220: PLCs That Actually Work with Kurtis Hewson

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Episode 220: PLCs That Actually Work with Kurtis Hewson So you may know what a PLC is—or at least think you know what a PLC is. In this episode, Meghan sits down with Kurtis Hewson, co-founder of Jigsaw Learning and co-author of Collaborative Response, to unpack what meaningful collaboration actually looks like in schools—and why so many PLCs fall short. From compliance-driven meetings to action-focused collaboration, this conversation gets into the systems schools need to move from talking about students… to actually responding to them. * Why many PLCs become compliance-driven instead of impactful * The difference between collaboration and compliance in schools * Kurtis’s Collaborative Response framework and how it differs from traditional PLC models * The four layers of team structures that support student success * Why schools often become reactive (“whack-a-mole”) without strong systems * How to shift from “my students” to “our students” * The importance of using data to drive action—not just discussion * How structured collaboration can reduce unnecessary referrals and overwhelm * Why not all meetings should happen weekly—and why that matters * What makes a meeting worth attending (and one teachers try to avoid) “Good leaders solve problems. Great leaders create systems to solve problems.” Kurtis breaks down three core components: * Collaborative Structures & Processes → How teams actually meet and work together * Data & Evidence → Using information to inform decisions * Continuum of Supports → A clear system for how students are supported Most schools have: * PLCs (planning) * Support teams (intervention) * Case meetings (individual students) 👉 But many are missing the collaborative team meeting layer This is where: * teachers focus on problems of practice, not just individual students * ideas are shared across classrooms * teachers leave with specific actions to try immediately Kurtis reacts to real scenarios: * Reviewing data without changing instruction → Fake * Shared responsibility for students → Real * Meetings with no outcome → Fake * Adjusting instruction based on student needs → Real 👉 The takeaway: If nothing changes after the meeting… it wasn’t collaboration. * Start meetings with celebrations and what worked * Focus on one clear problem of practice at a time * Leave every meeting with a specific action to try * Use timers and roles to keep meetings efficient * Shift from student stories → solution-focused thinking “We do good things—say them out loud.” * Website: jigsawlearning.ca * Resources: jigsawinsider.com * Podcasts: ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:🧠 The Big Idea🔑 Inside the Collaborative Response Model🔥 The Game Changer: The Missing Layer🎲 Featured Segment: Real PLC or Fake PLC?⚡ Real Moves You Can Use Tomorrow💡 Key Takeaway🔗 Connect with Kurtis Hewson

225: Learning, Imagination, and the Limits of “Innovation” with Jon Madian

Episode 225: Learning, Imagination, and the Limits of “Innovation” with Jon Madian What if the problem in education isn’t a lack of innovation—but a misunderstanding of learning itself? In this episode, Meghan sits down with Jon Madian—author, psychotherapist, and longtime innovator in educational technology—to explore the intersection of imagination, identity, and instructional design. From early work in the 1980s developing educational software to launching the Artist-in-Residence Reading Project in LAUSD, Jon brings a perspective rooted in creativity, psychology, and systems thinking. This conversation challenges traditional models of teaching and learning—and asks what it would take to truly design education around the learner, not just the content. * The origins of the Artist-in-Residence Reading Project and its impact on student engagement Untitled - June 26, 2026.txt * Why artists inspire expression while traditional systems often focus on compliance * The concept of a Learning Genome and how it differs from surface-level personalization * Why two students with the same outcome may need completely different instructional approaches Untitled - June 26, 2026.txt * The role of imagination, identity, and voice in learning * How AI is accelerating creative and conceptual work in education * Why education often focuses on filling the bucket instead of lighting the fire Untitled - June 26, 2026.txt * The importance of social learning, conversation, and belonging * Why motivation struggles may be tied to how learning environments are designed * How classrooms could function as curriculum design studios instead of content delivery spaces Education should not just deliver knowledge— it should help learners discover meaning, identity, and voice through the process of learning. * “The difference between artists and teachers is that artists inspire expression.” Untitled - June 26, 2026.txt * “We’ve been filling the bucket instead of lighting the fire.” Untitled - June 26, 2026.txt * “The opposite of a profound truth is another profound truth.” Untitled - June 26, 2026.txt * “All knowledge is built on psychology.” Untitled - June 26, 2026.txt Jon weighs in on current trends in education: * Personalized learning platforms → Depends on design (Innovation or Illusion) * AI-generated lessons → Innovation * Adaptive assessment tools → Potentially Innovative * Teacher-designed systems → Innovation (with time and support) * Data dashboards → Mixed—can be misleading * Open-source curriculum → Innovation (underutilized) 👉 The takeaway: Technology isn’t the solution—design is. * Create space for student voice and expression * Shift from content delivery → idea exploration and discussion * Use questioning to deepen thinking—not just check for answers * Build learning experiences that are social, not isolated * Focus on meaning and relevance, not just coverage If students aren’t engaged, it may not be about motivation— it may be about how learning is being designed. * LinkedIn * Heartbeat Learning (in development) No Name Paper: A Teacher Podcast Where teaching is more than one size fits all. ✨ In This Episode, We Discuss:🧠 The Big Idea🔥 Mic Drop Moments🎲 Featured Segment: Innovation or Illusion?⚡ Real Moves You Can Use Tomorrow❤️ A Final Thought🔗 Connect with Jon Madian🎙️ About the Podcast

26. juni 202650 min

220: PLCs That Actually Work with Kurtis Hewson

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