#EduCrush
148 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsA celebration of the brave humans who are reimagining education through a liberating praxis. Hosted by assessment specialist Natalie Vardabasso, and teacher Alex Noel, this is a show for change agents who aren't afraid to ask uncomfortable questions, embrace complexity, and continuously empower themselves and others. Your next #EduCrush is right here!
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Episodes
35 – Coaching Change in Schools (w Tim Lewis)
October 31, 2021 23:41 - 51 minutes - 59.5 MBDespite our best intentions, collaboration in schools often looks more like cooperation (at best), or polite dysfunction (at worst). As an NCAA div 1 basketball coach and strategic business development professional, Tim Lewis has learned a lot that can help us build the schools we’ve always dreamed of, together. On the episode we discuss teaching like a coach, unleashing teams with collective accountability, and taking the imperfect first step to make your mission statement a reality. View...
34 – Project Feature: Forest of Fright (w Leeanne McLim)
October 24, 2021 23:00 - 29 minutes - 31.3 MBIn this project feature episode, we explore how drama teacher Leeanne McLim reimagined the classic “Haunted House” project in response to the pandemic. While students learned a myriad of life skills through planning, pitching, designing, and hosting the event, Leeanne discovered a deeper appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration. View full show notes here! Leeanne on Twitter: @lechiquita Email the Podcast: [email protected] Podcast on Twitter: @educrushpod Natalie on Tw...
Project Feature: Forest of Fright (w Leeanne McLim)
October 24, 2021 23:00 - 29 minutes - 31.3 MBIn this project feature episode, we explore how drama teacher Leeanne McLim reimagined the classic “Haunted House” project in response to the pandemic. While students learned a myriad of life skills through planning, pitching, designing, and hosting the event, Leeanne discovered a deeper appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration. View full show notes here! Leeanne on Twitter: @lechiquita Email the Podcast: [email protected] Podcast on Twitter: @educrushpod Natalie on Tw...
31 – What is the literacy of our lives? (w Brent Saccucci)
October 17, 2021 23:00 - 47 minutes - 56.2 MBThe 21st century demands an updated definition of literacy and an expansion of our understanding of what constitutes a “text.” For instance, how might we read and write our relationships? Our institutions? Our own thoughts? Brent Saccucci (he/they) is currently a senior school teacher at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School and Ph.D. candidate in Literacy—focusing on social, emotional, and critical literacies—at the University of Alberta where he also teaches a course in the BEd program. On the...
33 – What is the literacy of our lives? (w Brent Saccucci)
October 17, 2021 23:00 - 47 minutes - 56.2 MBThe 21st century demands an updated definition of literacy and an expansion of our understanding of what constitutes a “text.” For instance, how might we read and write our relationships? Our institutions? Our own thoughts? Brent Saccucci (he/they) is currently a senior school teacher at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School and Ph.D. candidate in Literacy—focusing on social, emotional, and critical literacies—at the University of Alberta where he also teaches a course in the BEd program. On the...
32 – Pointless Assessment Practices (w Sarah M. Zerwin)
October 03, 2021 23:00 - 52 minutes - 61.4 MBFor too long, the purpose of assessment has been to collect points for a gradebook. As a high school English teacher, Sarah Zerwin decided to uphold a better purpose for assessment: learning. On the episode, Sarah discusses many “point-less” assessment practices such as emphasizing reflection, dialogue, and process. Listen to learn how to shift from a culture of compliance towards a culture of authentic engagement. Sarah's book: "Pointless: An English Teachers Guide to More Meaningful Gra...
30 – Pointless Assessment Practices (w Sarah M. Zerwin)
October 03, 2021 23:00 - 52 minutes - 61.4 MBFor too long, the purpose of assessment has been to collect points for a gradebook. As a high school English teacher, Sarah Zerwin decided to uphold a better purpose for assessment: learning. On the episode, Sarah discusses many “point-less” assessment practices such as emphasizing reflection, dialogue, and process. Listen to learn how to shift from a culture of compliance towards a culture of authentic engagement. Sarah's book: "Pointless: An English Teachers Guide to More Meaningful Gra...
29 – Gender Norms, Violence and Body Autonomy (w Dr. Gerald Walton)
September 26, 2021 23:28 - 51 minutes - 60.3 MBIn many ways, our students have a more nuanced understanding of gender than ever before. However, they continue to uphold many unexamined gender norms that lead them to cause violence to one another. Dr. Gerald Walton is a professor in the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University in Ontario and his area of study has been gender identity, violence in schools, and the larger concept of rape culture. On the episode, we discuss how teachers can disrupt the modern patterns of gender-based vio...
31 – Gender Norms, Violence and Body Autonomy (w Dr. Gerald Walton)
September 26, 2021 23:28 - 51 minutes - 60.3 MBIn many ways, our students have a more nuanced understanding of gender than ever before. However, they continue to uphold many unexamined gender norms that lead them to cause violence to one another. Dr. Gerald Walton is a professor in the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University in Ontario and his area of study has been gender identity, violence in schools, and the larger concept of rape culture. On the episode, we discuss how teachers can disrupt the modern patterns of gender-based vio...
Strategy Hack: Executive Functions (w Becca Bouchard)
September 19, 2021 19:33 - 21 minutes - 25.3 MBStrategy hacks are designed to be bite-sized episodes that provide teachers a practical tool they can use in their classroom immediately to reimagine the learning experience for their students. Executive Functions (EFs) are higher orders in the brain that allow us to manage and process the world we live in. Despite being extremely important for future success, EFs can seem like an overwhelming academic concept to bring to life in the classroom. In this strategy hack, Becca talks about a pr...
30 – Strategy Hack: Executive Functions (w Becca Bouchard)
September 19, 2021 19:33 - 21 minutes - 25.3 MBStrategy hacks are designed to be bite-sized episodes that provide teachers a practical tool they can use in their classroom immediately to reimagine the learning experience for their students. Executive Functions (EFs) are higher orders in the brain that allow us to manage and process the world we live in. Despite being extremely important for future success, EFs can seem like an overwhelming academic concept to bring to life in the classroom. In this strategy hack, Becca talks about a pr...
28 – Teacher Powered Schools (w Zaynab Baalbaki)
September 12, 2021 20:46 - 51 minutes - 59.9 MBWhat would a school look like if teachers were in charge? How would administrative tasks be managed? What impact would this have on student learning? Zaynab Baalbaki previously worked for Escuela Verde, a public charter school in Wisconsin that operates as a testing lab for the Teacher Powered Schools network. On the episode, she shares her experience working as a teacher with no formal leadership and why this is so important for equity. View full show notes at: https://educrushpod.com/pod...
29 – Teacher Powered Schools (w Zaynab Baalbaki)
September 12, 2021 20:46 - 51 minutes - 59.9 MBWhat would a school look like if teachers were in charge? How would administrative tasks be managed? What impact would this have on student learning? Zaynab Baalbaki previously worked for Escuela Verde, a public charter school in Wisconsin that operates as a testing lab for the Teacher Powered Schools network. On the episode, she shares her experience working as a teacher with no formal leadership and why this is so important for equity. View full show notes at: https://educrushpod.com/pod...
28 – Project Feature: Voices of Democracy (w Jodi Garagan & Katy Funtasz)
September 06, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutes - 43 MBOn project feature episodes, school-based practitioners tell the story of how they disrupted the status quo in their context. In this episode, learn about how a team of grade 6 teachers and an instructional coach worked together to breathe life back into Social Studies through current events, student voice, and an authentic audience. Read this episode as a blog post at https://educrushpod.com/podcast/project-feature-voices-of-democracy/
Project Feature: Voices of Democracy (w Jodi Garagan & Katy Funtasz)
September 06, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutes - 43 MBOn project feature episodes, school-based practitioners tell the story of how they disrupted the status quo in their context. In this episode, learn about how a team of grade 6 teachers and an instructional coach worked together to breathe life back into Social Studies through current events, student voice, and an authentic audience. Read this episode as a blog post at https://educrushpod.com/podcast/project-feature-voices-of-democracy/
27 – Liberating Creativity
August 29, 2021 23:10 - 19 minutes - 23.6 MBCreativity is an energizing force that allows us to breathe new life into our work as educators. In this solo episode by host Natalie Vardabasso, learn more about what exactly creativity is (and isn’t), why it needs liberating, and how to do just that in our classroom and schools. View the episode as a blog post at https://www.educrushpod.com/liberating-creativity/
Season 2 Trailer!
August 23, 2021 06:00 - 4 minutes - 5.29 MBEduCrush is a podcast that aims to reimagine and rehumanize education. In the second season, host Natalie Vardabasso will continue to feature the dope and disruptive humans who are leading change and unleashing authentic learning. Season two will also introduce bite-sized project features and strategy hacks to equip educators to make innovative ideas a reality in their classrooms.
26 – Treat Each Gift as a Learning Opportunity for All (w Dr. Leyton Schnellert)
June 28, 2021 06:00 - 55 minutes - 62.6 MBIn the final episode of season one, Dr. Leyton Schnellert describes how he disrupts both teacher education and academic research by designing learning experiences that are interdisciplinary, inclusive, and always in the context of real classrooms. As Leyton says, “The kids are the curriculum and diversity is a resource that helps me teach better and helps everyone learn from each other.” View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
25 – Reimagining Numeracy Instruction (w Kim Petersen & Sheryl Walters)
June 14, 2021 06:00 - 51 minutes - 57.9 MBMath has traditionally been a space dominated by the simple binary of right and wrong answers. However, there are many important competencies, mindsets, and values that students can learn in the Math classroom if we embrace complexity and rethink the binary bias. Kim Petersen and Sheryl Walters are two Instructional Design Leads from Calgary, AB who have spent the past year creating a “Profile of a Math Learner.” Learn what that is, what it includes, and practical instructional strategies th...
24 – When you Call Them Low, you Teach Them Low (w Ken Williams)
May 31, 2021 06:00 - 47 minutes - 50.7 MBTeacher expectations have a massive impact on student learning, and yet, they are often one of the most forgotten factors in school improvement efforts. In the episode, Ken brings the humor, heart and hammer to call our attention to the limiting beliefs that reside in many school cultures and how educators need to work together to move ALL students to and through the bar. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
23 – A More Adaptive Way of Working (w Rodney Evans)
May 17, 2021 06:00 - 56 minutes - 66.8 MBIt doesn’t matter if you work in a company, a hospital, a not-for-profit organization, or a school, we are all facing the same problem; our ways of working are limiting the potential of humans to adapt to complex challenges. On the episode, we explore the hierarchical structures of our past which are still plaguing us today, and how the adults in a school can better work together to transform education for students. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
BONUS – PodSwap! Ready, Set, Growth (w Nick Moskaluk)
May 10, 2021 06:00 - 47 minutes - 55.1 MBI thought I was a unicorn until I met Nick Moskaluk; the only other edupodcaster in Calgary. Turns out, we have even more in common including a reluctance to become a teacher, a love for creativity in the classroom, and a low-key obsession with the brilliant minds in the educational field.
22 – What Will it Take to Transform Education? (w Dr. Greg Bass)
May 03, 2021 06:00 - 59 minutes - 62.7 MBTo achieve equity and meet the demands of the future, many of our institutions and operating systems are due for a massive overhaul. But what does exactly does that look like? Is it a rapid revolution or an incremental pivot? A visionary leader or a grassroots coalition? Fear or courage? As a former principal, superintendent, deputy minister of education and current CEO, Dr. Greg Bass has spent his career leading transformational change and has learned that the answers often lie in the compl...
BONUS – PodSwap! Unprofessional Development (w Mealy & Tudisco)
April 26, 2021 06:00 - 43 minutes - 45.3 MBUnprofessional Development, hosted by Mealy and Tudisco, features the hilarious stories teachers tell in the workroom, the barroom, and the coffee house. In the true spirit of PodSwaps, this three-way interview covers a wide range of topics including Frankensteined careers, magic wands, and fictional teachers. You might call it...funprofessional. Follow @unprocast on Twitter and stay tuned for more updates about the EduPodLooza on June 27th!
21 – Where are all the Teachers of Colour? (w Gerardo Muñoz & Kevin Adams)
April 19, 2021 06:00 - 53 minutes - 61.9 MBAs male teachers of colour in their school district, Gerardo and Kev felt like unicorns. That is, until they found each other and started to talk about their shared experiences on a podcast called Too Dope Teachers and a Mic, connecting with thousands across America who felt the same. On the episode, we explore the microaggressions they’ve experienced while working in a predominantly white profession and how we can build a more culturally responsive practice in our classrooms to disrupt this...
20 – Are my Students Engaged? (w Dr Sharon Friesen)
April 05, 2021 06:00 - 45 minutes - 50.6 MBEngagement is a key outcome of every teacher’s practice, but what does it actually look like? In 2009, Dr. Sharon Friesen led a study to figure out how many students across Canada were engaged in school socially, academically, and intellectually. The findings will floor you.
BONUS - PodSwap! The Ed Podcast (w Shane Lawrence)
March 29, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutes - 37.6 MBPodSwap(n): when two podcasters jump on each others' shows to double down on the awesome. In this bonus episode, I chat with Shane Lawrence, host of The Ed Podcast. We dig into podcasting (obviously), what he's learned after interviewing over 160 guests, and the joyful discovery of making things.
19 – The Opportunities of Online Learning (w Natalie Conway)
March 22, 2021 06:00 - 38 minutes - 45.9 MBIn his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear says, “Environment is the invisible hand that shapes human behavior.” So how might a teacher’s practice change if they were no longer within the walls of a traditional classroom? On the episode, learn from a teacher, instructional coach, and fellow podcaster about how teaching in an online environment offers new possibilities. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
18 – Creativity, Connections and Trusting our Intuition (w Michelle Hoogveld)
March 08, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutes - 44.7 MBAs a former art teacher turned celebrated artist, Michelle has learned a lot about creativity and how it can transform education. Dream with us about a future for education that is grounded in the “basics”; love, passion, and connections. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
17 – Build a School, but Make it a Farm (w Mark Turner)
February 22, 2021 07:00 - 48 minutes - 49.4 MBMany of us are trying to find ways to connect school to the wider community, but what would happen if a community was empowered to create their own school? Learn how a teacher took creative control of his career by co-designing a unique learning experience called “The Farm” with fellow members of his rural, Albertan community. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
16 – Journeys to Reconciliation (w Maureen Kelly-Gibson & Tienneke Calder)
February 08, 2021 07:00 - 43 minutes - 51.2 MBTrying a different approach to learning in our classrooms can be daunting but collaborating with a colleague can help us find comfort in the discomfort of change. On the episode, we learn how two educators leaned into uncertainty, curiosity, and the community to create an award-winning project. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
15 – Providing Space for Reconciliation in Canada's Schools (w Sarah Midanik)
January 25, 2021 07:00 - 39 minutes - 39.6 MBReconciliation is a personal journey that all Canadian educators have been called to embark upon. But where does that journey start? Where does it end? How might we walk the long and uncertain road together? Sarah Midanik is an inspiring Indigenous professional and leader who is honoring the legacy of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack by helping educators to take #reconciliACTION. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
14 – The Innovator's Heart (w Jim Gray)
January 11, 2021 07:02 - 40 minutes - 50.7 MBAt nearly 90-years-old, Jim Gray has learned a thing or two about innovation as a legendary Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and engaged citizen. Turns out, what it takes to be an innovator is also what makes for living a quality life; curiosity, connections, and confidence. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
13 – The Innovator's Path (w NBee)
January 11, 2021 07:01 - 49 minutes - 50.6 MBWho we are as people largely influences how we embrace creativity and innovation in our lives and work. Though our reasons for embracing change might be different, the need for collaboration and a risk-tolerant culture is universal. Learn from a business innovation consultant about the many different paths that innovators might follow and the cultural conditions that amplify the journey. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
12 – The Innovator's Mindset (w George Couros)
January 11, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutes - 44.4 MBTeachers are innovators when they embrace new and better ways of making learning happen in the classroom. However, leaders need to be innovators as well to inspire teachers to take a risk and try something different. Learn more about innovation in the educational space and the barriers that we must overcome to bring new ideas into schools. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com!
BONUS – A Sneak Preview!
January 04, 2021 07:00 - 5 minutes - 7.55 MBIn honor of the new year, I have a special treat for you... Stay ready for not one, not two, but THREE new episodes next week featuring three different guests, all talking about one topic: innovation. Listen to this bonus episode for a sneak preview!
11 – Digital Storytelling (w Jodi Garagan)
December 21, 2020 07:00 - 30 minutes - 38.8 MBStories are integral to our humanity and a powerful tool in many industries. Learn how to facilitate a project that builds a safe community through storytelling, while also building students’ writing and digital literacy skills. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com
10 – Why Take Media Seriously in School? (w Özlem Sensoy)
December 07, 2020 07:00 - 57 minutes - 54.9 MBMedia plays a critical role in how we make sense of ourselves, others, and the world around us. On the episode, I reconnect with one of my favorite professors to unpack the concept of social justice education before we look at ways we can disrupt privilege by incorporating media into the classroom. View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com
09 – Is my feedback working?
November 23, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 23.8 MBWhen we are responsible for the learning and growth of others, we know that feedback is our greatest ally. However, the challenging thing about feedback is it needs to land with the learner to motivate them to take the next steps. In this solo episode, I share what I’ve learned about how to deliver feedback in a way that elicits a productive response. Namely, by removing grades, providing supported opportunities to use the feedback, and pairing the right kind with the right learner we can ...
08 — Using Assessment to Drive Learning (w Tom Schimmer)
November 09, 2020 07:00 - 48 minutes - 48.7 MBAssessment has the potential to either amplify or inhibit learning. On the episode, we dig into how to assess to cultivate deeper learning and develop the competencies students will need for the 21st century. Show Notes: Why so passionate about assessment? (2:45) Assessment is the engine of learning. (8:20) Where to start to build your own assessment literacy. (9:40) Sound assessment is most critical in student-centered learning. (12:20) Assessing the critical competencies. (13:55...
07 – Leaning into Difficult Conversations (w Pat Worthington)
October 26, 2020 06:00 - 23 minutes - 34.6 MBConflict is inevitable in education, but luckily it is also an opportunity to build more meaningful connections with those work with. Learn practical strategies from a Human Resources specialist that allow you to seek to understand when things get tense. Show Notes: Pat's background. [03:00] First, seek to understand. [04:45] Active listening. [07:00] Asking open-ended questions. [8:30] “I” statements. [10:30] Land mines. [13:15] View full show notes at www.educrushpod.com.
06 – We Are Wired for Connection (w Dr. Jody Carrington)
October 12, 2020 06:00 - 38 minutes - 42.4 MBWhat does it mean to connect with someone? Learn from a psychologist how our connections regulate our emotions, and the policies and biases that drive disconnection in our schools and society. Show Notes: Where Jody’s passion for connections came from. (3:05) A time and a place for strategies. (5:20) Remembering why we do this work as educators. (7:30) We are all just walking each other home. (9:30) Connect before you direct. (11:20) The practices and policies in schools that dr...
05 – Building Belonging with Circle Meetings (w Christie Gomke)
September 28, 2020 06:00 - 23 minutes - 29.3 MBCircle meetings are a protocol that provides a safe space for students to practice their social skills and tackle topics that matter most to them. Learn how to facilitate them to build a culture of belonging in your classroom. Show Notes: Why circle meetings? [02:30] What are circle meetings? [2:55] How often do you run a circle meeting? [3:45] Using norms to establish expectations [4:00] Facilitating a meeting [5:45] How circle meetings impact classroom culture [10:50] Taking...
04 – Real Reconciliation (w Jesse Thistle)
September 14, 2020 06:00 - 47 minutes - 47.8 MBHow we experience learning in our own life has a huge impact on the experiences we create for our students. Find out how a Metis-Cree assistant professor created a philosophy of learning after surviving addiction, homelessness, and reclaiming his indigenous identity. Show Notes: How From the Ashes came to be. (3:00) Unpacking the poem “My Soul is Still Homeless.” (5:52) Why From the Ashes is really a love story. (10:03) Constructing identity through language. (15:26) A literacy ed...
03 – What is the Purpose of Education? (w Dr. Ted Spear)
August 27, 2020 16:55 - 44 minutes - 44 MBCOVID-19 has raised many questions about the purpose of education throughout North America and elicited very different answers from educators, parents and politicians. To better understand this current debate, we look at the reasons we’ve educated our kids throughout history and imagine how our schools might change if we clearly define our why. Show Notes: Background on Dr. Ted Spear [2:00] What was “weird” about school [3:05] The capital P purposes of education throughout history [7:...
03 – What is the Purpose of Education? (w Ted Spear)
August 27, 2020 16:55 - 44 minutes - 44 MBCOVID-19 has raised many questions about the purpose of education throughout North America and elicited very different answers from educators, parents and politicians. To better understand this current debate, we look at the reasons we’ve educated our kids throughout history and imagine how our schools might change if we clearly define our why. Show Notes: Background on Ted Spear. [2:00] What was “weird” about school. [3:05] The capital P purposes of education throughout history. [7:4...
02 – Non-Racist is a Cop Out (w Amber Cook)
August 27, 2020 16:49 - 50 minutes - 49 MBNow is the time to lean into the discomfort of talking about race. On this episode, we acknowledge our identities as a Black American and a white Canadian and discuss what it means to be anti-racist, and the #SmallGreatThings we can do as educators. Show Notes: Checking-in on current events in Baltimore County. [4:01] Why this time is different. [6:46] What does it mean to be anti-racist? [11:00] What does “people of the global majority” mean? [16:28] How do we call-out racism & c...
01 – Beginner's Mindset
August 27, 2020 16:26 - 17 minutes - 22.3 MBWelcome to #EduCrush! In honor of something new, we are going to discuss how to adopt a beginner’s mindset by getting curious, knowing where to look, and giving ourselves the permission to explore new routes. Show Notes: Feelings check about the first episode. [0:30] What is a beginner’s mindset? [4:06] Getting curious. [5:52] Knowing where to look in your professional practice. [9:14] Giving yourself the permission to explore new routes. [11:03] View full show notes at www.educr...