NE Voices

North East School Division

North East Voices - Amplifying the Voices of Educators Sharing stories of innovation, inclusion, empowerment and connection in the NESD and beyond

  1. Part 3: Clarity in Action: When Students Share Their Voice In Learning with Geoff Goldsworthy and Dallas Thiessen (S2E20P3)

    JAN 23

    Part 3: Clarity in Action: When Students Share Their Voice In Learning with Geoff Goldsworthy and Dallas Thiessen (S2E20P3)

    Clarity in Action: When Students Share Their Voice In Learning with Geoff Goldsworthy and Dallas Thiessen (Season 2 Episode 20 Part 3) In this episode of NE Voices, Dallas and Geoff discuss the transformative impact of using Clarify Ed in their classrooms. They delve into how this tool aids in better instructional and learning decision-making, fosters deeper student engagement, and shifts the focus from task completion to genuine learning. Utilizing features like clarity packs, check-ins, and peer observation, they highlight how these encouraged a balanced assessment approach and facilitated more accurate professional judgments. The conversation also covers effective use of timely feedback, the benefits of speech-to-text tools, and future aspirations for further leveraging Clarify Ed to enhance educational outcomes. Join us as Dallas and Geoff share their experiences and insights on the ways Clarify Ed has made their instruction more intentional and impactful. Curious about Clarify Ed? You can take a look here - ⁠https://www.clarify-ed.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts 02:43 Student Engagement and Feedback 05:10 Using Clarify Ed in the Classroom 07:06 Shifts in Teaching Practices 11:08 Speech to Text and Accessibility 14:20 Future Plans and Excitement 16:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ***** Clarity in Action: When Students Share Their Voice In Learning Season 2 Episode 20 Part 3 Guest: Geoff Goldsworthy & Dallas Thiessen NE Voices – A podcast amplifying the Voices of the NESD and Beyond Hosted by: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud Online: ⁠⁠nesd.ca/NEVoices⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/NESD200⁠ ⁠Instagram: @NESD200 ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nesd200/⁠⁠ Apple Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ne-voices/id1738102911⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7bApwCE5KLxcBJZmI9aGLu?si=56f32d637cff4fd6⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@NEVoices/podcasts⁠ ⁠NE Voices January 2026 Updated Feb 6

    25 min
  2. Part 2 Feed Forward: Check-ins that Help Learners Level Up (Clarify Ed - Check-ins) with Dallas Thiessen & Geoff Goldsworthy (S2E19P2)

    JAN 23

    Part 2 Feed Forward: Check-ins that Help Learners Level Up (Clarify Ed - Check-ins) with Dallas Thiessen & Geoff Goldsworthy (S2E19P2)

    Feed Forward: Check-ins that Help Learners Level Up (Clarify Ed - Check-ins) with Dallas Thiessen & Geoff Goldsworthy (Season 2 Episode 19 Part 2) In this episode of NE Voices, we explore the transformative power of check-ins in educational settings. Moving beyond traditional task completion, Clarify Ed check-ins prompt students to make claims about their learning, support these claims with evidence, and reflect deeply on their understanding. Featuring insights from Geoff Goldsworthy and Dallas Thiessen, we dive into examples of students distinguishing between describing activities and genuinely reflecting and providing evidence of their learning, the game-changing role of voice-to-text in math and ELA explanations, and the significant shift in classroom culture from 'Is this for marks?' to 'Where am I in my learning journey and how do I know?” We also discuss how clarity tools (Clarify Ed) enhance teachers' ability to respond to student needs faster, fostering deeper learning experiences and building student confidence. Join us for actionable insights into creating more engaged and reflective learners. Curious about Clarify Ed?  You can take a look here - ⁠⁠https://www.clarify-ed.com/⁠⁠ 00:00 Introduction to NE Voices 02:06 Exploring the Check-In Tool 03:54 Implementing Check-Ins in the Classroom 06:14 Student Experiences and Feedback 16:27 Formative vs Summative Assessment 22:53 Conclusion and Next Steps Feed Forward: Check-ins that Help Learners Level Up(Clarify Ed - Check-ins) with Dallas Thiessen & Geoff Goldsworthy Season 2 Episode 19 Part 2 Guest: Geoff Goldsworthy & Dallas Thiessen NE Voices – A podcast amplifying the Voices of the NESD and Beyond Hosted by: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud Online: ⁠⁠nesd.ca/NEVoices⁠⁠ Facebook:   ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/NESD200⁠⁠ Instagram: @NESD200 ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nesd200/⁠⁠ Apple Podcast: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ne-voices/id1738102911⁠⁠ Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7bApwCE5KLxcBJZmI9aGLu?si=56f32d637cff4fd6⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@NEVoices/podcasts⁠⁠ NE Voices January 2026 Updated Feb 4, 2026 - Part 2 Reloaded

    25 min
  3. Clarity Begins Here: From Outcomes to Learning Intentions (Exploring Clarify Ed) with Geoff Goldsworthy & Dallas Thiessen - S2E18P1

    JAN 23

    Clarity Begins Here: From Outcomes to Learning Intentions (Exploring Clarify Ed) with Geoff Goldsworthy & Dallas Thiessen - S2E18P1

    Clarity Begins Here: From Outcomes to Learning Intentions(Exploring Clarify Ed) with Dallas Thiessen & Geoff Goldsworthy (S2E18P1) Join us as we explore the transformative power of clarity in the classroom. We are joined by Geoff Goldsworthy and Dallas Thiessen, two NESD administrators and educators, who share practical strategies for enhancing student engagement, belonging, and agency. Discover how Clarify Ed supports teachers in crafting clear learning intentions, building learning progressions, and utilizing student feedback to move learning forward. We'll discuss how narrowing down learning intentions can unlock more effective check-ins and deeper conversations about student progress. Stay tuned for a dynamic conversation that considers shifting from 'What are we doing?' to' What are we learning’ and ‘What evidence do I have?' In part 1, of this 3 part series, we explore Clarify Ed and the Clarity Packs (including learning progressions (success criteria), key vocabulary, simplified vocabulary, translation features, questions, teacher pack, check-in and bump it up) Curious about Clarify Ed? You can take a look here - https://www.clarify-ed.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Clarity in the Classroom 01:50 Meet the Educators: Geoff and Dallas 03:17 Implementing Clarity: Tools and Strategies 05:48 Outcome-Based Success Criteria 09:25 Using Clarify Ed for Effective Learning 16:29 Engaging Students with Learning Progressions 22:35 Teacher Packs and Bump It Up Questions 27:01 Conclusion and Next Steps   Clarity Begins Here: From Outcomes to Learning Intentions(Exploring Clarify Ed) with Dallas Thiessen & Geoff Goldsworthy Season 2 Episode 18 Part 1 Guest: Geoff Goldsworthy & Dallas Thiessen NE Voices – A podcast amplifying the Voices of the NESD andBeyond Hosted by: Stephanie Pipke-PainchaudOnline: nesd.ca/NEVoices Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NESD200 Instagram: @NESD200 https://www.instagram.com/nesd200/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ne-voices/id1738102911 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bApwCE5KLxcBJZmI9aGLu?si=56f32d637cff4fd6 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NEVoices/podcasts NE Voices January 2026

    29 min
  4. Beyond The Task: Assessment, Agency and Collaborative Communities in Thinking Classrooms with Guests Carina Calow & Raquel Scheidt (Ep17)

    10/24/2025

    Beyond The Task: Assessment, Agency and Collaborative Communities in Thinking Classrooms with Guests Carina Calow & Raquel Scheidt (Ep17)

    Beyond The Task: Assessment, Agency and Collaborative Communities in Thinking Classrooms with Guests Carina Calow & Raquel Scheidt {S2 Ep17 Pt3) In this final episode of our three-part series, Raquel and Carina reflect on how Thinking Classrooms have reshaped their teaching and transformed student learning. From assessment strategies to classroom routines, this episode dives into the practical and philosophical shifts that empower students to take ownership of their learning. 🔑 5 Key Takeaways: Balanced Assessment in Action Raquel and Carina share how they use observation, discussion, and various tasks to assess learning in real time. Whether through conversation, observation, or product, assessment becomes a dynamic and responsive process, which allows for deeper insight into student understanding and growth. Flexible Routines That Support Deeper Thinking Carina’s station-based approach—math on my own, with a teammate, with the teacher, and hands-on or tech-based—offers students multiple entry points and opportunities to demonstrate understanding.  Starting Small and Sharing Practice The episode encourages educators to begin with manageable steps and emphasizes the value of collegial support. Carina noted, “Pick something and start with it… It can look different in every classroom—and it should.” Investing in Agency and engaging students in driving their own learning Students are encouraged to choose their challenge level, reflect on their progress, and even create their own extra spicy or “double black diamond” tasks. Collaborative Learning Communities The classroom becomes a space where students learn with and from each other. Carina highlighted how students developed a mindset of mutual support: “I am working and I'm learning with the people around me… I can help them and they can help me.” Collegial Support and Shared Growth The episode highlights the power of huddles, classroom visits, and peer conversations in building confidence and sparking new ideas. Carina reflected on how seeing a colleague teach math through card tricks opened her eyes to new possibilities and both shared how the Thinking Classrooms approach extending its impact beyond math into other subject areas.   Reframing What It Means to Be a Math Person Both educators share how their own mindset shifted through this journey. Carina shared, “Turns out, it’s my favorite thing to teach now” This episode is a celebration of growth—for students and teachers alike—and a powerful reminder that small steps can lead to big shifts. Whether you’re just starting or already experimenting, the message is clear: we’re all math people we just might not recognize it yet. ** Beyond The Task: Assessment, Agency and Collaborative Communities in Thinking Classrooms with Guests Carina Calow & Raquel Scheidt Season 2 Episode 17 Part 3 Guest: Carina Calow & Raquel Scheidt NE Voices – A podcast amplifying the Voices of the NESD andBeyond Hosted by: Stephanie Pipke-Painchaud Online: ⁠NESD.ca/NEVoices⁠ Facebook:  ⁠https://www.facebook.com/NESD200⁠ Instagram: @NESD200 ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nesd200/⁠ Apple Podcast: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ne-voices/id1738102911⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7bApwCE5KLxcBJZmI9aGLu?si=56f32d637cff4fd6⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@NEVoices/podcasts⁠ NE Voices October 2025

    24 min
  5. Learning Together: Building Student Agency in Math Classrooms with Guests Carina Calow & Raquel Scheidt

    10/24/2025

    Learning Together: Building Student Agency in Math Classrooms with Guests Carina Calow & Raquel Scheidt

    Learning Together: Building Student Agency in MathClassrooms with Guests Carina Calow & Raquel Scheidt {S2Ep16Pt2} In Part 2, Raquel and Carina return to share how Thinking Classrooms continues evolve through intentional routines, community building and the opportunity to dig deeper through collaboration. This episode dives into the heart of what makes math meaningful—not just for students, butfor families and educators alike. 🔑 5 Key Takeaways: Start with RoutinesBoth educators began their journey with short, daily number talks, building comfort and confidence for themselves and their students. Collaboration Builds CommunityThinking Classrooms thrive on peer interaction. Students learn to rely on each other, ask questions, and grow together. “They have to work together… and you are definitely thereif they need the support… They just start building that community and they haveto help each other out.” Student-Led Learning and Self-AssessmentThrough practice students begin assessing their own understanding of where they are at and what they need in the moment.  Plus they have the opportunity to choose tasks that match their readiness and ongoing opportunities to dig deeper. Family Engagement Through Student-Led ConferencesStudents guided their families through math tasks, sparking meaningful conversations and showcasing their learning in real time, as well as, sparking some math conversations at home. Empowering Young Thinkers drives engagement and student agencyEven the youngest learners surprised their teachers with deep insights and connections, proving that curiosity and collaboration can unlock powerful learning at any age. This episode is a celebration of how small shifts in practice can lead to big changes in engagement, ownership, and joy in math learning. Because in the end, Math isn’t just about the numbers its about learning different strategies to solve problems, reflecting on where you are at, discovering the patterns and building resilience. 👉 Don’t miss Part 3,where we explore how Thinking Classrooms are transforming assessment, cross-curricular learning, and the future of math education in NESD. Learning Together: Building Student Agency in MathClassrooms Season 2 Episode 16 Part 2 Guests: Carina Calow and Raquel Scheidt NE Voices – A podcast amplifying the Voices of the NESD andBeyond Hosted by: Stephanie Pipke-PainchaudOnline: NESD.ca/NEVoices Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NESD200 Instagram: @NESD200 https://www.instagram.com/nesd200/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ne-voices/id1738102911 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bApwCE5KLxcBJZmI9aGLu?si=56f32d637cff4fd6 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NEVoices/podcasts NE VoicesOctober 2025

    30 min
  6. What If We Were All Math People? Reimagining Math Through Curiosity, Collaboration and Thinking Classrooms (S2Ep15Pt1)

    10/24/2025

    What If We Were All Math People? Reimagining Math Through Curiosity, Collaboration and Thinking Classrooms (S2Ep15Pt1)

    What If We Were All Math People? Reimagining Math Through Curiosity, Collaboration andThinking ClassroomsGuests: Carina Calow & Raquel Scheidt Have you ever said… I’m not a math person and then foundyourself teaching math? That’s where our journey began and what unfolded from there is a powerful story of the ways thinking classrooms impacted not only students, but teachers, as well.  In Part 1, Raquel and Carina take us inside their elementary math classrooms to share their journey into Thinking Classrooms —two North East School Division (NESD) educators who’ve embraced this approach and reshaped theirclassrooms into thriving hubs of collaboration, curiosity, and confidence. From standing wipebook stations to spontaneous problem-solving, their students are not just learning math—they’re living it. Join us as we hear how vulnerability becomes strength,mistakes become stepping stones, and every student  finds an entry point into learning. Whether you're a seasoned math educator or just curious about math, this episode willinspire you to rethink how learning happens—and how letting go as a teacher can lead to deeper engagement and unexpected growth.  This episode explores how Building Thinking Classrooms sparked a classroom evolution. Building a Community of LearnersBefore jumping into Wipebooks and collaborative problem-solving, both teachers focused on creating safe spaces for students to share ideas, take risks, andlearn from mistakes. Letting Go to Let Students LeadRaquel reflects, “I just had to release a little bit of the leadership and let them experiment.” This shift empowered students to take ownership of their learning and explore math in new ways. Depth of Student ThinkingRaquel was amazed by the growth in her students’ mathematical language and reasoning: “I just couldn’t believe the language that they were using, but they came up with lots of that on their own.” Creative Classroom SetupsCarina shares how she overcame space limitations by repurposing whiteboards and using Velcro to create standing workstations—even hanging boards in front of lockers. Her message: don’t let space be a barrier to trying something new. Mistakes as Learning OpportunitiesThe use of erasable surfaces like Wipebooks and small whiteboards helped students embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, fostering resilience and deeper understanding.  This episode is a celebration of curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to rethink how we teach and learn math. Whether you’re a math lead or just math-curious, Raquel and Carina’sstories will leave you inspired. 👉 Don’t miss Part 2,Where we continue the conversation and dive deeper into the impact of Thinking Classrooms on student engagement, assessment, and cross-curricular learning.   00:00 Introduction to Northeast Voices 00:45 Meet Raquel and Karina: Thinking Classrooms in Math 02:26 Implementing Thinking Classrooms: Strategies and Experiences 06:52 The Role of Wipe Books and Classroom Setup 13:05 Teacher and Student Perspectives on Thinking Classrooms 19:37 Conclusion and Future Episodes ****What If We Were All Math People? Reimagining Math Through Curiosity, Collaboration andThinking Classrooms Season 2 Episode 15 Part 1 Guests: Carina Calow & Raquel Scheidt NE Voices – A podcast amplifying the Voices of the NESD andBeyond Hosted by: Stephanie Pipke-PainchaudOnline: NESD.ca/NEVoices Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NESD200 Instagram: @NESD200 https://www.instagram.com/nesd200/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ne-voices/id1738102911 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bApwCE5KLxcBJZmI9aGLu?si=56f32d637cff4fd6 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NEVoices/podcasts NE Voices October 2025

    23 min
  7. A Family Guide to Land-Based Learning at Love Land with Guest Penny Mohr (Ep 14, Part 4)

    06/05/2025

    A Family Guide to Land-Based Learning at Love Land with Guest Penny Mohr (Ep 14, Part 4)

    This episode of NE Voices is designed for families to learn more about what to expect when your student visits Love Land. Join us as Penny Mohr, Indigenous Education Coordinator at the NESD, walks us through what a dayon the land really looks like—so you know exactly what to expect, what your child will experience, and how you can be a part of it. We cover everything from morning smudging and gratitudereflections, to safety tips, what to wear, and the kind of hands-on learning students will engage in throughout the day. Penny also shares why this kind of learning matters—and how it helps build community, curiosity, and cultural understanding in a way that goes far beyond the classroom. Whether you’re helping your child pack their backpack orconsidering joining the day yourself, this episode will leave you feeling more connected, confident, and excited about what’s ahead. ⏱️ Timeline Summary [0:45] – Parents are always welcome: why your presencematters[2:30] – Breaking down stereotypes through experience[4:10] – What to bring: clothing, bug spray, water, and footwear[6:15] – Real talk on nature: bugs, weather, and rough ground[8:00] – Risky play: learning through exploration and tools[10:15] – Fires, food, and shared snacks—how we keep it safe and joyful[11:30] – Smudging and tobacco: a cultural practice, not a ceremony[13:00] – Respectful participation: how students are included, never forced[14:00] – Curriculum connections and how learning comes to life[15:00] – Wrapping up with round dances, handshakes, and gratitude 🔗 Links & Resources Kôkom's Gathering 💬 Thank you for being part of your child’s learning journey.If this episode helped you feel more prepared, share it with a fellow parent and follow NE Voices for more thoughtful conversations on land-based learning and Indigenous education. A Family Guide to Land-Based Learning at Love Land withGuest Penny Mohr (Episode 14 Part 4) Guest: Penny Mohr NE Voices – A podcast amplifying the Voices of the NESD andBeyond Hosted by: Stephanie Pipke-PainchaudOnline: NESD.ca/NEVoices Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NESD200 Instagram: @NESD200 https://www.instagram.com/nesd200/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ne-voices/id1738102911 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bApwCE5KLxcBJZmI9aGLu?si=56f32d637cff4fd6 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NEVoices/podcasts NE Voices June 2025

    21 min
  8. Understanding Smudging as Part of Land-Based Learning Experiences with Guest Penny Mohr (Ep 13 Part 3)

    06/05/2025

    Understanding Smudging as Part of Land-Based Learning Experiences with Guest Penny Mohr (Ep 13 Part 3)

    In this special episode of NE Voices, we talk with Penny Mohr, Indigenous Education Coordinator at the North East School Division, to offer parents and caregivers a clear, thoughtful, and respectful introduction to smudging—a cultural practice often experienced during land-based learning visits to Love Land. We know that when your child brings home a note aboutsmudging, you might have questions. This episode is here to answer them. Penny shares the teachings she grew up with, explains how smudging is a cultural—not religious—practice, and offers insight into what students can expect. You’ll hear how smudging helps ground and prepare learners, what materials are used, and why participation is always a choice. This episode is a valuable tool for educators to share with families and build understanding around Indigenous cultural practices in our schools. ⏱️ Timeline Summary [0:40] – What to expect as a parent when your child visitsLove Land[1:30] – Smudging explained: a cultural, not religious, practice[3:20] – Personal story: understanding different names for the Creator[5:10] – What smudging looks like and why students do it[6:45] – Step-by-step: how Penny teaches smudging to students[9:00] – The four elements in the smudging practice[11:15] – Student reflection and gratitude through tobacco offerings[13:30] – What if my child chooses not to smudge? Inclusivity and respect[14:45] – Final thoughts: smudging as a grounding, spiritual tool—not a ceremony 🔗 Links & Resources - Kôkom's Gathering Understanding Smudging as Part of Land-Based LearningExperiences with Guest Penny Mohr (Episode 13 Part 3) Guest: Penny Mohr NE Voices – A podcast amplifying the Voices of the NESD andBeyond Hosted by: Stephanie Pipke-PainchaudOnline: https://nesd.ca/nevoiceshttps://nesd.ca/nevoices Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NESD200 Instagram: @NESD200 https://www.instagram.com/nesd200/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ne-voices/id1738102911 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7bApwCE5KLxcBJZmI9aGLu?si=56f32d637cff4fd6 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NEVoices/podcasts NE Voices June 2025

    19 min

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North East Voices - Amplifying the Voices of Educators Sharing stories of innovation, inclusion, empowerment and connection in the NESD and beyond