Reinventing Education

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/

 

EP 132 Chris Balme: Challenge Accepted 50 Adventures to Make Middle School Awesome

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

EP 131 Mediating Disagreement On The Role Of A School Leader - Nate Provencio and Dr. Eric Worcester

"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

EP130 Dr Darrin Peppard Culture First Classrooms

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

EP129 Rooted in Care: Mentorship and Magic in Early Years with Erica Saccoccio

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!

EP 128 Dr. Joey Weisler Trauma In Our Classrooms

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

EP127 The 4 Dimensions Of Your School: Organizational, Relational, Actionable & Personal

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

EP126: Breaking the Mold: Flattening Hierarchies in Education?

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.

EP125: Rethinking Roles: Staff Ethos in a Counselor-Centered School.

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.

EP124 Start Here

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.