Reinventing Education

Middle school doesn't have to be a phase we just survive, it can be a transformative, exciting journey. In this episode, we reconnect with Chris Balme, author of Challenge Accepted: 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome, about reimagining these years as a time for real-world exploration and growth. Chris reveals why middle schoolers are underrated and how the right challenges can unlock their courage, curiosity, and confidence. An appreciated perspective on one of life's most pivotal stages. Challenge Accepted on Kickstarter Chris Balme on Substack

"The Three Types of Schools: Who's Right About What Makes a ‘Good' Education?" In this episode our guests are from The Community Connection podcast. Hosts Nathaniel Provencio and Dr. Eric Worcester, along with our own Brendan O'Leary explore the three dominant school models—Expert, Coach, and Counselor. Each has its own take on what makes a good education and how schools should operate. Join us as we unpack their competing priorities, where they clash, and how they might actually complement each other. Listen to the Community Connection Podcast On Spotify  Watch the Community Connection Podcast on YouTube Follow Nate Provencio's work on Instagram

Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools In this episode, we're joined by author, speaker and "recovering high school principal" Dr. Darrin Peppard, to talk about Culture First Classrooms. Creating a positive classroom culture is both an art and a science—and Darrin shares practical strategies and powerful stories that show how it's done. In his book, he shares examples of how to set and maintain expectations—covering everything from seating arrangements and modeling behaviors to creating daily routines that build relationships and set a positive tone. Dig into Darrin's work here. Get a copy of Culture First Classrooms  Get a signed copy of Culture First Classrooms

This week, we sit down with Erica Saccoccio, host of The Childcare Director's Chair podcast and YouTube channel. A seasoned early years educator, Erica currently runs several childcare centres and brings a wealth of experience to the table. We explore what makes an outstanding Early Years (EY) program, as Erica shares her vision for nurturing environments that grow alongside child development. She highlights the kind of educators who bring that vision to life—reliable, team-oriented, and full of heart. We also dig into the tough stuff—why it's hard for parents to leave their kids (and how to make that transition easier), how to truly assess whether an EY program is effective, and what mentorship really looks like in this field. Plus, we talk about avoiding leadership burnout and navigating conversations with parents, whether their expectations lean progressive, traditional, or somewhere in between. This is a super practical, down-to-earth conversation for anyone involved in early childhood education—or just curious about what it really takes to do it well. You can find Erica's podcast and youtube channel here https://www.youtube.com/@childcaredirectorschair690 https://childcaredirectorschair.buzzsprout.com/ They are very much worth checking out!

Dr. Joey Weisler dives into the impact of trauma in our education system. We'll explore the role of educators—what it is, what it isn't—and the important distinction between your classroom being a therapeutic environment versus trying to provide therapy for students. Connect with Dr. Joseph Weisler Website Linkedin Social media handles--instagram @classroomnarratives and @throneintheclassroom.  Listen to his Classroom Narratives podcast here or watch the latest short for "The Throne in the Classroom" series here.    Receive Joey's Trauma informed handout for educators here. Here are the episodes that Joey referenced in our discussion: School mental health counselor Monica Langer Music educator Jen Rafferty, breaking down the "superhero narrative"  National Council of English Teachers trauma scholar Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf

Your school has 4 dimensions: the organizational, relational, actionable and personal. You and everyone there, focuses on one more than the others. Too often we think about improving one dimension of school without considering the interconnected others. In this episode we'll explore how to use the 4 dimensions tool can: -help you define and solve problems -communicate more effectively with others

In this episode of Reinventing Education, Rob and Brendan explore the impact of flattening hierarchies in schools, focusing on a counselor-centered approach where all voices are equal. They discuss the benefits of shared responsibility in student-led inquiries and the fluidity of roles, but also examine challenges like uneven workload and lack of oversight. Tune in for a lively debate on this bold shift in education.

In this episode, hosts Rob and Brendan explore a counselor-centered approach to education, where hierarchy is flattened and staff function as peers rather than authority figures. This creates a school environment rooted in authenticity, empathy, and shared responsibility. They discuss how educators can promote emotional well-being and personal growth by shifting away from traditional roles and embracing a more collaborative, supportive approach. By doing so, schools can meet the deeper needs of both students and staff, fostering self-actualization and genuine connection within the community.

If you only listen to one episode of our podcast, make it this one.  It is a summary of what we're all about.  In this episode, we unpack the three distinct roles that a school can have for a student. Schools either serve students as their expert, coach or counsellor. Each type organizes differently and has a different kind of culture. However, most schools are an unintentional mix of all 3 which fails to fulfill passionate educators.  We'll explore how to spot your type, your school's type and identify misalignment. You'll understand why one approach isn't universally "best"—as it depends on context. We'll try and make school make more sense. 

In this episode of the Reinventing Education Podcast, hosts Rob and Brendan dive into a pressing topic at the center of political debates around the world: should there be a dedicated Department of Education Management at the government level? This idea raises complex questions about how we oversee, fund, and guide education systems. Rob and Brendan examine both the potential benefits and the significant challenges of such a department. They explore whether centralized oversight could lead to greater equity, innovation, and accountability in education or whether it risks creating excessive bureaucracy and eroding local autonomy. Drawing on examples from countries like Belgium, Japan, the USA, the UK, and others, they highlight how different nations approach the balance between national control and local flexibility in their education systems. The conversation also tackles broader questions: to what extent should education policies be driven at a national level versus being tailored to regional or even school-specific needs? What can we learn from other countries' successes and failures in managing their education systems? And ultimately, does centralizing educational governance provide more solutions or more problems? Whether you're an educator, policymaker, student, parent, or just curious about the future of education, this episode will give you plenty to think about. We'd love to hear your thoughts—join the conversation by emailing us at reinventingeducationpodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode of the Reinventing Education Podcast, Rob & Brendan dive into the transformative role of the Counselor Principal within progressive, sociocratic, or counselor-centered schools. Unlike the traditional hierarchy of the expert-led "pyramid" model or the managerial "star" approach of a coach principal, the counselor principal thrives in a flattened hierarchy where collaboration and shared responsibility take center stage. Discover how this role focuses on facilitation over authority, fostering relationships, empowering teachers and students, and cultivating a supportive, inclusive school culture. We'll explore how the counselor principal promotes participatory decision-making, emotional well-being, and collective leadership to create a truly community-driven educational environment. Tune in to learn how this innovative approach challenges conventional models and redefines what leadership can look like in today's schools.

Today, Rob and Brendan hit pause on our exploration of the counselor-centered school to dive into some eye-opening headlines about the current state of teacher attrition. Following up on our previous discussion about the teacher shortage, we turn our attention to a recent article that sheds light on why so many educators are leaving the profession. We'll explore compelling stories, including that of Paul, a former graphic designer who transitioned to teaching with virtually no experience after being hired on the fast track. How did he find himself in a classroom so quickly? What does this mean for the future of education? Join us as we dissect these pressing issues, share insights, and consider what innovative solutions might help reshape the education landscape. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that goes beyond the headlines to uncover the realities of teaching today!

Today, Rob and Brendan dive into the counselor-centered approach to libraries and P.E. spaces. In P.E. there is a move toward treating these parts of the school as flexible, community-driven areas that explore and embrace a range of approaches to physical health. We'll look at how these spaces are shaped by the ongoing needs of students and their communities. The same goes for libraries, which, in a counsellor centred school, evolve into dynamic hubs that connect students with their local communities. Whether it's hosting workshops, collaborative projects, or student-led initiatives, libraries in a counsellor centered school are more than just places to read—they're the heart of student-driven, real-world learning. But with all this flexibility, what happens when there's no consistency? No regular practice for your team? No quiet time for study? Does the freedom outweigh the confusion? We're talking about the pros, cons, and everything in between. Get ready for a conversation that's as flexible as the spaces we're discussing!

Welcome! Today Rob and Brendan dive into the knotty topic of the four-day school week. Countries like Belgium and various states in the U.S. are trying it out for reasons such as reducing operational costs, combating teacher burnout, and offering students more time for family activities. Why is this shift happening, and what are the potential drawbacks? And—dare we say—could there be some surprising benefits? Join us for an insightful discussion that explores the changing landscape of education. Don't miss it!

How do counselor schools approach shared spaces like gymnasiums and lunchrooms? At first glance, it might seem like a minor issue, but move one piece, and the whole system shifts. If the counselor classroom is built on the idea of negotiating learning time, then shared spaces in schools must also be negotiated by everyone involved. Suddenly, we realize these spaces can adapt to fit the needs of the people, instead of forcing people to adapt to the space.

In today's episode, we explore the counselor-centered approach to schools, focusing on how this method reshapes education by designing learning spaces that foster freedom, choice, and inquiry. We'll discuss how this approach unites environments to support both personal and academic growth while also addressing some of the challenges it introduces. Join us as we dive into the importance of creating a more dynamic and supportive education system.  

In this episode, Rob and Brendan discuss how a counselor-centered approach balances the three aims of education: citizenship, workforce preparation, and self-development by challenging traditional metrics of success and advocating for positive interactions and personal responsibility over standardized test scores. We delve into how this approach aims to build a resilient, compassionate community where individual pursuits enhance collective progress and explore how understanding our needs, wants, and drives, both now and in the future, contributes to personal growth and community well-being. Enjoy!

In this episode, we explore schools centered on student meaning and development through pursuing meaning. -we discuss the benefits of this including meaningful contributions to a community and the pursuit of what matters to individual students -but also the drawbacks of ensuring we are doing so well and the potential for students to drift aimlessly  

Join us as we explore how a counsellor centered school might approach the challenge of aligning personal meaning with workplace readiness. We delve into how intrinsic values can serve both the self and our communities and how we must address the challenges and opportunities of pursuing meaningful paths, from nurturing dreams to bridging the gap between school ideals and real-world demands.

In today's episode, we speak with Hans van Heesewijk, an educator who was integral to the founding of the Agora School system utilised in schools across the Netherlands. The Agora model is a child centred approach that prioritises individualised learning experiences. It has no standard classes, classrooms, or fixed curriculum, instead students are encouraged to pursue their passions and interests under the guidance of personal coaches. We were also lucky that Pete Merry of Ubiquity university, whose children have attended an Agora school, was able to join us for the conversation. Join us as we delve into Hans' journey of transforming education and discover the profound impact the models such as the Agora system may have on shaping the future of learning.  We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. If you are interested in establishing which of the the three of school contexts you are currently in and how to support positive growth, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found here.

In this episode, Rob & Brendan unpack the revolutionary approaches of Ubiquity University in an interview with its trailblazing leader, Peter Merry. Ubiquity, a global educational institution, reaches learners worldwide with diverse courses rooted in regenerative and holistic principles. Peter, Co-founding Chief Innovation Officer, guides us through the vision, strategic partnerships, and the holistic learning pathways that set Ubiquity apart and shows how the ideas pioneered at Ubiquity can be applied to schools and colleges around the world. We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. If you are interested in establishing which of the the three of school contexts you are currently in and how to support positive growth, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found here.

How can a counselor-centered school strike the delicate balance between developing the individual and the community? Join us in this episode as we explore the intricacies of fostering an egalitarian, participatory, and supportive system while navigating challenges like the tragedy of the commons and toxic decision making. Discover real-world examples and practical strategies for cultivating a collaborative culture that encourages growth while addressing potential vulnerabilities. We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. If you are interested in establishing which of the the three of school contexts you are currently in and how to support positive growth, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found here.

There are 3 types of school: expert, coach and counsellor.  The counsellor approach, more than the other 2, makes students the center of their learning and also authentic participation in the school. In this episode we compare and contrast the views of all 3 types regarding what childhood means for students now and later in life.  To find out which type of school you are in now, take our free 2 minute survey found here. 

In this episode, we explore the power structure of the counsellor-centered school.  In this approach to school organization, every member of the learning community from the principal, to staff, to students and parents has an equal voice in all matters that concern the school. Gone is the hierarchy and roles of previous approaches to school.  To find out if your school is more expert, coach or counsellor take our free two minute survey found here. 

In this episode, we embark on a new season dedicated to exploring the innovative Counselor Model of school. Over these episodes, we'll delve deep into the transformative ideas and practices that are reshaping the landscape of education. We inquire into how the Counselor Model addresses the diverse needs of students, fosters holistic well-being, and promotes an inclusive and empowering educational environment. We'll explore the principles, challenges, and successes of this cutting-edge model that places students at the center of their learning journey. We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. If you are interested in establishing which of the the three of school contexts you are currently in and how to support positive growth, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found here.

For a while now, one of our ideas has been to take the ideas from the podcast and distil them into a book that could be used for school leadership and other interested parties to gain a deeper understanding of the three types of schools that we focus on in our podcast and the ways that they can inform school-wide development.  Rob has recently begun that process and so we took the opportunity to dig into how the book is coming along, its overall aims and how it could provide a step towards a conception of school that really aligns cultures and practices. We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. If you are interested in establishing which of the the three of school contexts you are currently in and how to support positive growth, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found here.  

Join Brendan and Rob as they discuss how the progressive counsellor-centred approach to school solves many of the drawbacks of the mainstream coach approach. This includes looking at how a system that emphasises standardised tests and statistics over well-being and personal development can lead to frustration and a hunt for new ways. And, as always, we hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. In terms of our 3 types of school model, If you are interested in establishing what kind of school context you are currently in and how to move forward, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found by clicking here.

Today, we're lucky to interview Chris Balme, the head of a project-based school in Hakuba, Japan, and author of "Finding the Magic in Middle School." In the interview, we discuss strategies for increasing student autonomy and democratic decision-making principles, as well as the need for adults in the learning community to shift from being instructors to facilitators. We also explore the importance of moving from coercion to consent in driving learning, delve into why learning experiences should be authentic, and ruminate on how Chat GPT and AI may transform the future of education. Here is Chris's website, where you can find links to buy his book and writings on all of the things we cover in today's episode. And, as always, we hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. In terms of our 3 types of school model, If you are interested in establishing what kind of school context you are currently in and how to move forward, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found by clicking here.  

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Miriam Remy, of the FREI DAY project. Miriam's work with the FREI DAY project aligns perfectly with the big ideas of reinventing education. The FREI DAY learning format empowers students to take charge of their learning, become active participants in their communities, and develop the essential skills needed for the future.  Through our conversation with Miriam, we will delve into the core principles of FREI DAY, its impact on students' growth and development, and the vision for implementation in schools around the world. We hope you find this discussion interesting and inspirational. In terms of our 3 types of school model, If you are interested in establishing what kind of school context you are currently in and how to move forward, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found by clicking here.

Back in 1971, Ivan Illich wrote the groundbreaking book "Deschooling Society."  Illich didn't hold back in criticizing the traditional and mainstream approaches to education that we've all become familiar with. He also presented a clear and progressive vision for the future, which still holds weight even after five decades. Join us for part 2 of our book review, where we dive into Illich's ideas for a post-school society. His proposals of skill exchanges, peer networks, and resource sharing, align pretty well with the systems we have available today in 2023. And so we're left wondering why our current reality doesn't match Illich's vision. We hope you find this discussion interesting and perhaps it inspires some ideas for how the 3 types of school model in your school's context. If you are interested in establishing what kind of school context you are currently in, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found by clicking here.

Nicole Bordelais & Jörg Heinrichs are school leaders at Internationale Deutsche Schule in Brussels Belgium the school where Reinventing Education co-host Rob Macleod has taught for the last 5 years.   We have worked closely with Nicole and Jorg over the last few years using the 3 Types Of School model to guide school development. We wanted the opportunity to reflect on the work we have done together including the practicalities of how the concept of the 3 types of school was introduced to the school community, pros and cons as well as next steps.     We hope you find this discussion interesting and perhaps it inspires some ideas for how the 3 types of school model in your school's context. If you are interested in establishing what kind of school context you are currently in, please take our 2 minute survey which can be found by clicking here.

Welcome to Episode 101 of our podcast! Over the past 100 episodes, we've been discussing the three types of school relationships: Expert, Coach, and Counselor. Today, we're excited to introduce a tool that we've built that can help you analyze your school's relationship type and determine the next steps to take. The link here will take you to the tool (form). Our tool considers various factors, including communication, trust, and collaboration, to provide an analysis of your school's relationship type. Whether your school has an Expert, Coach, or Counselor relationship, our tool will help you identify it and provide actionable insights to improve it. In this episode, we'll take a closer look at our tool and explain how you can use it to being a journey that empowers you as an educator, student, or parent. If you leave your email in the form, We'll reach out to begin a conversation how you can enhance your school's relationship type and create a better learning environment for everyone. Join us as we delve into the world of school relationships and discover how our tool can help you build stronger, more collaborative relationships in your school. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's passionate about education and wants to make a positive impact in their school community.

In our 100th episode, we summarize our first 99 episodes for you & update some of our terminology.  In this episode we provide you with tools to serve your school's development: -discern differences between the 3 types of school (expert, coach & counselor) -uncover which you gravitate toward, which your school is now & which is the best fit for its context -explore the 8 aspects of your school that reinforce the type of school and need to change to make sustainable change (systems, environments, activities, resources, communities, cultures, reactions & beliefs)  -we also make the case for a 4th type of school, an integrative approach that aims to integrate the babies and bathwaters of the others  

In 1971 Ivan Illich wrote Deschooling Society, a text which was far ahead of its time.  Illich laid out a thorough critique of what we've called traditional and mainstream approaches to education. He also articulated a concrete progressive vision for moving forward. 50 years later his critique still holds weight.  In part 1 of our book review, we highlight the main components of his critique against schooling as it was in 1971 and still is in 2023. In this episode, we highlight what he calls the 4 myths of school and the 3 kinds of teachers. 

In this episode, we identify how progressive education differs from traditional and mainstream approaches by defining the following aspects: -sociocratic systems of organization -adaptive physical and digital environments -transdisciplinary practices -sustainable & natural resources -inclusive communities & cultures -beliefs and reactions towards meaning

"School Circles is an independent documentary that explores the practice of democratic schools in the Netherlands. The film shows students, teachers and staff members coming together to dialogue, discuss proposals, mediate conflicts and make decisions about their school life. These schools not only challenge the mainstream education, but also democracy as we know it. They put into practice Sociocracy, a method for collective organisation based on a systems perspective, in which the decisions are made by hearing all the voices and getting everyone's consent." In this episode Brendan and Rob share their thoughts, questions and interest in circle schools and their progressive approach to school organization.  We highly encourage you to watch the documentary. It can be found here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/schoolcircles  

Why do mainstream, curriculum-centered schools tend to engage with the community surrounding their school less than traditional or progressive schools? In this episode we focus on: -how parent's roles in schools have changed from passionate volunteers to qualified professionals -utilizing local businesses for job preparation -field trips as an extension or chance to apply learning  -creating communities that expand beyond your geographic location    

We do our best to distill down the essence of the differences between traditional, mainstream, and progressive education. The process to get there can be messy.  Brendan and Rob working on a 2-week cycle to produce episodes.  Week 1 - brainstorm, sort & organize ideas Week 2 - record a condensed and hopefully concise episode For something different, we're giving you a chance to be a fly on the wall to listen in on what we do during Week 1. Next week we'll release the final product of this episode. 

What kinds of events do mainstream schools host & more importantly why? We look at how the following events either serve the curriculum, help celebrate merit, or wow us with something unique: -parent information evenings -celebrations of learning -holiday celebrations -social gatherings and talent shows 

How can parents best contribute to student learning and the functioning of the school and community?  Well, the answer seems to be, to get out of the way in a mainstream school.  In this episode, we look at how the role of a parent in a school has moved away from the passionate volunteer in the school to an informed coach at home. We examine the pros and cons of this new approach. 

How do mainstream schools, that place importance on student success in relation to a curriculum, communicate effectively with parents? We analyze best practices with: - parent-teacher conferences - ongoing weekly or monthly communication - admissions & selling a school to parents

We cover the pros and cons of: -play-based learning -differentiation and addressing developmental stages -social-emotional learning strategies -conflict resolutions -assessment and developmental benchmarks

Breaktime can be an opportunity to maximize play, development & personal accountability.  We look at: - shared social agreements & conflict resolution -clubs, sports & organized activities -equipment & staggered timings -influence of health & safety and legal responsibility for supervision

Pros and Cons of supporting student government via: -student chaired meetings -class representatives -input in schoolwide decisions including staff hiring & budgeting -event organization   We also examine Roger Hart's framework Ladder Of Participation to help clarify student governments as merely tokenism vs authentic decision marking. 

Pros and cons of making your classroom efficient using: -class job schedules -role-playing real-life job applications and reviews -jobs for lessons and student learning -school-wide jobs and rewards

In this episode we look at: -purposes for standardized assessments vs in school assessments -alternatives to written tests -testing validity: does it measure what it says it measures

Traditional approaches to feedback and marking focused on correcting mistakes.  In this episode we explore strategies the modern Mainstream approach uses: -feedback for improvement -finding your zone of proximal development -ongoing and frequent feedback -transparency  -specificity -conferencing models

In this episode, we discuss classroom agreements, preventative strategies, incentives for good behaviour, IEPs for behaviour, student choice and behaviour management models. 

There are few more controversial issues in schooling than that of homework. Should it exist? How much is enough? Does it support progress or extinguish a love of learning? Tonight we dig into the pros and cons of the way the mainstream school system approaches homework. In this episode we reference the paper "Does High School Homework Increase Academic Achievement?" by Charlene Marie Kalenkoski & Sabrina Wulff Pabilonia,  and the article "Key Lessons: What Research Says About the Value of Homework" from the Reading Rockets site. We also mention Alfie Kohn and his classic educational text, "The Homework Myth". Join us! And feel free to add your own voice to the conversation at reinventingeducationpodcast@gmail.com 

Merry New Years & Winter Celebrations! We decided it would be a fun way to end the year to invite our friends Miriam (who is an integral coach) and Dwayne (an elementary school principal) along as we try to define the three types of school -Traditional, Mainstream and Progressive - in only ten words. Take a listen and see if you think we get close...and play along yourself if you like. We'd love to hear your ten! As always, get in touch at reinventingeducationpodcast@gmail.com For more on Miriam's coaching: http://miriamthecoach.com/  

The notion of learning as a joyous act with play at its centre has both its champions and detractors. We talked to early years educator Mark White about the benefits of integrating play into the classroom and the importance of educators being able to facilitate and nurture play. Mark is a highly experienced inquiry educator with a specialism in loose parts play and play responsive learning. Join Rob and Brendan as they dig into notions of agency, safety, reflection and experience in this fascinating, and often controversial, area of education. Get in touch at reinventingeducationpodcast@gmail.com