Leading Voices in Education

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we sit down with award-winning journalist and author Jenny Anderson, co-author of The Disengaged Teen, for a thought-provoking conversation about why so many young people are disconnecting from school — and what educators, parents, and schools can do differently.
Jenny challenges some of the common assumptions we make about teenagers, including the idea that disengaged students are simply lazy, unmotivated, or too distracted by technology. Drawing on years of research and conversations with young people, she explores what is really happening beneath the surface of disengagement.
We dive into the four modes of engagement — Passenger, Resistor, Achiever, and Explorer — and how students can move between these modes depending on their environment, experiences, relationships, and sense of agency. Jenny also explores what happens when a mode becomes an identity and why we need to be careful about labelling students based on how they show up at school.
We talk about the difference between achievement and genuine engagement, the pressure placed on high-achieving students, and why a student can appear successful while not actually being deeply engaged in their learning. Jenny shares practical ways parents and educators can support students without taking away their autonomy or making decisions for them.
The conversation also explores choice, agency, curiosity, resilience, and productive struggle. Jenny explains why giving students meaningful choices is so important if we want them to develop the ability to make decisions for themselves — and why schools may need to rethink how much of the learning experience is something that is done to students versus something they can actively shape.
We discuss what an engaging school experience might actually look like, including more opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, participate in meaningful experiences, move beyond simply sitting and listening, and see a real-world impact from their learning.
And finally, Jenny shares an important challenge for educators: if we want to build resilience, we may need to become more comfortable with discomfort in classrooms and create opportunities for students to experience productive struggle.
This is a conversation about teenagers, but the questions reach far beyond adolescence: How do we create environments where young people have agency? How do we move beyond compliance? And how do we help students become curious, resilient, engaged learners who understand who they are and what matters to them?

In this powerful episode of Leading Voices in Education, we are joined by Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk to play in the NHL. Jordin shares his honest and inspiring story of growing up in Nunavut, overcoming addiction, navigating grief and loss, and finding his path to healing and resilience.
He reflects on the teachers, coaches, mentors, and family members who believed in him, the importance of asking for help, and how educators can create spaces where students feel safe to be heard.
Jordin also shares his powerful idea of “finding your tundra”—finding the place that helps you slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.
A heartfelt conversation about resilience, identity, Indigenous perspectives, mental health, the impact of teachers, and believing in yourself.

In the Season 3 premiere of Leading Voices in Education, we welcome Andrew Holland, Deputy Superintendent of Surrey Schools, for a conversation about what it means to lead with purpose, presence, and trust.
With more than 30 years in education, Andrew reflects on the teachers and leaders who shaped his own journey and shares why he believes every moment and every conversation matters. He discusses building positive school cultures intentionally, leaning into courageous conversations, treating people as professionals, and creating the conditions for students and staff to thrive.
Andrew also shares how an authentic learning experience in Grade 7 changed the way he saw himself as a learner, and ultimately influenced how he approached teaching and leadership. From moving beyond grades to rethinking what education is designed to do, this conversation explores how we can create schools where every student has the opportunity to see themselves as successful.

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we welcome Brandon Laur of The White Hatter, one of Canada's leading voices in digital literacy, online safety, and youth online behaviour.
As technology becomes an increasingly important part of children's lives, many parents and educators are left wondering how to help young people navigate the digital world safely while maintaining trust, independence, and healthy relationships. Brandon brings years of experience working directly with students, families, and schools to share practical, research-informed insights about online safety, social media, digital citizenship, and the realities young people face online today.
Together, we explore common misconceptions about youth and technology, the role of parents and educators in supporting digital wellbeing, online grooming and exploitation, social media use, monitoring versus trust, and how strong relationships remain the most important protective factor for young people.
Throughout the conversation, Brandon offers reassuring and actionable advice for families and educators, emphasizing that online safety is not about fear, it is about connection, communication, and helping young people develop the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, school leader, or caregiver, this episode provides valuable guidance for supporting children and youth with confidence, care, and compassion in the digital age.

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we are honored to welcome Margaret Wheatley — internationally respected leadership thinker, educator, and author of Restoring Sanity, Leadership and the New Science, and Turning to One Another.
Together, we explore what it means to lead, teach, and remain fully human in a world that often feels increasingly chaotic and disconnected. Margaret speaks candidly about the pressures educators are facing today, the importance of community, and why schools can become “islands of sanity” for both students and adults.
This conversation dives into themes of compassion, creativity, generosity, mindfulness, and the human spirit. Margaret challenges us to move beyond fear and self-protection and instead create conditions where people can thrive, connect, and find meaning together.
From the power of stillness and reflection to the importance of service and relationships, this episode is a powerful reminder that education is ultimately about humanity.
Whether you are a teacher, school leader, parent, or simply someone searching for hope and grounding in uncertain times, this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for staying centered while supporting others.