Episodes

8
Nov. 27, 2025

Virtual Summit Bonus - The Psychology Behind Collaborative Team Meetings

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lead Learner and Co-Founder of Jigsaw Learning Kurtis Hewson addresses the contradictory statement "support the student by not focusing on them during the Collaborative Team Meeting" as well as a number of collaborative structures and processes that are implemented intentionally to create psychological safety for staff as they build their collective efficacy. Connected Resources Establishing the Agenda blog - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publ...
7
Nov. 25, 2025

Virtual Summit Bonus - Establishing and Expanding Impactful Team Structures at the Junior High Level with Jaret Hofe

Access a workshop guide to ensure you are truly engaging as a team - https://bit.ly/JLgroupteam Register for the Collaborative Response Retreat - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/events/retreat Register for the Facilitating Effective Collaborative Team Meetings course - bit.ly/facilitatectm In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by by Jaret Hofer, principal of Brooks Junior High School, exploring how they have seen the evolution of Collaborative Response i...
6
Nov. 24, 2025

Virtual Summit Bonus - Promoting Purposeful Reflection Through Layers of Team w/ Trevor Van Someren

Register NOW!!! JLsummit.ca In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Trevor Van Someren, who has been a dedicated educator since 2001. For the past 13 years, Trevor has served as a K–8 principal, leading learning and fostering strong, collaborative school cultures. He has deeply engaged in understanding and implementing Collaborative Response and now also works as a WeCollab Lead for Jigsaw Learning, engaging with schools and divisions in connecting the ...
5
Nov. 23, 2025

Virtual Summit Bonus - Collaboratively Responding Across a System w/ CBE Chief Superintendent Joanne Pitman

Access an Overview of Collaborative Response article to learn more - https://bit.ly/CR-overview In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis Hewson are joined by Joanne Pitman, Chief Superintendent of Schools with the Calgary Board of Education, serving more than 138,000 students across more than 250 schools. Joanne shares insights related to leading Collaborative Response in a complex and dynamic system, ensuring high degrees of clarity, intentionality and purpose. ----...
4
Nov. 22, 2025

Virtual Summit Bonus - Deepening Instructional Clarity and Support for All Through Collaborative Response w/ Darrin DeForge

We are excited to announce that Darrin will be presenting at the 2025 Collaborative Response Virtual Summit. For more information visit: https://www.JLsummit.ca In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Darrin DeForge, principal of Joan Carr Catholic Elementary/Junior High in Edmonton, Alberta. This episode explores his perspectives on fostering school culture and how the school integrates research-driven strategies with Collaborative Response to drive me...
3
Nov. 21, 2025

Virtual Summit Bonus - Acknowledging the Messiness When Implementing Collaborative Response w/ Keri Card-Esau and Kim Wedman

We are excited to announce the Leadership Team from HW Pickup Middle School will be presenting at the 2025 Collaborative Response Virtual Summit. For more information visit: https://www.JLsummit.ca In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Keri Card-Esau and Kim Wedman. Keri and Kim unpack the incredible work they are doing within Wild Rose School Division and specifically at HW Pickup Middle School, sharing the ways in which they have fostered collaborat...
2
Nov. 20, 2025

Virtual Summit Bonus - Aligning A Vision within a Division Through Collaborative Response w/ Bev Cotton

We are excited to announce Bev will be presenting at the 2025 Collaborative Response Virtual Summit. For more information visit: https://www.JLsummit.ca In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Bev Cotton, Director of Learning Supports in Northern Gateway Public Schools. They discuss how Bev has championed Collaborative Response by supporting Inclusive Education Facilitators in every school and we dig into her insights, successes, and advice for creating...
1
Nov. 19, 2025

Virtual Summit Bonus - Impacting Executive Functioning Through Collaborative Response w/ James S McCormick School

We are excited to announce that Leadership Team at JS McCormick will be presenting at the 2025 Collaborative Response Virtual Summit. For more information visit: https://www.JLsummit.ca Access the FREE Guide for Leaders to Develop and Reinforce Team Norms - http://bit.ly/teamnormsguide In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis sit down with Melissa Rogers and Karen Weidner, two members of the leadership team at James S McCormick School. They explore how the school is ...
86
Nov. 18, 2025

Establishing a Collaborative Response Culture Across a School System with Katie Graham - Ep 86

The Facilitating Effective Collaborative Team Meetings course gives you the tools, strategies, and structures to transform your team meetings from routine discussions into powerful problem-solving sessions. Access the course: bit.ly/facilitatectm In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Katie Graham, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services with Grasslands Public Schools. Her deep roots and leadership journey make her the perfect person to share ins...
10
Nov. 15, 2025

SUNDAY REWIND - 4 Mistakes Leaders Make When Setting Up Collaborative Team Meetings

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Jennifer and Kurtis explore four mistakes leaders make when first setting up collaborative team meetings in schools, as well as ideas to consider to avoid and/or overcome these mistakes. Reach out to connect with Kurtis Hewson Email kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca Twitter @hewsonk27 LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson --------- Related Resources Looking to learn more about collaborative team meetings? Access a number of samples a...
85
Nov. 11, 2025

Data-Informed Pre-Meeting Organizers for Collaborative Team Meetings - Ep 85

In this weeks episode, Kurtis and Lorna share the impact of using data-informed pre-meeting organizers. We discuss the simple adjustments needed to include the data and the impact it has on bringing forward the right students for the Collaborative Team Meeting. Connected Resources: Five Mistakes Leaders Make When Organizing Data for Teams FREE webinar - https://bit.ly/5mistakesdata Establishing a School-Wide Data and Evidence Plan Workshop - https://bit.ly/dataevidenceplan Purposeful Layerin...
9
Nov. 8, 2025

SUNDAY REWIND - Reduce Your Meetings...By Adding One More!

In this episode Leading Collaborative Response, Jennifer and Lorna explore the contradiction of reducing the number of meetings by adding one more through an in depth discussion of the various layers of team meetings that align with the continuum of supports as part of Collaborative Response. Related Resources Blogs Adding One More Meeting https://corwin-connect.com/2022/04/reduce-the-number-of-student-meetingsby-adding-one-more/ Shifting to Key Issues https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/publications...
84
Nov. 4, 2025

Promoting Purposeful Reflection Through Layers of Team w/ Trevor Van Someren - Ep 84

Register NOW!!! JLsummit.ca In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by Trevor Van Someren, who has been a dedicated educator since 2001. For the past 13 years, Trevor has served as a K–8 principal, leading learning and fostering strong, collaborative school cultures. He has deeply engaged in understanding and implementing Collaborative Response and now also works as a WeCollab Lead for Jigsaw Learning, engaging with schools and divisions in connecting the ...
8
Nov. 2, 2025

SUNDAY REWIND - The Psychology Behind Collaborative Team Meetings

In this Episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lead Learner and Co-Founder of Jigsaw Learning Kurtis Hewson addresses the contradictory statement "support the student by not focusing on them during the Collaborative Team Meeting" as well as a number of collaborative structures and processes that are implemented intentionally to create psychological safety for staff as they build their collective efficacy. Resources referenced in this episode: Establishing the Agenda blog - https://www.jigsa...
83
Oct. 28, 2025

Preparation Prior to a Collaborative Team Meeting - Ep 83

In this weeks episode, Kurtis and Lorna discuss various ways to ensure your are well prepared for your Collaborative Team Meetings. The small investment of time up front can lead to greater engagement and impact for students. Connected Resources: Observing a CTM resources - https://www.jigsawlearning.ca/observing-collaborative-team-meeting CTM Facilitation Guide - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v5Auo1Y0cnqvsKDYlTtVPrlCjptBsuUx5Y90KHa0ikA/edit?usp=sharing Psychology Behind CTM podcast - h...
7
Oct. 25, 2025

SUNDAY REWIND - Collaborative Response from a Systems Perspective - Part 2

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna Hewson, Lead Learner and Co-Founder of Jigsaw Learning, shares how districts can leverage a parallel Collaborative Response in responding to the needs of schools in the same way that schools respond to the needs of students. She speaks to the notion of being able to provide assurance that growth is taking place in schools through the way that support is provided from the district level. _______________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #le...
82
Oct. 21, 2025

Intentional Introduction of Collaborative Response to Access Staff Voice with Saint John High School - Ep 82

Register for the FREE Collaborative Response Virtual Summit https://bit.ly/25CRsummit Did you know EVERY school needs four layers of teams to not only respond to the needs of students but build instructional capacity with intentionality and focus? Learn more in a FREE webinar at https://bit.ly/layeringteams In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lorna and Kurtis are joined by principal Christina Barrington and head of Education Support Services Jillian Wilton from Saint John High S...
6
Oct. 18, 2025

SUNDAY REWIND - Collaborative Response from a Systems Perspective Part 1

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lead Learner and Co-Founder of Jigsaw Learning Kurtis Hewson, shares best practices and challenges when supporting Collaborative Response implementation across schools in a system. _______________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Interested 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-overview Explore the book ...
81
Oct. 14, 2025

A Concise Overview of Collaborative Response in 20 Minutes from the Thrive Summit - Ep 81

Did you know EVERY school needs four layers of teams to not only respond to the needs of students but build instructional capacity with intentionality and focus? Learn more in a FREE webinar at https://bit.ly/layeringteams In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, we share a recording from the March 25, 2025 Thrive Summit, where Kurtis Hewson shares a concise overview of the foundational components of Collaborative Response and how something known as the collaborative team meeting can ...
5
Oct. 11, 2025

SUNDAY REWIND - A Leaders’ Role in Establishing Structures and Processes

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Jigsaw Learning's Lead Learner and Co-Founder Kurtis Hewson speaks to considerations and implications for leaders as they take on the responsibility of introducing and refining structures and processes with staff. _______________ #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership #systems Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview of Collaborative Response Article https://bit....
80
Oct. 7, 2025

Stop the Scramble! How to Embed Collaboration Time That Actually Works, Without Adding Time! - Ep 80

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Kurtis and Lorna discuss 5 overarching ways schools can creatively embed time for staff collaboration in their school timetable. Connect with Kurtis Hewson Email kurtis.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca Twitter @hewsonk27 LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson Connect with Lorna Hewson Email lorna.hewson@jigsawlearning.ca Twitter @hewsonk27 LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kurtishewson Connect with Jennifer Ferguson Email jennifer.ferguso...
4
Oct. 4, 2025

SUNDAY REWIND - A Ready, Fire, Aim Approach to Leading Collaborative Response

In this epsiode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lead Learner and Co-Founder of Jigsaw Learning discusses the notion of Ready, Fire, Aim as it applies to change theory generally and to Collaborative Response specifically. #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership _______________ Interested 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-overview Explore the book Collaborative Res...
79
Sept. 30, 2025

Bringing a Continuum to Life in Your School - Ep 79

#collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership Get ready for a high-energy day of inspiration, practical strategies, and powerful stories from school and district leaders who are transforming learning through Collaborative Response. Connect, learn, and walk away with tools you can use right away! JLsummit.ca In this podcast, Kurtis and Lorna share why a continuum of supports is a foundational component of Collaborative Response and then some different strategies and ideas for making it come to ...
3
Sept. 27, 2025

SUNDAY REWIND - The Power of Norms for Collaboration

In this episode of Leading Collaborative Response, Lead Learner and Co-Founder of Jigsaw Learning Kurtis Hewson speaks to the power of co-creating norms, bringing them to life by unpacking them for deeper understanding and returning to them repeatedly to demonstrate them in practice as way to fortify their importance. #collaboration #norms #teamspirit #leadership _______________ Interested in learning MORE about a framework that can transform your PLC and MTSS efforts? Access the FREE Overview ...