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

    Student Voice, Discourse, and Collaboration in Schools with Lindsay Lyons - Ep 63

    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 In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis is joined by Lindsay Lyons, educational justice coach, PhD in Leadership and Change, and founder of Time for Teachership. Lindsay shares her expertise in student-led discussions, justice-centered curriculum design, and equitable policies that empower students and strengthen collaboration across schools.Discover how values-driven conversations, adaptive leadership, and co-created classroom experiences can transform school culture. Lindsay provides actionable strategies for school leaders, teachers, and administrators to foster collaboration, equity, and student agency.Learn how to:✅ Encourage student-led discourse on identity, justice, and current events✅ Build trust and collaboration among staff and students✅ Implement justice-centered curriculum and equitable assessment practices✅ Develop adaptive leadership that empowers students as leaders✅ Turn high-emotion conversations into opportunities for growth and understanding If you’re a school leader or educator looking to strengthen collaboration and create an inclusive, thriving learning environment, this episode is for you!Access a number of values posters from Lindsay - https://extras.lindsaybethlyons.com/viapostersAccess Discourse Analysis Framework (as discussed in the episode) - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1M77hV5vThg0WI4eo3MAcCT0JmCsdzbEInlKTPxaiFXs/present?slide=id.g2bfda2dea32_0_148Access the Setting Up Shared Leadership Worksheet - https://extras.lindsaybethlyons.com/sharedleadershipValues in Action website - https://www.viacharacter.org/ Learn more about Lindsay Lyons at https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com#SchoolLeadership #CollaborativeCulture #StudentLedLearning #EducationalEquity #TeacherLeadership--------- Connect with Lindsay LyonsEmail: hello@lindsaybethlyons.comLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaybethlyons Connect with Kurtis Hewson Email: kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca X: @hewsonk27Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson  ---------Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams 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  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. ______________________#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systems

    43 min
  2. 5D AGO · BONUS

    A Tale of Two Schools: Why Caring Teachers Fail Without a Collaborative Response

    The Emotional Truth of School Leadership: Why 'Caring' is Not Enough To every principal, teacher, and district leader who has ever felt overwhelmed: This video is for you. We take you inside two very different schools: Castaway Elementary, where dedicated teacher Mrs. Hart is battling student struggle alone, and Robinson Elementary, where Mrs. Gonzales and her team are thriving thanks to a powerful system of supports. The difference isn't the effort—it's the structure. In Castaway, teachers are lone sailors battling the storm. In Robinson, they are a fleet, navigating the waters together. If your staff meetings feel like "extensive storytelling" and your dedicated teachers are running faster and faster but going nowhere, this video is an essential reset for your professional development day. In this talk, Kurtis Hewson uses this powerful comparison to reveal the high cost of individual islands and the life-changing impact of intentional, collaborative systems on student achievement and staff well-being. Watch, reflect, and share this video with your staff. It’s time to turn your Castaway into a Robinson. #EveryChildDeservesATeam #SchoolLeadership #TeacherBurnout #SystemicChange #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 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/

    10 min
  3. 6D AGO · BONUS

    FRIDAY FOCUS - Your Meetings NEED This Role!

    ______________________#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
  4. JAN 20

    Joy Is a Discipline: How to Lead Schools with Trust, Clarity, and Collaboration with Dan Cox - Ep 62

    Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna are joined by Dan Cox — former superintendent, endurance athlete, speaker, and founder of Endurance Edge.  Dan shares how his experience completing multiple ultramarathons, including a 100-mile race, shaped his leadership philosophy: Joy Is a Discipline. Dan dives into the parallels between endurance athletics and school leadership, showing how resilience, trust, and clarity are essential to building collaborative cultures. School leaders will learn how to create conditions where staff feel safe, valued, and aligned toward a shared purpose — making collaboration the natural outcome. We discuss: How endurance sports teach lessons in trust, accountability, and teamworkStrategies to create collaborative school environments that thrive under pressurePractical leadership tips to sustain collaboration and build resilient teamsWhether you’re a principal, superintendent, or instructional leader, this episode provides actionable insights for strengthening collaboration, engagement, and collective efficacy in your schools. Listen now to discover how to lead teams that can truly “go the distance.” Learn more about Dan Cox at https://endurance-edge.com #SchoolLeadership #CollaborativeCulture #TeacherCollaboration #EducationalLeadership #LeadershipResilience --------- Connect with Dan Cox Email: dancox@endurance-edge.com X: @DanWCoxEdge LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dan-w-cox-32266892 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577218716567 Substack: https://leadontheedge.substack.com/ 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 --------- Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams 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.

    52 min
  5. JAN 16 · BONUS

    FRIDAY FOCUS - Stop Striving for 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 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
  6. JAN 13

    Community Collaboration to Ensure Success for Students, Families and Staff w/ Shana Roberts - Ep 61

    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 Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Shana Roberts, a primary school teacher with over 20 years of experience in education. Shana hosts the podcast Chalk and Coffee is an accomplished author, having written children’s books such as Mama, I See You and Don’t Go, inspired by her journey as both an educator and a mother. Through her teaching, writing, and podcasting, she continues to bring together families and educators in meaningful ways that help children succeed. Learn more about Shana Roberts at https://www.nurtureconnectplay.com --------- Connect with Shana Roberts Email: admin@nurtureconnectplay.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurtureconnectplay/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildandfreepub 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 --------- Access a FREE webinar to transform how you plan and facilitate effective team meetings - https://bit.ly/transformteams 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.

    32 min
  7. JAN 9 · BONUS

    FRIDAY FOCUS - Put the Purpose on the Agenda

    ______________________#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. JAN 6

    Learning to Work Together: Building Trust Through Collaboration with Dr. Ryan Read - Ep 60

    Access the FREE Transform Your Team Meetings guide, including a meeting agenda template to copy and begin using today - https://bit.ly/5planningteamsIn this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, hosts Kurtis and Lorna Hewson sit down with Dr. Ryan Read — educator, instructional technologist, and host of The Pixel Classroom Podcast — to explore what authentic collaboration really looks like in schools.Dr. Read shares the inspiring story of rebuilding a middle school STEM and robotics program from the ground up — transforming a culture of silos into one of shared ownership, purpose, and trust. 💡 Key topics in this episode:- How collaboration doesn’t start with trust — it builds trust.- Practical ways to rebuild collaboration when teams feel disconnected.- What authentic collaboration looks like beyond meetings and committees.- How leaders can empower teachers and students to solve problems together.- The role of technology in fostering teamwork and innovation. Whether you’re a principal, instructional coach, or teacher leader, this conversation will help you create conditions where collaboration happens naturally — not just because it’s required.Learn more about Ryan Read at https://bsky.app/profile/ryan7read.bsky.social#SchoolLeadership #CollaborationInEducation #TeamCulture #EducationalLeadership #KurtisHewson #LornaHewson #RyanRead #EdTech #BuildingACultureOfCollaboration --------- Connect with Ryan ReadEmail: mooperfilms@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancread/ 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 ---------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 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  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.

    49 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!