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 ·  BONUS

    FRIDAY FOCUS - Why Critical Mass is More Important Than Buy-In

    ______________________#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/

    2 min
  2. 3D AGO

    Beyond the Poster: Making Team Norms Real - Ep 77

    Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam In this weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna share the value of unpacking norms to determine the why, what they look like in practice (as well as what they do not look like) and how teams can determine what they agree to be the response if a norm is broken. Connected Resources: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 A Leader's Guide for Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide Unpacking Norms template - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B24IO7nKS0iKb6SM2CWwB0_3MT1JVn6CWcPkty3AnKA/edit?usp=sharing  The Power of Team Norms: Establishing and Reinforcing Norms for Team Success - Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/power-team-norms-establishing-and-reinforcing-norms-team-suc  Examining Collaborative Team Meetings - Establishing and Reinforcing Norms https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/examining-collaborative-team-meetings-establishing-and-reinf ______________________#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 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/

    15 min
  3. 5D AGO

    Surviving to Thriving: Building Long-Term Collaborative Cultures with Andrew Marotta - Ep 76

    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 the FREE Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide  How do you move from simply surviving the chaos of leadership to building a team that truly thrives together? In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis sit down with Andrew Marotta, a veteran school leader with 25 years of experience and a former Division 1 men’s basketball official. Andrew shares how the high-pressure world of sports officiating mirrors the complexities of school leadership and why "presence" is the key to unlocking a culture of collaboration. We dive into the "Long Game" of leadership, exploring what to do—and more importantly, what NOT to do—when trying to build trust within your organization. Whether you are a building principal, a district leader, or an aspiring administrator, Andrew’s "Surviving & Thriving" philosophy offers practical, heartfelt strategies to #IMPACT your school culture today. Key Takeaways: The "Referees' Secret" to maintaining team alignment under pressure.Why storytelling and authentic presence are more effective than compliance-driven management.The most common "culture killers" that leaders should avoid.Strategies for sustaining a collaborative spirit over a 25-year career. Learn more about Andrew Marotta at https://andrewmarotta.com/ --------- Connect with Andrew Marotta Email: andrewmarottallc@gmail.com X: @andrewmarotta21 Facebook: andrew marotta Connect with Kurtis Hewson  Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca  X: @hewsonk27 Instagram: 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 #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems --------- Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s  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 - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off! Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trial https://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca  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.ca Email questions@jigsawlearning.ca X https://www.twitter.com/Jigsaw_Learning Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-inc Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration. Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

    43 min
  4. MAR 27 ·  BONUS

    FRIDAY FOCUS - Priming the Team for Discussion

    ______________________#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 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/

    2 min
  5. MAR 26

    Make Growth Visible: Displaying Progress to Build Momentum - Ep 75

    Kurtis and Lorna explore the impact of creating a visual representation of growth that is visible throughout the school community. Connected Resources:Blog - Examining Collaborative Team Meetings - Establishing a Collaborative Meeting Space - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/going-deeper-collaborative-team-meetings-5-establishing-coll Samples - Folder of Meeting Space samples - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1u3DpTw9mSVQrPvtK3DeXvLUi7OlvYskt?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 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 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/

    13 min
  6. MAR 24

    The Leading Reason Teachers Burnout (and how Collaboration Fixes It) with Rae Hughart - Ep 74

    Looking to design a space for adult collaboration?  Access this FREE guide, which includes a checklist to reference when creating your space - https://bit.ly/spacechecklist 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 episode of the Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast, Kurtis is joined by Rae Hughart, CEO of "Teachers Deserve It," to discuss the uncomfortable truth about burnout and teamwork. Many schools claim to have a culture of collaboration, but is it "real" or just "performing"? Rae shares her insights from working with 87,000+ educators on why the most successful teams aren't the ones who work the hardest, but the ones who know how to protect each other during seasons of exhaustion. In this episode, we cover:➡️Why collaboration starts with vulnerability, not just goals.➡️The "Accidental Killers" of collaboration that leaders often overlook.➡️How to move from a "giving" culture to a "receiving" culture. About Our Guest: Rae Hughart is a TEDx speaker, award-winning educator, and author. Diagnosed with learning disabilities in her youth, she has dedicated her career to reimagining how we support both students and the teachers who serve them. Learn more about Rae Hughart at www.teachersdeserveit.com --------- Connect with Rae HughartEmail: Rae@Teachersdeserveit.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rae-hughart Connect with Kurtis Hewson Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca X: @hewsonk27Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson  #collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems--------- Learn more about Collaborative Response https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tbgetTdAiA&t=0s  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 - if interested in ordering the book, use the code JLPodcast10 to receive 10% off! Learn more about WeCollab and access a FREE three month trialhttps://jigsawlearning.ca/wecollab.ca  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.caX https://www.twitter.com/Jigsaw_LearningFacebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-inc Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration. Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.

    46 min
  7. MAR 20 ·  BONUS

    FRIDAY FOCUS - Make Teams Accountable to Each Other!

    ______________________#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 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/

    2 min
  8. MAR 19

    Intentional Spaces: Setting the Room for Stronger Meetings - Ep 73

    Kurtis and Lorna explore considerations for the physical arrangement of team meeting spaces. Connected Resources:Blog - The Crucial Role of Physical Design in Team Engagement - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/crucial-role-physical-design-team-engagement Podcast - 8 Simple Yet Powerful Ideas to Impact Team Meeting Rooms - Building a Culture of Collaboration - Ep 3 -  https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/8-simple-yet-powerful-ideas-impact-team-meeting-rooms-buildi Blog - Examining Collaborative Team Meetings - Establishing a Collaborative Meeting Space - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/going-deeper-collaborative-team-meetings-5-establishing-coll Resource - Collaborative Meeting Space Checklist - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cpm9FcU4EoQopXexd7T6Blf9JdRaW4ZSFJ-i0CKqWbw/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 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 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/

    16 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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!