Episodes

62
Jan. 19, 2026

Joy Is a Discipline: How to Lead Schools with Trust, Clarity, and Collaboration with Dan Cox - Ep 62

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna are joined by Dan Cox — former superintendent, endurance athlete, speaker, and founder of Endurance Edge. Dan shares how his experience completing multiple ultramarathons, including a 100-mile race, shaped his leadership philosophy: Joy Is a Discipline. Dan dives into the parallels between endurance athletics and school leader...
19
Jan. 15, 2026

FRIDAY FOCUS - Stop Striving for Buy-In

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Colla...
61
Jan. 12, 2026

Community Collaboration to Ensure Success for Students, Families and Staff w/ Shana Roberts - Ep 61

Access a workshop guide to help your team STOP focusing on things outside of our locus of control - https://bit.ly/JLlocus In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Shana Roberts, a primary school teacher with over 20 years of experience in education. Shana hosts the podcast Chalk and Coffee is an accomplished author, having written children’s books such as Mama, I See You and Don’t Go, inspired by her journey as both an educator and a mother. Throug...
18
Jan. 8, 2026

FRIDAY FOCUS - Put the Purpose on the Agenda

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Colla...
60
Jan. 5, 2026

Learning to Work Together: Building Trust Through Collaboration with Dr. Ryan Read - Ep 60

Access the FREE Transform Your Team Meetings guide, including a meeting agenda template to copy and begin using today - https://bit.ly/5planningteams In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, hosts Kurtis and Lorna Hewson sit down with Dr. Ryan Read — educator, instructional technologist, and host of The Pixel Classroom Podcast — to explore what authentic collaboration really looks like in schools. Dr. Read shares the inspiring story of rebuilding a middle school STEM and robotics ...
17
Jan. 1, 2026

FRIDAY FOCUS - Onboarding with Intentionality: 3 Questions We Need to be Asking

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Colla...
59
Dec. 29, 2025

How to Lead Instructional Change Through Collaboration with Chad Ostrowski - Ep 59

Did you know EVERY school needs four layers of teams to not only respond to the needs of students but build instructional capacity with intentionality and focus? Learn more in a FREE webinar at https://bit.ly/layeringteams In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis is joined by Chad Ostrowski, former middle-level educator, creator of The Grid Method, and longtime CEO of the Teach Better Team. Chad has spent the last decade helping schools and districts across the country imp...
16
Dec. 25, 2025

FRIDAY FOCUS - Messiness Brings Meaning

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Colla...
58
Dec. 22, 2025

Why Collaboration Is the Hardest—and Most Important—Thing For a Leader w/ Bethany Rees - Ep 58

Access a workshop guide to help your team STOP focusing on things outside of our locus of control - https://bit.ly/JLlocus In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Bethany Rees, a leadership coach, speaker, and author of Leadership on the Rocks: How to Survive, Adapt, and Succeed in the Wilderness of Leadership. Bethany is also the host of the Leadership on the Rocks podcast, where she shares practical strategies and helps leaders simplify the chaos...
15
Dec. 18, 2025

FRIDAY FOCUS - The All-in-One Meeting Tool

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Colla...
57
Dec. 15, 2025

School Leadership & Collaboration: How Principals Make Better Decisions w/ Tyler Comeau - Ep 57

Looking to learn more and get started with a powerful meeting structure that will transform your school’s MTSS efforts? Access the Collaborative Team Meeting Starter Kit at https://bit.ly/ctmstarter How do school leaders make strong decisions while building a collaborative culture? In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna Hewson speak with Tyler Comeau, principal, leadership strategist, and author of The Elemental Leader. Drawing from his experience as an educat...
14
Dec. 11, 2025

FRIDAY FOCUS - A Simple Swap That Boosts Participation

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Colla...
56
Dec. 8, 2025

How Creativity Transforms Collaboration in Early Learning with Faigie Kobre - Ep 56

Access a workshop guide to help your team unpack their norms and help them have a greater impact on your collaborative efforts - https://bit.ly/jlnorms In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis is joined by Faigie Kobre, early childhood educator, former preschool director, art teacher, and PD creator whose unique journey blends education, visual arts, and entrepreneurship. Faigie shares why “negative and positive” art experiences are one of the most effective ways to help t...
13
Dec. 4, 2025

FRIDAY FOCUS - Simple Prompts That Encourage Collaboration

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems #fridayfocus Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab Become a JL Insider to receive a...
55
Dec. 1, 2025

How Strong Relationships Build Strong Teams: Leadership Lessons with Teach Better’s Jeff Gargas - Ep 55

Plan to join Jeff and Kurtis for FREE at the EDUpreneur Launch Summit - December 6, 2025 - https://www.edupreneurcommunity.com/edupreneursummit-jigsaw In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, we sit down with Jeff Gargas, COO and Co-Founder of the Teach Better Team and co-author of Teach Better. Jeff shares his insights on how school leaders can strengthen collaboration, build trust, and create a culture where teamwork happens naturally—not just because it’s required. You’ll lear...
12
Nov. 27, 2025

FRIDAY FOCUS - Stop Waiting to Get Started

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab Become a JL Insider to receive access to newl...
54
Nov. 24, 2025

The Authentic Edge: Leading Without Losing Yourself with Dominic George - Ep 54

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Dominic George, a leadership strategist, executive coach, and author of The Authentic Edge: Leading Without Losing Yourself. Dominic shares how authenticity and collaboration go hand in hand in shaping stronger, more sustainable leadership cultures. Get the book The Authentic Edge: Leading Without Losing Yourself ...
11
Nov. 20, 2025

FRIDAY FOCUS - Don't Rush the Genius

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab Become a JL Insider to receive access to newl...
53
Nov. 17, 2025

Overcoming Teacher Resistance: Strategies for School Leaders with Becca Silver - Ep 53

Access a workshop guide to help your team unpack their norms and help them have a greater impact on your collaborative efforts - https://bit.ly/jlnorms 🔥 Struggling with teacher resistance in your school? Discover how Becca Silver, creator of the Catalyst Mindsets™ and founder of The Whole Educator, helps leaders and coaches move beyond compliance to build real teacher agency, engagement, and collaboration. In this episode, we explore: ✅ How to understand the unmet needs behind teacher resista...
10
Nov. 13, 2025

FRIDAY FOCUS - Beyond the Win: Celebrating the Actions That Created Success!

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab Become a JL Insider to receive access to newl...
52
Nov. 10, 2025

Whose Permission Are You Waiting For with William D Parker - Ep 52

Looking to learn more and get started with a powerful meeting structure that will transform your school’s MTSS efforts? Access the Collaborative Team Meeting Starter Kit at https://bit.ly/ctmstarter In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by William D. Parker, the founder of Principal Matters, an educator, author, speaker, and executive coach who equips leaders with strategies for motivating students, inspiring teachers, and strengthening communities....
9
Nov. 6, 2025

FRIDAY FOCUS - How "What If" Conversations Create Solutions

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab Become a JL Insider to receive access to newl...
51
Nov. 3, 2025

Sustaining Collaborative Cultures Rooted in Joy with Dr. Deonna Smith - Ep 51

#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership Access a workshop guide to help your team STOP focusing on things outside of our locus of control - https://bit.ly/JLlocus In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis joined by Dr. Deonna Smith, a former teacher, school leader, and now a nationally recognized educational justice advocate. She’s also the author of Rooted in Joy: Creating a Classroom Community of Equity, Belonging, and Care—a powerful and practical guide ...
8
Oct. 30, 2025

FRIDAY FOCUS - Is Your Team Stuck? It's Time to Simplify the Path Forward

______________________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab Become a JL Insider to receive access to newl...