🔥 What do we need to know about Depth of Knowledge? 🔥 How can schools build inclusive cultures and improve student behavior? 🔥 What are learning progressions, and how can they support student learning? Join me for this conversation with JENNIFER MOROZ as she shares her insights. ABOUT THIS GUEST: Jen is a BC educator who is proud to teach, collabor…

In this episode of Don’t Call Me Resilient, we take a look at the ongoing struggle for land rights and some of the women on the front lines of that battle. These women are the land defenders fighting to protect land against invasive development. Both our guests have stood up to armed forces to protect land. Their work is about protecting the enviro…

🔥 What does it take to become an education content creator? 🔥 What do education leaders need to know about privacy issues in AI? 🔥 What roles will AR and VR technologies play in the future of learning? Join me for this conversation with Texas educator FONZ MENDOZA as he shares his insights. About This Guest: Fonz is a Professional Learning Speciali…

This week on the podcast, meet some of our amazing producers who work to put out Don't Call Me Resilient. We chat about what motivates us to cover race and current affairs. We also revisit some of our favourite episodes from the past. And then every two weeks this summer (starting next week), we’ll be sharing some of their picks as full episodes in…

🔥 What are the biggest wins for teachers that generative AI can provide? 🔥 How can we help students avoid plagiarism while supporting the creative process? 🔥 Is it possible for ChatGPT to know too much about us? Join me for this conversation with New Jersey educator TIM BELMONT as he shares his insights. ABOUT THIS GUEST: Tim Belmont is a high scho…

Can you believe we’ve now produced 65 episodes over 7 seasons? Every two weeks over the summer, we will be re-running some of our favourite episodes from past seasons on our podcast feed. Join us next week for a special bonus episode. You’ll get to meet some of our amazing producers who work hard behind the scenes to produce this podcast. We’ll cha…

🔥 What’s the purpose of assessment? 🔥 How can we rehumanize assessment through story? 🔥 What does it take to lead an assessment revolution in our schools? Join me for this conversation with NATALIE VARDABASSO as she shares her insights. ABOUT THIS GUEST: Natalie has served as a high school and middle school teacher, instructional coach, and an asse…

In this episode of 'Don't Call Me Resilient', Nisrin Elamin, Assistant Professor of Anthropolgy and African Studies at the University of Toronto, paints a grim picture of life in Sudan today. She says the current war, which exploded on April 15, 2023, is devastating both rural and urban communities. Elamin also identifies small pockets of hope. In …

We’re bringing you an extra episode this week. This episode comes from The Conversation Weekly, our sister podcast from The Conversation UK. The episode, which we're running in full, centres around medically assisted dying. In Canada, medical assistance in dying (Maid) became legal in 2016. And the government intends to extend eligibility to people…

Currently the largest electorate in history is heading to the polls in India, where - of course - politicians and political parties are trying their best to influence voters. Film and popular culture have always provided a reflection of the country's political culture, but in this election, they are being used more than ever to *sway* voters - espe…

🔥 Are we about tasks or learning? 🔥 How do our beliefs about assessment shape absolutely everything we do? 🔥 How has it become acceptable to do nothing in a classroom, and what can we do about it? Join me for this conversation with MELISSA DEAN as she shares her insights. ABOUT THIS GUEST: Melissa is a high school math, science and ELA teacher who …

Collectively, the global student protests demanding university divestments from Israel are one of the largest mass protests in recent history. Student protesters are risking their futures as they demand their institutions financially divest from Israel and companies connected to supplying weapons and technology to Israel’s government. Last week, in…

🔥Is our influence making an impact? 🔥How can we live, work, and serve others in alignment with our assignment? 🔥How can we clear away the clutter of our lives and move our personal mission toward success? Join me for this conversation with CHIP BAKER as he shares his insights. ABOUT THIS GUEST: Chip is a fourth generation educator who has now serve…

As we approach the start of gardening season, we figured it’s a good time to bring you one of our most talked-about episodes about the complicated, colonial roots of gardening - which have affected what we plant and who gets to garden. How we garden is deeply tied to colonialism — from the spread of seeds and species around the world to the use of …

🔥 How can we reach bored students in the classroom? 🔥 How can our gradebooks better support individual student growth? 🔥 How should teachers be thinking about AI and evidence of learning? Join me for this conversation with TYLER RABLIN as he shares his insights. ABOUT THIS GUEST: Tyler is an award-winning instructional coach and former ELA teacher …

Research shows social media apps are designed to entrap children who are even more susceptible than adults to its harms. Plus, technologies are not neutral: They’re embedded with and actively reinforce structures of racism. A recent survey of Canadian children in grades 7 to 11 found nearly half of participants reported seeing racist or sexist cont…

🔥 How can I control the chaos of my classroom? 🔥 What is Kami, and how can it support student learning? 🔥 What does it take to build an education YouTube channel? Join me for this conversation with STEPHANIE HOWELL as she shares her insights. ABOUT THIS GUEST: In education since 2014, Stephanie has been widely recognized as an education technology …

Over the last 30 years, there has been an exponential growth of Indigenous media and Indigenous media makers, especially here in Canada which has one of the largest repositories of Indigenous media. However, the road to get here hasn’t been easy. Indigenous filmmakers, producers, and artists have had to navigate the complex and often unfriendly ter…

🔥 How can we assess our own social-emotional health, and what are some easy steps that we can take to strengthen it? Join me for this conversation with former Teacher of the Year WENDY TURNER as we dig into these and other critical questions. Wendy is a gifted communicator and brings incredible value that you won't want to miss. ABOUT THIS GUEST: W…

Many news organizations have reported on the Israel-Gaza war. However, many journalists have criticized those same media organizations for how they have covered the conflict, and have spoken out against what they say is a stifling of Palestinian voices and perspectives. In today's episode, Vinita talks to Sonya Fatah and Asmaa Malik, associate prof…

🔥 What’s your take on AI’s impact on K-12 education? 🔥 How can student voice and choice change the homework conversation? 🔥 What's your best advice for new teachers? Join me in LIVE conversation with ALEX VALENCIC as we dig into these and other critical questions. ABOUT THIS GUEST: Alex is an educator, former small business owner, Boy Scout leader,…

Around the world, people are being forced to leave their homes in droves. We are seeing it happen in Gaza, as Israeli forces continue to wage war. And in Sudan, which has also been wracked by war. Then there are the people fleeing political or economic strife - like those living in Haiti, or Venezuela. Canada has various refugee programs designed t…

The release of Beyoncé’s new album, Cowboy Carter, was a much awaited event for a lot of us. There was much anticipation about this being a country album — and a lot of talk about the resistance some radio stations had and still have to that idea. That’s because country music is considered "white music," even though its Black historical roots are w…

🔥 When is it time to leave the classroom? 🔥 Do teachers have any options outside of education? 🔥 What are the questions we must ask ourselves in order to determine whether or not we're where we should be Join me in conversation with Ashley Philipps as we discuss her journey, lessons learned, and the hopeful message that she shares with educators wh…

In today's episode, we're continuing the conversation we started last week about using forced famine as a tool to control land, resources and people. For centuries, starvation has been effectively used by colonial powers to control populations, to acquire land and the wealth that comes with that. Today, we’re looking at the decimation of Indigenous…

🔥 How do you recharge your fire over spring break? 🔥 What advice would you share with new teachers? Join me and Lauren MacLean, Tim Stephenson, and Bryon Carpenter for this unique episode of the Teachers on Fire podcast. Tune in for my regular Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00 Pacific and 11:00 Easte…

🔥 How can student-led conferences and portfolios transform learning and instruction? 🔥 What does meaningful feedback look like? 🔥 How can assessment practices empower our students? Join me in conversation with assessment author and speaker STARR SACKSTEIN as we dig into these and other important questions. ABOUT THIS GUEST: Starr Sackstein is a rec…

On Monday, the European Union's foreign policy chief accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war and provoking famine in Gaza. They were some of the strongest words against Israel we have heard from a western power about the situation in Gaza since October. They come on the heels of a UN-backed report that warns that more than one million…

🔥 How can you build better relationships with your students WITHOUT spending money or buying candy? 🔥 What are some quick and easy practices that will pay the biggest dividends in the life of your classroom? Join me in conversation with middle school teacher and technology advocate LAURA BOYD. ABOUT THIS GUEST: Laura is a middle school teacher who …

On Sunday, nine years after #OscarsSoWhite, millions of us tuned in to the 96th annual Academy Awards — some to simply take in the spectacle. And some to see how much had changed. The hashtag #OscarsSoWhite started after many people noticed that, for a second year in a row, all nominees for four of five major categories were white. The movement cal…

🔥 How can drama activities support learners of all ages? 🔥 What are some easy ways that we can bring drama into our classrooms? 🔥 Where should I go to get started with drama? Join me in LIVE conversation with drama teacher and author SAM MARSDEN as we dig into the power of drama for all learners. ABOUT THIS GUEST: Sam teaches drama, writes fiction,…

Follow us today so you don't miss an episode.By Ateqah Khaki, Vinita Srivastava, Krish Dineshkumar, Jennifer Moroz, Dannielle Piper

Join me and Phil Stringer in this conversation as we discuss Math, assessment, and the science of learning. PHIL STRINGER is the department head of mathematics at Crofton House School in Vancouver. With over 25 years in education, Phil has presented locally, nationally, and internationally on assessment and pedagogy. Outside of the classroom, he ca…

It’s a thrill to get into creative design with elementary learners. Students at this age are fearless. They’re curious. They’re ready to create anything. And they’re ready to expand their creative powers. If you’re teaching in similar spaces, here is a list of tools, design challenges, and creative tasks that I’ve tried and recommend (I have no aff…

KIM STROBEL is a renowned motivational speaker, sought after by schools, businesses, and organizations worldwide. She specializes in empowering educators and professionals, equipping them with the necessary tools and strategies to shift their mindsets, reclaim their happiness, reignite their passion, and lead with purpose. Listen to her INCREDIBLE …

I will never forget one of my high school science teachers. He was a good man. A decent person. His instructional practices weren’t exactly progressive, but he meant well. The biggest problem for him was that he had a very short fuse. Get under his skin, and things could really unravel. He would raise his voice. His skin would start changing colors…

Should EFFORT and ATTITUDE be GRADED in PE class? Join me for this edited conversation with Josh Ogilvie as we tackle this and other challenges related to physical education, health, curricular standards, and assessment. Welcome to Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:00 Pacific and 11:00 Eastern! Join the…

When it comes to names I trust in education, Danny Steele and Todd Whitaker are near the top of that list. They love people. They’re passionate about learning. They’re bold and don’t hesitate to tell it like it is. Essential Truths for Teachers isn’t a book about instructional practice. It’s not about classroom management techniques, the best uses …

I'm finally finished with vacationing, jet lag, and illness - now back in the interviewer's chair and excited to get back to the weekly podcast. DOK, inquiry, standards, and so much more: Here's the edited version of my conversation with Erik Francis. Enjoy! Welcome to Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:…

Should student phones be banned in our K-12 schools? Join us for this debate - recorded live on Saturday, December 16, 2023. OPPOSING a ban on student phones is Christopher J. Nesi. Chris is a passionate educator, podcast host, and thought leader. With over 15 years of experience in the classroom, he has dedicated his career to helping educators in…

Welcome to the last edition of Saturday Morning Teacher Talk for 2023 and the indefinite future. I’ve enjoyed doing these mini-episodes but will be changing up my content format in 2024. Education X Posts Featured in This Episode: Teacher2Teacher asks: How do we let our students know their work is amazing? Joelie McCrary urges teachers to display s…

Monk is the lead character of the new movie "American Fiction," which is based on the 2001 novel "Erasure" by Percival Everett. Monk is a Black man but never feels 'Black' enough: he graduated from Harvard, his siblings are doctors, he doesn't play basketball and he writes literary novels. In fact, his last novel got rejected for not being "Black e…

In this episode which we're running in full, host Gemma Ware speaks with Doseline Kiguru, a research associate in cultural and literary production in Africa at the University of Bristol in the UK, who has co-published research on the history of choral music and the role it plays in Kenyan national political culture. The episode originally aired on …

LYNNETTE EARLE is a high school teacher of 15+ years. She is currently teaching career-life education and a family studies ADST trio of courses as well as her own developed course: Intro to Careers in Teaching 12. Join this conversation to learn how Lynnette’s journeys with assessment, UDL, and design thinking are transforming her professional prac…

Welcome to Saturday Morning Teacher Talk, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:30 Pacific and 11:30 Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. Education X Posts Featured in This Episode: Howie Hua shares about a student self-reflection activity that he bookends at the beginning and end of his Math courses, …

You may have noticed that food bank lines have grown exponentially this year. In Toronto alone, the number of people who use food banks has doubled since last year and nationwide, the numbers using food banks have jumped by 32 percent from last year and 78 per cent since 2019. And those who are lining up for food defy the stereotypes: many, for exa…

ASHLEY AOKI is a settler and educator in School District #67 in British Columbia. She currently serves on the leadership team at the Network of Inquiry and Indigenous Education, and is passionate about educating for quality and equity so all learners can thrive. Join this conversation to learn how spirals of professional inquiry are changing Ashley…

Welcome to Saturday Morning Teacher Talk, airing LIVE on YouTube every Saturday morning at 8:30 Pacific and 11:30 Eastern! Join the conversation and add your comments to the broadcast. Education X Posts Featured in This Episode: What's the best way to motivate more student learning? Natalie Vardabasso points us to authentic audience. Katie White sh…

The idea for today's episode started with local Toronto kids, who were reporting experiencing sexist, homophobic and racist attitudes in the classroom, especially from the boys. The research shows they are not alone; the rise in far right ideologies globally has deeply affected school-age students. Many experts point to Andrew Tate, the far-right s…

JOSH TOVAR is the proud principal at Memorial Pathway Academy in Garland ISD. He’s been in education for over thirty years and has served at all levels from elementary to university. Josh is the proud son of Virginia and Jesus Tovar, a proud immigrant to the USA, and former US Marine. Welcome to Teachers on Fire interviews, airing LIVE on YouTube e…