Episode 15: The Intensive Support Program Classroom with Scott Wylde

Read the full episode TRANSCRIPT here.

In this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Pav sits down with longtime Toronto educator Scott Wylde to reflect on his remarkable teaching journey—from more than two decades as a phys-ed teacher to his later years leading an Intensive Support Program (ISP) classroom.

Scott shares candid insights into the challenges and rewards of ISP teaching, including the deep relationships built with students and families, the creativity required to differentiate learning, and the systemic pressures that make the work both vital and demanding. As he approaches retirement, Scott reflects on what it means to truly love teaching, to advocate for students with complex needs, and to leave a lasting impact on the school community.

This episode is essential listening for educators, school leaders, and anyone interested in better understanding the realities of special education in Ontario schools.

The conversation also highlights:

• The transition from phys-ed to special education—and what Scott learned along the way.

• Why building trust with families is at the heart of ISP teaching.

• The unique freedoms and isolations of leading a self-contained class.

• Systemic challenges like class size caps and lack of adequate supports.

• Practical advice for educators considering a move into special education.

Scott’s reflections remind us that while the ISP role is demanding, it is also profoundly meaningful—anchored in relationships, creativity, and above all, love for students.

🎧 Listen now! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, and visit ETT.ca for more updates.

If you'd like to reach out to the hosts of Teacher Talk or any of the guests featured on the podcast, please send an email to teachertalk@ett.on.ca.

Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast is a Chey and Pav Educational Services, Inc. Production.

Episode 14: Teacher Passions and Purposeful Practice with Shawnna Purkis

Read the full episode TRANSCRIPT here.

In this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Chey sits down with middle school educator and artist Shawnna Purkis to explore how teacher passions—especially in the arts—can elevate classroom learning, build stronger student connections, and create more joyful teaching experiences.

Shawnna shares her journey from aspiring professional artist to dedicated Grade 8 teacher, and how she continues to weave her love of art into her cross-curricular teaching. Together, Chey and Shawnna unpack what happens when schools tap into teacher expertise and how scheduling, staffing, and resourcing can either unlock—or limit—that potential.

This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking inspiration to reignite their creativity and for school leaders looking to better leverage the talents already within their building.

The conversation also highlights:

• A powerful, integrated lesson combining music, abstract art, and descriptive writing to deepen student learning across subjects.

• Why embracing teacher expertise leads to richer, more authentic learning experiences.

• The connection between student engagement, extracurricular opportunities, and staff passion.

• The systemic challenges around access to specialist teaching roles in arts, music, and physical education.

• Practical advice for teachers looking to build art into their programs—even if they don’t consider themselves “artistic.”

Shawnna’s reflections remind us that teaching is both an art and a craft—and that centering our passions is not only good for students, but good for teachers too.

🎧 Listen now! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, and visit ETT.ca for more updates.

If you'd like to reach out to the hosts of Teacher Talk or any of the guests featured on the podcast, please send an email to ⁠⁠⁠teachertalk@ett.on.ca⁠⁠⁠.

Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast is a Chey and Pav Educational Services, Inc. Production.

Episode 13: Getting to Know French Immersion with Kendra Hatch

In this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Pav sits down with Kendra Hatch, an elementary French Immersion teacher in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), to unpack the structure, benefits, and challenges of French Immersion programs.

Kendra shares her personal journey as a French Immersion student turned teacher and explains the differences between Extended, Middle, and Early Entry French Immersion programs. With firsthand experience in all three, she offers invaluable insights into how French Immersion supports language development, critical thinking, and lifelong learning skills for students.

This is an essential listen for educators, parents, and anyone curious about how French Immersion works—and why it can be such a powerful option for a wide range of diverse learners.

The conversation also highlights:

• The key differences between Extended, Middle, and Early Entry French Immersion programs in the TDSB.

• How learning in a second language fosters creativity, problem-solving, and resilience in students.

• Challenges French Immersion teachers face, particularly around resource availability and parental support.

• Addressing common misconceptions about who can thrive in French Immersion.

• Practical advice for teachers and parents supporting French language learners, even without French fluency themselves.

Kendra also reflects on the importance of collaboration among teachers across programs, the power of small efforts to encourage language learning, and why French Immersion remains such a rewarding teaching experience.

🎧 Listen now! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, and visit ETT.ca for more updates.

If you'd like to reach out to the hosts of Teacher Talk or any of the guests featured on the podcast, please send an email to ⁠⁠⁠teachertalk@ett.on.ca⁠⁠⁠.

TRANSCRIPT

Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast is a Chey and Pav Educational Services, Inc. Production.