Time for Teaching

In this episode, Kelly and Kim are thrilled to welcome Laura Koza, a superstar educator from Georgian, who brings adventure, creativity, and a whole lot of heart to her teaching.

Laura takes us on a journey through her teaching experiences, sharing insights on engagement, connection, and the joy of learning. From her high-flex teaching environment to her innovative strategies for fostering student involvement.

But it's not all serious talk! Kelly and Kim inject plenty of humor and camaraderie into the conversation, drawing parallels between teaching and real-life experiences. From discussing the latest trends in education to sharing hilarious anecdotes, this podcast is as entertaining as it is informative.

So grab your favorite beverage, cozy up, and join us for an enlightening and laughter-filled discussion with Laura Koza on the "Time for Teaching" podcast. It's not just another episode—it's an adventure in learning!

Synopsis written by ChatGPT based on the transcripts and reviewed and edited by a very appreciative Time for Teaching team 😊

Welcome to the "Time for Teaching" podcast, your go-to destination for all things engaging and educational! Hosted by the dynamic duo Kim Reed and Kelly Fox, this series is your passport to the vibrant world of higher education. Get ready to dive into lively discussions, share laughs, and uncover the secrets to sparking student excitement in every classroom.

In today's episode, we're joined by two incredible guests who are shaking up the education scene: Rick Beazley and Steve Waller! These two bring a whole lot of pizzazz to the table as they spill the beans on their tried-and-true methods for keeping students on the edge of their seats.

From creating interactive learning environments to infusing a dash of real-world flair into lessons, Rick and Steve are masters at turning even the most mundane topics into epic adventures. They'll have you laughing, learning, and itching to try out their ingenious teaching strategies in your own classrooms.

So, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and get ready to be inspired! Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, this episode is guaranteed to leave you buzzing with fresh ideas and a newfound zest for teaching. Tune in now and join the party!

Synopsis written by ChatGPT based on the transcripts and reviewed and edited by a very appreciative Time for Teaching team 😊

Welcome to The Time for Teaching Podcast Reboot podcast where we dive deep into the dynamic world of teaching, learning, and everything in between! In today's episode, hosts Kim and Kelly bring you on an adventure filled with laughter, insights, and some unforgettable classroom tales.

Meet our fabulous guest, Carolyn, as she shares hilarious anecdotes to uncovering the secret ingredients of teaching success, this conversation is anything but ordinary!

Get ready to discover some surprising strategies for keeping students hooked and educators inspired. Whether it's embracing the chaos of group presentations or finding the perfect balance between professionalism and humor, Kim, Kelly and Carolyn spill the beans on what really makes their classrooms come alive.

But that's not all! Tune in to hear about the wild adventures of being a lifelong learner in the ever-changing landscape of education. With valuable tips on staying engaged, energized, and endlessly curious, this episode is a must-listen for educators and learners alike.

So grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and join us for an unforgettable ride as we explore the fascinating world of engagement in education. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even discover your new favorite teaching trick!

Synopsis written by ChatGPT based on the transcripts and reviewed and edited by a very appreciative Time for Teaching team 😊

Get ready to spice up your podcast playlist with the latest episode of the Time for Teaching Podcast! Hosts Kelly and Kim throw out the rulebook as they bring in the one and only Jared Otterman, aka Jay Rock, for an unscripted and uproarious episode. It's a rollercoaster of laughter, adventure, and genuine insights into the world of teaching!

Discover why Jared is the hosts' favorite as they rave about his authenticity, sincerity, and knack for connecting with everyone. The episode unfolds with tales of Jared's epic road trip through eastern Canada, adding a dash of thrill to the conversation. But it's not just fun anecdotes; the hosts and Jared dive into the profound aspects of community, mentorship, and relationships in academia.

Jared spills the beans on his mentorship journey, emphasizing the reciprocal magic that these connections bring. The trio explores the challenges of building genuine connections in the era of remote work and evolving social dynamics. They uncover how authentic relationships impact personal well-being, professional growth, and the overall teaching experience.

From reflections on teaching practices to navigating the highs and lows of productivity with self-compassion, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom. Join Kelly, Kim, and Jared in a podcast party where they unravel the thrilling ride of teaching, mentorship, and the transformative power of authentic connections in education. Tune in now for an episode that's bound to leave you both inspired and entertained! 🎙️✨

Synopsis written by ChatGPT based on the transcripts and reviewed and edited by a very appreciative Time for Teaching team 😊

Welcome to "Time for Teaching Miniseries: Reboot" where insightful conversations unfold. Join hosts Kim Reid and Kelly Fox as they welcome the wonderful Melanie Doyle to explore navigating the challenges of post-pandemic life. Melanie, a proud member of the dental hygiene class of '96 at Georgian College, brings her wealth of experience as a registered psychotherapist and Masters in Counseling psychology. The trio delves into the complexities of psychological safety, reflecting on the trauma of the pandemic and the impact on reentry. They discuss burnout, the importance of recognizing trauma responses, and share practical insights for creating trauma-informed environments, especially in educational settings. The conversation seamlessly transitions to the balance between comfort and challenge, drawing inspiration from the Armchair Expert episode with Dr. Anna Lemke. Melanie guides us through self-awareness, setting boundaries, and reframing our relationship with pain. With warmth and authenticity, this podcast is a must-listen for those seeking understanding, connection, and tools to navigate the evolving landscape of personal and professional growth in the post-pandemic world.

Synopsis written by ChatGPT based on the transcripts and reviewed and edited by a very appreciative Time for Teaching team 😊

In this episode, we're joined by the amazing Amy Bagshaw, a Georgian College visual artist and educator whose passion knows no bounds. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Queens University and a Master of Fine Art from Stony Brook University, Amy's artistic journey has captivated audiences across North America and Europe.

But Amy is more than just your average artist and educator. She's a creative powerhouse pushing boundaries and sparking thought-provoking conversations. From her role as faculty at Georgian College to her adventurous spirit, Amy's journey is a testament to the power of creativity and community.

In our conversation with Amy, we explore how engagement in the arts goes beyond creation to include appreciation and how consistency and community play crucial roles in nurturing creativity.

So join us as we unravel the complexities of creativity and engagement in higher education with the insightful and inspiring Amy Bagshaw. You won't want to miss this captivating conversation. Tune in now!

Synopsis written by ChatGPT based on the transcripts and reviewed and edited by a very appreciative Time for Teaching team 😊

Get ready for a thrilling ride as hosts Kim and Kelly reunite in the podcast space after what feels like an eternity. In this exciting introductory episode, they dive into the nostalgia of their past collaborations, sharing laughter, wit, and the unique bond that made their previous podcast a hit.

But this reunion is not just about reminiscing; it's a revival sparked by a timely message from Kelly to revisit the magic. As they catch up on life's adventures, from sports seasons to weddings and new grandchildren, they explore the subtle changes that the pandemic brought to their perspectives on connection and isolation.

Hold onto your seats as they share insights from intriguing podcasts that inspired them, like the episode featuring Dr. Vivek Murthy, discussing the alarming levels of loneliness in America.  Which sparks a discussion about rebuilding social connections and the hidden impacts of solitude.

If you've been missing that perfect blend of humor, wisdom, and genuine connection, join Kim and Kelly on this journey as they navigate the complex landscape of human connection in a post-pandemic world. Welcome back to the magic of "Time for Teaching"!

Synopsis written by ChatGPT based on the transcripts and reviewed and edited by a very appreciative Time for Teaching team 😊

It's been a heck of a ride, and as much as we're so very sad to bid the podcast farewell, we say goodbye (at least for now) with so much love and appreciation in our hearts.  We'd love if you would join us for one last hurrah before we hang up the mics for a little while.  Please be our guest for a farewell to Time for Teaching!

This week we were lucky enough to snag some time with the incredibly sweet, kind, knowledgeable and BUSY Dr. Sarah Hunter when she stopped by our virtual meeting space for a chat.  Dr. Hunter is leading some incredible work on mindfulness across Simcoe County (including here at Georgian), and was kind enough to share some information about her research and her work on mindfulness in the healthcare field, as well as some practically applicable strategies and ideas around mindfulness in our classrooms and lives.  Her passion and expertise about mindfulness and good mental health was enough to bring Kim to tears more than once, and her suggestion that mindfulness and positive mental health practices be added as an essential employability skill had both Kim and Kelly jumping out of their seats to applaud.  Dr. Hunter is a ray of sunshine, a warm and compassionate person, and is quickly becoming one to be watched in the world of mindfulness (we're predicting like co-hosting a podcast with Brene Brown type stuff).  She is incredible, and this interview is a MUST listen.  We hope you'll enjoy our chat with Dr. Sarah Hunter.

This week we welcomed a (virtual) guest from across the pond, Mr. Ian Harris CEO of Teaching How2s, and all around personable, quick-witted, and lovely fellow! Ian shared with us the gaps and inequities that he recognized in traditional professional development, and how Teaching How2s help to make quality PD accessible for faculty where and when they need it.  Ian also shares some of the innovative ways that folks all over the world are using Teaching How2s to help supplement and support their on-site training like we do here at Georgian.  And psssst....in case you haven't heard, we (faculty at Georgian) have access to the incredible collection of How2s and all of the amazing material within them.  Tune in to learn more, and to enjoy the charisma (and very cool accent) of Ian Harris.

This week we had the pleasure of sitting down (virtually) with the lovely Toni Cano to chat about her work in and on the pharmacy technician program here at Georgian.  Toni shared information about community outreach, partnerships, and work placements, and also how the 'covid catalyst' has changed the way that students learn and work within the pharmacy tech program.  Toni is an innovator, and an inspiration in the teaching and working worlds.  She also really cares about her students and their success and well-being, which is clear through her teaching, and comes through in this chat as well.  We hope you enjoy our discussion with the amazing, Toni Cano.

This week we had the pleasure of connecting with Amanda McKenzie (or as Kelly suggests, the Beyonce of the Academic Integrity world).  Amanda was kind enough to share her expertise (and she's got A LOT of it!) on academic integrity, academic misconducts (and the difference between the two), and well as quality assurance, and some of other amazing things she and her team are working on at the University of Waterloo.  Amanda builds on our previous discussions about AI, sheds light on the importance of connection with our students and open and honest conversations about academic integrity, and shares some great information about how faculty (here at Georgian and beyond) can support students through trying times in their academic careers.  You don't want to miss this one!

This week we took our virtual discussions across the pond to connect with some friends from IT Sligo in Ireland and our very own Janette O'Neill-Scott.  Cathy O'Kelly, Mairead McCann and Janette have been working collaboratively on a teaching and learning experience through COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) and they stopped by to give us some information about their COIL project, about the experience from an instructor perspective, and a little about the student feedback they've received so far (spoiler alert - it's all positive and amazing!).  Please take a listen to these brave and incredible instructors, learn about their experience, and get information about how you too can engage in a COIL project.

Our friend and mentor Mark Dorsey stopped by for a chat this week.  It was a lively and exciting one, and as always, Mark had lots of informative and interesting information to share about the value of liberal arts in post-secondary education, the importance of saying no and choosing projects and the way we spend our time wisely (we could have done an entire episode just on this concept alone!), and on how he makes the time fill his cup through his love of music and songwriting.  Mark is living legend around Georgian (and beyond!) and we are sure you'll enjoy the chat with him as much as we did!

This week we had a bit of a field of dreams moment ("if you build it, they will come") when we had the pleasure of interviewing Josh and Caitlin from Assiniboine Community College.  Josh and Caitlin shared their knowledge, and also some awesome resources around academic integrity, and give us the feels when they talked about AI through a lens of trust, honesty, community, and proactivity.  They also provided a little peak behind the curtain into some of the other incredible work they are doing at Assiniboine and the resources they are helping to create for their students and faculty.  You don't want to miss this one!!!

The last year and a half has required us to be more resilient than we ever thought possible, but we STILL tend to underestimate (like, by a TON) our ability to face challenge and adversity in our lives.  This week, we take a look at resilience through both personal and professional lenses, and we consider the ways in which we can recognize and appreciate our own ability to overcome, and also promote these skills through our teaching, and help our students to learn them as well.  We hope you'll join us for a chat about resilience in our lives and teaching.

Our chat with Ishaan was a BLAST!  He is a bright light of joy, enthusiasm, innovation, and knowledge.  He is also humble, kind, friendly, motivated, and fun!  In our time together, Ishaan shared information about some of the incredible initiatives he and the GCSA are championing across all seven Georgian campuses, he expanded on our discussion of breaking down silos (discussed previously with Sheona as well), and invited faculty and staff to get involved, to ask questions, and to be a part of the student experience in whatever ways they can.  We loved our chat with Ishaan so much, we pledged our full endorsement of any future political campaigns in his future, and promise that we'll be door knockers to get the word out there and share our thoughts on how incredible Ishaan and his work are #IshaanForPrimeMinster !!!

We wrapped up our "What's in a week" series with the amazing Rob Harrison this week.  Rob is a highly valued member of the Liberal Arts portfolio, and also a "friend of CTL" frequenting courses and sessions as a past participant and expert on a variety of teaching-related topics.  This week, we had the chance to learn a little about Rob's design and development process, to hear about why he believes asking for feedback and being vulnerable in our classes helps our students to learn, and some of the ways that Rob has reconnected with his love for teaching after a challenging 18 months for the world of education.  So many valuable tips, strategies, and ideas shared here - this one is a must listen!  We hope you enjoy our chat with Rob!

Continuing on with our "What's in a week" series - we got to sit down (virtually!) with Rena Lang this week, and loved every minute of our time together.  Rena has tackled the seemingly impossible over the past 18 months as she and her team were able to take a hands on program (Hair styling) and find ways to connect with, share information, observe, and interact with students virtually in ways we never thought possible.  Rena is one of the most humble people we've ever met and would never sing her own praises, but we're very happy to do it for her.  Rena and her team are incredible, and in this episode, she shares some of the many ways that she makes connection a priority in her teaching, and helps her students to do the same as they prepare to enter the workforce.  You don't want to miss this one!

We LOVED our chat with recent recipient of a Teaching Excellence Award - Eleanor Gittens!!!  Like, really, really loved it.  Kim had goosebumps listening to Eleanor share about the organization in her course. Kelly said Eleanor was singing a tune from our favourite songbook.  And, most importantly, Eleanor shared SO many valuable tips, strategies, and ideas, about how she designs and delivers her course.  You do not want to miss this one.  Practical application strategies, manageable, realistic ideas for how to organize, design, and deliver content.  The first of our "What's in a Week" series is a an absolute gem!  We know you'll LOVE this episode with Eleanor!

Our friends from Cambrian popped into our virtual meeting space today to chat about some of the amazing work that they're doing at Cambrian's Teaching and Learning Innovation Hub.  Sarah, Chris, Mel, and their team are finding ways to meet faculty where they are, they're finding unique and inspiring ways to help faculty connect with one another and with PD, and they are gearing up to host and facilitate their Northern Lights: Reflection on Teaching Conference - October 26th and 27th, 2021.  This chat left us feeling excited, gave us the giggles (as we explored MS Teams "together mode") and provided so much inspiration as we continue to find our stride in this '21/'22 academic year.  We hope you enjoy our chat with our friends from Cambrian as much as we did!

Today we tackle a topic that we've danced around a little in our podcast journey, and have definitely thought about a lot in our teaching careers - the love of learning, and how we reach, connect with, and teach those who don't love learning (and why it's ok with us that they don't).  This is basically an episode about how we can connect with our students, and help them connect with the content - it's the age old question of engagement, with a twist!  Oh, and we did some research, which means there are actually some valuable tips and information that extend beyond the small pool of knowledge that we have! :)  We hope you'll take a listen!

We had the pleasure of chatting with the lovely, knowledgeable, and thoughtful Erica Kelly this week, and are thrilled to share our chat and lots of great information about humanizing practices, external professional development, intercollegiate relationships and more.  Erica shares some wonderful practical application tips and strategies that she uses to connect with her students in online and remote environments, and also reminds us of the importance of being context-centered in our interactions with our students by recognizing that their comfort level and ability to participate may vary week to week.  Erica and Kim met at a the virtual CALL (College Association for Language and Literacy) conference this past spring, and Erica shares what the CALL conference (and others like it) bring to her teaching practice and her passion for what she does.  We hope that you'll enjoy our chat with Erica as much a we did!

Chances are, at some point in your Georgian career, you've had the pleasure of connecting with either Matt or Steve (or both!) when you've run into a Blackboard issue.  To say that they are experts would not do enough to capture exactly what they do and how valuable their work and knowledge is to us.  The only logical way to describe these two is as Blackboard Ninjas.  Matt and Steve stopped by to chat with us about all of the wonderful ways they offer support to faculty, about what's new and exciting about our learning management system, and they both shared a few nuggets of information around "things you should know" about Bb that could make your work life SO much easier.  This episode is a "must listen" to ensure you are saving yourself time, and making the most of the features of our LMS.

This week we had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Rob Theriault about all things Virtual Reality at Georgian.  Kelly was blown away by Rob's passion for these initiatives, and Kim had a lightbulb moment when considering the impact of adrenaline on our ability to make decisions in emergencies (VR can help our students experience this through simulation!).  Rob has piloted projects in many of the medical fields at the college (nursing, paramedics, veterinary tech, and more, but he has also extended VR into many other program areas at the college, including fine arts, the trades, and indigenous studies.  The possibilities appear endless, and with Rob at the helm, we're certain that VR is, and will continue to be, an important part of the Georgian student experience.

Sheona Morrison is a go-getter!  Not only is a superstar athlete (proudly representing the University of Toronto on their soccer team for all four years of her undergraduate experience), but she brings that same fierceness and passion to her role managing Student Leadership and Transition Programs here at the College.  Sheona brings a fresh and exciting energy and new perspective to the podcast, shining light on the work that our students do to enhance the Georgian experience, and sharing information about how faculty can support and be a part of student-driven initiatives across all Georgian campuses.  Buckle up for this one, it's full of so much information and energy it'll have you jumping out of your seat!

This week we sat down with MaryLynn West-Moynes, who was as just as fun and easy to talk to as she was passionate about the Georgian community and team!  MaryLynn chatted with us about what "fills her cup", what brought her to the world of education, and to Georgian specifically, and she also takes a deep and meaningful dive into discussing the near and more distant future goals of the college and our community.  MaryLynn is so thoughtful and sincere in both her plans and her actions, and she isn't afraid to tackle topics like Covid protocols, vaccinations, the soon-to-be-revealed strategic plan, and what it's like to be a female college president in a field still statistically dominated by men.  We thoroughly enjoyed our chat, and left feeling confident, excited, and committed to a bright future at Georgian.  You don't want to miss this one! :)

Jarrod is a good guy, like a really good guy.  He's humble, he's kind, he works incredibly hard, he is so skilled and intelligent, and he's a great friend to CTL (and we're sure SO many more) at Georgian.  Jarrod stops by to talk about his commitment to PD, what inspires him about teaching (hint - Greg Rogrido shout out that you don't want to miss!), he talks about teaching that doesn't feel like teaching, advice his offers his students as they prepare to enter the field, and more.  You don't want to miss this one with the awesome Jarrod Otterman!

It was a bright and sunny Thursday morning the day we sat down to chat with Kevin Weaver, and the sun wasn't the only thing warming our hearts that morning.  Kevin was an absolute joy to chat with and listen to.  In this episode Kevin shares a whole load of important information about digital innovation, new learning modalities, micro credentials, current and future plans for Georgian, and more.  But what got us so excited, and really and truly "filled our cups" during our chat was the tangible passion and excitement that you can feel when Kevin talks about Georgian, his work within and outside of it, and of course, when he talks about the Leafs.  You do not want to miss this episode.  Really.  It's full of important information about Georgian, but also just presents such a refreshing and exciting look at the college, the faculty, staff, and students within it, and the incredibly future that Kevin, the Senior Leadership Team, and the whole Georgian community are working so hard towards.  You do not want to miss this one! :)

It's been a year (and a half!)....gosh has it ever been a year (and a half).  Many of us have found ourselves experiencing cognitive overload, emotional overload, and just general life overload.  This can leave us feeling like work is a lot, in some cases, too much.  And sometimes, it's hard to find joy in things that feel like really hard work.  However, it's important to remember that many of us also got into this career because we love teaching, we love learning, and if we're lucky enough, we love our jobs and what we do.  Our goal today is to pause, reflect, and remind ourselves what we love about our work and our jobs and how we can do more of that and find more joy, or find joy again in our work.  This episode presents some tips and ideas around finding ways to love your job.  Please join us for this important episode that we hope will help all of us feel energized, excited, and prepared for the upcoming fall term.

We adore Erin.  She is kind, thoughtful, authentic, talented, and so giving (in her life, in her work, and everywhere!).  We thoroughly enjoyed our chat with Erin and are already looking forward to having her back on the podcast again.  Erin shared information about Speech and Language learning at Georgian and the Harmonize for Speech, Hearing, and Language Clinic, which is a student-led community clinic for folks in Simcoe County and beyond.  Erin's passion for her students and all that they do is admirable and tangible.  We hope you enjoy this heart-warming chat with Erin Gilchrist.

We laughed, we reminisced, we laughed some more, we chatted, and somewhere in there the hilarious and fun Gail Hussey shared some of her amazing knowledge and experience regarding library services, life at Georgian, and more.  Gail is a firecracker, and we had a blast chatting and goofing around with her!  We hope you enjoy this lively chat with Gail! :)

Kelly Duggan joins us this week to chat about bravery in our teaching, work, and lives, about what digital innovation means to us and our students here at Georgian, about a passion for life and travel, and so much more.  This was an incredibly inspiring interview, and we hope that you'll enjoy listening to Kelly D as much as we enjoyed chatting with her.

We are continually blown away by the support and encouragement we receive for this podcast.  We have also had felt like our cups overfloweth with guests who have touched our hearts, fed our minds, and have stoked the fire for learning, growth, and appreciation for Georgian and all of the amazing faculty and staff who make it an incredible place to work and be.  In this (short and sweet!) episode, we say thanks, we reflect, and we make plans for the future of this little podcast that could. Thank you so much for being a part of this journey with us, and we look forward to many more laughs, lots more learning, and most importantly, sharing space with and stories from incredible colleagues doing incredible things.

The incredible, fun, supportive, knowledgeable, and kind Amy Goruk stopped by this week to share some insight on instructional design in general, to expand our understanding of some of the new learning modalities coming to Georgian, and to help us make sense of the collection of acronyms (in the form of many new and exciting courses!) coming out of the Centre for Teaching and Learning this fall.  We hope you enjoy this informative, important, and fun chat with the wonderful and awesome, Amy!

This week we are joined by the lovely and knowledgeable Katie Albisser who was kind enough to stop by and share (from her experience as a yogi, phys ed. teacher, and more!) some information about sedentary work, and how to fight back against the negative impact that sitting can have on our health.  Katie provides some amazing (realistic and manageable!) tips and strategies to help keep our bodies and our brains sharp during this unusual time (and beyond!)

This week the incredible Alissa Bigelow joins us to talk about new learning modalities at Georgian, OERs, and much more! We hope you'll take a listen to the incredible Alissa share important information about a more flexible and "open" post-secondary learning experience.

Anyone who's ever met Mac knows that he is a total firecracker.  Quick wit, great sense of humour, huge wealth of knowledge, and a heck of a time.  We mustered up the courage to ask him to join us for a chat (mostly because we knew Kelly could edit the episode before we posted it, hopefully ensuring none of our jobs would be in jeopardy), and Mac did not disappoint.  He speaks with so much passion about what he and his team do, and shares his thoughts on the value and importance of satellite campuses, the future of the trades (we think he and Adam may have been colluding on this as they both had incredibly polished and amazing answers), and Mac also shares information about some exciting new opportunities at Georgian for students in the trades.  To learn more, and to be entertained by the comedic stylings of Mac, we invite you to take a listen!

When Corinne isn't sharing her gifts in the worlds of teaching, learning, and managing you can often find her loving on her cats, travelling the world, or gigging with her band (we hear she's a fabulous singer!).  We had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Corinne about her involvement in international student experiences and teaching (mostly through EAP - English for Academic Purposes program), what the Language Help Centre is and who it supports, and also the importance of faculty appreciating and understanding the challenges that our incredible international students face when they come to Ontario to study at Georgian.  Corinne is friendly, warm, kind, knowledgeable, inclusive, patient, and all around a real blast to share space with.  We hope you enjoy our chat with Corinne!

Our Fireside Chat with Dr. Robert Luke...continued!

We had the pleasure of chatting with Greg Taylor about all things mental health, and are so thrilled to share his insightful, helpful, and thorough list of resources (below), as well as to chat with him about being proactive in our own mental health and how to support students during these trying times.  Greg's extensive experience in the field is evident, as is his big heart, and genuine concern and care for the entire Georgian community.  We hope you'll take a minute to check out our chat with the wonderful Greg Taylor.

Editing is tough and I just couldn't make this conversation into 30 minutes so here is part 2 of our conversation with Jill Esmonde.

Jill Esmonde is a badass.  In every sense of the word.  She is bold, brave, intelligent, real, kind, caring, and she doesn’t take shit from anyone.  And gosh do we ever love and admire her for that (and so many other things!).  Jill joins us for a discussion about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Georgian College and beyond, how there are no "sidelines" when it comes to racism and discrimination, and what we as faculty and people can do to act, and to be a part of positive change.  Jill tackles our discussion, and her work, and life with a passion that sparks, motivates, inspires, and challenges.  She creates space for pause and reflection, she leans into discomfort and painful conversations, and has the guts to say the things that others won't.  We hope that you'll take a ride with us, and with the incredible Jill Esmonde, and that her words will spark action, change perspectives, and force us to consider our role in making the world a place that's safe, welcoming, and fair for all.

We had the chance to sit down and chat with Adam Zubczyk (zoob-chick), and after our time together we are completely certain that he could do a much better job hosting this podcast than we do. No joke, the guy is a complete pro.  Adam is passionate about what he does, about the people he works with, about the students he supports, and about the future of the trades and Georgian's place within it.  In this episode, Adam shares with us how he and his colleagues have adjusted and innovated to accommodate their students in the electrical techniques and apprenticeship programs in this new world, shares his thoughts about why the electrical program is so popular, and introduces us to the phrase "earn while you learn" which is just as cool as it sounds.  We hope you'll take a little time to listen to our chat with the guy who might be stealing our jobs someday soon - the super professional, friendly, well-spoken, and fun Adam Zubczyk.

Josh Barath is a self-proclaimed "talker", so needless to say, he fit in REAL well with us, and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him and learning about all of the amazing things that he and his team are working on here at Georgian.  The (gulp, ew.) pivot (ugh) to remote learning presented challenges for Josh, as an integral part of his program area is co-op placement.  But what many of us saw as a challenge, or barrier to historical (read - comfortable) practice, Josh saw as an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and update.  The new foundation for learning that he and his team have developed, and continue to build upon is nothing short of awesome.  Like, really really awesome. And not only does it help his students meet the same learning outcomes they met in traditional co-ops, it also gives them a peek behind the curtain (of the "real world" that lies ahead in their field), and an opportunity for networking and connection with the professionals and companies who will be employing these students in the future.  Josh, and his commitment to growth, passion for student success, and bravery in the face of challenge are what post-secondary teaching is (and darn well should be) all about.  We hope that you enjoy our enlightening and fun chat with Josh!

A wise person once said "No [person] ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and [they] not the same [person]."  We've danced around this idea for a while, and finally took the time to think a little more deeply on the idea of the "new normal".  I think most of us would agree that there is no going "back" to normal (we think at this point, it's more likely that you'd accompany Marty McFly back to the future), so it's time to start considering the exciting possibilities and opportunities that await us in the "new normal" and the future of post-secondary education here at Georgian.

This week we had the pleasure of chatting with the knowledgeable, passionate, and innovative Alyssa Hall.  Alyssa shares a passion for golf with Kelly, a passion for hiking, boating, and outdoor adventures with Kim, and shares her thoughts on authentic assessment in the teaching and learning process with our audience.  Alyssa is doing some great things in her classes, like really great.  She's mastered lesson planning, course design, and assessment and so much more, and is now placing great focus on authentic assessment which is not only authentic to students and their experiences, but also focuses on mirroring what life, work, and tasks will look like for our students beyond the realm of Georgian.  We had a blast chatting with Alyssa, and really believe that there are some fabulous takeways and application ideas for other Georgian faculty to apply in their classes. We hope you enjoy!