:46] David's Current Role and Board Overview[00:04:55] Family Background and Immigration Story[00:07:09] Growing Up in Hamilton in the 1980s[00:09:10] Childhood Play and Street Hockey[00:11:53] Early School Experiences and Academic Turnaround[00:13:36] Discovery of Music and Its Impact[00:15:12] Music Education and Instrument Choice[00:17:24] Factory Work vs. Academic Aspirations[00:19:26] University Decisions and Career Misalignment[00:22:01] Turning Down a Music Scholarship[00:24:45] Entering Teaching and Early Challenges[00:26:37] Overcoming First-Year Teaching Struggles[00:28:35] Path to Administration and Mentorship[00:33:18] Reevaluating Elementary vs. Secondary[00:36:10] Power of Kindergarten and Early Education[00:39:13] The Profound Responsibility of Educators[00:41:39] The House Analogy – Elementary vs. Secondary[00:43:51] Parental Involvement in Elementary School[00:47:52] Major Challenges in Ontario Education[00:53:23] Reaching Every Reader Literacy Initiative[00:56:06] Hope for the Future of Education[00:57:49] Media Recommendation – The Bridge Podcast[00:59:00] Closing Remarks and Credits

In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, we explore the evolving role of education in Canada, particularly focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. We discuss  the importance of AI literacy, equity of access, and the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the educational landscape. Dean Shareski and Anna Villalta share their insights on how AI can be used as a tool to enhance learning, while also addressing the ethical considerations and potential risks involved. They emphasize the need for a thoughtful approach to AI, advocating for a balance between innovation and caution. The conversation also touches on the unique aspects of the Canadian education system, including regional differences (especially in Quebec) and the importance of national conversations in shaping the future of education.This episode is brought to you by ⁠CASSA (the Canadian Association of School System Administrators)⁠. CASSA unites school superintendents and system leaders from coast to coast to tackle Canada’s biggest public-education challenges, with a sharp focus on equity, student success, and collaboration. Learn more at ⁠cassa-acgcs.ca⁠.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Sponsor Message – CASSA the Canadian Association of School System Administrators[00:00:41] Opening Reflections – Champions of Possibility in Education[00:01:26] Episode Overview – Exploring Canadian Identity and AI in Education[00:03:14] Guest Introductions – Dean Shareski and Anna Villalta[00:04:52] Keynote Preview – What to Expect from Dean at CASSA[00:07:02] Canadian Identity in Education – Reflections and Hockey Metaphors[00:09:24] Cohort Work Across Canada – Learning About AI in Districts[00:11:40] AI in Report Cards – Early Applications and Guiding Teachers[00:13:43] Anna’s Perspective – AI Use Among Students and Regional Differences[00:15:53] Who Leads AI in Schools – System-Level Challenges and Missteps[00:17:40] Literacy Before Tools – Elevating AI Understanding Across Roles[00:19:40] AI and Pedagogy – Challenges and Opportunities for Educators[00:23:55] Critical Thinking and Design – What AI Can’t Replace[00:26:02] Healthy Tension – Embracing Debate and Shared Values[00:28:02] System Transformation – Learning from Other Provinces[00:30:12] The Future of AI – Hopes for Humanity and Classroom Innovation[00:36:12] Barriers to Innovation – Budget Cuts and Equity in Quebec[00:38:34] Anna’s Role in CASSA – Leadership and National Collaboration[00:43:11] What Makes Quebec Unique – Structure, Culture, and Language[00:47:15] Multiculturalism and Identity – A National Ongoing Project[00:51:24] Competency-Based Education – Progress and Roadblocks[00:53:20] Inspiring Initiatives – Inclusive STEAM Partnerships[00:58:29] If I Had a Magic Wand – A Vision for Quebec’s Future[01:01:15] The True Cost of Cuts – Long-Term Impacts on Society[01:03:27] Looking Ahead to CASSA – What Anna and Dean are Excited About

In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Reg Klassen, the executive director of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASA), shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Saskatchewan to a successful career in education. He discusses the importance of building relationships in education, the impact of teachers on students, and the need for parental involvement in their children's education. Reg reflects on his own struggles in school, the challenges he faced as a teacher, and the inspiring stories of students who overcame adversity. He emphasizes the human aspect of teaching and the importance of understanding the complexities of the classroom environment. In this conversation, Jason Buccheri and Reg Klassen discuss the critical themes surrounding education in Canada, including the importance of parental involvement, the challenges of implementing sustainable changes in school systems, and the mission of CASSA to promote equity and excellence in education. They explore the need for better preparation of educators to face future challenges, the unique aspects of Canadian education, and the vision for a more equitable educational landscape. The discussion emphasizes the importance of legacy in education and the need for a collective will to improve the system.This episode is brought to you by CASSA (the Canadian Association of School System Administrators). CASSA unites school superintendents and system leaders from coast to coast to tackle Canada’s biggest public-education challenges, with a sharp focus on equity, student success, and collaboration. Learn more at cassa-acgcs.ca.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Sponsor Message – CASSA(Canadian Association of School System Administrators)[00:00:41] School-Day Scheduling Assumptions[00:01:30] Guest Introduction – Reg Klassen[00:02:06] Interview Kickoff With Reg Klassen[00:02:44] Safeguarding Democracy Through Education[00:05:13] Reg’s Reflections On Attending CASSA Events[00:06:40] Being The Eldest Of Six: Family Background[00:08:25] Early Schooling Experiences[00:10:14] Childhood Imagination Anecdote[00:12:40] Value Of Narrative In Education[00:13:04] Confidence In Public Speaking As A Student[00:14:56] Memory, Detail, And Documentation[00:16:06] Reg’s Theological Education Journey[00:18:05] Most Inspiring Moment In Education[00:19:59] Family Impact On Educational Practice[00:21:46] Building And Nurturing Relationships[00:24:11] Staying Connected After Retirement[00:32:19] Research On Math Acceleration Timing[00:34:51] CASSA’s Role & Reg’s Facilitation Work[00:36:04] Ensuring Equity In Educational Opportunities[00:39:11] Challenges On CASSA’s Board[00:41:12] Calls For Reform In Teacher Training[00:45:38] Parental Attitudes Toward Education Reform[00:47:38] Critique Of Test-Focused Education[00:49:56] Vision For Early Childhood Investment[00:55:33] Celebrating Perseverance In Education[00:55:58] Launch Of “Legacy” Magazine[00:57:42] CASSA Conference Preview[00:57:56] Encouragement To Attend CASSA Conference[00:58:24] Closing Credits & Acknowledgements

In this conversation, Pino Buffone shares his journey from being a child of Italian immigrants to becoming the Director of Education at the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. He reflects on his upbringing in a bilingual household, the importance of education instilled by his parents, and his experiences navigating the education system as a multilingual learner. Pino discusses the challenges of literacy, the value of cultural exchange in education, and his commitment to fostering international partnerships to enhance educational opportunities for students. In this conversation, Pino Buffone discusses the importance of equity in education, emphasizing the need for equitable access, experience, and outcomes for all students.This episode is brought to you by ⁠Education Perfect⁠, a complete teaching and learning toolkit built to support Canadian classrooms. Education Perfect empowers educators to track progress, personalize learning, and support purposeful practice. Its tools are flexible and designed to help Canadian teachers amplify their impact in the classroom. See for yourself and book a free demo today at ⁠educationperfect.com⁠.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Sponsor Message – Education Perfect[00:01:11] Introduction to Pino Buffone[00:03:30] Pino’s Current Role and Background[00:05:00] Returning to the District as Director[00:06:55] Italian-Canadian Upbringing[00:08:24] Resilience and Resourcefulness from Family[00:09:52] Childhood and Cultural Integration[00:11:37] Early Love for Languages and Internationalization[00:12:35] Discovering Father’s Illiteracy[00:14:02] Reflections on Jacques Demers and Literacy[00:16:07] Immigrant Housing and Literacy's Impact on Perspective[00:17:17] Cultural Nights and Celebrating Newcomer Talents[00:18:28] Shaping Educational Approaches for Multilingual Learners[00:19:43] Choosing Teaching Over Family Trade[00:21:35] Health Canada and Diplomatic Career Considerations[00:22:56] Last-Minute Acceptance to McGill Teachers College[00:24:01] Para-diplomacy and International Education[00:25:13] Global Partnerships: China and France[00:27:14] Future Partnerships and Environmental Learning[00:28:28] Education as a Global Shared Endeavor[00:29:36] Why International Exchanges Matter[00:30:34] Writing About Equity and AI Reflections[00:32:23] Equity of Access, Experience, and Outcomes[00:34:47] Elementary and Secondary Pathways[00:37:10] Redesigning Programs to Foster Equity[00:38:16] From Policy to Procedure: Practical Equity[00:39:22] Subtle Systemic Barriers in Practice[00:40:28] Embedding Equity into Daily Practice[00:41:26] Formal and Informal Professional Learning Networks[00:42:54] Managing PLNs Amidst Teacher Shortages[00:43:52] Holistic Learning Beyond Curriculum[00:44:59] Balancing Urgency with Systemic Change[00:46:13] Integrative Thinking and Emerging Technologies[00:47:16] Future of the Flipped Classroom[00:48:38] Industry Partnerships and Student Engagement[00:49:42] Using Real-World Tools in Classrooms[00:50:40] Letting Students Design Their Learning[00:51:50] Restructuring Graduation Credit Models[00:53:25] More Electives, Fewer Compulsories[00:54:38] School Choice Based on Student Interest[00:56:16] Hybrid Learning and Industry Integration[00:57:13] Media Recommendations: Sacred Economics and The Black Crowes[00:58:57] Closing Credits and Acknowledgments

In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, host Jason Buccheri speaks with Doug Roberts, founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation. They discuss Doug's background, his work with school superintendents, and the importance of innovation in public education. Doug shares personal anecdotes from his upbringing in Northport, New York, and reflects on the significance of safe spaces for children. He emphasizes the need for equitable opportunities in education and highlights inspiring moments he has witnessed in K-12 education. The conversation concludes with insights into the qualities that make effective district leaders. In this conversation, Jason Buccheri and Doug Roberts explore the evolving role of superintendents, the public's perception of education, and the pressing issue of inequity within the education system. They discuss the importance of building relationships in education, the challenges faced by public schools, and the founding of the Institute for Educational Innovation (IEI) to bridge gaps between educators and ed-tech entrepreneurs. The conversation culminates in a vision for the future of education, emphasizing the need for operational efficiency and equitable funding while maintaining the core values of personal engagement and support for students.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Principal Flipping the Mattress[00:00:45] Episode Introduction and Guest Overview[00:03:04] Doug Joins the Show from Northport, NY[00:04:24] Growing Up and Returning to His Hometow[00:05:58] Reflections on Community and Diversity[00:08:03] Childhood Play and Independence[00:09:31] What Doug Wishes Kids Had Today[00:12:09] Public Education’s Role in Equity[00:14:26] Early School Memories and the Arts[00:15:42] High School and College Influences[00:16:32] Learning to Write and Study History[00:18:31] Understanding Multiple Perspectives[00:20:47] Graduate School at Harvard and Educational Philosophy[00:21:29] Most Inspiring Moments in K–12[00:24:41] The Principal Who Went to Wake Up a Student[00:27:10] Gaining Back Accreditation in Kansas City[00:30:30] Frustration with School Board Politics[00:32:14] Role and Potential of School Boards[00:34:32] Leadership Qualities Doug Respects[00:36:50] Shifting Perceptions of Superintendents[00:39:12] Culture, Community, and Walking the Halls[00:39:40] What the Public Should Understand[00:41:40] Hardships of Educational Leadership[00:44:00] Brain Drain in the Public System[00:45:38] The Biggest Challenge: Inequity[00:47:40] Funding Disparities and Their Impacts[00:49:48] Defining the Narrative of Education[00:51:52] Why Doug Founded IEI[00:54:19] Building a Better Connection Between EdTech and Educators[00:55:57] Structuring Events That Build Trust[00:58:08] Success of the IEI Format[01:00:21] Focusing on Leadership Development[01:02:30] Advice for Startup Founders[01:06:10] What Education Should Look Like in 50 Years[01:08:36] Operational Efficiency in the Future[01:09:46] Media Recommendations[01:11:45] Transparency and Social Media Strategy[01:12:54] Post-Election Perspective on Federal Changes[01:15:20] Funding and Local Budget Realities[01:17:21] Opportunities Amidst the Turmoil[01:18:58] AI’s Role in Flat Organizational Structures[01:21:19] Final Advice for District Leaders

In this conversation, Mark Daly shares his journey from aspiring jazz musician to a prominent figure in AI at Western University. He discusses the importance of literature and diverse learning experiences in shaping his perspective. Mark reflects on philosophical insights from Dan Dennett, emphasizing the need for a careful approach to AI and its implications for society. He highlights the urgency of understanding AI's rapid evolution and the importance of early education in this field. This episode is brought to you by ⁠Education Perfect⁠, a complete teaching and learning toolkit built to support Canadian classrooms. Education Perfect empowers educators to track progress, personalize learning, and support purposeful practice. Its tools are flexible and designed to help Canadian teachers amplify their impact in the classroom. See for yourself and book a free demo today at ⁠educationperfect.com⁠.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Sponsor Message: Education Perfect [00:00:36] Philosophical Reflection: “It Thinks” [00:01:10] Introducing the Guest and Initial Reflections [00:03:35] Mark Daley Joins the Podcast [00:05:07] Daley’s Academic and Executive Roles [00:06:49] Early Life and Music School Pivot [00:07:29] Childhood Curiosity and Love of Reading [00:08:36] Learning Interests and Interdisciplinary Thinking [00:10:09] Educational Regrets and Life Philosophy [00:11:29] Most Beautiful Recent Idea: Dan Dennett [00:13:49] Personal Correspondence with Dan Dennett [00:14:40] AI Personhood and the Intentional Stance [00:16:32] Public Understanding and Urgency of AI [00:18:07] GPT-3 as a Paradigm Shift in AI [00:20:08] Basics of AI and the Need to Interact [00:21:52] Why AI Must Be Studied in Schools [00:22:02] Teaching Values Through AI Use [00:23:27] AI as a Tool for Learning vs. Outsourcing [00:23:55] A Vision for Utopian AI Governance [00:25:40] Superintelligence and Human Meaning [00:27:52] Alignment Problem and Philosophical Limits [00:29:40] Superintelligence, Game Theory, and Nash Equilibrium [00:31:18] Rebutting the Paperclip Maximizer [00:32:57] Cognitive Agency and AI Reflection [00:33:49] Societal Impacts of AI Deployment [00:35:40] The Inevitability of Open-Source AI [00:36:58] Everyday Objects as AI Interfaces [00:38:32] Global Governance and AI Challenges [00:38:49] Education as Preparation for Meaningful Life [00:40:59] Universities as Humanistic Learning Hubs [00:42:12] Ubiquitous Intelligence and Social Connection [00:43:26] The Medium is the Message and Cognitive Offloading [00:45:33] Socrates 2.0 and The Choice to Learn [00:47:44] Designing an AI Course Rooted in Values [00:49:26] Risks of Hyper-Specialization in the AI Era [00:50:52] Back to Bloom: Personalized Learning for All [00:53:00] Reimagining the Classroom Experience [00:55:01] Soft Skills as the Future of Education [00:55:18] Educator Roles and AI in Daily Operations [00:57:29] Bottom-Up AI Innovation in School Systems [00:59:05] Including All Staff in AI Literacy [01:01:01] Teaching the Value of Struggle in Learning [01:02:51] A Conversational Interface Anyone Can Use [01:03:39] Magic Wand Vision for Education [01:05:21] Human-Only Skills and Evolutionary Connection [01:07:22] Book Recommendation: Monk and Robot by Becky Chambers [01:09:02] Closing Reflections and Podcast Credits

In this podcast episode, Mark Edwards shares his extensive journey in education, influenced by his upbringing in a family of educators. He discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing institutional racism within educational systems, recounting personal experiences and transformative practices that led to significant improvements in student outcomes. Mark emphasizes the role of technology and innovative approaches in creating equitable learning environments for all students. This episode is brought to you by Education Perfect, a complete teaching and learning toolkit built to support Canadian classrooms. Education Perfect empowers educators to track progress, personalize learning, and support purposeful practice. Its tools are flexible and designed to help Canadian teachers amplify their impact in the classroom. See for yourself and book a free demo today at educationperfect.com.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Sponsor Message – Education Perfect [00:00:27] Principal’s Philosophy: “Love Them Across the Line” [00:01:12] Guest Introduction – Dr. Mark Edwards [00:03:31] Welcome and Setting the Scene in Nashville [00:04:04] Mark’s Background and Family of Educators [00:05:31] Early Leadership Lessons and Daily Gratitude [00:07:57] Creating Joyful School Cultures [00:09:44] Childhood in the Rural South [00:10:53] Influential Teachers and Love of History [00:12:31] Academic Motivation and Personal Mentorship [00:14:55] High School Years and Sports Culture [00:16:15] Early Encounters with Racism and the Foundation of Equity [00:18:31] Family Roots and Civil Rights Advocacy [00:20:35] Habitat for Humanity and Modeling Care [00:21:59] Parental Influence on Respect and Anti-Racism [00:24:24] Studying Racism and Selling Black History Books [00:26:52] Friendship, Poverty, and Early Activism [00:29:05] Institutional Racism in Mooresville Schools [00:31:20] Systemic Change and Listening First [00:33:35] Tracking Data and Changing Culture [00:35:56] Digital Equity and the “Every Child, Every Day” Motto [00:38:21] Long-Term Effects of Racism on Students [00:40:25] Open Dialogue and Simone Graham’s Leadership [00:42:28] First Black Principal at Mooresville High School [00:44:18] Meeting Steve Jobs and the First 1:1 Laptop Program [00:46:45] Federal Recognition and No Child Left Behind [00:49:12] Collaborating with the Obama Administration [00:51:40] President Obama’s Visit to Mooresville [00:53:31] Participating in Teacher Roundtable with Obama [00:55:19] Concern About the Future of the Department of Education [00:57:46] The Role of Public Institutions in Supporting Vulnerable Kids [01:00:11] Kindness Counts: Lessons from Canada [01:02:37] Love as the Most Powerful Educational Force [01:04:39] The Spirit Work Book and Big Spirit Origins [01:07:09] Collaboration, Dialogue, and Student Voice [01:09:34] Mentoring Ricky – A Story of Resilience [01:11:59] Ricky’s Graduation and Military Service [01:14:05] Building Shared Learning Cultures [01:16:30] Student-Led Learning and Self-Efficacy [01:18:43] What Makes Canadian Education Special [01:20:54] Utopian Vision: Love, Belief, and Conviction [01:23:00] Robotics Competition as a Symbol of Belief [01:25:27] Teaching as a Lifelong Gift [01:27:31] Music Recommendation – Lanco and High Valley

In this episode, Dr. Scott McLeod discusses the transformative power of mindset in education, emphasizing that the biggest barrier to change is not resources but rather deeply embedded beliefs about schooling. He explores the concept of deeper learning, where students are empowered and engaged through inquiry, relevance, and voice. McLeod shares insights from his extensive experience visiting schools that embody these principles, highlighting the importance of leadership in creating environments conducive to trust and innovation. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of technology in education, advocating for its use as a liberating force rather than a controlling one. In this conversation, Scott McLeod discusses the transformative role of principals in deeper learning schools, the challenges of creating sustainable change in education, and the importance of mindset over resources. He emphasizes the need for structural changes to foster innovation and the significance of creating safe spaces for diverse learners. Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] The Mindset Barrier to Educational Change[00:00:33] Introduction to Scott McLeod[00:02:30] Where the Podcast Finds Scott: Lafayette, Colorado[00:03:38] Scott’s Role at the University of Colorado & Founding of CASTLE[00:05:09] Scott’s Upbringing in Virginia[00:06:43] Boredom in School and Love for Hands-On Learning[00:07:58] Informal Learning: Reading and Baseball Cards[00:10:02] Academic Path: From Pediatrician Aspirations to History Teacher[00:12:23] Teaching Eighth Grade Social Studies in North Carolina[00:13:38] The Most Inspiring Educational Experiences[00:15:28] What Deeper Learning Classrooms Look Like[00:17:10] Visiting 100+ Deeper Learning Schools[00:18:01] Where Deeper Learning Movements Originate[00:20:08] The Unique Role of Principals in Deeper Learning Schools[00:22:26] How Hard It Is to Create Sustainable Change[00:23:52] The Biggest Barrier: Deeply Embedded Mindsets[00:24:21] Push vs. Pull Models of Change[00:26:39] Structural Levers for Enabling Innovation[00:28:41] The Tightening of Educational Systems and Its Impact[00:31:02] Making Space for Deeper Learning Through Narrower Curricula[00:33:01] A Powerful Pitch to Teachers: Reclaiming Joy[00:34:03] Two Experiences You Must See Firsthand[00:36:26] Inclusive, Emotionally Safe Spaces for All Learners[00:38:21] Why More Schools Haven’t Adopted the Deeper Learning Model[00:40:23] The Founding of CASTLE and Focus on Leadership & Tech[00:42:55] Transitioning from Data-Driven to Empowerment-Focused Tech[00:45:03] Tech for Tech’s Sake vs. Invisible but Necessary Tools[00:46:02] Social Media Creation Culture and Opportunities in Classrooms[00:47:58] Siloed Learning and Lost Opportunities for Integration[00:49:00] Opportunities and Threats of AI in Education[00:51:11] The AI Vicious Cycle in Classrooms[00:53:22] AI as a Personalized Tutor and Learning Tool[00:55:22] The Future of Education: Dispersed, Individualized, Human[00:59:05] Freeing Schools from the Tyranny of Time[01:01:03] Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow – Why It’s Flawed[01:02:23] Media Recommendations: Two Books on Deeper Learning

In this conversation, Ira Socol shares his extensive experience in education, focusing on creating learner-centered environments. He reflects on his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, and how his childhood experiences shaped his views on education, including his journey through education, law enforcement, the impact of dyslexia on his education, and the transformative experience of attending an alternative high school. Socol emphasizes the need for creative learning environments and the impact of empowering teachers and students alike. Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] From Struggling Reader to System Disruptor[00:00:43] Introducing Ira Socol[00:02:44] Where Are You Calling From?[00:03:26] Kid-Centered Learning and Community-Specific Goals[00:05:41] Growing Up in New Rochelle, NY[00:07:29] Childhood Freedom and Urban Exploration[00:09:30] Life Lessons from Independent Play[00:11:44] The Joy of Learning to Skate[00:13:54] Schooling in the 70s: Structure, Struggles, and Sight Words[00:17:52] Behavior as Identity in Early Schooling[00:19:55] A Radical Alternative High School Designed with Neil Postman[00:24:55] Project-Based Learning Before It Was a Buzzword[00:26:54] Finding Your Own Way Through Learning[00:28:51] Student Success Beyond Traditional Expectations[00:30:10] Doing, Not Declaring: How Projects Build Learning[00:32:04] Achievement vs. Accomplishment[00:34:12] Telegraphs and High-Altitude Balloons[00:37:59] A Student-Written Play Heals a Community[00:40:59] Postman High School to Police Academy[00:42:29] Studio Art and a Strategy for Graduation[00:44:21] Architecture School and Unexpected Career Advice[00:46:12] Becoming a Police Officer in 1980s NYC[00:48:44] Chaos and Community Service in the Precinct[00:50:39] Undercover Work and Precinct Computer Hacking[00:53:23] Creating the Crime Track System[00:54:44] Leaving NYPD and Transitioning to Education[00:55:57] ADHD Research and Illegible Notes[00:58:17] Discovering Assistive Tech That Changes Everything[01:00:04] Starting Work Diagnosing Learning Needs[01:01:55] Pursuing a PhD in Special Education[01:04:21] Innovation Work Across Diverse Schools[01:08:23] Redesigning Libraries and Classrooms[01:10:20] Creating a High School Without Classes[01:11:19] The Innovation Continues Post-Retirement[01:14:09] The Origins of the Book "Designed to Fail"[01:18:08] William Alcott’s Vision for Learning Spaces[01:21:49] Industrialization and the Prussian Model[01:23:49] School Design and Social Darwinism[01:25:19] Preserving Wealth Through School Structures[01:28:58] The Illusion of School as an Equalizer[01:31:17] Schools as Safety and Surveillance[01:33:20] The Legacy of Outdated Structures[01:36:26] Age-Based Grouping and Classroom Struggles[01:39:30] Technology Adoption and Cognitive Change[01:42:52] Zero-Based Thinking and Relevance[01:47:10] Community-Centered Schooling in Nevada[01:48:41] Mastery Learning Models in Las Vegas[01:51:09] Eliminating Grades to Support Mastery[01:52:26] Removing Battles Over Control[01:55:54] Letting Students Manage Their Devices[01:57:12] Real vs. Assigned Projects[02:00:01] Rolling Treehouses and Math Gains[02:02:18] Student Builds NGO for Refugee Education[02:04:06] Magic Wand: 24/7 Learning Centers[02:06:10] Two Book Recommendations[02:13:15] Final Thoughts on Empathy and the Future of Learning

Antonio Vendramin, a principal in the Surrey School District, shares his experience and insights in education. He discusses his journey from being a classroom teacher to a principal and his passion for opening a new school. Antonio emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students, colleagues, and parents, and the impact it has on learning. He believes in the power of personalization and creating joyful classrooms where students are engaged and enjoy their learning. Antonio also highlights the need for continuous learning and staying relevant as an educator. Antonio Vendramin discusses his experience as a principal and the challenges and opportunities of working at the district level. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the decision-making process at the district level and the interconnectivity of different departments. He also highlights the need for principals and teachers to visit the board office and for district administrators to visit schools to foster better understanding and collaboration. Antonio shares insights on district-wide implementations and the importance of having a clear why, building relationships, and allowing for sufficient time for change to take hold. He envisions a future of education that is personalized, tailored to students' strengths and passions, and focused on positive psychology.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Antonio reflects on coming back to school leadership[00:00:49] Introduction to Antonio Vendramin[00:02:37] The current school year and district context[00:03:10] Career journey: classroom to district to principal[00:05:04] Opening a new school and finding purpose[00:07:08] Early years and parental influence[00:08:30] Teaching as a calling and support from his wife[00:11:00] Staying connected with kids as a principal[00:12:07] The value of unstructured childhood experiences[00:14:28] Curiosity and the power of asking “what if”[00:16:02] Assessment change, student motivation, and shifting culture[00:19:23] Signs of meaningful and joyful classrooms[00:23:06] Examples of joy and flexibility in learning spaces[00:27:24] Traits of teachers who connect and grow[00:32:33] Why joy matters in school leadership[00:35:13] How kids supported Antonio during grief[00:38:10] The deep motivation behind opening a school[00:40:42] Insights from working at the district level[00:44:34] Need for greater board-office and school connection[00:47:50] How scale impacts change in large districts[00:50:18] Three keys to successful district implementations[00:55:39] Incentives, relationships, and making change stick[01:01:21] Personalization and flourishing: the future of education[01:06:42] Magic wand: hiring with intention[01:09:32] Flourish by Martin Seligman and other recommendations

In this engaging conversation, Jason Buccheri interviews Shannon Behan, the president of the British Columbia Principals and Vice Principals Association. They discuss Shannon's background, her experiences growing up in a small community, and the importance of play in childhood education. The conversation delves into the balance between rigor and creativity in education, the vital role of principals, and the qualities that make an effective leader in schools. Shannon shares insights into the challenges faced by principals, including recruitment and retention issues, and emphasizes the importance of community and connection in education. In this conversation, Shannon Behan discusses the challenges of recruitment and retention in education, particularly in remote areas. She emphasizes the importance of professional development for educational leaders and the need for ongoing support throughout their careers. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in education, envisioning the future of schools, and the importance of community engagement. Behan expresses her concerns about mental health issues among educational leaders and offers a message of appreciation and encouragement to principals across Canada.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Opening Reflection on the Role of Principals[00:00:44] Episode Introduction[00:02:12] Guest Introduction: Dr. Shannon Behan’s Background[00:03:24] Recording Location: Powell River and Scenic Backdrop[00:04:19] Dr. Behan’s Current Role and Association Overview[00:05:06] Childhood and Education in Powell River and Finland[00:07:14] Reflections on Unstructured Childhood Play[00:09:38] Learning Preferences and Passion for Math[00:10:05] Learning Finnish and Cultural Immersion Abroad[00:11:54] Structured Catholic Education and High Expectations[00:14:02] Rigor in Education and Balancing Modern Needs[00:15:53] International Perspective: Comparing Education Systems[00:18:11] Creativity, Structure, and Future-Ready Students[00:19:54] Description of an Exemplary Elementary Classroom[00:20:11] Dr. Behan’s Role as President and Leadership Advocacy[00:21:48] What the Public Should Know About Principals[00:23:47] Complexity and Weight of the Principal Role[00:24:50] Characteristics of Great Principals[00:25:39] Examples of Principals Stepping Up in Crisis[00:27:13] Recruitment and Retention as the Top Challenge[00:29:19] BC Ministry Practicum Initiatives in Rural Areas[00:30:46] Supports Principals Need for Effective Leadership[00:32:51] Leadership Training Programs in BC[00:34:26] Time Constraints for Professional Development[00:36:27] Technology and AI: Future PD Needs for Principals[00:37:20] Where Principals Have the Greatest Impact[00:38:52] Systemic Changes Needed in the Principal Role[00:40:52] Dr. Behan’s Hopeful Vision for Education’s Future[00:44:13] Magic Wand Vision: Universal Programs and Community Connection[00:45:58] What Keeps Dr. Behan Up at Night: Student and Leader Wellness[00:47:30] Message to Canada’s Principals[00:48:50] Podcast and Media Recommendations[00:50:55] Closing Thanks and Credits

In this episode, the conversation delves into the life and work of Dr. Marc Brackett, who shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by trauma to becoming a leading voice in emotional intelligence. The discussion highlights the importance of mentorship, particularly the influence of his uncle Marvin, and how it shaped his understanding of emotions. Marc reflects on his academic path, the pressures faced by students today, and the need to redefine success in education. The episode also introduces Marc’s RULER model, which emphasizes the skills necessary for emotional intelligence. In this conversation, Marc, Gina, and Jason explore the complexities of emotional intelligence, particularly in the workplace and in education. They discuss the importance of understanding and regulating emotions, the need for emotional education in schools, and the vision for integrating emotional intelligence into curricula. The conversation also touches on the challenges of emotional dysregulation and the hope for future generations to develop these essential skills for navigating life.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Partnership with the Mental Health Summit and Episode Introduction [00:00:32] Redefining Success and Emotional Fulfillment [00:01:14] Emotional Development in Schools and Introduction of Guest [00:03:39] Welcoming Guests and Locations [00:04:10] Marc Brackett’s Current Work and Book [00:04:50] Childhood, Family, and Emotional Roots [00:05:27] Trauma and Impact of Abuse [00:06:45] Origins of “Permission to Feel” and Uncle Marvin’s Influence [00:08:31] Struggles in School and Emotional Impact on Learning [00:10:37] Path to Academia and Emotional Intelligence [00:12:41] Meeting Peter Salovey and Jack Mayer [00:14:53] Martial Arts and Influence on RULER [00:16:27] Humility in Teaching and Elevating Others [00:18:43] Student Preparedness and Fixed Mindsets [00:20:53] Anxiety in High Achieving Students [00:23:19] Redefining Success in Education [00:25:06] Nonlinear Career Paths and Life Learning [00:27:02] Discussion on “Death of a Salesman” [00:27:44] Intro to RULER and Emotional Intelligence Skills [00:29:20] Facial Expressions and Emotional Recognition [00:30:25] Understanding, Labeling, and Expressing Emotions [00:32:50] Cultural Norms and Regulation [00:34:39] Importance of Emotional Regulation [00:36:55] Quick Fixes vs. Acceptance of Emotions [00:38:35] Unexplained Anxiety and Curiosity [00:39:48] Emotions vs. Physical Needs [00:41:57] Meta-Emotions and Self-Judgment [00:43:14] How Parents and Teachers Can Support RULER [00:44:03] Mood Meter and School Implementation [00:46:32] Education System Reform Vision [00:48:12] Practical Implementation in Schools [00:50:09] Adult Understanding and Role Modeling [00:51:07] Concerns About Listening and Judgment [00:51:58] Hope for an Emotion Revolution [00:53:51] Documentary: America Unfiltered [00:55:10] Episode Closing and Credits

In this special episode of the Education Matters podcast, brought to you by the Mental Health Summit, Jason Buccheri is joined by co-host Gina Cherkowski and they're guest, Jessica Janzen. In this conversation, Jessica discuses her multifaceted life as a motivational speaker, author, and charity founder, reflecting on her upbringing on a farm and the challenges she faced, including bullying and mental health struggles. The discussion emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, brain health, and creating engaging classroom environments that cater to diverse learning needs. Jessica advocates for teaching students about resilience and the power of positive thinking, aiming to inspire educators to foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for all students. In this conversation, Jessica Janzen shares her insights on finding joy in everyday moments, the importance of self-care for educators, and the need for understanding neurodiversity in relation to mental health. She emphasizes the power of choice and resilience in overcoming challenges, and offers practical advice for parents on building resilient children. The discussion also touches on the need for reform in the education system to better support students' emotional and mental well-being, and concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future of mental health and education.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00] Partnership with the Mental Health Summit and Episode Introduction[00:32] Facing Mortality and Making Every Moment Count[01:13] The Reality of Resilience and Turning Pain into Purpose[03:33] Introducing Jessica Janzen and Her Journey[04:11] Growing Up in Calgary and the Power of Community[05:18] Jessica’s Work as an Author, Speaker, and Charity Founder[08:14] Early Education Experiences and Learning Struggles[11:31] Understanding Neurodiversity and Dyslexia in School[13:48] The Impact of Teachers and Mentors on Student Success[16:02] Rethinking Education: More Movement, Less Memorization[17:42] Building a Classroom That Encourages Joy and Engagement[20:05] Why Schools Should Prioritize Emotional Regulation[21:51] A Teacher’s Impact: Creating Spaces of Belonging[23:19] The Importance of Self-Compassion and Changing Thought Patterns[25:19] Overcoming Suicidal Ideation and the Power of Thought[27:37] Teaching Students About Brain Health and Neuroplasticity[30:03] How Small Habit Changes Can Transform Mental Well-Being[33:06] Advice for Administrators: Self-Care and Leading with Energy[36:39] The Link Between Neurodiversity, Mental Health, and Education[38:54] Choosing to Rise: Resilience Through Personal Tragedy[41:48] The Perspective Shift That Changed Jessica’s Life[44:10] The "So Now What?" Mentality for Overcoming Hardship[46:13] Raising Resilient Kids: The Role of Parents and Educators[48:32] Simple Bedtime Questions That Help Kids Develop Gratitude[50:36] Reforming Education: More Movement, Joy, and Brain Awareness[52:46] Why Outdoor Play and Physical Activity Matter in Schools[55:30] What Worries and Inspires Jessica About the Future[58:16] Final Thoughts on Resilience, Joy, and Living with Purpose[58:58] Recommended Books on Brain Health, Learning, and Joy[01:01:56] Podcast Closing and Acknowledgments

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jody Carrington and Dr. Gina Cherkowski discuss their work in mental health, particularly in schools, and the importance of emotional well-being for both children and adults. They explore the journey of becoming a psychologist, the role of sports in emotional development, and the rising concern of emotional illness in society. The conversation emphasizes the need for connection and support in educational settings to foster a healthier environment for both students and educators. In this conversation, Dr. Jody Carrington discusses the importance of fostering connections in education, the impact of loneliness on anxiety, and the role of technology in schools. She emphasizes the need for intentional solitude, the significance of supporting educators, and the necessity of acknowledging their contributions. The discussion also covers the understanding of dysregulation in students, the shift in professional development focus, and the integration of trauma awareness in education. Dr. Carrington advocates for creating safe spaces for students and the importance of community and wellness initiatives for educators.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:01] Partnership with the Mental Health Summit and Episode Introduction[00:00:32] The Changing Landscape of Education and Mental Health Challenges[00:01:11] Guest Introduction[00:03:33] Introducing Dr. Jody Carrington and Dr. Gina Cherkowski[00:03:48] Gina’s Work on Mental Health in Schools and Upcoming Research[00:04:32] Dr. Jody Carrington’s Introduction and Where She’s Based[00:05:18] Jody’s Childhood, Influences, and Why She Became a Psychologist[00:07:20] The Power of Educators and Why Connection Matters[00:10:36] How Sports and Team Environments Shape Resilience and Leadership[00:11:51] Jody’s Work with Athletes and Psychological Well-being[00:21:54] Understanding Emotional Illness and Its Impact on Society[00:22:54] Why Loneliness Is Driving Anxiety and Burnout[00:27:19] The Science of Eye Contact and Human Connection[00:32:56] The Role of Belonging in Mental Health and Addiction Prevention[00:34:35] The Need to Prioritize Teacher Well-being in Schools[00:40:50] Practical Steps for Supporting Educators and Leaders[00:43:35] How the Education System Needs to Evolve for Mental Health[00:45:55] Moving from Trauma-Informed to Trauma-Integrated Schools[00:49:51] Creating Spaces for Educators to Experience Wellness[00:50:54] The Power of Self-Regulation in Leadership and Teaching[00:53:17] Final Thoughts on Education, Mental Health, and Connection[00:53:33] Closing Remarks and Gratitude[00:53:39] Podcast Acknowledgments and Credits

In this conversation, Julia Fallon, the executive director of SETDA, shares her journey from growing up in Seattle to her experiences in New York City and her current role in educational technology. She discusses the importance of innovative learning environments, the role of SETDA in supporting educators, and the need for community and professional development in education. Julia emphasizes the significance of making learning relevant for students and the impact of technology on education, including the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and cybersecurity. In this conversation, Julia Fallon discusses the importance of collaboration among educators, the challenges faced by EdTech founders, and the future of education. She emphasizes the need for understanding the educational sector, creating safe spaces for learning, and the significance of foundational skills in modern education. Julia also shares her vision for a more flexible education system that values the learning process over the end product, and she concludes with a high-energy music recommendation for motivation.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:18] The Importance of a Classroom’s Vibe[00:00:40] Introduction to the Episode and Julia Fallon’s Role in EdTech[00:02:52] Julia’s Background and Where She’s Based[00:03:38] Overview of SETDA and Its Role in EdTech Policy[00:05:17] Growing Up in Seattle and Moving to New York City[00:07:10] Cultural Shifts and Musical Influences from New York[00:09:04] Childhood Play and Early Fascination with Technology[00:10:36] Learning to Use Early Computing Tools at NYU[00:12:31] How a Professor Sparked Her Career in Technology[00:14:25] Earliest Memory of Loving to Learn[00:16:25] Most Inspiring Innovations in Education[00:18:16] Breaking Away from the 1950s Factory Model of Learning[00:20:23] What Great Classrooms Look, Sound, and Feel Like[00:22:50] The Need for Student Agency and Inquiry-Based Learning[00:25:02] The Role of SETDA in Connecting Policy and Practice[00:27:25] Addressing Cybersecurity, AI, and Digital Equity in Schools[00:29:44] How Teachers Can Adapt to Technology in the Classroom[00:31:57] How SETDA Builds Community and Professional Development[00:33:55] Policy, Legislative Work, and Collaboration Among States[00:36:09] Generative AI in Education and State-Level Responses[00:38:09] Working with EdTech Companies to Ensure Equity and Security[00:41:53] Advice for EdTech Founders Entering the Education Space[00:44:09] The Challenge of Procurement and Equity in Small Districts[00:46:23] A Look Into the Future of Education—Flexibility and Innovation[00:48:28] The Political Challenges Facing Public Education[00:50:20] If She Had a Magic Wand, What She Would Change in Education[00:52:45] The Importance of Learning in Public and Embracing Failure[00:55:27] Rethinking Assessment—Focusing on Process Over Perfection[00:57:16] Foundational Skills vs. Memorization in a Digital World[00:58:07] Julia’s Music Recommendation: High-Energy DJ Set by Gorgon City[00:59:32] Podcast Closing and Acknowledgments

In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Dr. John Malloy shares his extensive journey in education, reflecting on his experiences from being a teacher to a superintendent and now an Assistant Executive Director at AASA. He discusses the importance of curiosity, the impact of outdoor experiences on learning, and the need for education to adapt to the changing world. Dr. Malloy emphasizes the significance of student voice, effective classroom dynamics, and the unique aspects of Canadian education. He also addresses the challenges facing education systems today, the historical context of public education, and the need for reform to meet the demands of the information age. The conversation concludes with Dr. Malloy's vision for the future of education and the changes he would implement if he had a magic wand.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Public Education as a Cornerstone of Democracy[00:00:37] Introduction to Dr. John Malloy and His Experience[00:02:40] Overview of His Work Across Canada and the U.S.[00:04:18] Early Life in Cleveland and Passion for Learning[00:06:00] Why School Was a Safe and Inspiring Space for Him[00:07:35] Early Love of Reading and Writing[00:09:19] The Importance of Curiosity and Exploration in Childhood[00:11:33] How Technology and Screen Time Have Changed Learning[00:13:45] Following Passion in Education and Leadership[00:15:37] Advice for Teachers Considering Administration[00:17:14] Most Inspiring Classroom and Leadership Moments[00:21:20] What Great Classrooms Look, Sound, and Feel Like[00:23:38] The Unique Strengths of Canadian Education[00:27:08] Current Struggles in Education Reform[00:29:15] The Origins of Public Education and Its Industrial Model[00:31:13] How Schools Became a Sifting and Sorting Mechanism[00:33:30] The Shift from Industrial Age to Information Age Learning[00:35:22] Why Education Still Prioritizes Test Scores Over Thinking[00:37:35] How Real-World Learning and Assessment Should Evolve[00:39:29] The Role of Humanities in Civic Responsibility[00:41:52] Where Education Reform Needs to Focus[00:43:52] The Need to Rethink Standardized Testing and Post-Secondary Admissions[00:46:58] The History and Limitations of the Carnegie Unit[00:49:33] How Schools Were Designed for a Century-Old Workforce[00:51:30] Rethinking Traditional Structures Like Grade Levels[00:53:20] The Power of Peer Learning and Collaboration[00:55:30] A Vision for Future Classrooms Focused on Inquiry and Creativity[00:57:45] If He Had a Magic Wand, What He Would Change in Education[01:02:35] The Importance of Problem-Based and Student-Driven Learning[01:04:20] Closing Thoughts and Recommended Learning on AI in Education

 In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Rebecca Winthrop discusses her journey from a rural upbringing in Oregon to her current role at the Brookings Institution, where she leads the Center for Universal Education. She shares insights on the importance of education as a fundamental human right, her experiences working with the Commission for Refugees, and the development of her book, 'The Disengaged Teen.' The conversation delves into the various modes of student engagement, the challenges of disengagement, and the need for educational reform that includes family and community involvement. In this conversation, Rebecca Winthrop and Jason explore the critical themes of student engagement, the evolving role of teachers, and the importance of parental involvement in education. They discuss the shift from an age of achievement to an age of agency, emphasizing the need for relevance in learning and the necessity of fostering curiosity and passion in students. The dialogue also highlights the systemic challenges faced by educators and the vital role of community engagement in reshaping educational experiences.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] What Employers Are Looking for in Students[00:00:47] Introduction to Rebecca Winthrop and Her Work[00:02:58] Overview of The Disengaged Teen and Key Themes[00:04:12] Rebecca’s Background and Early Life in Rural Oregon[00:06:50] Childhood Learning and Early Interests in Dance[00:10:00] Schooling Experience and Influential Teachers[00:15:21] Finding a Path into Education Through Global Work[00:18:16] Realizing the Power of Literacy and Education[00:20:46] Why Students Are Disengaged and the Root Causes[00:27:05] The Four Modes of Engagement: Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, Explorer[00:33:54] How These Modes Are Not Labels but Fluid States[00:40:08] The Role of Relevance in Student Engagement[00:42:31] The Transition from the Age of Achievement to the Age of Agency[00:46:33] Practical Classroom Strategies for Teachers[00:50:05] Rethinking School Design for Engagement and Learning[00:54:35] The Role of Project-Based and Inquiry-Based Learning[00:56:39] How Parents Can Foster Engagement at Home[01:00:41] The Impact of Technology on Student Engagement[01:06:42] Managing Social Media and Screen Time with Kids[01:10:57] Integrating Families and Communities in Education[01:15:45] The One Change Rebecca Would Make with a Magic Wand[01:17:46] Recommended Books and Podcasts[01:18:41] Podcast Closing and Acknowledgements

Vincent Andrisani, a faculty member at Carleton University, shares his background in sound studies and how it has shaped his teaching. He explores the importance of thinking with our ears—examining sound, listening, and sound cultures as essential tools for understanding the world. Vincent breaks down three assignments he gives his students—an audio portrait, a soundscape composition, and a documentary on a specific place or monument—each designed to foster critical thinking, curiosity, and deeper engagement with their surroundings.In this conversation, we discuss the role of educators in setting meaningful parameters for exploration and why classrooms should be spaces of attentiveness, respect, and dedication to learning. Vincent reflects on the most inspiring moments in his teaching—when students open up to new possibilities—and emphasizes that asking questions is at the heart of learning. Looking ahead, he argues that shaping the future of education depends on understanding the past and making more informed decisions moving forward.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:13] Demonstrating Curiosity as a Skill [00:00:37] Introduction to the Podcast and Guest [00:02:56] Purpose of the Conversation with Vincent Andrisani [00:04:35] Vincent’s Background in Communication and Media Studies [00:06:35] Growing Up in Toronto and Academic Journey [00:08:34] The Influence of Family and Upbringing on Teaching [00:10:00] Early Learning Interests and Curiosity [00:11:40] The Impact of Studying Music on Thinking and Research [00:13:04] Learning to Play Drums and Its Lasting Influence [00:16:18] The Emergence of Sound Studies [00:18:37] Research in Cuba and Sound as a Reflection of Politics [00:22:15] The Role of Listening in Research and Teaching [00:26:17] Encouraging Students to Think Through Sound [00:27:37] Examples of Assignments Using Sound in Education [00:30:00] Exploring Place and Space Through Sound in Student Projects [00:34:23] The Importance of Encouraging Student Curiosity [00:37:05] What Great Classrooms Look, Sound, and Feel Like [00:40:20] Most Inspiring Moments as an Educator [00:43:11] Advice for Students: The Importance of Asking Questions [00:47:11] Education and the Future: Looking Back to Move Forward [00:50:52] The Shift Away from Testing and Back Again with AI [00:53:10] The Divide Between Theory and Practice in Communication Studies [00:56:57] Institutional Challenges in Higher Education [01:01:29] Hope for the Future: Engaged and Curious Students [01:03:01] Recommended Podcasts and Books on Sound Studies [01:04:21] Podcast Closing and Acknowledgements

Andrew McLuhan joins the podcast to discuss his journey into his family’s intellectual legacy and the founding of the McLuhan Institute. He reflects on his unconventional path—growing up in Toronto, later moving to the countryside, and receiving an informal education through his family’s artistic and intellectual circles. Andrew shares how he came to embrace his grandfather Marshall McLuhan’s work and the contradictions that shaped his perspective.In this conversation, we explore Marshall McLuhan’s evolving views on media, his collaboration with his son Eric, and the enduring relevance ofthe medium is the message. Andrew unpacks the difference between media literacy and media ecology, the significance ofCity as Classroom for educators, and the role of technology in shaping thought and behavior. He also discusses the cognitive benefits of handwriting, the need for greater awareness around technology’s impact, and the urgency of rethinking education to give students more agency.Follow:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation!Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Founding the McLuhan Institute[00:00:50] Introduction to the Podcast and Guest[00:03:05] Jason’s Personal Connection to the McLuhan Family[00:06:51] Keeping Technology "Weird" and Its Role in Daily Life[00:08:33] Andrew’s Late Entry into the McLuhan Tradition[00:10:26] Growing Up a McLuhan: Toronto to Rural Life[00:16:15] Early Learning and Educational Rebellion[00:18:36] Discovering a Passion for Learning Through Experience[00:23:05] Marshall McLuhan’s Shift from Literature to Media Studies[00:28:48] The Birth of Media Studies and McLuhan’s Contributions[00:36:38] Marshall and Eric McLuhan’s Collaboration[00:42:44]Laws of Media: A Turning Point in the McLuhan Legacy[00:49:07] “The Medium is the Message” Explained[00:52:45] Beyond Content: The Structural Effects of Media[00:56:26] Media Literacy vs. Media Ecology[01:00:27] Teaching Media in Schools: TheCity as Classroom Model[01:05:31] The Smartphone Exercise: A Classroom Example[01:09:59] Writing vs. Typing: The Cognitive Effects[01:16:14] Regulating Technology Like the FDA[01:25:31] The Future of Media Regulation[01:28:54] Can Schools Lead the Way in Media Awareness?[01:29:35] The “Magic Wand” Question: Rethinking Education[01:33:29] Learning as a Subversive Activity[01:36:48] Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Avery, an educator with 25 years of experience, shares his journey from competitive tennis to language learning and the deep connections that make education meaningful. He critiques rigid grading and time-based learning while exploring more flexible, student-centered approaches. The conversation examines the impact of technology—especially social media and AI—on learning, weighing its benefits in personalized tutoring against concerns about losing the human element in education. Avery also discusses real-world projects, the role of failure, and his work in educational game development. The episode closes with a hopeful vision for the future—one where students fall in love with learning, develop critical skills, and embrace education that truly prepares them for life. Follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders. New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation! Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below. Timestamps: [00:00:00] Avery's Search for Transformational Learning[00:00:44] Guest Introduction[00:03:05] The Role of Technology in Learning[00:04:06] Avery’s Background and Career in Education[00:06:00] Growing Up in Cleveland and Early School Experience[00:08:19] A Life-Changing Moment in a University History Class[00:10:28] Falling in Love with Language and Moving to France[00:12:22] The Role of Tennis in Avery’s Early Life[00:14:04] How Sports Taught Dedication and Organization[00:15:53] The Importance of Deep Passion in Learning[00:16:22] Parenting and Encouraging Independent Passion[00:18:34] Pressures in Competitive Sports and Education[00:19:04] The Public Narrative Around Education Today[00:21:21] The Flaws in Standardized Testing and Grading[00:23:28] What Great Classrooms Look Like and Feel Like[00:23:40] How Student Learning Has Changed Over Time[00:26:01] The Impact of Social Media and Digital Distractions[00:28:11] Cell Phones in the Classroom: Tool or Distraction?[00:28:48] The Future of AI in Education and Its Risks[00:32:10] The Need for a More Flexible Education System[00:34:57] Transdisciplinary Learning and Real-World Projects[00:36:43] Designing Engaging Educational Games[00:38:38] The Role of Failure in Learning and Growth[00:39:51] The Problem with Grades and Competency-Based Learning[00:41:21] Can AI Help Scale Meaningful Learning?[00:42:40] The Skills for Life Project: Soft Skills Development[00:44:08] A New Model for Measuring Transversal Skills[00:45:49] The Power of a Growth-Oriented Learning System[00:47:39] Implementing Competency-Based Learning in Schools[00:49:13] The Role of Public Education in Systemic Change[00:51:01] Hopes for the Future of Learning and Parenting[00:52:44] The Social Media Algorithm and Avery’s Interests[00:53:02] Book and Podcast Recommendations for Learning[00:54:40] Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Education Matters, I sit down with Andy Schaefer to explore the lessons he’s learned from a career at the intersection of education and technology. We dive into his early experiences, the moments that shaped his passion for learning, and his journey into the world of edtech. Andy shares his perspective on what makes a great leader—highlighting inspiration, courage, and the ability to build future leaders. We also discuss the evolution of edtech, the common mistakes companies make, and the real challenges districts face when implementing new technology. Looking ahead, we talk about the future of education, the need for systemic coherence in school districts, and why career-connected learning will be essential in building a more equitable system. Along the way, Andy recognizes the education leaders who’ve inspired his work and offers insights into what’s next for edtech and professional learning. Follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders. New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation! Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below. Timestamps: [00:00:00] The Role of Courage in Education[00:00:34] Guest Introduction[00:02:31] Andy's Background and Career Overview[00:03:59] Growing Up in Marquette, Michigan[00:05:41] Childhood Play and Outdoor Activities[00:07:39] Learning Through Unstructured Play[00:09:29] The Impact of Technology on Kids Today[00:10:53] Developing Social Skills Through Peer Groups[00:13:03] Andy’s Education Journey[00:14:55] Early Love for History and Math[00:16:48] The Time Machine History Project[00:17:58] Reflections on Education and Career Choices[00:19:56] Career Path: From United Learning to Define Learning[00:22:17] Define Learning’s Mission and Approach[00:24:41] Connecting Education to Real-World Careers[00:26:23] What Great Classrooms Look Like[00:27:08] Most Inspiring Educational Leadership Stories[00:28:54] Mark Edwards’ Pioneering One-to-One Laptop Program[00:31:15] The Role of Inspirational Education Leaders[00:33:10] Key Traits of Effective Education Leaders[00:35:09] Evolution of EdTech Over 25 Years[00:37:29] What Makes a Great EdTech Company[00:39:36] Common Mistakes EdTech Companies Make[00:41:54] Challenges in EdTech Implementation[00:43:53] What Education Leaders Should Know About EdTech[00:45:42] Best Practices for Successful Implementations[00:48:07] The Future of Education in 50 Years[00:50:21] The Growing Role of Career-Connected Education[00:51:59] Declining College Enrollment and Higher Ed Challenges[00:54:18] Magic Wand: Fixing Education Inequities[00:55:21] Podcast and Book Recommendations[00:57:02] Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Dr. Karen Beerer, an experienced educator and former senior executive at Discovery Education, reflects on her journey in education and the lifelong importance of learning. She emphasizes the many positive developments happening in classrooms across the United States and the need to amplify them. Karen shares her insights on what makes a great teacher—passion for instruction, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing growth. She also highlights key challenges in professional learning, particularly the tendency to focus on programs over instructional practice. In this conversation, Karen and Jason explore the parallels between district leadership and edtech, the evolving role of educators, and the importance of respectful political discourse. They discuss how teachers can facilitate meaningful conversations about values and ideas without reducing them to partisan debates. Karen also shares her perspective on school choice, the impact of digital literacy, and the shifts she envisions for the future of education—including expanded student learning options and structural changes to schooling. Above all, she expresses a simple but profound wish: that every child becomes a reader. And for those who appreciate a great story, Karen leaves us with an unexpected recommendation—Netflix’s documentary on the creation of We Are the World, a fascinating look at collaboration, creativity, and the power of bringing voices together. Follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders. New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation! Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below. Timestamps: [00:00:00] The Importance of Open Dialogue[00:00:45] Guest Introduction[00:03:01] Overview of the Episode’s Topics[00:04:01] Karen’s Career and Recent Work[00:05:48] Balancing Retirement and Continued Service[00:07:33] Karen’s Upbringing and Early Influences[00:09:22] Being the First in Her Family to Attend College[00:11:38] The Challenge of Affording College[00:13:51] Karen’s Passion for Learning and Education[00:15:21] Influential Teachers and Her Father's Impact[00:17:16] The Path to a Career in Education[00:19:39] Inspiring Educational Innovations[00:21:23] Characteristics of the Best Classrooms[00:24:15] Challenges of Implementing Change in Schools[00:26:34] Flexibility and Innovation in Education[00:28:26] The Role of Technology in Modern Classrooms[00:30:34] Key Qualities of Great Educators[00:33:05] The Importance of Coaching and Professional Development[00:35:15] What Districts Get Wrong About Professional Learning[00:38:49] Designing PD for Schools vs. EdTech Companies[00:41:03] Lessons Learned from Large-Scale PD Initiatives[00:42:57] The Role of Networking in Education Leadership[00:45:31] Navigating Political Conversations in Education[00:47:55] The Value of Discussing Values Over Politics[00:49:39] Teaching Controversial Topics in the Classroom[00:52:22] The Importance of Media Literacy[00:54:47] The Need for Intellectual Humility in Political Discussions[00:56:43] Karen’s Bipartisan Support and Election Experience[00:58:01] Shifting Views on Public Education and School Choice[01:02:10] The Future of Education: Structure and Flexibility[01:06:51] Advice for Superintendents[01:08:52] Book, Podcast, and Media Recommendations[01:09:48] Closing Remarks & Acknowledgments

In this conversation, Jason Buccheri speaks with Dean Shareski about the importance of joy in education, the role of community in classrooms, and the impact of childhood experiences on learning. They explore the significance of independence for children, the qualities of effective educational leaders, and what makes a classroom engaging and supportive. Dean shares insights from his extensive experience in education, emphasizing the need for empathy, collaboration, and a focus on creating positive learning environments. In this conversation, Jason Buccheri discusses the significance of joy in learning, the cultural differences between Canadian and American education systems, and offers advice for parents and teachers. He emphasizes the importance of creating a joyful learning environment, the need for supportive leadership in schools, and the evolving role of educators as mentors. Buccheri also shares his vision for the future of education, highlighting the potential for greater flexibility and the importance of nurturing relationships in the learning process. Follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders. New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation! Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below. Timestamps: [00:00:00] The Pursuit of Joy in the Classroom[00:00:40] Guest Introduction[00:03:03] Dean's Eclectic Career in Education[00:05:24] Where Dean Grew Up[00:07:43] Childhood Freedom vs. Today[00:09:57] Encouraging Independence in Kids[00:12:15] The Role of Struggle in Learning[00:14:34] Dean's Educational Experience[00:16:51] Schooling vs. Learning[00:17:19] Dean's Early Love of Geography[00:18:55] Influences on Dean's Thinking Today[00:20:59] Inspiring Educational Innovations[00:22:41] The Long-Term Impact of Educational Leaders[00:24:51] Key Qualities of Great Education Leaders[00:27:07] The Best Classrooms and Their Culture[00:29:24] The Importance of Building Community[00:31:39] The Role of Joy in the Classroom[00:33:46] The Impact of Playful Learning Activities[00:36:06] Finding Joy in Everyday Teaching Moments[00:38:18] Comparing Canadian and U.S. Education Systems[00:40:40] The Value of Flexibility in Learning[00:42:56] Addressing the Testing Culture[00:45:24] Funding Differences in Education[00:46:06] Advice for Parents Navigating the System[00:48:32] Building Good Habits Over Grades[00:49:25] Advice for Teachers Facing Burnout[00:51:48] Inviting Students into Their Learning Journey[00:53:44] The Future of Education: Opportunities and Challenges[00:56:07] Technology's Impact on Education Inequality[00:58:19] Book and Podcast Recommendations[01:00:31] Closing Remarks & Acknowledgments

In this conversation, Dr. Alec Couros discusses his background, the evolution of education technology, and the impact of AI on learning. He reflects on his upbringing in Saskatchewan, the importance of independence in childhood, and the role of technology in shaping educational experiences. Dr. Couros emphasizes the need for a shift in educational structures to better support teachers and students, advocating for caution and research when thinking about AI and Education. He also addresses the challenges facing the education system in Canada, including the crisis of academic integrity and the necessity for more educators in schools. Follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders. New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation! Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below. Timestamps: [00:00:00] Teacher Morale & Classroom Complexity [00:00:35] Guest Introduction [00:02:52] Alec’s Humble Saskatchewan Beginnings [00:04:51] Early Education & Career Path [00:06:58] Growing Up in Humboldt, Saskatchewan [00:08:40] Childhood Play & Family Influence [00:10:46] Working in the Family Restaurant [00:13:11] Independence & Life Lessons from the Past [00:15:36] Parents' Emphasis on Education [00:18:01] Schooling vs. True Learning [00:22:26] Discovering Technology with an Apple II [00:24:42] Influences & Philosophy on Education [00:29:17] The Disconnect Between Theory & Practice [00:34:03] Barriers to Educational Change [00:38:22] Elements of a Great Classroom [00:40:44] Open Education & Network Learning [00:45:15] Impact of AI on Education [00:52:03] The Role of AI in Personalized Learning [00:57:50] Public Education & the AI Revolution [01:04:49] The Ethical Challenges of AI in Schools [01:09:31] Superintelligence: Future Possibilities & Concerns [01:16:46] The Future of EdTech [01:18:52] A New Deal for Education: Fixing the System [01:23:25] Closing Thoughts & Recommendations

In this conversation, Elena Sinel shares her journey from a unique upbringing in Uzbekistan, literally on the Silk Road, to founding Teens in AI, an organization dedicated to empowering teenagers to use AI for social good. She discusses the impact of her Soviet education, her transition to university, and the challenges she faced in her personal life. Elena emphasizes the importance of hackathons in education, the ethical implications of AI, and her vision for a future where education is more personalized and responsible. She also highlights the need for awareness around the ethical use of AI and the importance of teaching young people to build technology that positively impacts society. Resources: ⁠ Teens in AI Recommended: Joy Buolamwini Follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders. New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation! Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below. Timestamps: [00:00:00] AI as a Socio-Economic System[00:00:43] Introduction[00:03:06] Growing Up in Bukhara & The Soviet Education System[00:07:49] A Love of Language & the Path to Entrepreneurship[00:12:03] Volunteering, Global Partnerships & Impact[00:16:39] Escaping Violence & Rebuilding in the UK[00:23:45] Hackathons: Igniting Curiosity & Real-World Problem Solving[00:28:28] Teens in AI: Inspiring a New Generation[00:31:06] Ethics of AI: Consent, Privacy & Data Ownership[00:36:32] Socio-economic Implications & Building AI Responsibly[00:42:28] Future of Education: Personalized Learning & Risks[00:46:54] ‘Coded Bias’ & Joy Buolamwini’s Work[00:51:54] Closing Remarks & Credits

In this episode, Tom dives into the role of AI in education, advocating for curiosity, ethical consideration, and a balanced approach to AI adoption. While AI has the potential to enhance teaching and learning, he explores its dual nature—both widening and bridging the digital divide—and underscores the irreplaceable human elements of teaching. Tom envisions a future defined by competency-based learning, flexible schedules, and relationships that anchor education in the things that truly matter. Recommended Books: Educator's Guide to AI, The Secret of Culture Change, , Messy Leaderhip, The Ultimate Handbook for Great Leaders Follow: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ jasonbuccheri.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders. New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursdays—don’t miss next week’s conversation! Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below. Timestamps: [00:00:00] Championing Canadian Education on the Global Stage [00:00:40] Guest Introduction [00:02:58] Upbringing & Family of Educators [00:05:22] From Soccer to Teaching: A Non-Linear Path [00:07:37] Childhood Memories & Unstructured Play [00:09:51] Reevaluating Math Pathways & Missed Opportunities [00:12:13] Inspiration Across the Education System [00:14:34] Great Classrooms: Collaboration & Deeper Learning [00:16:57] What Makes Canadian Education Unique [00:19:19] AI Integration: Balancing Opportunity & Anxiety [00:24:00] The Potential of AI in Teaching & Learning [00:35:50] Why Teachers Remain Irreplaceable [00:40:34] Narrowing the Digital Divide with AI [00:42:55] Envisioning Education’s Future [00:50:03] If a Magic Wand Existed: Doubling Education Investment [00:52:25] Final Reflections & Recommended Reads