In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Reg Klassen, the executive director of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASA), shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Saskatchewan to a successful career in education. He discusses the importance of building relationships in education, the impact of teachers on students, and the need for parental involvement in their children's education. Reg reflects on his own struggles in school, the challenges he faced as a teacher, and the inspiring stories of students who overcame adversity. He emphasizes the human aspect of teaching and the importance of understanding the complexities of the classroom environment. In this conversation, Jason Buccheri and Reg Klassen discuss the critical themes surrounding education in Canada, including the importance of parental involvement, the challenges of implementing sustainable changes in school systems, and the mission of CASSA to promote equity and excellence in education. They explore the need for better preparation of educators to face future challenges, the unique aspects of Canadian education, and the vision for a more equitable educational landscape. The discussion emphasizes the importance of legacy in education and the need for a collective will to improve the system.
This episode is brought to you by CASSA (the Canadian Association of School System Administrators). CASSA unites school superintendents and system leaders from coast to coast to tackle Canada’s biggest public-education challenges, with a sharp focus on equity, student success, and collaboration. Learn more at cassa-acgcs.ca.
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Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Sponsor Message – CASSA(Canadian Association of School System Administrators)
[00:00:41] School-Day Scheduling Assumptions
[00:01:30] Guest Introduction – Reg Klassen
[00:02:06] Interview Kickoff With Reg Klassen
[00:02:44] Safeguarding Democracy Through Education
[00:05:13] Reg’s Reflections On Attending CASSA Events
[00:06:40] Being The Eldest Of Six: Family Background
[00:08:25] Early Schooling Experiences
[00:10:14] Childhood Imagination Anecdote
[00:12:40] Value Of Narrative In Education
[00:13:04] Confidence In Public Speaking As A Student
[00:14:56] Memory, Detail, And Documentation
[00:16:06] Reg’s Theological Education Journey
[00:18:05] Most Inspiring Moment In Education
[00:19:59] Family Impact On Educational Practice
[00:21:46] Building And Nurturing Relationships
[00:24:11] Staying Connected After Retirement
[00:32:19] Research On Math Acceleration Timing
[00:34:51] CASSA’s Role & Reg’s Facilitation Work
[00:36:04] Ensuring Equity In Educational Opportunities
[00:39:11] Challenges On CASSA’s Board
[00:41:12] Calls For Reform In Teacher Training
[00:45:38] Parental Attitudes Toward Education Reform
[00:47:38] Critique Of Test-Focused Education
[00:49:56] Vision For Early Childhood Investment
[00:55:33] Celebrating Perseverance In Education
[00:55:58] Launch Of “Legacy” Magazine
[00:57:42] CASSA Conference Preview
[00:57:56] Encouragement To Attend CASSA Conference
[00:58:24] Closing Credits & Acknowledgements