Building a Culture of Collaboration
Building a Culture of Collaboration

Building a Culture of Collaboration

Jigsaw Learning

Overview
Episodes

Details

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!

Recent Episodes

FRIDAY FOCUS - Make Teams Accountable to Each Other!
MAR 20, 2026
FRIDAY FOCUS - Make Teams Accountable to Each Other!
______________________#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systemsAre 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/freeInterested 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-overviewExplore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-introLearn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollabBecome 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_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7owWebsite https://jigsawlearning.caEmail [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-incInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/
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2 MIN
Intentional Spaces: Setting the Room for Stronger Meetings - Ep 73
MAR 19, 2026
Intentional Spaces: Setting the Room for Stronger Meetings - Ep 73
Kurtis and Lorna explore considerations for the physical arrangement of team meeting spaces.Connected Resources:Blog - The Crucial Role of Physical Design in Team Engagement - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/crucial-role-physical-design-team-engagementPodcast - 8 Simple Yet Powerful Ideas to Impact Team Meeting Rooms - Building a Culture of Collaboration - Ep 3 -  https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/8-simple-yet-powerful-ideas-impact-team-meeting-rooms-buildiBlog - Examining Collaborative Team Meetings - Establishing a Collaborative Meeting Space - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/going-deeper-collaborative-team-meetings-5-establishing-collResource - Collaborative Meeting Space Checklist - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cpm9FcU4EoQopXexd7T6Blf9JdRaW4ZSFJ-i0CKqWbw/edit?usp=sharing______________________#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systemsAre 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/freeInterested 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-overviewExplore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-introLearn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollabBecome 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_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7owWebsite https://jigsawlearning.caEmail [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-incInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/
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15 MIN
Building Vibrant Teams: The Power of Personal Communication Styles with Crystal Atkinson - Ep 72
MAR 17, 2026
Building Vibrant Teams: The Power of Personal Communication Styles with Crystal Atkinson - Ep 72
Wondering which leadership books help build strong, collaborative teams?We’ve got you covered!  Download the list! - https://bit.ly/102readsLooking to design a space for adult collaboration?  Access this FREE guide, which includes a checklist to reference when creating your space - https://bit.ly/spacechecklistIn this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Crystal Atkinson, a veteran educator, administrator, and instructional coach, to discuss the "missing link" in team dynamics: Communication Styles.Crystal explains that the secret to moving a team forward isn't just about the work—it’s about unpacking our own communication DNA to understand how we connect with others. We dive deep into why some colleagues feel "tricky" to work with and how you can adapt your approach to build a more vibrant, connected, and collaborative workspace.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why self-awareness is the foundation of any collaborative culture.How to identify and bridge the gap between different communication styles.Strategies for connecting with "tricky" personalities to keep projects moving.The role of leadership in setting the tone for team communication.Practical tips for sustaining a vibrant and collaborative environment.About Crystal Atkinson: With over 20 years in public education and a decade of facilitating professional development for the Alberta Teachers Association, Crystal brings a wealth of experience in coaching educational leaders and fostering high-functioning teams.Learn more about Crystal Atkinson at https://vibrantlyyou.mailchimpsites.com/---------Connect with Crystal AtkinsonEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-atkinson-coach-consultant/Facebook: https://facebook.com/csatkinsonPodcast: Vibrant Leadership for Educational LeadersConnect with Kurtis Hewson Email: [email protected] X: @hewsonk27Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson Connect with Lorna Hewson Email: [email protected] X: @LornaHewson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorna-hewson-713a59104#Collaboration #EducationalLeadership #TeamBuilding #CommunicationStyles #InstructionalCoaching #JigsawLearning #ProfessionalDevelopment---------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_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7owWebsite https://jigsawlearning.caEmail [email protected] 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-incMusic: “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.
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44 MIN
FRIDAY FOCUS - Meetings Too Long? Do This.
MAR 13, 2026
FRIDAY FOCUS - Meetings Too Long? Do This.
______________________#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systemsAre 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/freeInterested 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-overviewExplore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-introLearn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollabBecome 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_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7owWebsite https://jigsawlearning.caEmail [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-incInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/
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2 MIN
Beyond the Leader: Creating Sustainable Systems - Ep 71
MAR 12, 2026
Beyond the Leader: Creating Sustainable Systems - Ep 71
In this podcast, Kurtis and Lorna share leaders' conundrum of investing time and effort into initiating change just to realize that when they leave the system or school all their efforts fade with time and new leadership. How do we ensure sustainability in systems beyond people?Connected Resources:Blog - Building a Legacy Through Systems: Ensuring Sustainability in Collaborative Response - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/building-legacy-through-systems-ensuring-sustainability-collResources - Folder of School and District Meeting Overviews - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AYb-gavLnvVjqtCRz3oh0-WU2EeuVxeC?usp=sharing______________________#collaboration #norms #teamspirit  #leadership #systemsAre 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/freeInterested 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-overviewExplore the book Collaborative Response by downloading the introduction for FREE https://bit.ly/CR-introLearn more about WeCollab and access a FREE trial.https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/wecollabBecome 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_RKp7yxQhckpKaQur7owWebsite https://jigsawlearning.caEmail [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/JigsawLearningAB/LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/jigsaw-learning-incInstagram https://www.instagram.com/jigsawlearningab/
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15 MIN