Send us a text What if our children's screen time challenges aren't actually about them at all? When Emily Cherkin noticed her 7th-grade students increasingly absorbed by social media, they quickly pointed out an uncomfortable truth: "My parents are texting while driving, playing Candy Crush, always on Facebook." This pivotal realization—that scree…

Send us a text What does it mean to be a "techno-Victorian" in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape? JD Williams embodies this fascinating philosophy, prioritizing human autonomy while thoughtfully embracing technological augmentation. Our conversation explores this delicate balance at a time when screens increasingly separate us from aut…

Send us a textBy Lenore Skenazy

Send us a text Can “traditional" education methods be doing more harm than good? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with renowned author and lecturer Alfie Kohn, as he challenges the status quo of grading and memorization, advocating for a shift towards fostering cooperation, altruism, and empathy in our schools. Alfie reflects on his own…

Send us a text Unlock the secrets of nature-based education with our incredible guest, Jenna Jasek from the Outdoor Learning School/Store. Jenna, with her roots deep in the natural landscapes of rural British Columbia, brings a unique perspective on integrating outdoor experiences into modern educational practices. Listen as she recounts childhood …

Send us a text What if nearly everything we do in education actually makes a difference? In this episode, we welcome the brilliant John Hattie, a pioneering figure in educational research, to unravel the mysteries behind effective teaching practices. John takes us on a fascinating journey through his career, from his early days in psychometrics and…

Send us a text Imagine unlocking the secrets to nurturing mental well-being in our schools and communities—this is precisely what Dr. Tina Montreuil, a distinguished figure in counselling psychology at McGill University, helps us explore. Her journey from a passion for teaching to spearheading the Childhood Anxiety and Regulation of Emotions Labora…

Join Dan Laxer and award-winning author and illustrator Barbara Reid in a special Family Literacy episode of the What’s Literacy? podcast. Together, they discuss the importance of learning together as a family, how to foster a love of reading in young children, and so much more. Tune in today and unlock the power of family literacy! Barbara's websi…

Send us a text Shannon Bell is our guest, and she's got quite the story to tell! From her beginnings as a journalist in the United States to becoming a leading voice for the English-speaking community in Quebec, Shannon's journey is filled with fascinating turns. She shares how embracing Francophone culture and learning French, all with the help of…

Send us a text Unlock the innovation of English Language Arts (ELA) program in Quebec’s Anglophone schools as we sit down with passionate educators Kathleen Murray (LBPSB) and Melinda Clifford (MEQ). Ever wondered how ELA differs from its French counterpart? Discover the unique, literacy-based approach in classrooms across Quebec, rooted in constru…

Send us a text What happens when you blend education with joy and curiosity? Dean Shareski, a seasoned educator and our special guest, paints a vivid picture of the transformative power of play-based learning. Despite not having a familial legacy in teaching, Dean discovered his calling amongst the laughter and boundless energy of primary grade cla…

Send us a text Join us for an engaging discussion with Kevin Dykema, past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, as he sheds light on the evolving landscape of math education. Kevin shares his transformation from excelling in rote memorization to prioritizing a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. We explore the cha…

Send us a text Embark on an inspiring journey with author, consultant, and President of Thistle Educational Development Ainsley Rose, whose career path defied convention and expectation. Starting as a physical education teacher, Ainsley's story is one of serendipity and leadership recognized by others, leading him to a fulfilling 52-year career in …

Send us a text Education enthusiasts and educators alike will find inspiration in our engaging conversation with Garfield Gini-Newman, a veteran educational expert with an illustrious 40-year career. This episode promises to transform your perspective on critical thinking within the classroom. Learn how Garfield, alongside Dr. Roland Case at the Cr…

Send us a text Ever wondered how to truly transform educational practices and outcomes? In our latest episode, we promise you'll uncover groundbreaking insights from Megan Webster, a renowned educational expert from Quebec. Discover how her childhood passion for teaching has evolved into a career defined by innovation in professional development. W…

In the latest episode of What’s Literacy?, we have a new podcast host taking the mic! Dan Laxer is a writer with several years' experience in broadcast media and print journalism. He currently covers the west end for The Suburban, and teaches media and podcasting to elementary school students. Dan interviews Elizabeth Robinson from ABC Life Literac…

Send us a text Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. John Spencer, a visionary in the realm of educational technology and project-based learning. Discover how Dr. Spencer transitioned from a middle school classroom to becoming a thought leader in educational practices, with a focus not on technology itself but on the passion for learning i…

Send us a text What happens when a middle school math teacher with a knack for tech becomes a leading voice in education technology? Join us as Eric Curts takes us through his fascinating journey from classroom to tech integration specialist. Eric's story is one of passion and innovation, where hands-on learning meets digital transformation. With e…

Send us a text Curious about how you can transform your classroom with technology? This week, we feature Matt Miller, a former high school Spanish teacher who has become a prominent voice in the world of educational technology. Broadcasting from his peaceful Indiana home, Matt shares his fascinating journey from teacher to EdTech thought leader. He…

Send us a text What happens when you combine the whimsy of a child's imagination with the rigor of science? Ryan Jenkins, co-founder of the Wonderful Idea Company and an influential personality at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, shares his unexpected journey from working with children to becoming a pioneer in the fusion of art and science. Insp…

Send us a text Bo, a seasoned educator with a background in design, architecture, and technology, has dedicated over 15 years to exploring the intersection of play and education. His journey into Lego Education was inspired by a deep-rooted belief in the power of play to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. https:/…

Send us a text In this podcast episode, we engages with Bonnie Schmidt, CEO from "Let's Talk Science" to discuss the significance of STEM education. Bonnie shares her journey into science education, inspired by a passionate high school biology teacher, and the founding of "Let's Talk Science." They highlight the organization's mission to provide fr…

Send us a text In this episode of the ShiftED Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Debbie Pushor, a distinguished educator, researcher, and professor at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Pushor shared her insightful research on fostering positive relationships between schools and families through the concept of family engagement. Dr. P…

Today's episode is dedicated to International Literacy Day, which is observed annually on September 8th around the world. This day serves as a reminder for policymakers, practitioners, and the public about the crucial significance of literacy in building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society. In this episode, Wendy Seys, president of LQ’s …

Send us a text Welcome back to another school year and the start of a new episode of ShiftED podcast. On episode 31, I welcomed Lee Crockett for insight into starting off a new school year. We delved into various topics related to education and personal growth, exploring the importance of mindfulness and its connection to effective teaching. Lee sh…

Send us a text The conversation explores Peter's path from educator to technology integration leader. He details his early teaching experiences, his passion for computers, and his introduction of Logo programming to students in the 1980s. Peter emphasizes the importance of play in learning, highlighting "tinkering" and "inquiry" as crucial for deve…

Welcome to Episode 1 of season 12! Today’s episode is in honour of Adult Learners’ Week, which takes place every year during the first week of April. Adult Learners' Week recognizes the perseverance and achievements of adult learners who may be returning to school or learning a new skill, while juggling other commitments. To celebrate, Jessica spea…

Send us a text Welcome back to the ShiftED Podcast, where we explore the transformative power of education through insightful conversations and innovative ideas. Today, we delve into the captivating mindset of George Couros, an educator, author, and advocate for change in the field of education. George Couros is not just a name; it's a beacon of in…

Send us a text Nick Maturo, interim CEO of ELAN, the English Language Artists Network, joined Chris Colley, consultant from LEARN and RÉCIT Provincial Service for the Anglophone, for a wonderful conversation about their steadfast commitment to fostering linguistic and cultural diversity through the medium of English. ELAN provides a vibrant communi…

Greg Birkett is an Ontario-based educational consultant, award-winning educator, author, playwright and slam poet. He is the co-presenter and co-developer of See Us, Learn Us: Teaching the Black Canadian Experience, a nationwide webinar for educators and education stakeholders in partnership with Nelson Education. He has appeared on City TV News an…

Kristin Dmytriw is the Director of Programs and Training at Centre for Family Literacy in Edmonton, Alberta, where she facilitates and adapts programs to meet the needs of families, and helps build capacity in communities by offering training and resources. In this episode, Laura speaks with Kristin to learn more about what the Centre for Family Li…

Cyndi Owen is a social worker, and has worked in the Public Health and Social Services field for about 15 years. Throughout her career, she has garnered comprehensive knowledge on the topic of boundaries and self-care. In this episode, Jessica speaks with Cyndi about why boundaries and self-care are important in maintaining better mental health, as…

Send us a text Welcome to ShiftED, the podcast where we embark on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of education technology. On this episode, we have the privilege of navigating the EdTech frontier and beyond with our esteemed guest, Robert Martellacci, CEO of MindShare Learning and C21 Canada. As a seasoned expert in the intersection o…

Nadia L. Hohn is an award-winning author, children’s educator, and activist. In this episode, Jessica chats with Nadia about the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusion in children’s literature. Nadia’s website: https://www.nadialhohn.com/ Nadia’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nadialhohnauthor Orca Books (independently-ow…

Send us a text World renowned author, psychologist and ventriloquist Susan Linn joined ShiftED podcasts to talk about screen-time’s effects on our youngest learners. We discussed the impacts that marketing has on our children and how to curb kids away from screens and back into creative play. An eye opening conversation for everyone interested in t…

Send us a text Scott DeJong is a PhD student in Communication studies at Concordia University examining serious play, web literacy and digital cultures. I recently caught up with Scott to discuss the difference between gamification and game-based learning, the power of gaming in education, social justice games and how to get started with making cla…

Matthew Johnson Director of Education from Media Smarts joins Niamh to talk about Media Literacy Week. Media Literacy Week - October 23rd - 27th "Media Literacy Week is an annual event promoting digital media literacy across Canada, taking place each October. Schools, libraries, museums and community groups organize events and activities throughout…

Send us a text Educational strategist Ron Canuel joined ShiftED podcasts for an intriguing conversation on technology integration into school systems. Ron’s 44 year perspective is rich in experiences, practices and strategies to better engage students throughout their learning journey. With insight into many edtech initiatives, Ron’s words ring tru…

Literacy Quebec team member, Jessica Leahy interviews Jael Richardson. Jael Richardson bio: Jael Richardson is the author of three books: The Stone Thrower: A Daughter’s Lesson, a Father’s Life (also adapted into a children’s book), Gutter Child, and Because You Are. She also founded and serves as the executive director of the FOLD, the Festival of…

Send us a text On the latest instalment of ShiftED Podcasts we had the great fortune to talk with Eric Rosenbaum, director from the Scratch Lab. A Lifelong Kindergarten alumni, Eric has been with Scratch from the get go, developing creative tools for learning. Not only is Eric a lifelong tinkerer, he worked with Jay Silver on perhaps one of the mos…

Send us a text Lance Eaton, a writer, educator, instructional designer, educational and social media consultant in Providence, Rhode Island. Lance joined ShiftED to discuss A.I. as a tipping point in education. We hope you enjoy our conversation about education and the future with A.I. Checkout his blog https://www.lanceeaton.com…

Heidi Rubin bio: With 25 years in the industry behind them, Heidi opened Infinity Movement with the mission of creating brave and inclusive space and building strength and resilience in the fitness world, one #rainbrojock at a time! Infinity Movement: https://www.infinitymovement.ca/ More on inclusivity: Tips to Creating Inclusive Spaces from Loyol…

Roen's bio from www.roenhiggins.com: An award-winning Poet, Youth Educator, Inspirational Speaker, and Impact Coach. Her mission is to Elevate her audience with key life skills; such as resiliency, leadership, creative literacy, self-care & community well-being. What’s Literacy episode 57: Creating and Building a Life of Learning with Roen Higgins …

Niamh talks with David about his work as an author and public speakerand how working with children and educators has enriched these roles. They alsospeak about land acknowledgements and how this relatively new practice can beas meaningful as possible. David A. Robertson (he, him, his) was the 2021 recipient of theWriters’ Union of Canada Freedom to…

Send us a text Teachers and artists talk about their experiences leading the spoken word poetry process with students. It’s an inspiring discussion that covers tips and techniques for “teaching” spoken word poetry, but also emphasizes the benefits of fostering creative expression in schools. Spoken Word Round Table Show Notes Episode features the v…

Liz Wheeler is the co-founder non-profit and micro animal sanctuary Secondhand Stories (https://www.secondhandstories.ca), based in Lombardy, ON. In this episode of What's Literacy? Jeff talks to Liz about her resident sanctuary rescue chickens, how books are helping raise the funds needed to care for the animals, how and why she got started, and h…

Send us a text I throughly enjoyed talking with one of my mentors, author, educator, maker, programmer, musician Gary Stager. I have been following Gary for well over two decades, so it is such a treat to talk with him again and be able to ask him anything. We chatted about tennis, music, integration of technology, his early memories of programming…

Greg Birkett, Educator, Writer, Slam Poet, Producer and Educational Consultant chats with Niamh about slam poetry for Poetry Month. Their conversation flows between education, poetry, performance, Black history, the Black Canadian experience, teaching resources and methodology. Gregory Birkett, OCT, is an educator with the Toronto District School B…

Send us a text Digital Moments Our Approach: We are catalyzing change makers through immersive and engaging experiences where young people can learn digital skills such as coding, algorithm and data literacy, and artificial intelligence to have a social impact. https://digitalmoment.org https://kidscodejeunesse.org Check them out!…

Literacy Québec director Margo Legault interviews award-winning author Jonathan Bécotte and accomplished translator Jonathan Kaplansky and talks about one of M. Bécotte's recent books; "Like a Hurricane" (Comme un ouragan), its significance as a resource for youth struggling with discovering, accepting, and being their true selves, as well as the i…