Leading Voices in Education

In this conversation, Hannah Beach, an award-winning educator and emotional health consultant, discusses the pressing issues in education today, particularly the emotional health of students. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students, the need for play and connection, and the role of hope in fostering resilience. Hannah shares practical strategies for educators to collect their students and create a nurturing environment, while also addressing the delicate balance of consequences and warmth in the classroom. Her insights provide a hopeful perspective on the challenges faced by educators and the potential for positive change.

This conversation delves into the neurobiological understanding of children's behavior, emphasizing the importance of recognizing that behaviors often stem from a nervous system response to perceived threats or overwhelm. Lori Desautels highlights how caregivers can better support children by understanding these underlying mechanisms rather than labeling them as simply oppositional or depressed.

In this conversation, Dr. Gordon Neufeld discusses the critical role of parent-child attachment in emotional and social development. He emphasizes that strong attachments foster resilience and confidence in children, and that vulnerability is essential for emotional growth. Neufeld highlights the challenges posed by modern society, including the impact of screens and peer relationships, and advocates for nurturing connections between children and caring adults. He encourages educators to foster these relationships and reclaim their roles in child development, ultimately providing hope for future generations through strong, supportive connections.

In this conversation, Dr. Gabor Maté shares his insights on trauma, child development, and the importance of relationships in education. He emphasizes that trauma is not just about past events but the unhealed wounds that affect individuals today. The discussion covers the role of environment, the impact of adverse childhood experiences, and the necessity of play in learning. Dr. Gabor Maté advocates for trauma-informed classrooms that prioritize understanding and compassion over punitive measures.

In this episode of Leading Voices in Education, we sit down with educator, author, and digital learning leader Dean Shareski to explore one of the biggest shifts facing schools today: the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. Drawing on decades of experience as a classroom teacher, district consultant, and global thought leader in digital learning, Dean shares how his deep commitment to joy, humanity, and curiosity shapes the way he approaches AI in education. Dean reflects on his journey from teaching grade one to supporting districts across North America, and how his early love of technology has evolved into a nuanced, sometimes uneasy, but ultimately hopeful stance on AI. Together, we dig into the tensions educators are wrestling with—loss of human connection, new skill development, ethical concerns—and the powerful possibilities AI offers when used to amplify creativity, reduce workload, and give teachers more time for what really matters. We also explore the essential role of school leaders in building cultures of transparency, critical thinking, and responsible innovation. Dean shares practical insights about conversations teachers need to have with students, the importance of guided use over avoidance, and the value of embracing uncertainty as we navigate this unprecedented shift.