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.

Episode 12: Designing Original Lessons with Betty Zhang

In this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Chey sits down with Betty Zhang, a dynamic high school educator and practicing artist, to explore the creativity and collaboration behind building original, student-centered lessons from the ground up.

From Angry Birds-inspired parabola graphs to full-scale fashion design and dollhouse builds, Betty shares how her projects blend curriculum with imagination, and how trusting relationships with colleagues fuel some of the most innovative teaching in her school.

Betty emphasizes the importance of finding inspiration everywhere—from professional development sessions to TikTok—and reminds us that great lesson design doesn’t have to be rushed or perfect. Sometimes the best projects unfold over years and with the support of a collaborative team.

This is an empowering and energizing episode for educators at any grade level who are looking to take their lesson planning to the next level—one creative spark at a time.

The conversation also highlights:

• How collaboration and trust between colleagues can lead to ambitious, cross-curricular projects.

• Why starting with your own passions is key to building authentic and engaging learning experiences.

• Tips for balancing tried-and-true lessons with new, creative risk-taking in your course planning.

• Practical strategies for displaying and celebrating student work in meaningful ways.

• The power of transparent teaching—experimenting alongside your students and learning with them.

Plus, Betty shares an inspiring peek into a culminating Grade 10 project that uses red-blue lens art to explore social justice themes, and how it’s sparked the next collaborative idea for her Indigenous-focused Art and English class.

🎧 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.

TRANSCRIPT

Episode 11: Contract Updates and Election Insights with Emily Macklin

In this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Chey and Pav sit down with Emily Macklin, ETT Executive Member and Lead Negotiator, to discuss the latest updates on the newly ratified contract with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB)—what educators need to know and what this means moving forward.

But that’s not all. With an upcoming government election on the horizon, Emily shares insights on why this election matters for teachers, public education, and the broader labour movement. She provides guidance on what educators should be doing now to stay informed, engaged, and prepared for the challenges ahead.

This is an essential conversation for all educators looking to understand the bigger picture and their role in shaping the future of education.

The conversation also highlights:

• Key takeaways from the newly ratified contract with the TDSB.
• How the upcoming election could impact teachers and public education.
• The importance of staying engaged and proactive within the labour movement.
• Practical steps for educators to advocate for public education and their profession.

Emily’s insights offer valuable perspective and guidance as educators navigate this pivotal time for public education.

Join us for this timely and informative discussion, and learn how you can be part of shaping the future of education in Ontario.

🎧 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.

TRANSCRIPT

Episode 9: STEM in the Classroom with Kamla Rambaran and Zélia Capitao-Tavares

In this episode of Teacher Talk: An ETT Podcast, Chey and Pav are joined by Kamla Rambaran and Zélia Capitao-Tavares, two innovative educators who are making significant strides in integrating STEM, coding, and gaming into the classroom. Kamla and Zélia share their journey as teaching partners, their commitment to fostering community in learning spaces, and their passion for empowering students, particularly female-identifying students, through technology and collaboration.

The episode dives into their inspiring work with Girls Who Game, a program supported by Dell, Microsoft, and Intel that encourages girls to explore STEM fields by engaging in game-based learning. Kamla and Zélia reveal how this initiative has transformed their classrooms, helping students build critical skills like collaboration, resilience, and problem-solving. Through projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), students are motivated to design innovative solutions and see themselves as future leaders in STEM careers.

The conversation also highlights:

• How STEM and gaming break down traditional barriers to learning.
• The role of transferable skills, such as critical thinking and teamwork, in shaping students’ futures.
• The power of representation and mentorship in encouraging girls to pursue STEM opportunities.
• Practical tips for educators on fostering authentic, student-driven learning environments.

Kamla and Zélia share heartwarming stories of students whose aspirations shifted toward STEM-focused futures, as well as their vision for expanding eSports and post-secondary partnerships. Their dedication to creating equitable and engaging learning spaces is an inspiration for educators everywhere.

Join us for this enlightening discussion, and learn how Kamla and Zélia are reshaping the possibilities of education with creativity, technology, and purpose.

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.

TRANSCRIPT

Episode 9: Classrooms and Coaching with Ryan Richards

In this episode of Teacher Talk, we sit down with Ryan Richards, an experienced middle school teacher and inspiring educator from Toronto. Ryan dives into the heart of teaching at the middle school level, sharing his insights on fostering meaningful connections with students and preparing them for the complexities of life beyond the classroom. From navigating the challenges of lesson plans that don’t always land to emphasizing the importance of recognizing students’ humanity, Ryan provides a refreshing perspective on education as an investment in young people rather than just curriculum delivery.

Join us as we explore the importance of creating a learning environment where students feel empowered to think critically, engage in challenging conversations, and define their own paths. Ryan’s passion for nurturing leadership and curiosity in his students is evident as he discusses teaching real-world topics like the human right to water and encouraging students to view education as a platform for making a meaningful impact. This episode is a must-listen for educators looking to be inspired by fresh perspectives and the transformative power of authentic teaching.

If you'd like to reach out to the hosts of "Teacher Talk," or with 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.

TRANSCRIPT

Episode 8: Kindergarten with Rosy and Angela

In this episode of Teacher Talk, host Pav Wander chats with Rosy Suppa and Angela Orrico, two passionate Kindergarten teachers, about the joys and wonders of early childhood education. Together, they explore how connecting with nature enriches learning experiences, fosters curiosity, and supports child development. From outdoor adventures to hands-on exploration, discover how these educators harness the power of the natural world to inspire their youngest learners. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or new to the profession, this conversation will leave you recharged with fresh ideas and perspectives!

If you'd like to reach out to the hosts of "Teacher Talk," or with 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.

TRANSCRIPT