Mr. Clarke After Dark

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lori Desautels, a leading expert in the intersection of neuroscience and education, to explore how understanding the brain can reshape the way we teach, connect, and support students. We dive into the science of neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, and self-awareness, and how these elements are essential to building trauma-informed, student-centered classrooms.Dr. Desautels shares how teachers’ emotional states and nervous systems directly impact student learning and behavior. We talk about the importance of proactive discipline strategies, the power of connection and empathy over compliance, and how to foster safe, engaging learning environments. He...

In this episode, I sit down with Durga Suresh Menon, the new Head of School at New England Innovation Academy (NEIA), to talk about what it means to truly reimagine education. Durga shares her unexpected transition from higher education into the world of secondary schooling, and how that shift has given her fresh insight into how we prepare students—not just for college, but for life.

At NEIA, students are called “innovators,” and it’s more than just a name. The school is built around a culture of entrepreneurship, creativity, and student-centered learning. Durga and I dive into the...

Brent Saccucci is an education professor with the University of Lethbridge. In this episode, I sit down with Brent Saccucci to talk about how mentorship, equity, and compassion shape us as educators, and why creating safe, inclusive spaces for students is at the heart of meaningful teaching. We dig into some of the big, often uncomfortable questions like how we handle controversial topics with care, why traditional grading might be doing more harm than good, and how ungrading can open the door to deeper engagement and risk-taking. I share my thoughts on why compassion often matters more than comprehension...

Melanie Brethour is the Founder of Decoding Dyslexia. A teacher for almost 20 years, Brethour’s engagement with dyslexia was sparked when her son was diagnosed with severe dyslexia in 2019.

Dr. Carrington is the founder and principal psychologist at Carrington & Company, she's written three best-selling books, speaks on hundreds of stages globally each year, and hosts the widely celebrated podcast UNLONELY. In this conversation, Dr. Jody Carrington discusses the critical role of connection and understanding in education, particularly in addressing loneliness and mental health issues among students. She emphasizes the importance of educators being regulated themselves to effectively support their students. The discussion also covers the impact of trauma on behavior, the limitations of technology in fostering relationships, and the necessity of community support for both educators and students...

Jessica Joelle Alexander is a world-renowned parenting expert and is the author of the global best-seller The Danish Way of Parenting. In this conversation, Jessica Joelle Alexander discusses the Danish way of parenting and education, highlighting the cultural influences that shape parenting styles. She emphasizes the importance of well-being, play-based learning, and the need for parents to foster a respectful relationship with their children. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media and the necessity of teaching digital citizenship.

Kelsie Marks is the Director of Career Transformation at Educated Exit, a company dedicated to helping educators successfully transition out of teaching and explore new career paths. In this episode, Kelsie and I discuss the mission of Educated Exit, the importance of recognizing transferable skills from an education degree, the various career paths available to former educators, whether teaching is a dead-end job, the value of being intentional in your networking efforts, the efficacy of an MBA, and the myth that teachers need additional schooling to land a corporate position outside the classroom. We also talk about how to...

In this episode, I sit down with Bernii Godwin and dive deep into are you are a grocery store or a garbage dump, the wellbeing trap, working with divorced families, her horrible tutoring experience, and, much more.

Connect with Bernii: https://godwinconsulting.com.au/

Purchase her book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Loving-our-Students-Purpose-Responsibility/dp/0988898462

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Dr. Poppy Gibson is an Author, Lecturer, and Professor in Education at The Open University, and is based out of the UK. On the episode, Poppy and I discuss baby gender experiments, her studies on social media use on those ages 8 to 11, discussing sexual relationships in an educational manner, suicidal ideation, unmet needs in our students, my first and only panic attack because of a presentation in university, and, much more. 

In this episode, Kurtis Hewson and I dive into the Collaborative Response Model and discuss how establishing formalized meeting structures from the start can help avoid awkward confrontations. Throughout the essentials episode, we go into Breakspear sprints, how to formalize meetings to save time, the four layers of collaboration every school needs, how layering support meets the needs of more students at once, roles to be assigned for meetings such as the interrupter and facilitator, Kurtis’ biggest mistake as a teaching principal, and, much more! Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show!

On this episode, hear Amy and I discuss her reading 93 books in a year, support structures, how she views her role as a curriculum leader, the value of long-term PL instead of one-off sessions, why ‘business models’ do not work when applied to education, removing all the desks from her classroom, looking at joy as a skill, digging your own rabbit holes, the messiness of intentionality, and, much more. 

If you would like to listen to the full episode, go back to episode #88. 

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Martin Malone is a former educator and is best known for his work as a Personal Trainer for Teachers. In this conversation, Martin and I discuss how to create a structured routine as a teacher, people pleasing, why negative thoughts are important, why teachers should be the most successful in fitness, the peer pressure to let yourself go, food guilt, creatine, and, much more. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show! 

If you would like to listen to the full episode, go back to episode #78. 

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Mandy Grass is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and hosts the popular social media parenting page @thefamilybehaviorist on Instagram. On this episode, Mandy and I discuss wholeheartedly supporting rewards for kids, the symptoms of ADHD, ADHD inattentive, visual schedules, rewards and reward negotiation, shaping adolescent behaviour, marrying the therapeutic and behavioural approach, replacement behaviours, the function of crying, the four functions of behaviour, and, much more. 

You can find more about Mandy's work on her website: https://www.thefamilybehaviorist.com/

If you would like to listen to the full episode, go back to episode #55. 

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Cabrina (@cabrinascreativeclassroom) is a special education teacher in Virginia and is currently entering her seventh year in the profession. On this episode, Cabrina and I discuss Multi-Sensory Reading Instruction, gamifying her classroom, teaching in the ‘armpit’ of her school, the recent uptick in people hiring Educational Advocates and their presence in schools, the training (or lack thereof) for inclusive Education for handling practical scenarios, teachers who do the bare minumim, and, much more. 

If you would like to listen to the full episode, go back to episode #46. 

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George Couros is currently an Educational Consultant, author of several books including What Makes a Great Principal and has worked as both a Teacher and Administrator in Alberta, Canada for more than a decade. On this episode, we discuss why teachers only notice poor administrators, interviews gone wrong, how he handled being confronted by a new colleague, why people often say certain positions are not needed even if they have never worked in them, how boring it is to work in central office, and, much more! 

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In this episode, I sit down with Lily Donald, a Grade 12 student who also plans on pursuing education once she finishes high school. Our conversation dives into her transition into her final year of high school, me crying at a painting of Napoleon when we travelled together on an EF Tour, why sometimes it does matter what teacher you get, the importance she places on getting involved in school activities, thoughtful reflections on the value of strong student-teacher relationships, her time choreographing school productions and how these creative outlets have helped her connect with others and develop leadership skills...

In this episode, I discuss my embarrassing attempts at being present with my friend groups, how neuroscience PD has stalled and what is routinely available is not working and why this does not have to be a bad thing, why teachers lie about how busy they are, why new teachers want to be told what to do and how this helps everyone long-term, why self-interest in education should not be frowned upon, what makes collaboration cool, the joy of thinking over doing, and, much more. 

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Teachers need to put themselves out there more. Teachers hide their expertise behind their classroom door because we have constantly been told nobody knows what they are doing and everyone feels too scared to share what they know. 

Baptism by fire leaves everyone even more vulnerable to imposter syndrome and about imposter syndrome that actually holds you back. 

New Teachers should actually be involved in everything even though this time is unpaid, and this is where low starting salaries hurt and scheduling them into classes nobody wants to teach is a mistake.

You ca...

Kyle Harquail is currently a Teacher in Saint John, NB and is, most importantly, a dear friend. On the episode, Kyle and I discuss instances where students have defecated themselves in our classes, ways we used to kill time at boring jobs, times we got caught falling asleep at work, how Kyle almost went to culinary school and my physiotherapy plan, how I got rejected from university, Covid hit, and my dad died all in a three month span, moments from high school that still make us cringe, my sixth grade Shakespearean rizz, times when we defecated ourselves, searching...

In this episode, I sit down with Hailey Chisholm—educator, tutor, and fellow Westwood survivor. Hailey and I talk mentorship, what the most common academic concerns parents have for their children and how we assess for them, how building student confidence can make or break a learning experience, why teachers never feel like they have their sh*t together, how to stop being a perfectionist within teaching, the pros and cons of various practicum lengths, what student teachers are losing by not having a mentor teacher, how little information middle school students can actually handle, taking naps at school, st...

In this episode, I share some personal stories about how family losses have shaped my perspective on life and the long game of this career. I talk about the hilarious and unique challenges of teaching middle school in the month of May—especially when it comes to classroom management and student behavior—my hate for reading fiction, and why understanding different educational systems can make us better at what we do. Looking ahead, I share my thoughts on educational leadership and take on some common myths about private and charter schools. Lastly, as I prepare to become a parent myse...

In this episode, I sit down with Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth, to dive deep into the future of teacher evaluations and educational leadership. We explore why traditional teacher evaluation systems often fall short—and how building trust, fostering psychological safety, and focusing on strengths-based feedback can completely transform school culture.

Craig shares what he has learned about the importance of relational trust in schools, the drawbacks of merit pay for teachers, and how frequent, reflective classroom observations can lead to meaningful professional growth. The discussion also covers the historical context of...

Dr. Selena Fisk is a keynote speaker, author, and data storytelling expert who frequently consults both school districts and businesses on their data collection practices. In this episode, Selena and I dive deep into how schools can use data more meaningfully and humanely. Throughout our conversation, we discuss data-informed instruction, the dangers of misusing performance metrics, using data to to assess teachers, and why so many schools struggle with effective data tracking. We also discuss the triangulation of data for better understand student growth, how the revelations with AI and have helped with having conversations with your data, what...

Dr. Tyler Tarver is the Founder of Tarver Academy and is currently a Director of Learning and Development based out of Little Rock, Arkansas. In this episode, Dr. Tyler Tarver and I explore how feedback from students can refine your methods, why teachers need identities outside of school, what students really need to understand about what teachers want for them,  his research on if Youtube is an effective tool for education and what keeps students engaged, hilarious mistakes he made in his first year, the evolution of Tarver Academy, why we are overreacting to AI, Harry Potter, how to g...

In this episode, I sit down with Bernii Godwin and dive deep into the heart of what truly shapes student behavior, classroom management, and overall school culture: relationships. Bernii and I explore why understanding human behavior and emotional triggers is essential for creating a connected, well-regulated classroom, and how teachers can balance responsibility with support without burning out. We talk about everything from student discipline, emotional intelligence, and the importance of sleep hygiene, to practical strategies like using love languages to strengthen student relationships. Bernii shares her insights on the misconceptions teachers face, the illusion of control in the...

In this episode of Clarke Notes, I dive into the ongoing debate around teacher pay, with a particular focus on Alberta and New Brunswick. While teachers often ask for blanket salary increases, I explore some alternative strategies that could better support educators without sparking public outrage. I talk about how important it is to acknowledge teachers' contributions to boost morale, and how improved insurance benefits could provide real financial relief. I also highlight the potential of retention bonuses as a way to encourage experienced teachers to stay in the profession, especially since current salary structures often undervalue them. I...

Dr. Mark Williams is a Professor of Neuroscience and is the author of The Connected Species: How Understanding The Evolution of the Brain Can Help You Reconnect With The World. In this episode, Mark and I dive deep into the science of human connection and its profound impact on education. Drawing from his personal journey and groundbreaking research, Dr. Williams explores why connection—not just engagement—is the key to effective teaching and lifelong learning.

He discusses how teacher-student relationships, physical touch, and eye contact play a crucial role in learning by building trust and motivation in the...

Dr. Christopher Bronke is a Senior Education Consultant for Novak Education. Bronke has held numerous teacher-leadership positions at the national level including a seat on both the Carnegie Foundation Teacher Advisory Panel and the Teacher Advisory Council for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Bronke designs and delivers presentations on assessment theory and design, standards-based instruction, Universal Design for Learning, Deeper Learning, ELA curriculum design, intentional integration of Social Emotional Learning into classrooms and across schools, collaborative leadership, teacher leadership, and blogging to empower teacher voice and change. 

🎙️ In this episode, Dr. Christopher Bronke dives into Universal Design...

In this conversation, Andrea Avery and I delve into the complexities of sexual education, exploring its evolution, the impact of cultural norms, and the challenges faced by educators. We discuss the importance of addressing taboos, the influence of technology on sexual awareness, and the differences in how boys and girls are educated about sex. The conversation also touches on personal experiences, societal expectations regarding body image, the pressures faced by students in navigating their sexual identities, exploring the pressures surrounding virginity, the impact of modern information overload, and the importance of open communication in parenting, the evolution of sexual...

Robert Barnett is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of the Modern Classrooms Project and a graduate of Harvard Law School. In this conversation, Rob and I explore the challenges teachers face in addressing the diverse needs of students, with a focus on the benefits of self-paced learning, as well as being a holder of a very random world record! We also discuss the need for a paradigm shift in educator evaluation, highlighting the significance of mastery-based learning and the integration of technology in the classroom. Further, we touch on the time and effort required to build a Modern...

In this episode, I discuss the exchange between financial gain and personal fulfillment in teaching, the challenges of teacher retention, and the potential benefits of private education and outdoor learning. The talk also touches on the importance of collaboration among educators and the pitfalls of overcomplicating educational concepts.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote
03:18 Education and Self-Improvement
06:20 The Value of Teaching vs. Money
09:10 Teacher Retention and Salary Structures
11:39 Private Education and Outdoor Learning<...

Dr. Erin Schryer is currently the Head of School for Origins Academy, as well as the CEO & Owner of Origins Natural Learning Childcare with multiple locations spread throughout the Greater Saint John area of New Brunswick, Canada. In this conversation, Erin and I discuss literacy, the role of private education, the importance of getting children into an educational routine before they reach kindergarten, the impact of gender differences on learning, and the need for early screening and intervention to support diverse learners. We also highlight the significance of building a strong educational team, the future integration of early learning...

Tyler Comeau is currently a Principal, Podcast Host, and Author based out of Southern Alberta. In this conversation, Tyler Comeau discusses his experiences as a principal and the importance of impact in leadership. He emphasizes the need for action, support, and engagement in educational settings. Tyler also explores the significance of learning from past administrators and the challenges of navigating change as a new principal. He introduces his podcast, 'The Elemental Educator,' which aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and lived experiences in education. In this conversation, Tyler Comeau discusses his introduction into consulting while balancing...

Amy Marshall is a District Leader in Literacy with the Anglophone South School District based out of Saint John, New Brunswick. In this conversation, Amy and I discuss teaching curiosity, conceptualizing joy as a skill, innovative approaches to restructuring education, developing reader identity in your students, a surprising way to use ChatGPT in the humanities classroom, the movement in assessment changing from product to process, Amy’s awesome change with not having desks in her classroom, and, much more. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy this smooth beach listen. 

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In this conversation, Conrad and I explore the intricacies of podcasting and education. We discuss the significance of professional learning, how rewarding education can be, strategies for audience growth, navigating uncertainty, finding new passions, the launch of his own podcast, how different podcasters use their podcast, our mutual goals, dangerously simple questions, training with police officers, how interesting some teachers are and how stupid they make us feel, and, much more! 

Newfoundland-based Jumping Bean Coffee: https://jumpingbean.ca/our-coffee/

Download the Luxy App: https://www.onluxy.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqTNbyn-jjHs7e_i30XoKL8TjYHwsNZf3mszmFzGiR7IyEUU0F...

Hello friends, watch me have a nosebleed in real time! In this episode, I discuss niches, highlights from previous episodes, what to expect over the next few months, a reimagined framework for teacher pay to help improve retention, future projects, the podcasts of friends, and, much more. Don't be scared!

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Thoughts shared on the podcast are purely our own and do not represent the views of the Anglophone South School District or the relevant jurisdictions associated with my guests.

In this conversation, Leslie Robb, a teacher and comedian, shares her unique experiences in education and comedy. Leslie and I discuss her unexpected journey as a bus driver to her rewarding moments on stage with the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour, well-meaning but somewhat unaware middle aged Christian ladies, Christian comedy, her overall wild resume including time teaching adults, the simplest and most effective classroom management techniques, educational ‘best practices,’ an embarrassing trip to Washington D.C., and, much more. Thank you for tuning in and hope you enjoy the show!

Newfoundland-based Jumping Bean Coffee: https://jumpingbean.ca/our...

Brandon Jenkins is a Teacher, Comedian, and is the host of the Teaching in Color podcast based out of Houston, Texas. In this conversation, Brandon and I discuss the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome, the importance of authenticity and humor in the classroom, the evolving perception of teachers, and the significance of sharing our personal stories within the educational community. Brandon and I also highlight the importance of representation in teaching and recounts his experience testifying in front of members of a government panel in Texas. Brandon discusses how education is increasingly populated by individuals who are unfamiliar with...

Christine Miles is an author, public speaker, and has dedicated herself to helping individuals become better listeners for more than twenty years. In this conversation, Christine Miles and I discuss the importance of listening to understand rather than to respond. She shares her personal experiences that shaped her understanding of listening, including her mother's struggles with mental health and her own challenges after a life-altering accident. Christine introduces the concept of the 'listening path' and emphasizes the need for effective listening tools, including six key questions that can enhance understanding in conversations. The discussion highlights the profound impact of...

Kelsie Marks is the Director of Career Transformation at Educated Exit, a company dedicated to helping educators successfully transition out of teaching and explore new career paths. In this episode, Kelsie and I discuss the mission of Educated Exit, the importance of recognizing transferable skills from an education degree, the various career paths available to former educators, whether teaching is a dead-end job, the value of being intentional in your networking efforts, the efficacy of an MBA, and the myth that teachers need additional schooling to land a corporate position outside the classroom. We also talk about how to...