Building a Culture of Collaboration

40 Episodes
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By: Jigsaw Learning

Are you an educational leader or administrator searching for actionable strategies to build effective teams? In the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast, Jigsaw Learning co-founders Kurtis and Lorna Hewson provide simple, purposeful tips to help you tackle meeting frustration, disengagement, and unproductive teamwork. This is your essential resource for advancing school improvement and collective efficacy. You will find practical ideas for mastering effective meetings, where you learn the structures, roles, and agendas required to ensure your team meetings (PLCs, staff, student support) are focused and drive action. You'll discover how to shift your organization's mindset from isolated practice to...

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Summer Replay #1 - Exploring Collective Impact and the Enemies of Collective Efficacy with Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes
Summer Replay #1 - Exploring Collective Impact and the Enemies of Collective Efficacy with Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes episode artwork
#1
Today at 6:00 AM

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam

Transform Your Teams with this FREE Webinar 
https://bit.ly/transformteams

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis engage in a powerful conversation with two leading voices in the work of cultivating collective efficacy in schools - Dr. Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes, co-authors of the new book Collective Impact: Overcoming the 12 Enemies of Teacher Efficacy.  In the conversation, Jenni and Glenn explore their research, share stories from the field, and di...


Summer Replay #2 - Establishing Systems That Reinforce Relationships and Distributed Leadership with Principal JL
Summer Replay #2 - Establishing Systems That Reinforce Relationships and Distributed Leadership with Principal JL episode artwork
#2
08/25/2026

Access a workshop guide to help your team STOP focusing on things outside of our locus of control - https://bit.ly/JLlocus

DOWNLOAD Your FREE Collaborative Meeting Spaces Guide 
bit.ly/spacechecklist

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Jeff Linden, principal of Hastings Public School in Nebraska.  “Principal JL”, as he is known online, shares numerous insights when it comes to building effective systems for collaboration

Learn more about Jeff Linden at dot.cards/principal_jl

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Connect with J...


Summer Replay #3 - Leading Teams as a Purpose-Driven Principal with Michelle Sloan
Summer Replay #3 - Leading Teams as a Purpose-Driven Principal with Michelle Sloan episode artwork
#3
08/18/2026

Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams

Register for the FREE Collaborative Response Virtual Summit : JLsummit.ca

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Michelle Sloan, a former teacher, principal, and Head of School who now coaches and mentors school leaders through her Purpose Driven Principal Framework.  Central to the discussion is the importance of focusing on purpose as a leader to serve as the foundation for leading collaborative cultures.

Learn more about M...


Summer Replay #4 - Harnessing AI to Impact Collaboration and Other Leadership Nuggets with Principal Mo
Summer Replay #4 - Harnessing AI to Impact Collaboration and Other Leadership Nuggets with Principal Mo episode artwork
#4
08/11/2026

Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis is joined by Chrissy Beltran, better known to her instructional coaching community as “Ms. B”.  Chrissy brings both practical classroom knowledge and the heart of a coach to her work, as we explore lessons learned when helping to build strong, collaborative cultures in schools and beyond.

Learn more about Chrissy Beltran at http://www.buzzingwithmsb.com and check out her podcast Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

...


Summer Replay #5 - Why Focusing on Intentional Habits is Critical for Purposeful Collaboration with Ms. B
Summer Replay #5 - Why Focusing on Intentional Habits is Critical for Purposeful Collaboration with Ms. B episode artwork
#5
08/04/2026

Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis is joined by Chrissy Beltran, better known to her instructional coaching community as “Ms. B”.  Chrissy brings both practical classroom knowledge and the heart of a coach to her work, as we explore lessons learned when helping to build strong, collaborative cultures in schools and beyond.

Learn more about Chrissy Beltran at http://www.buzzingwithmsb.com and check out her podcast Instructional Coaching with Ms. B

...


Summer Replay #6 - The Importance of Systems When Supporting Effective Collaboration with Hunter Flesch - Ep 42
Summer Replay #6 - The Importance of Systems When Supporting Effective Collaboration with Hunter Flesch - Ep 42 episode artwork
#6
07/28/2026

Don’t let your next meeting feel like it should’ve been an email FREE Webinar - 10 Considerations To Transform Your Team Meetings 
bit.ly/transformteams

Access a FREE webinar to learn about 5 mistakes leaders make when organizing data for teams…and how to correct those mistakes - https://bit.ly/5mistakesdata

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Hunter Flesch, an Associate Principal in Des Moines, Iowa, and the host of The Ed Essentials Podcast.  They discuss practical strategies that foster collaboration, improve instructional practices, and enha...


Summer Replay #7 - The Happy Music Teacher's Guide to Engagement and Collaboration with Jeanette Mihalchik
Summer Replay #7 - The Happy Music Teacher's Guide to Engagement and Collaboration with Jeanette Mihalchik episode artwork
#7
07/21/2026

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam

This invaluable article will provide you with ten possible steps to consider when you introduce Collaborative Response to your team https://youtu.be/HNOgMOH_FN0

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Jeanette Mihalchik, a National Board Certified Music teacher, arts integration specialist, and author of "Stories That Sing." They discuss how the arts can foster student engagement, practical strategies for integrating music and literacy, and powerful insights on...


Summer Replay #8 - What Does the Kitchen Sink Tell Us About an Organization’s Collaborative Culture with New Myrnam School
Summer Replay #8 - What Does the Kitchen Sink Tell Us About an Organization’s Collaborative Culture with New Myrnam School episode artwork
#8
07/14/2026

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis is joined by the leadership team from New Myrnam School — a small rural school with big ideas and a strong sense of community. Kurtis explores with the leadership team how they’re building and sustaining a truly collaborative culture within their school, taking a robust, project-based approach to learning

Check out the New Myrnam School projects: https://www.newmyrnamschool.ca/a-for-energy-grant-projects

https://www.newmyrnamschool.ca

Learn more about New Myrnam School at https://www.newmyrnamschool.ca/

Access the FREE Guide for Lead...


Summer Replay #9 - Connecting Parents for Aligned Collaborative Success with Christina Hidek
Summer Replay #9 - Connecting Parents for Aligned Collaborative Success with Christina Hidek episode artwork
#9
07/07/2026

Looking to learn more and get started with a powerful meeting structure that will transform your school’s MTSS efforts?  Access the Collaborative Team Meeting Starter Kit at https://bit.ly/ctmstarter 

Access a workshop guide to help your team unpack their norms and help them have a greater impact on your collaborative efforts - https://bit.ly/jlnorms

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Christina Hidek, a former litigation attorney turned professional organizer and parent leader. Through her work with PTO Answers, she helps parent grou...


Summer Replay #10 Harnessing the Power of People with AI to Enhance Collaboration with Teacher Time Machine
Summer Replay #10 Harnessing the Power of People with AI to Enhance Collaboration with Teacher Time Machine episode artwork
#10
06/30/2026

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam

Access a workshop guide to help your teams craft effective goals to guide their collaborative work - https://bit.ly/jlgoals 

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna meet with two of the founders of Teacher Time Machine, an AI powered tool for teachers.  Sharon and Richelle share how AI can enhance and build upon staff collaborative efforts and why teams are critical when maximizing AI to steal back time for teachers!

...


FRIDAY FOCUS - A Simple Way to Increase Every Voice
#42
06/26/2026

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.


Strong Collaboration in Classroom Spaces! - Ep 101
#101
06/25/2026

In this weeks episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna share considerations and ideas to ensure that classroom spaces are intentionally adjusted to support effective adult collaboration.

Resources:
Collaborative Meeting Spaces Guide - https://bit.ly/spacechecklist

Classroom Setup Checklist for Team Meetings - https://docs.google.com/document/d/11MXHJo0f0h4iOciAiNDu2Cvqtqa8BMnudQCYJ_PAxzE/edit?usp=sharing

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you b...


5 Books Every Leader Needs to Build a Culture of Collaboration - Ep 100
#100
06/23/2026

Looking for the 102 books from Kurtis and Lorna’s bookshelf that will have a dramatic impact on your collaborative culture?  Download the free 1012 Must-Reads for Educational Leaders at https://bit.ly/102reads 

Welcome to the milestone 100th episode of the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast!

In this special episode, Kurtis and Lorna are diving into their ultimate summer reading list for leaders: 5 essential books (plus one powerful bonus) designed to help you move your teams, break down organizational silos, and build high-functioning, sustainable cultures of collaboration.

Whether you're relaxing by the lake or p...


FRIDAY FOCUS - The Impact of Non-Verbals on Team Trust
#41
06/19/2026

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.


Building Spaces That Foster Adult Collaboration in Schools - Ep 99
#99
06/18/2026

In this weeks episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna share considerations when purposefully designing a space for teams to collaborate.

Connected Resources:

Collaborative Meeting Spaces Guide - https://bit.ly/spacechecklist
Five Mistakes Leaders Make When Organizing Data free webinar - https://bit.ly/5mistakesdata 

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

...


How to Build a Connected K-12 Universe Through Impact Standards with Jeff Bradbury - Ep 98
#98
06/16/2026

Wondering which leadership books help build strong, collaborative teams?
We’ve got you covered!  Download the list! - https://bit.ly/102reads

Access a workshop guide to help your team unpack their norms and help them have a greater impact on your collaborative efforts - https://bit.ly/jlnorms

In this episode of the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast, we sit down with digital learning strategist, TEDx speaker, and creator of TeacherCast, Jeff Bradbury. We dive deep into his brand-new book, "Impact Standards: Designing District Systems That Power K–12 Learning," to discuss how distr...


FRIDAY FOCUS - A Small Reminder with a Big Impact
#40
06/12/2026

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.


The Ultimate School Leadership Summit - How to Start the School Year Strong! - Ep 97
#97
06/11/2026

A successful school year doesn't happen by accident—it is the direct result of the intentional groundwork laid over the summer months. Without a clear, proactive plan, school leaders often face a lack of staff clarity, leading to structural fragmentation and organizational chaos by October. If you want to ensure a smooth, impactful start to the upcoming school year, it's time to learn from leaders who have been there.

In this special conversation, Kurtis and Lorna announce that they have teamed up with four other international leadership powerhouses to host the Start Your Year Right Summit for sc...


How Self-Care Sustains Collaborative Cultures with Barb Flowers - Ep 96
#96
06/09/2026

Access a workshop guide to help your team unpack their norms and help them have a greater impact on your collaborative efforts - https://bit.ly/jlnorms

10 Considerations To Transform Your Team Meetings
Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams

In this replay episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis and joined by Barb Flowers, an educator turned coach and host of The Principal’s Handbook podcast and The Teacher Burnout podcast. In the episode, we explore Barb’s insi...


FRIDAY FOCUS - Keeping a Tally of Who Spoke
#39
06/05/2026

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.


Motivate Staff and Drive Student Success with Visual Scoreboards - Ep 95
#95
06/04/2026

In this weeks pdcast of Building a Culture of Collaboration , Kurtis and Lorna reflect on the value of visualizing data for your school team to create focus, urgency and celebration, ensuring that data is being utilized to track and celebrate progress.  Creating visual scoreboards for your data can make a substantial impact on focusing your collaborative efforts!

Connected Resources:
Free Webinar - 5 Mistakes Leaders Make When Organizing Data for Teams - https://bit.ly/5mistakesdata 
Free Article - Collaborative Meeting Spaces: A Guide for Leaders When Designing Spaces to Enhance Collaboration - https://bit.ly/CR...


Strengthening Teams Through High-Impact Collaboration Structures with David K Richards - Ep 94
#94
06/02/2026

Did you know EVERY school needs four layers of teams to not only respond to the needs of students but build instructional capacity with intentionality and focus?  Learn more in a FREE webinar, Layering Team Meetings: bit.ly/layeringteams 

If you have been introduced to Collaborative Response, you may be asking yourself “where do I start?”  We have a free resource to help you get started!  Download our free Introducing Collaborative Response bit.ly/top10-cr

In this replay episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by David K Richards, Founder...


FRIDAY FOCUS - Stop Using a Blank Doc to Record Meeting Notes
#38
05/29/2026

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.


How to Create Facilitation Opportunities to Build Leadership Capacity - Ep 93
#93
05/28/2026

4 Mistakes Leaders Make When Planning for Collaborative Team Meetings We highlight four common mistakes leaders often make when planning their first collaborative team meetings. Enroll Today ➡️ bit.ly/4mistakesCTM

In this weeks podcast of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna discuss the why you should be creating opportunities for the facilitator role in meetings to change and the impact it can have on your overall culture of collaboration.

Connected Resources:
Guide - Transform Your Team Meetings: Five Planning Considerations for Leaders - https://bit.ly/5planningteams 
Webinar - 10 Considerations to Transform Your...


Leveraging External Team Members to Meet Diverse Student Needs with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan - Ep 92
#92
05/26/2026

The Developing a Continuum of Supports workshop guide helps teams identify actionable supports across the school for all students regardless of their needs from universal classroom practice to individualized intensive supports.  👉bit.ly/jlcontinuum

Check out the FREE checklist and resource guide, focused on effectively planning a collaborative space in your school - https://bit.ly/spacechecklist

In this replay episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis engage in conversation with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, the founder and owner/operator of Dr. Karen, LLC, and host of the DeFacto Leaders podcast.  We dig into...


FRIDAY FOCUS - Setting up the Room for Collaboration
#37
05/22/2026

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.


How School Leaders Can Plan an Effective Annual Calendar - Ep 91
#91
05/21/2026

4 Mistakes Leaders Make When Planning for Collaborative Team Meetings We highlight four common mistakes leaders often make when planning their first collaborative team meetings .
Enroll Today ➡️ bit.ly/4mistakesCTM

In this weeks episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna reflect upon the need to establish an annual calendar in your school, refelcting key assessment dates, team meetings, PD days and more, to ensure intentionality, alignment and predictability for your collaborative efforts.

Connected Resources:
Blog posting - Examining Collaborative Team Meetings: Establish an Annual Calendar - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog...


3 Fundamental Elements of High-Performing Teams with David Burkus - Ep 90
#90
05/19/2026

10 Considerations To Transform Your Team Meetings
Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams

5 Mistakes Leaders Make When Organizing Data for Teams
Access a FREE webinar to learn about 5 mistakes leaders make when organizing data for teams…and how to correct those mistakes. 👉  bit.ly/5mistakesdata

In this replay episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis is joined by David Burkus, a former business school professor turned full-time writer and speaker.  Kurtis and David talk about his book Best Team Ever and lea...


FRIDAY FOCUS - Review Meeting Notes Quickly and Effectively: Here’s How
#36
05/15/2026

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.


How Locus of Control Impacts Teacher Efficacy and Student Success - Ep 89
#89
05/14/2026

In this weeks podcast episode, Kurtis and Lorna discuss what is the locus of control and why keeping our primary focus on what is in our locus of control can have substantial impact on an organization's culture.

Connected Resources:

Article - Norms for Team Success: A Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide
Blog - So what can we control? Articulating our Locus of Control - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/so-what-can-we-control-articulating-our-locus-control

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to f...


Why Principals Matter in Building High-Impact Teams with William D Parker - Ep 88
#88
05/12/2026

Check out the FREE webinar 10 Considerations to Transform Your Team Meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams

In this replay episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis has the opportunity to connect with Will Parker, founder and CEO of Principal Matters, LLC. and host of the podcast Principal Matters.  Will and Kurtis discuss the often dual nature we need to consider when it comes to leading and why trying to “fly solo” is a recipe for burnout, a lesson learned that almost ended Will’s educational career!

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Connect with Will Parker 
Email wi...


FRIDAY FOCUS - Efficiency for Updates in Meetings
#35
05/08/2026

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.


Navigating the Implementation Dip in School Change - Ep 87
#87
05/07/2026

In this weeks podcast episode, Kurtis and Lorna explore what is an implementation dip and how to attend to them when leading change in your organization.

Connected Resources:

Blog post - 3 Ways Leaders Overcome an Implementation Dip - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/honouring-implementation-dip

Blog post - Developing a Ready, Fire, Aim Culture - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/developing-ready-fire-aim-culture

Podcast - Understanding the Impact of the Implementation Dip When Leading Organization Change - Ep 14 - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/understanding-impact-implementation-dip-when-leading-organiz

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#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #l...


Building Collaborative Cultures That Drive Literacy Success with Mark Onuscheck and Jeanne Spiller - Ep 86
#86
05/05/2026

In this replay episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Jeanne Spiller and Mark Onuscheck, two educational leaders, authors and consultants and co-editors of a number of PLC at Work titles.  They discuss how to build a highly intentional and focused culture of collaboration, with a direct emphasis on how that culture can have a significant impact on literacy success for learners!

If you've enjoyed this episode, we'd love to have you as a subscriber! You'll get more conversations about literacy, as well as deeper focus on what it means to b...


FRIDAY FOCUS - Are You Visualizing Your Norms?
#34
05/01/2026

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-intro

Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.


Your School’s Success Hinges on Its Lead Team - Ep 85
#85
04/30/2026

Creating Focus for Collaborative Planning WITHOUT Micromanaging Your Teams. Access a workshop guide to help your team STOP focusing on things outside of our locus of control - https://bit.ly/JLlocus

In this weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna discuss why every school leader should be establishing lead teams to distribute leadership, move forward with key school priorities, and provide continuous feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement.

Connected Resources:
Blog posting - The Importance of a Lead Team in Driving Change - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/importance-lead-team-driving-change 
Template - Lead Team Meeting t...


Turning Elements into Impact: The Alchemy of Leadership with Tyler Comeau I Encore Episode - 84
#84
04/28/2026

Establishing a School-Wide Data and Evidence Plan
Planning for the effective use of data. 👉  bit.ly/dataevidenceplan

5 Mistakes Leaders Make When Organizing Data for Teams
Access a FREE webinar 👉  bit.ly/5mistakesdata

In this weeks episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration we reach back into the archives where Kurtis connects with Tyler Comeau, an Alberta school principal who also shares and extends learning relating to our core elements as the Elemental Educator.  Tyler and Kurtis discuss how to establish and sustain a culture of collaboration that is aligned with your individual and organizat...


FRIDAY FOCUS - Every Team Needs Norms
#33
04/24/2026


Access the FREE Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide

______________________
#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

Are you looking to further your growth as a collaborative leader? Access numerous FREE resources and webinars designed to help you build and sustain a strong culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free

Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit.ly/CR-overview

Explore the book Collaborative Response by d...


Is the Purpose of Your Meetings Actually Clear? - Ep 83
#83
04/23/2026

In this weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna discuss why making the purpose of your meetings crystal clear within your organization.  Want to ensure your team meetings are having optimal impact?  It needs to start with why are we meeting!

Connected Resources:
5 Planning Considerations to Transform Your Team Meetings PDF - https://bit.ly/5planningteams
10 Considerations to Transform Your Team Meetings webinar - https://bit.ly/transformteams
Layered Team Meeting Overview template - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/120NQF269AwlDs21kiWys2dytzx6LCIq5rhhbLsxPTAU/edit?usp=sharing
Roland Michener Secondary School Support Team Ag...


Leading Organizations That Attract and Retain Great Educators | Encore Episode - Ep 82
#82
04/21/2026

Access a workshop guide to help your teams craft effective goals to guide their collaborative work - https://bit.ly/jlgoals 

Access the FREE Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide

In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration we reach into the archives. Kurtis has the opportunity to connect with Chief Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer, a best selling author and host of the Better Leaders Better Schools podcast and the School Leadership Series podcast.  Danny shares why we need ruckus makers in our organizations, the importance of...