Reinventing Education

EP 121 School’s Out Forever: Teacher Turnover Troubles

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!

EP 120 Skateparks Today, Yoga Tomorrow: The Shift in School Spaces

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!

EP 119 A Four Day School Week!?!

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!

EP 118 Innovative School Spaces: adaptable and co-created

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.

EP 117 : Are Counsellor Centred Approaches to School Buildings Designed for Chaos?

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.

 

EP116 : Balancing Education's Three Aims: A Counselor-Centered Approach to Holistic Development

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!

EP115 What students should do in school and life - according to the counsellor approach

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

 

EP 114 : Workplace Preparation in a Counsellor Centered School

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.

EP 113 : The Agora Schools Model with Hans Van Heesewijk

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.

Ep 112 : Holistic Learning Horizons: A Deep Dive into Ubiquity University

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.