Welcome to the “Mr. Clarke After Dark” podcast with host Lucas Clarke, an educator determined to move away from recycled professional development and engage in more nuanced, personable, and relevant conversations for learning.
Each week, Mr. Clarke unpacks the inner workings of the classroom and learns out loud with educators, politicians, comedians, and other field experts of all shapes, sizes, and burnout levels. Whether they have been in the trenches of their profession for five months or fifty years, we are here to share everything from classroom hacks, our worst mistakes, and the occasional profound musing (from the guests). From conversations about race with Daryl Davis, education reform with Jennifer Gonzalez, global educational development with professors from the World Bank, to stories about students farting in class, there will always be something you can take away from the show, for better or worse.
So, come on over and join the dark side ... unless you’re scared.
Welcome to the “Mr. Clarke After Dark” podcast with host Lucas Clarke, an educator determined to move away from recycled professional development and engage in more nuanced, personable, and relevant conversations for learning.
Each week, Mr. Clarke unpacks the inner workings of the classroom and learns out loud with educators, politicians, comedians, and other field experts of all shapes, sizes, and burnout levels. Whether they have been in the trenches of their profession for five months or fifty years, we are here to share everything from classroom hacks, our worst mistakes, and the occasional profound musing (from the guests). From conversations about race with Daryl Davis, education reform with Jennifer Gonzalez, global educational development with professors from the World Bank, to stories about students farting in class, there will always be something you can take away from the show, for better or worse.
So, come on over and join the dark side ... unless you’re scared.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mark Hirschkorn to explore the evolving landscape of teacher education in Canada. We unpack the structure of various teacher preparation programs, the impact of practicum length and quality, and the challenges new educators face when trying to secure roles in their areas of specialization—especially in the wake of COVID-19.
Mark shares valuable insights on how subject specialization, mentorship, and strong support systems can dramatically influence teacher retention and professional growth. We also examine the rise of international teaching opportunities, the increasing integration of professional development into daily practice, and how teaching methods are shifting with the demands of a changing world.
Our conversation also dives into the transformation of science education, moving from memorization to process-based learning, and how AI in education is both a tool and a challenge for today’s teachers. Throughout it all, Mark reminds us of the core truth: the human connection remains at the heart of effective teaching—and reflection is essential for growth.
