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 - Creating Systems to Follow-up on Actions
APR 10, 2026
FRIDAY FOCUS - Creating Systems to Follow-up on Actions
______________________#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/wecollabFREE 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_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
Fun Ways to Reinforce Team Norms - Ep 79
APR 9, 2026
Fun Ways to Reinforce Team Norms - Ep 79
In this weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna share some ideas to consider when wanting to bring some fun to your team norms.   Many of the ideas shared are about ensuring high impact collaboration, while allowing opportunities for your team to have a little fun along the way!Connected Resources:Strategies for Actualizing Team Norms - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y8jHFGQaneYUuREcaEsaaSwTN2mQt_AMpijBohbxWks/edit?usp=sharing A Leader's Guide for Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide  ______________________#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
Courage as a Pre-Requisite: Empowerment & Collaboration in Middle Schools with Katie Powell - Ep 78
APR 7, 2026
Courage as a Pre-Requisite: Empowerment & Collaboration in Middle Schools with Katie Powell - Ep 78
Access a workshop guide to help your teams craft effective goals to guide their collaborative work - https://bit.ly/jlgoalsAccess the FREE Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguideHow do we move from "working in silos" to a thriving, empowered school culture?In this episode, we engage with Katie Powell, Director for Middle Level Programs for AMLE and author of Boredom Busters and Frustration Busters. Katie shares fascinating insights from AMLE’s research-evidenced best practices, specifically focusing on why leadership requires a blend of courage and collaboration.In this episode, we discuss:The link between staff empowerment and student success.What "courageous leadership" looks like in a middle school setting.Practical ways to bust frustration through better team dynamics.Lessons learned from AMLE "Schools of Distinction."About Our Guest: Katie Powell works closely with schools and districts through book studies, assessments, and professional development. Her work is dedicated to helping middle-grade educators create environments where both teachers and students can thrive.Learn more about Katie Powell at http://teachbeyondthedesk.com---------Connect with Katie PowellEmail: [email protected]: @beyond_the_deskLinkedIn: katiepowellbeyondthedesk/Other: http://amle.orgConnect with Kurtis Hewson Email: [email protected] X: @hewsonk27Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hewsonk27 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson ______________________#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/wecollabFREE 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_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/Music: “Culture of Collaboration” has been composed, recorded, and produced by Trent Ferguson for Building a Culture of Collaboration.Images: Visuals included in this video not generated under agreement with Jigsaw Learning Inc. have been carefully selected under Creative Commons for their permissions.
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52 MIN
FRIDAY FOCUS - Why Critical Mass is More Important Than Buy-In
APR 3, 2026
FRIDAY FOCUS - Why Critical Mass is More Important Than Buy-In
______________________#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/wecollabFREE 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_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 Poster: Making Team Norms Real - Ep 77
APR 2, 2026
Beyond the Poster: Making Team Norms Real - Ep 77
Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteamIn this weeks podcast, Kurtis and Lorna share the value of unpacking norms to determine the why, what they look like in practice (as well as what they do not look like) and how teams can determine what they agree to be the response if a norm is broken.Connected Resources:Access a workshop guide to help your team unpack their norms and help them have a greater impact on your collaborative efforts - https://bit.ly/jlnormsA Leader's Guide for Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide Unpacking Norms template - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B24IO7nKS0iKb6SM2CWwB0_3MT1JVn6CWcPkty3AnKA/edit?usp=sharing The Power of Team Norms: Establishing and Reinforcing Norms for Team Success - Building a Culture of Collaboration podcast - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/power-team-norms-establishing-and-reinforcing-norms-team-suc Examining Collaborative Team Meetings - Establishing and Reinforcing Norms https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications/blog-posts/examining-collaborative-team-meetings-establishing-and-reinf______________________#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