In this episode of ShiftED, Nicole Muñoz-Guzman brings a grounded perspective to artificial intelligence in Québec’s vocational and adult education settings. Drawing from her work as a pedagogical advisor, she explores how teachers are moving beyond the hype to experiment with AI in practical, meaningful ways. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and small, manageable shifts in practice. For educators feeling both curious and cautious, this episode offers a realistic look at how AI can support—not replace—thoughtful teaching and professional growth.

Change is the only constant—and Cindy Finn would know. The Director General of Lester B. Pearson School Board joins Chris Colley to talk leading through chaos, the real story behind the cell phone ban, and why stress in the staffroom shows up in the classroom. Plus: the surprising reason today's students might be the most compassionate generation yet. Honest, hopeful, and packed with insight for anyone who cares about schools.

AI is flooding into classrooms faster than educators can keep up — but are we actually building AI literacy, or just assuming it'll happen on its own? In this episode, Chris sits down with Amanda Bickerstaff, founder of AI for Education, to unpack why "they're already using it" isn't good enough. Amanda draws on lessons from digital literacy, the illusion of easy AI tools, and a broken assessment system that generative AI is now exposing. A sharp, honest conversation about what intentional AI literacy really looks like — and why educators can't afford to wait.

What if keeping kids too safe is actually holding them back? In this episode, Chris sits down with UBC developmental psychologist Mariana Brussoni to unpack the science behind risky outdoor play — and why scraped knees might be exactly what children need. From brain development to recess culture, this conversation will change the way you see risk, childhood, and your role in both.

What if the most powerful tool for navigating the AI era isn't artificial at all? Cognitive scientist Dr. Tessa Forshaw — Harvard researcher, Stanford educator, and co-author of Innovation-ish — joins us to challenge everything you think you know about creativity. Spoiler: you already have it. We explore why most adults have stopped raising their hand, what puberty does to our creative instincts, and how the brain can unlearn its own hesitation. If you've ever thought "I'm just not the creative type" — this one's for you.

Just 10 minutes. That's how much time the average child spends outside each day — and it's not enough. In this episode, outdoor education advocate and author Lauren McLean joins us to explore why getting kids into nature isn't just a nice-to-have, it's essential. From risky play to nature journals, Lauren shares practical ways teachers and parents can bring learning outside, and why the research is clear: fresh air, movement, and unstructured time in nature make for happier kids and happier teachers.

In this episode of ShiftEd Podcast, Chris Colley sits down with Dr. Louise de Lannoy, Executive Director of Outdoor Play Canada, to explore why getting kids outside is more urgent than ever. They unpack the barriers keeping children indoors — from screen time to overprotective instincts — and make a compelling, evidence-based case for embracing risky, unstructured play. Louise shares the research, the policy wins, and the growing momentum across Canada. The takeaway? Step one is simple: just get outside.

Québec’s proposed Bill 1 – the Québec Constitution Act, 2025 would create a provincial constitution, redefine Québec’s constitutional autonomy, and amend numerous existing laws. 

Chris Colley sits down with Joe Ortona, chair of the English Montreal School Board and president of the Quebec English School Boards Association, to unpack what the bill could mean for minority language rights, English school governance, and access to constitutional challenges—at a moment when the future of English education in Québec faces new legal and political pressures.

Is the Classroom Big Enough?

What if attention, regulation, and real academic growth aren’t just about strategy—but setting?

We sit down with Rachel Tidd, founder of Discover Wild Learning and author of Wild Learning: Practical Ideas to Bring Teaching Outdoors, to explore a realistic path for making outdoor learning part of everyday teaching. No gimmicks. No Pinterest pressure. Just field-tested routines, literacy and numeracy strategies, and research that explains why fresh air can change what happens next.

Rachel shares how a simple question—what if the setting is the missing support?—led to a schoolyard-first framework that scales outward. From call-and-response signals and visible boundaries to phonemic awareness sound hunts and chalk-based math routines, this episode is packed with practical ideas that align with curriculum and reduce transition friction.

We also dig into the research: attention restoration, executive function, ADHD support, and the powerful “carryover effect” that boosts indoor learning after time outside.

If you’ve wondered whether the classroom is big enough for what students need, this conversation might change how you plan your week.

What if math was hiding in your laundry basket?

Research suggests early math play at home may be one of the strongest predictors of long-term school success—yet it's where families feel least equipped to help. In this episode, Dr. Chris Wright, CEO and founder of Early Family Math, reimagines what "doing math" with young children actually looks like: joyful, accessible, and woven into everyday life.

From counting oranges to estimating cups in a pitcher, Dr. Wright shows how small daily rituals build number sense, confidence, and persistence that travel with children through every grade. We unpack the "I'm not a math person" myth that adults unknowingly pass to kids, and why games and productive struggle beat flashcards every time.

Best of all? Meaningful early math doesn't require expensive programs—just consistent math talk during routines every family already has.

Whether you're a caregiver, teacher, or school leader, you'll walk away with practical, play-based strategies and free ready-to-use activities from Early Family Math.

🎧 Subscribe, share with a fellow educator or parent, and tell us in a review: what's one math habit you're trying this week?