Building a Culture of Collaboration

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 powerful, shared responsibility for ALL students—this is key to teamwork and collaboration. Finally, you'll gain the leadership strategies needed to intentionally build a robust and sustainable culture that maximizes collective capacity and student success. We also talk with thought leaders outside of education, to grow our understanding of effective collaboration and teamwork. Subscribe today to master the art of intentional collaboration and take your leadership to the next level!

  1. 2d ago

    Beyond the Data Calendar: Connecting Measures, Timing & Action - Ep109

    📊 Get Your Data Organized!!  FREE Webinar→  bit.ly/5mistakesdata In this weekls podcast, Kurtis and Lorna discuss the value of developing a strategic and aligned data calendar for key measures established for a school. Connected Resources:Data Planning Calendar sample - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oIFBO4cYLx1zx9UrEv33xHu0sHLUkPQW/view?usp=sharing On-Demand Workshop - Establishing a School-Wide Data and Evidence Plan - https://www.jigsawlearningonline.com/establishing-a-school-wide-data-and-evidence-plan-10-considerations-to-maximize-the-use-of-data-in-your-school-main-page  ______________________ 🌟 Need a Spark at Your Next Staff Meeting? We’ve curated an inspirational playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJjdJv93diJ8 Check out a number of complimentary resources and webinars to build a culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free Take your PLC & MTSS to the next level. 🚀 Find out how!!  FREE https://bit.ly/CR-overview  Discover What's Missing: 🔎 Grab your Introductory chapter for the best selling book Collaborative Response - bit.ly/CR-intro WeCollab: Keep student supports, actions, and team conversations connected in one place. Try it FREE. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab FREE to join!! Join the movement 📩 bit.ly/JLinsider Engage in conversations in our Facebook Group “The Collaborative Leader”, https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader Looking for weekly video support and inspiration? 🔔Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow Website - https://jigsawlearning.caEmail - questions@jigsawlearning.caFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-incInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/ #collaboration #education #MTSS  #leadership #systems #edleader #collaborativeresponse

  2. 4d ago

    What to Do When Collaborative Teams Aren't Working with Chrissy Beltran - Ep 108

    Access the FREE Transform Your Team Meetings guide, including a meeting agenda template to copy and begin using today - https://bit.ly/5planningteams 📊 Get Your Data Organized and work for YOU!!  FREE Webinar→  bit.ly/5mistakesdata In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis sits down with returning guest Chrissy Beltran, author of "Expand Your Coaching Toolbox" and host of the Instructional Coaching with Ms. B podcast. Together, they explore what to do when teams aren't truly collaborative, how to recognize dysfunctional team dynamics, and practical strategies leaders and instructional coaches can use to foster genuine alignment, knowledge building, and collective efficacy.  Learn more about Chrissy Beltran at http://www.buzzingwithmsb.com Access the 5 day coaching challenge mentioned in this podcast at http://www.buzzingwithmsb.com/cycles  Get your copy of the Expand Your Coaching Toolbox at https://www.ascd.org/books/expand-your-coaching-toolbox?variant=126034  --------- Connect with Chrissy BeltranEmail: chrissy@buzzingwithmsb.comLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissy-beltran-898756263/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuzzingWithMsB Connect with Kurtis Hewson Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson  ______________________ 🌟 Need a Spark at Your Next Staff Meeting? We’ve curated an inspirational playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJjdJv93diJ8 Check out a number of complimentary resources and webinars to build a culture of collaboration. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/free Take your PLC & MTSS to the next level. 🚀 Find out how!!  FREE https://bit.ly/CR-overview  Discover What's Missing: 🔎 Grab your Introductory chapter for the best selling book Collaborative Response - bit.ly/CR-intro WeCollab: Keep student supports, actions, and team conversations connected in one place. Try it FREE. https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab FREE to join!! Join the movement 📩 bit.ly/JLinsider Engage in conversations in our Facebook Group “The Collaborative Leader”, https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader Looking for weekly video support and inspiration? 🔔Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow Website - https://jigsawlearning.caEmail - questions@jigsawlearning.caFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-incInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/ #collaboration #education #MTSS  #leadership #systems #edleader #collaborativeresponse

  3. Sep 24

    Are you screening students—or just collecting data? - Ep107

    📊 Get Your Data Organized Complimentary Webinar→  bit.ly/5mistakesdata In this weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna discuss what is a universal screen, how to get started with screeners in your school and some considerations for leaders to maximize the use of screeners. Learn more about the Data in Education Summit at https://data-in-education-jun2025.heysummit.com/ Connected Resources:Criteria and Considerations When Determining a Universal Screen - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oixdUrrvVBc0b0MnEOFgLo8Z0UB8YKHijgq6mH-o2tc/edit?usp=sharing On-Demand Workshop - Establishing a School-Wide Data and Evidence Plan - https://www.jigsawlearningonline.com/establishing-a-school-wide-data-and-evidence-plan-10-considerations-to-maximize-the-use-of-data-in-your-school-main-page  ______________________#collaboration #education #MTSS  #leadership #systems #edleader #collaborativeresponse 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.https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab FREE to join!! Become a JL Insider to receive access to newly added resources and video content, advance notice for sessions/workshops, discounts for learning events and resources, plus so much more! https://bit.ly/JLinsider  Join the Facebook Group “The Collaborative Leader”, to engage in further conversations and resource sharing with others dedicated to ensuring effective teams and collaborative structures - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow Website https://jigsawlearning.caEmail questions@jigsawlearning.caFacebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-incInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/

  4. Sep 22

    Why Time Management Won't Save Your School Culture (And What Will) w/ Dr. Frederick Buskey - Ep 106

    Move From Planning to Action 📥 Grab Your Free Copy https://bit.ly/102reads  Discover What's Missing: 🔎 Grab your Introductory chapter - bit.ly/CR-intro Are you an educational leader who feels like you're constantly running on a treadmill of urgency? You answer emails, handle discipline, and check off compliance tasks, but you don't have time to actually connect with and grow your staff.  In this episode of the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast, Lorna and Kurtis sit down with author, speaker, and leadership coach Dr. Frederick Buskey to unpack how to transform your school from a culture of firefighting to a culture of collaboration.  Frederick shares a profound truth that every principal and assistant principal needs to hear: "We invest time in people, we spend time on tasks. People are our purpose."  We dive deep into his trademark frameworks, including The Motivation Equation and his 5-Stage Journey to Escaping Urgency, giving you actionable steps to stop managing symptoms and start developing your people. Learn more about Frederick Buskey at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ #SchoolLeadership #PrincipalLife #AssistantPrincipal #SchoolCulture #TeacherSupport #StrategicLeadership #FrederickBuskey #EducationPodcast --------- Connect with Frederick BuskeyEmail: frederick@frederickbuskey.comLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Connect with Kurtis Hewson Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca X: @hewsonk27Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson  Connect with Lorna Hewson Email: lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca X: @LornaHewson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104 ______________________#collaboration #education #MTSS  #leadership #systems #edleader #collaborativeresponse 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.https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab FREE to join!! Become a JL Insider to receive access to newly added resources and video content, advance notice for sessions/workshops, discounts for learning events and resources, plus so much more! https://bit.ly/JLinsider  Join the Facebook Group “The Collaborative Leader”, to engage in further conversations and resource sharing with others dedicated to ensuring effective teams and collaborative structures - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow Website https://jigsawlearning.caEmail questions@jigsawlearning.caFacebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-incInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/

  5. Sep 18

    FRIDAY FOCUS - Stop chasing buy-in. Start building momentum.

    👉 Get the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response: https://bit.ly/CR-overview When leaders are trying to move an idea forward, it’s easy to get stuck waiting for everyone to agree. But what if you took a different approach? Instead of trying to get everyone on board from the beginning, start with the people who are ready to engage. Bring one or two people into the conversation. Get feedback. Surface questions. Refine the idea. Then bring others along. Not everyone will engage at the same time — and they don’t have to. The goal isn’t to get everyone to want what you want. The goal is to build enough momentum to move the work forward. ______________________#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.https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab FREE to join!! Become a JL Insider to receive access to newly added resources and video content, advance notice for sessions/workshops, discounts for learning events and resources, plus so much more! https://bit.ly/JLinsider  Join the Facebook Group “The Collaborative Leader”, to engage in further conversations and resource sharing with others dedicated to ensuring effective teams and collaborative structures - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow Website https://jigsawlearning.caEmail questions@jigsawlearning.caFacebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-incInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/

  6. Sep 17

    The 3 types of data every school needs - Ep105

    📊 Get Your Data Organized Complimentary Webinar→  bit.ly/5mistakesdata In this weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna discuss the difference between universal screens, diagnostic assessments and progress monitoring and why, in time, all three are critical for schools when designing their systems of support that are truly data-informed. Connected Resources:Create Alignment, School-Wide Data and Evidence Plan 🛠️ Find Out How - bit.ly/dataevidenceplan Data and Evidence poster showing three types of data gathering - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J8uGO1N0rDROfVfY0_japRilrB6DZExx/view?usp=sharing Assessment Planning Template - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y39m2g5HnjsEBHCMgPJFarF3Iy5U000Hl6rkVdBli-o/edit?usp=sharing  ______________________#collaboration #education #MTSS  #leadership #systems #edleader #collaborativeresponse 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.https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab FREE to join!! Become a JL Insider to receive access to newly added resources and video content, advance notice for sessions/workshops, discounts for learning events and resources, plus so much more! https://bit.ly/JLinsider  Join the Facebook Group “The Collaborative Leader”, to engage in further conversations and resource sharing with others dedicated to ensuring effective teams and collaborative structures - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thecollaborativeleader 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and click the little bell icon to be notified when @jigsaw_learning posts a new video! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3U_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7ow Website https://jigsawlearning.caEmail questions@jigsawlearning.caFacebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-incInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/

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About

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 powerful, shared responsibility for ALL students—this is key to teamwork and collaboration. Finally, you'll gain the leadership strategies needed to intentionally build a robust and sustainable culture that maximizes collective capacity and student success. We also talk with thought leaders outside of education, to grow our understanding of effective collaboration and teamwork. Subscribe today to master the art of intentional collaboration and take your leadership to the next level!

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