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Dean Shareski interviews leaders from coast to coast to coast discussing innovation, change and the role leaders play in providing Canadian students with a world class education
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4 NOV 2025 · Dean Shareski reflects back on the 100 episodes of this podcast. He looks at each province and territory and highlights key themes and cultural identities across Canada. It's a shorter episode but hopefully one that will encourage listeners to look back on all the episodes to find one you missed that might encourage you or make you better understand the great leaders in education from coast to coast to coast.Â
28 OCT 2025 · In this episode, Dean chats with Paul McKenzie, a Superintendent from Powell River, BC. They explore how to harness the natural curiosity and energy in children, and discuss transformative ideas like the 'school within a school' concept. Paul shares stories about his impactful journey in education—from a high school English teacher to a superintendent. He talks about the influence of sports on his leadership and gives valuable advice to aspiring leaders. They also touch on the importance of patience, inclusivity, and listening in leadership roles. Enjoy their deep dive into educational innovation and leadership lessons.
00:00Â Introduction: Harnessing Hope
01:15Â Meeting Paul McKenzie
03:33Â Paul McKenzie's Leadership Journey
04:28Â The Role of Sports in Leadership
07:15Â Innovative Educational Approaches
24:18Â Challenges and Lessons in Leadership
29:01Â Advice for Aspiring Leaders
34:10Â Personal Reflections and Gratitude
41:52Â Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements
21 OCT 2025 ·  In today's episode, we're chatting with Sandra Herbst, the superintendent of River East Transcona School Division in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We cover a lot of ground—from the powerful role of love in public education, to the nuances of Manitoba's educational system, and some thought-provoking questions about the ownership of learning and assessment. Plus, Sandra shares personal insights about her journey and the things she's proud of in her current role. Don't miss this insightful conversation!Â
00:00Â The Heart of Teaching: Love in Public Education
00:44Â Introducing Sandra Herbst: A Leader in Education
02:37Â Mountains and Leadership: Navigating Challenges
05:59Â The Role of Senior Leaders in Education
08:09Â Personalization in Education: Meeting Learners' Needs
11:50Â Building Relationships Through Leadership
20:02Â The Manitoba Education Experience
25:20Â Sandra Herbst's Journey: From Local Leader to National Influence
30:07Â Practicing What You Preach: Engaging in the Field
30:33Â The Role of Writing in Leadership
31:03Â Reflective Writing and Staff Engagement
33:18Â Visibility and Influence in Leadership
35:58Â Professional Growth and Transparency
39:24Â Influence and Leadership in Education
42:11Â Pride in River East Transcona School Division
47:30Â Gratitude and Personal Influences
49:41Â Personal Interests and Recommendations
52:50Â Conclusion and Future Conversations
14 OCT 2025 · In this episode, join me as I sit down with Dustin Swanson, the Superintendent of Prairie South in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. We dive into the importance of listening to diverse viewpoints, focusing on classroom support, and making tough budgetary decisions. Dustin also shares insights on professional development, the unique mix of rural and urban dynamics in Prairie South, and the evolution of community relationships. If you're curious about educational leadership, community building, and some inside tips on Moose Jaw's hidden gems, this episode is for you!Â
00:00Â Introduction and Importance of Opposing Viewpoints
00:22Â Resource Allocation and Classroom Support
01:09Â Interview with Dustin Swanson: Background and Connection
02:57Â Pride in Prairie South School Division
05:36Â Challenges and Evolution in Leadership
11:14Â Balancing Priorities and Decision Making
19:05Â Encouraging Future Leaders
27:11Â Personal Reflections and Gratitude
30:49Â Recommendations and Closing Remarks
7 OCT 2025 · Join us for a lighthearted and insightful conversation about leadership in education, using the popular TV show 'Ted Lasso' as a foundation. Hosts Ryan Kelley and Steven Perchard discuss how they drew inspiration from the show to build a positive leadership model within Newfoundland schools. Learn about the unique context and structure of the Newfoundland education system, the challenges they've faced, and their ongoing initiatives for fostering a culture of optimism and cooperation. Whether you're an educator, leader, or just a fan of 'Ted Lasso,' you'll find valuable takeaways from this engaging discussion.
00:00Â Introduction to Ted Lasso and Leadership
00:38Â Canadian Leadership Show: Achievements and Guests
01:02Â Newfoundland School System Overview
02:32Â Conversation with Steven and Ryan
04:06Â History of Newfoundland Education
14:08Â Ted Lasso's Influence on Leadership
18:17Â Positive Leadership and Overcoming Challenges
30:30Â Embracing Chaos in Education
31:33Â Leadership Challenges in Education
32:18Â Prioritizing Instructional Conversations
34:14Â Curiosity Over Judgment
35:56Â Pride in School Culture
39:31Â Advice for Aspiring Leaders
43:52Â Gratitude and Mentorship
47:37Â Fun and Relaxation
51:01Â Exploring Newfoundland
53:51Â Conclusion and Final Thoughts
30 SEP 2025 · A Chat with Dr. Souhail Soujah Join us for a casual and insightful conversation with Dr. Souhail Soujah the superintendent of South Slave educational division in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. We delve into his transition from big city life to a leadership role in northern Canada, his dedication to indigenous education, and the unique challenges of maintaining quality education in remote areas. Dr. Soujah shares stories of community, resilience, and the importance of local talent in shaping the future. Perfect for educators, leaders, and anyone interested in educational development in indigenous and northern communities.
00:00 Introduction to Community Connections
01:04 Interview with Dr. Souhail Soujah
02:29 Award Recognition and Reflections
05:14 Journey to the North
07:56 Challenges and Rewards of Northern Living
11:16 Leadership and Educational Success
16:29 Human Resources and Teacher Retention
22:36 Community Loyalty and Graduate Success
24:37 Student Concerns: Housing and Jobs
25:21 Building Infrastructure for Post-Secondary Education
25:39 AI and Indigenous Communities
26:51 Balancing Technology and Tradition
27:30 Challenges and Opportunities with AI
35:09 Leadership and Education
38:29 Gratitude and Acknowledgements
40:50 Personal Interests and Recommendations
43:49 Exploring South Slave: A Perfect Day
45:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
23 SEP 2025 · Join us as we chat with Michael Furdyk, co-founder of TakingITGlobal, about leveraging technology to tackle social issues. Michael shares his journey from meeting tech giants like Bill Gates and Google founders to focusing on non-profits and educational initiatives. Learn about his first tech ventures, the impact of social innovation, and the importance of investing in youth to create future leaders. Don't miss his insights on attending global summits and using AI to drive positive change!
00:00Â Meeting Tech Giants and Their Social Impact
01:23Â Introducing Michael Furdyk: A Remarkable Journey
03:54Â Global Conferences and Youth Representation
06:57Â Canada's Role in Global Tech and Education
16:45Â The Evolution of TakingITGlobal
20:48Â Early Inspirations and Technological Beginnings
27:37Â Challenges and Resilience in the Nonprofit Sector
30:11Â Overcoming Rejection and Building Resilience
32:04Â Highlight Reel: Key Moments in 25 Years
33:49Â Empowering Youth Through Technology
38:06Â Advice for Aspiring Young Leaders
39:31Â The Importance of Conferences and Networking
41:03Â Lowering Barriers to Entrepreneurship
43:51Â Integrating Technology in Education
50:33Â Gratitude and Influential Figures
52:34Â Personal Interests and Recommendations
56:58Â Final Thoughts and Farewell
16 SEP 2025 · In this episode I talk with Noah Pearmain, a student at the School of Finance and Management in Frankfurt, as he shares his journey and unique perspective on using AI in education. Noah discusses how AI has transformed his study habits, helped him overcome challenges in subjects like math, and even assisted him in navigating life in a foreign country. He also explores the varying acceptance and integration of AI by different professors. This episode offers a deep dive into the practical applications of AI in a post-secondary context and provides valuable insights for educators and students alike. 00:00 Introduction to AI in Education 00:50 The Role of Student Voice in AI Adoption 01:38 Introducing Noah Pearmain 03:39 Noah's Early Encounters with AI 04:11 AI as a Learning Resource 07:54 AI in University Projects 12:56 AI's Impact on Personal and Academic Life 21:14 Navigating AI's Ethical and Social Implications 23:36 The Role of AI in Reducing Anxiety and Stress 24:16 Concerns About AI and Younger Generations 25:08 Biases and Guardrails in AI 26:35 AI in Education and Critical Thinking 29:53 Using AI to Enhance Personal Skills 32:03 Advice for High School Teachers on AI 36:54 Navigating AI in Post-Secondary Education 40:36 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights
8 SEP 2025 · Join us for a discussion with Stacy Lair, Director of Northeast School Division and President of LEADS in Saskatchewan. Stacy shares her journey transitioning from an industrial arts teacher to a leadership role, her insights on authentic leadership, and the importance of staying curious. We also delve into how she balances professional and personal life, the unique structures and operations of educational organizations in Saskatchewan, and the need to slow down to allow thoughtful decision-making. Whether you're an educational leader or aspiring to be one, this episode is packed with valuable insights! 00:00 The Power of Listening in Leadership 01:07 Introducing Stacy Lair: A Unique Leadership Journey 02:44 Understanding LEADS and Its Role 08:00 Challenges and Strategies in Modern Educational Leadership 13:08 Balancing Authenticity and Leadership 18:37 From Industrial Arts to Educational Leadership 31:47 The Importance of Inclusive Decision-Making 32:44 Pride in the Northeast School Division 37:09 Leadership Challenges and Growth 40:18 Encouraging Future Leaders 44:41 Gratitude and Mentorship 48:33 Personal Interests and Recommendations 52:21 Exploring Melfort and Surrounding Areas 54:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
2 SEP 2025 · In this first episode of season 4 of The CanadianEd Leadership Show, we kick off with Dr. Soroush Sabbaghan, Gen AI leader in residence at the University of Calgary. Dr. Sabbaghan discusses the role of ChatGPT in education, its benefits, and the necessary precautions. The conversation explores the implications of generative AI for both K-12 and higher education, touching on ethical concerns, appropriate usage, and long-term impact. We also delve into Dr. Sabaan's personal journey and experiences that led him to this unique role. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how generative AI can enhance learning and elevate education.
00:00Â The Debate on Citing Chat GPT
00:47 Introduction to Dr. Sabbaghan
02:17 Dr. Sabbaghans Journey into Generative AI
03:23Â Early Predictions and Realizations
05:25Â The Impact and Concerns of Generative AI
07:17Â Addressing Misuse and Academic Integrity
09:24Â The Role of Self-Regulation in Education
17:18Â The Importance of Relationships in Education
23:17Â The Gen AI Expert in Residence Role
25:52Â Generative AI in K-12 Education
28:11Â AI-Powered Lesson Planners for K-12
29:41Â Hyper-Personalized Educational Tools
30:48Â Addressing Hallucinations in AI Models
32:51Â Fears and Concerns About AI in Education
37:05Â Using AI to Enhance Learning
38:23Â Hopes for the Future of AI in Education
41:17Â Personal Reflections and Gratitude
43:40Â Professional Growth and Leisure Activities
47:40Â Living in Calgary: Hidden Gems
48:43Â Final Thoughts and Future Connections
Dean Shareski interviews leaders from coast to coast to coast discussing innovation, change and the role leaders play in providing Canadian students with a world class education
Information
| Author | Advanced Learning Partnerships |
| Organization | voicEd Radio Canada |
| Categories | Education |
| Website | alplearn.com |
| dean@alplearn.com |
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