Skip To Main Content

Podcasts

Welcome to CASSA's new Podcast page.

This page is a repository of all the podcasts created by CASSA and in cooperation with our media partners.

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.

Voices from the CASSA Leadership Conference

Education Matters podcast, February, 2026 TORONTO

Reg Klassen and Jason Buccheri explore the vital role of educational identity in the modern school system as a special instalment in the "Podcast Lounge Series," this episode features a collection of voices recorded directly in the podcast lounge during the annual Canadian Association of School System Administrators Conference. The two discuss these ideas through insights from guest speakers interviewed in the podcast lounge. These "micro-interviews" cover themes ranging from diversity and multiculturalism to high-performing school systems and the foundational role of truth and reconciliation. This episode provides a compelling look at how education helps develop well-rounded citizens capable of nuanced thinking across the country.

Reg Klassen: Canada’s Education Identity

Education Matters podcast, June 2025 Toronto

Reg Klassen, CASSA executive director shares his journey with Jason Buccheri from a challenging childhood in Saskatchewan to a successful career in education. Topics include relationships in education, the impact of teachers on students and the need for parental involvement in their children's education. 

Reg reflects on his own challenges in school and as a teacher, and the inspiring stories of students who overcame adversity. He emphasizes the human aspect of teaching and the importance of understanding the complexities of the classroom environment. They also explore the need for better preparation of educators to face future challenges, the unique aspects of Canadian education, and the vision for a more equitable educational landscape. 

An Introduction to CASSA.

Narrated by past Executive Director Ken Bain.