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 [email protected].

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