Reinventing Education

EP137: Planning as a Community Act

In this episode of Reinventing Education, Rob and Brendan explore teacher planning and collaborative planning in a counsellor-centred school, where planning emerges from what is happening in the moment rather than being imposed in advance. They discuss planning as a reflective process — making sense of what has already occurred, surfacing ideas and misconceptions, and responding to the interests and needs of individuals and the group. Planning becomes a way of offering provocations, questions, and possibilities for what comes next, rather than a fixed script to be followed. Informed by shared philosophy, mission, and vision — alongside broader pedagogical models and inquiry cycles — collaboration is continuous and embedded in the culture. Teachers are in constant dialogue, new educators are closely supported through counselling and community, and competition gives way to collective growth. By drawing fully on students, staff, parents, and the wider community, learning becomes more connected, more meaningful, and more holistic — developing students’ approaches to learning, from critical thinking to personal wellbeing. It’s complex, with many moving parts and few certainties, but it’s a way of planning that dances with the known while staying open to what’s emerging. Let us know what you think.

EP136: From Goals to Growth — Making PD Meaningful (Again)

Today on the podcast, Brendan and Rob talk PD and what it really means in practice in a counsellor centred school. They explore how genuine professional development grows from what’s needed in the community, where learning is shared, reflective, and constantly evolving. A PD where meaning sits at the centre — not metrics or checklists. When everyone supports each other’s growth, goals become more fluid, evaluation more personal, and all experience becomes transferable. It’s about learning as a living process: collective, adaptive, and completely meaningful. Let us know what you think!

EP135 Michelle Auton : What Do Happy Teachers Do?

In today’s episode, I sit down with Michelle Auton, educator, speaker, and author of the powerful book What Happy Teachers Do. We dive into her simple yet transformative three-step self-care system designed to help teachers stay calm in class, maintain work–life balance, and reignite their passion for teaching. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned pro, Michelle’s insights are a breath of fresh air in a demanding profession. Tune in to learn how to stay grounded, energized, and—yes—happy in the classroom. We highly recommend that you check out Michelle's site for link to the book and resources to help you on your journey to becominG a happier teacher!

EP134 Daphne Wallbridge - Lessons For The Conscious Leader

Daphne Wallbridge works with new principals stepping into leadership. An educator, superintendent, author, and speaker, Daphne brings practical insight into what it means to lead with awareness, manage ego without losing confidence, and share vulnerably without oversharing. Essential listening for anyone navigating the early years of school leadership. We highly encourage you to check out Daphne's 2 books: -The First Year Principal: 52 Practical Lessons to Help New Principals [https://www.daphnewallbridge.com/shop-books] Thrive as Conscious Leaders [https://www.daphnewallbridge.com/shop-books] -Beyond the First-Year Principal: 23 Powerful Lessons for the Conscious Leader [https://www.daphnewallbridge.com/shop-books]   Check out Daphne's online supportive intiative The Principal's Collective [https://www.daphnewallbridge.com/shop-books]

EP 133 Craig Randall : From Evaluation to Empowerment: Rethinking Teacher Observations”

On today’s episode of the Reinventing Education, Brendan sits down with Craig Randall, educator, author, and creator of the Trust-Based Observations (TBO) model. Craig shares how TBO replaces judgment and anxiety with trust, reflection, and meaningful growth—helping teachers feel safe to take risks, innovate, and truly improve. We dive into how short, frequent, conversation-based observations offer a more supportive and sustainable alternative to traditional evaluation models. If you’re an educator or school leader looking for a more human, more effective approach to professional growth, this one’s for you. You can find Craig here. https://trustbased.com/ [https://trustbased.com/]