Kathryn Schneider | INTEGRATED CONCUSSION RESEARCH PROGRAM | University of Calgary

Concussion Resources | Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre | SIPRC | University of Calgary

Best practices in Concussion in Sport: Updates from the Amsterdam International Consensus Statement - The Sport Information Resource Centre

SIPRC – SHRED injuries | University of Calgary

Concussion Awareness Training Tool for Educators: Concussion Awareness Training Tool for School Professionals

Concussion Awareness Training Tool for Youth: Concussion Awareness Training Tool for Youth

Making Headway from the Coaching Association of Canada: NCCP Making Head Way in Sport | Coaching Association of Canada | Association canadienne des entraîneurs

Online Concussion Course: Online Concussion Course | Faculty of Kinesiology | University of Calgary

In this conversation, we learn how a school-wide initiative focused on encouraging students to try things on their own led to improved well-being, less discipline issues, and a culture of support and celebration. Principal Geoffrey Bishop shares how the Fort McMurray Christian school took up a program called Let Grow in their specific school context and how students, teachers and parents were impacted. Andrea Keith, executive director of the non-profit organization Let Grow, shares how other students have benefited from being given the opportunity to be independent in their own communities. Practical strategies for giving students more autonomy to improve their confidence and resilience are shared throughout. This is a powerful example of a comprehensive school health initiative in a Canadian school.

References:

Let Grow - When Adults Step Back, Kids Step Up.

Profile on featured school: Let Grow is Life Changing: Parents and Kids Agree - Let Grow

Haidt, J. (2024). The anxious generation. Penguin Press. The Anxious Generation Out Now. Order the Book.

Rusveer Jones is a proud mom and a military wife. She packs lunches before sunrise and knows the weight of an empty fridge. She is a fierce advocate who’s lived with food insecurity, felt hunger’s sting, and seen how hunger dims a child’s eyes. She recently worked with Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids as the Family Engagement Support Coordinator, and is now studying Social & Behavioural Sciences and Organizational Leadership at Arizona State University. She recently ran her first-ever 5K in the Calgary Servus Marathon to raise funds for BB4CK, enjoys baking with her daughter, and recently took up cycling. Whether she’s cooking over a campfire or gathering her loved ones around the dinner table, Rusveer believes every kid deserves to focus on being a kid, not a growling tummy. Among her proudest achievements is organizing the annual bike ride for Veterans Transition Network, raising funds for veteran mental health programs. This year marks the 6th year for the ride - proving that one connection to the right support can start a lifelong journey of healing.

In this conversation, we talk about the experience of food insecurity, tackle some misconceptions, and point towards hope by sharing the impact of Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids. Tune in and deepen your understanding of how educators and community members can play a role in supporting students and families

References:

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids

Veterans Transition Network

In this episode of The Podclass, we welcome Kai Williamson (they/them), a Health and Wellness Consultant with Ever Active Schools. With a background in education and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, relational spaces, Kai guides us to look through a lens of well-being and belonging.

This conversation centers on student well-being while we unpack the impact of gender legislation in Alberta. Accurate information is power, and this episode offers clarity around the legislation and guidance for the path forward. Consider this 36-minute conversation a grounding experience amidst the complexity of our current reality. You will learn strategies that support gender diverse youth and all students, and be encouraged to move from conversation to action and find alignment in your allyship.

Skipping Stone: Resources

Egale Canada: Resources

Trans-Affirming Educators Toolkit

Article: What Educators Need to Know About Alberta’s Gender Policy Legislation

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Fanon, F. (1968). The wretched of the earth. Grove Press.

Wilson, Waziyatawin, A. & Yellow Bird, Michael. (Eds.) (2005). For Indigenous eyes only: A decolonization handbook. School for Advanced Research Press.

https://martinbrokenleg.com/

Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre https://www.wasac.ca/

Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. Continiuum.

Tuck, E. & Yang, K. W. (2012). Decolonization is not a metaphor. Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society (1), 1-40.

Turtle Lodge https://www.turtlelodge.org/ 

Katz, J. & Lamoureux, K. (2018). Ensouling our schools: A Universally designed framework for mental health, well-being, and reconciliation. Portage & Main Press. 

First Nations Child and Family Caring Society https://fncaringsociety.com/

In this highlights episode of The Podclass, host Sarah Balla takes us on a reflective walk through the past year of episodes, shining a light on the most meaningful moments and impactful takeaways that resonated with educators. Listening to this 27-minute episode is an effective way to gather inspiration and discover what sparks your interest.

This rewind is more than just a recap; it’s a celebration of our guests and their stories and a gateway to some awesome strategies. From student well-being and inclusive practice to the power of movement, community, and connection in education, Sarah threads together the common themes that kept showing up and why they matter now more than ever.

You’ll hear excerpts and reflections from some of our most downloaded episodes, plus Sarah’s behind-the-scenes perspective on what stood out, what surprised her, and what she’s still thinking about.

Whether you’re a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode is a great way to catch up, reconnect, and refocus on the heart of teaching. Consider it your summer boost, a reminder of the good work you’ve done, and the community that’s with you through it all.

References:

Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings

In this episode of The Podclass, host Sarah Balla is joined by educator Chris Reinhart to name the thing we’re all feeling: June is a lot. From the moment the final calendar page flips, it’s a sprint of field trips, assemblies, report cards, and emotional goodbyes. Sound familiar? You're not alone.

This 30-minute episode is your permission slip to breathe. Sarah and Chris dive into the beautiful chaos of June in education, where laughter meets exhaustion and everything runs on iced coffee and grit.

We talk about staff room survival hacks, how to take a mental vacation without leaving the school, and why naming the hard stuff matters. You’ll find catharsis, connection, and maybe a little bit of sanity in hearing how others are riding the June wave.

Whether you're counting down the days or soaking up every last chaotic moment, this episode is your reminder: you’re doing enough. Summer is coming and so is your exhale.

https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/mental-vacations/

In this episode of The Podclass, host Elizabeth Tingle sits down with Dr. Shannon Kell, PhD and Faculty of Education at Mount Royal University, to explore the power of purposeful breaks.

Dr. Kell shares insights into why rest isn't a luxury, it is a necessity for sustainable wellbeing. From pre-service teachers to seasoned educators, we discuss how everyone benefits from intentional pauses in their day. What makes a break meaningful? How can we shift our systems to support collective wellness, not just individual resilience?

We dive into the research on the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of taking breaks, and how meaningful downtime can improve focus, build stronger relationships, and support mental health. Dr. Kell also reflects on her recent sabbatical in Norway, offering a powerful contrast between European approaches to rest and North America’s tendency to pack days full.

Whether you're an educator, student, or leader, this episode invites you to rethink rest, not as something to earn, but as something essential.

Resources:

Kell, S. (2024). University Students’ Perceptions of a 30-Minute Break During Class: A Realistic Practice for Wellness?. Teaching and Learning Inquiry, 12, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.12.17

https://takemeoutside.ca/

https://phecanada.ca/

https://outdoorlearning.com/  

https://werklund.ucalgary.ca/about/indigenous-education/books-to-build-on

position-statement-on-active-outdoor-play-en.pdf

In this episode of The Podclass, host Elizabeth Tingle welcomes Sarah Balla—educator, well-being advocate, and the newest co-host of the podcast. Together, they explore Sarah’s journey through the many pathways of education, from classroom teacher to consultant, and how her personal and professional experiences have shaped a deeper understanding of well-being. The conversation touches on the importance of collective care, navigating career and parenthood, and creating space for teacher wellness through small, intentional actions. With ideas ranging from transition rituals and team teaching to the therapeutic role of music, this episode opens up new possibilities for how schools can support the people at the heart of education.

Resources:

The Podclass Ep. 39 | Weight-Neutral Approaches to Physical Activity with Natalie Costa and Sarah Balla

The Podclass Ep 56 | Regulating Through Rhythm: The Power of Physical Literacy with Janna Tait

In this episode of The Podclass, we're diving into the fascinating world of rhythm, regulation, and physical literacy with Janna Tait, Physical Literacy Education Coordinator for Yukon schools.

Janna takes us on a journey through how rhythm isn’t just about music or movement—it’s a powerful tool for learning and regulation. She explains how rhythmic activities help regulate emotions, improve focus, and boost learning in both kids and adults.

We explore how physical literacy goes beyond just being active—it’s about building confidence in movement, connecting with others, and fostering a deeper understanding of our bodies.

Resources:

Canada's Physical Literacy Consensus Statement

Understanding Physical Literacy: A Canadian Perspective by Sport for Life

Find out about Ready to Learn Schools by Yukon Schools

Ready To Learn YouTube videos by Yukon Schools

Dr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain

What Happened to You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing by Bruce D. Perry & Oprah Winfrey

Ever Active Schools DPA Greatest Hits

Ever Active Schools Games & Activities to Optimize Self-Regulation

Ever Active Schools Outdoor Learning Quickdraw

Ever Active Schools Workshops

NME - YouTube 

Nothing Heals Like Sport: A New Playbook for Coaches by The Center for Healing & Justice Through Sport

Neurosequential Network