Episode 63 - Reg Klassen, Leona Prince, Monique Gray Smith: Story Telling, Leadership and Education

In this special episode recorded in partnership with the Canadian Association of School System Administrators, Jason Buccheri is joined by co-host Reg Klassen and guests Leona Prince and Monique Gray Smith for a powerful conversation about storytelling, identity, reconciliation, and the future of education. Together, they explore how stories shape the way young people understand themselves, their communities, and the world around them. Leona and Monique reflect on Indigenous storytelling traditions, the importance of joy and hope alongside truth, and the role of books in helping students feel seen and valued. The conversation also turns to school leadership, mental health, outdoor learning, and the growing sense of disconnection among students and educators. Reg, Leona, and Monique discuss why relationships remain at the heart of learning, how leaders can listen more deeply, and why schools must create space for belonging, wellness, and human connection. This episode is a thoughtful reminder that education is not only about curriculum and achievement. It is about nourishing the heart, mind, and spirit of every learner, and creating schools where every child can recognize their own brilliance. Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠educationmatters.media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://educationmatters.media/) About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders. New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation! Join the convo: What’s your take on today’s discussion? Feedback is good! Comment below. Timestamps: [00:00:00] CASSA Partnership And Episode Introduction [00:01:40] Guest Introduction With Leona Prince And Monique Gray Smith [00:03:45] Leona Prince On Indigenous Education And Mental Health [00:05:21] Monique Gray Smith On Writing And Sharing The Light [00:06:21] Truth Joy Hope And Indigenous Storytelling [00:07:53] How Leona And Monique First Connected [00:10:12] Be A Good Ancestor And The Power Of Mentorship [00:12:56] Leadership Friendship And Stories That Matter [00:14:32] Indigenous Identity Culture And Complex Stories [00:16:12] Collaboration Reconciliation And Indigenous Books [00:18:35] Monique Gray Smith On Becoming A Writer [00:20:15] Holding The Branches Back For Future Storytellers [00:21:53] Leona Prince On Family Stories And Cultural Identity [00:25:17] Finding Courage To Write And Share Stories [00:28:07] Paying It Forward Through Indigenous Storytelling [00:30:02] Why Storytelling Matters In School Leadership [00:32:47] Leaders As Storytellers In Education Systems [00:36:25] Reg Klassen On Listening And Asking Better Questions [00:39:35] Wellness Challenges In Schools Today [00:40:35] Student Disconnection And The Anxious Generation [00:43:21] Information Overload And The Need For Grounding [00:44:56] Outdoor Learning Mental Health And Belonging [00:49:40] Rethinking Teacher Training For Today’s Learners [00:52:44] Compassionate Systems And Land Based Education [00:59:05] Blue Sky Vision For The Future Of Education