In this deeply reflective episode of The Education Matters Podcast, Dr. Pius Ryan—Superintendent of Schools in North Vancouver—offers a sweeping yet grounded vision of education. Tracing a path from his early days in Newfoundland to his current leadership in British Columbia, he brings both heart and systems thinking to bear on a central question: what kind of education is needed for a good life in a changing world? He discusses designing classrooms as communities rather than silos; treating education as relationship—with self, others, the Earth, and modern technology; navigating the tension between structure and creativity in systems leadership; and advancing a national conversation about the purpose and ends of public schooling. He also considers what AI, synthetic biology, and ecological collapse demand of educators today. The episode resists quick fixes, focusing instead on values, clarity, and the long arc of public education in Canada.
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Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Opening: Inspiring Teachers & Principals[00:00:47] Guest Introduction: Pius Ryan[00:03:00] Land Acknowledgement & Location[00:03:51] Role as Superintendent Overview[00:05:37] Childhood in Newfoundland & Labrador[00:06:52] Freedom of Childhood vs. Today[00:09:30] Early Education Vibe (Less Urgency)[00:11:18] Random Spark: Othello & Moonfleet[00:12:57] Studies & Path (English → Psych → Doctorate)[00:14:37] Aristotle: Episteme, Techne, Phronesis[00:14:59] What Makes a Good Life?[00:21:52] Three Relationships: Tech, Earth, Self/Other[00:24:48] Canadian Education Strengths[00:25:58] System Leadership Approach[00:31:39] BC Curriculum & Indigenous Perspectives[00:34:14] Circular Economy & Environmental Literacy[00:36:28] Schools as Community Hubs[00:37:58] Structural Constraints (Bells, Contracts)[00:40:41] Equipping Students: Mindset & Agency[00:43:58] Tech in Learning & Phones at School[00:48:36] ChatGPT & Writing Pedagogy[00:49:54] District Approach to AI (Helping Teachers)[00:53:16] Advice for EdTech Companies[00:55:41] Ministry–District Renewal Mechanism[01:00:52] 50-Year Outlook—Worries & Hope[01:01:37] Magic Wand: Classrooms as Communities[01:05:22] Unions/Structure: Modern Design[01:08:05] Recommendations: Books & Authors[01:09:43] Closing Credits