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. 17H AGO

    Your School’s Success Hinges on Its Lead Team - Ep 85

    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 weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna discuss why every school leader should be establishing lead teams to distribute leadership, move forward with key school priorities, and provide continuous feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement. Connected Resources:Blog posting - The Importance of a Lead Team in Driving Change - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/importance-lead-team-driving-change Template - Lead Team Meeting template - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oUxz0n_f4-SXJrUJtbba7ELa1rG1XcrSbWz4KrJt4CQ/view ______________________#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/

    15 min
  2. 2D AGO

    Turning Elements into Impact: The Alchemy of Leadership with Tyler Comeau I Encore Episode - 84

    Establishing a School-Wide Data and Evidence PlanPlanning for the effective use of data. 👉  bit.ly/dataevidenceplan 5 Mistakes Leaders Make When Organizing Data for TeamsAccess a FREE webinar 👉  bit.ly/5mistakesdata In this weeks episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration we reach back into the archives where Kurtis connects with Tyler Comeau, an Alberta school principal who also shares and extends learning relating to our core elements as the Elemental Educator.  Tyler and Kurtis discuss how to establish and sustain a culture of collaboration that is aligned with your individual and organizational elements of earth, water, wind and fire. --------- Connect with Tyler Comeau Email tyler@elementaleducator.comInstagram elemental_educatorX/Twitter @ElementalEducLinked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-comeau-961a49310  Connect with Kurtis Hewson Email kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca X/Twitter @hewsonk27 LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson --------- Related Resources Elemental Educator podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-elemental-educator-podcast/id1739937650  Elemental Educator website - www.elementaleducator.com ______________________#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/

    53 min
  3. 6D AGO ·  BONUS

    FRIDAY FOCUS - Every Team Needs Norms

    Access the FREE Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide ______________________#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
  4. APR 23

    Is the Purpose of Your Meetings Actually Clear? - Ep 83

    In this weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna discuss why making the purpose of your meetings crystal clear within your organization.  Want to ensure your team meetings are having optimal impact?  It needs to start with why are we meeting! Connected Resources:5 Planning Considerations to Transform Your Team Meetings PDF - https://bit.ly/5planningteams10 Considerations to Transform Your Team Meetings webinar - https://bit.ly/transformteamsLayered Team Meeting Overview template - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/120NQF269AwlDs21kiWys2dytzx6LCIq5rhhbLsxPTAU/edit?usp=sharingRoland Michener Secondary School Support Team Agenda sample - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XQfGyddfhD6hPku0TK6mRlRoAbi6d8JmcyiMRcgED5M/edit?usp=sharingTeam Meeting Overview examples - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AYb-gavLnvVjqtCRz3oh0-WU2EeuVxeC?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 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/

    11 min
  5. APR 21

    Leading Organizations That Attract and Retain Great Educators | Encore Episode - Ep 82

    Access a workshop guide to help your teams craft effective goals to guide their collaborative work - https://bit.ly/jlgoals  Access the FREE Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration we reach into the archives. Kurtis has the opportunity to connect with Chief Ruckus Maker Danny Bauer, a best selling author and host of the Better Leaders Better Schools podcast and the School Leadership Series podcast.  Danny shares why we need ruckus makers in our organizations, the importance of knowing our team’s hopes, dreams and aspirations and why the law of reciprocity is so critical for building a culture of collaboration. Want to learn more about Ruckus Makers? Visit https://ruckusmakers.substack.com/ Learn more about the Sustainable School Leadership Summit - https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/school-leadership-summit/  ---------Connect with Danny BauerEmail danny@betterleadersbetterschools.comFacebook https://www.facebook.com/danevanbauerLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielevanbauer/ Connect with Kurtis Hewson Email kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca Twitter @hewsonk27 LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson  ______________________#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/

    43 min
  6. APR 17 ·  BONUS

    FRIDAY FOCUS - Make Your Actions Explicit

    ______________________#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
  7. APR 16

    Great Leaders Don’t Wing It—They Systemize - Ep 81

    In this weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna reflect on a trip to Disneyland which prompted their thinking about the importance of systems in any organization.  Effective organizations need clearly documented systems for ongoing focus and success and in this message, Lorna and Kurtis share some reasons why, as well as some considerations for school leaders of areas to implement system-thinking. ______________________#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/

    16 min
  8. APR 14

    Lead from the Balcony: Gaining Perspective for Better Team Leadership - Encore Episode - Ep 80

    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 Locus of Control workshop guide—a powerful tool to help your staff shift their focus to what is within their control. bit.ly/JLlocus In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Darrin Peppard, President of Road to Awesome.  Darrin is a leadership speaker, coach, host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast and a best selling author, including Road to Awesome: The Journey of a Leader.  In this episode, Darrin shares his thoughts on leadership, team development and what it means to “lead from the balcony”.  Learn more about Road to Awesome at roadtoawesome.net ---------Connect with Darrin PeppardEmail darrinmpeppard@roadtoawesome.netTwitter @DarrinMPeppard LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrin-m-peppard-ed-d-29a7a147/ Connect with Kurtis Hewson Email kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca Twitter @hewsonk27 LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson  Connect with Lorna Hewson Email lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca Twitter @LornaHewson Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104 --------- Interested in learning MORE? 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 3 month 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.caX: https://www.twitter.com/Jigsaw_LearningFacebook https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-inc ______________________#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/

    58 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!

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