Professional Development With Mr. Drover

In this episode of Professional Development, I sit down with Michelle Haugan, an educational assistant, to talk about her journey into education. We dive into the challenges of working with students with complex needs and the importance of emotional regulation and self-care in the teaching profession.

Michelle shares her experiences overcoming self-doubt, the power of building strong relationships with students, and the rewarding moments that make the job so fulfilling. We also discuss the struggles educators face, from increasing expectations to the growing need for mental health awareness in schools.

Our conversation explores the delicate balance between professional responsibilities and personal time, the importance of staying passionate about teaching, and the impact of educational strikes. We also touch on how technology contributes to student anxiety and why connection is at the heart of education. Above all, we highlight the need for more support and understanding in the teaching profession, advocating for a more compassionate approach that fosters both resilience and personal growth.

In this episode, I sit down with Quinn Lyness, the founder of the Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL), a revolutionary team-based league inspired by Formula One. Quinn shares his journey from student-athlete to sports entrepreneur, breaking down how CTFL is bridging the gap between Olympic hype and year-round fan engagement. We dive into the business of sports, discussing sponsorships, athlete funding, and how storytelling can grow a sport’s audience. Quinn also reflects on the challenges of building a league from scratch, gaining recognition from New Balance, and why he believes track & field needs a new approach to sustainability and athlete success. Whether you're a track & field fan, athlete, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of Professional Development, I sit down with Ben Porter, a science, math, and sports medicine teacher in southern Alberta, to uncover the hidden costs of being an educator. We dive into his transition from private to public education, the surprising financial trade-offs, and the emotional toll of teaching high-academic courses.

Ben opens up about the unspoken expectations placed on teachers, from answering emails late at night to coaching sports and running extracurriculars—all without extra pay. We discuss whether teachers should be compensated for their time outside the classroom, how burnout and mental health struggles impact educators, and what it takes to maintain work-life balance in an increasingly demanding profession. Ben also shares his personal fitness journey, breaking free from unhealthy habits and shifting his focus from weight loss obsession to long-term well-being.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone curious about what really happens inside schools. Listen now to get an honest look at the realities of teaching today.

In this episode of Professional Development, I sit down with Jessica O'Connell, a distinguished Canadian long-distance runner and Olympian. We delve into her remarkable athletic journey, from competing at the Rio Olympic Games to her transition from athlete to coach. Jessica shares her insights on resilience in sports, the challenges of overcoming injuries, and the importance of cross-training for peak performance.

We also discuss the essential elements of becoming an Olympian, including training strategies, the value of support systems, and how to maintain a fun and engaging environment in athletics. Jessica opens up about her experiences in the Olympic Village and the resources available to athletes as they transition out of competitive sports.

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to follow, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps the podcast grow! Now, let’s dive in.

In this episode of Professional Development, I sit down with Molly Maguire, a humanities teacher in southern Alberta, now in her second year of teaching. We explore how her educational background shapes her approach to history, the role of discussion and performance in humanities education, and the unexpected ways science, drama, and humanities intersect in the classroom.

Molly shares how she works to make history more engaging for her students and why cross-curricular connections are inevitable. We also get a glimpse into her life outside of teaching, including her deep fandom for Doctor Who, her annual tradition of writing a novel every summer, and her involvement in local theatre.

If you enjoy this episode, be sure to follow, subscribe, and leave a review—it really helps the podcast grow! Now, let’s dive in

Coming March 3rd! 🎙️

I’m Conrad Drover, an Alberta-certified teacher on a mission to learn, grow, and be inspired.

In Professional Development, I sit down with professionals from diverse fields—education, athletics, business, and beyond—to gain valuable insights from their experiences. Each conversation is a chance to explore fresh perspectives, spark curiosity, and develop both as an educator and as a person.

Whether you're a teacher, a lifelong learner, or someone who loves meaningful discussions, this podcast is for you.

Join me on March 3rd for the launch of Professional Development!