Paul McKenzie, an educator with over 35 years of experience, reflects on his journey and the future of education. Growing up in Owen Sound, Ontario, Paul’s childhood was shaped by unstructured play and a deep appreciation for storytelling—a passion that later inspired his career as an English teacher. Harnessing the power of stories to engage students and spark critical and creative thinking, Paul transitioned into leadership roles in Ontario and British Columbia, where he championed innovative approaches to education.
In this episode, Paul discusses the strengths of Canada’s education system and his work reimagining secondary education to empower students. Central to the conversation is the School Within a School program, an inquiry-based initiative integrating multiple subjects, where students showcased their learning through community presentations, achieving remarkable outcomes. Paul emphasizes the importance of leadership that fosters possibility, teacher and student agency, and a human-centered approach to education in an increasingly tech-driven world.
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Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Measuring What Matters & The Power of Play
[00:00:42] Guest Introduction
[02:58] Growing Up in Owen Sound & Unstructured Childhood
[05:21] A Love for Literature & Storytelling
[08:58] Early Teaching Days & Collaboration
[11:23] Influence of Mentors & Community of Educators
[14:16] Reimagining High School: School Within a School
[17:28] Scaling Innovation & Addressing Structures
[20:54] Lessons in District Leadership & Change
[25:36] Ontario to BC: A Shift in Perspective
[29:19] Public Education Across Canada
[33:47] Embracing AI & Keeping Education Human
[39:42] Future of Education: Hope & Opportunity
[42:35] Book Recommendations & Closing Reflections
[56:51] Final Remarks & Credits