In this inspiring episode, Bonnie Mickle, a certified Life & Wellness Coach and a 20-year Ontario Certified Teacher with deep experience inside the OCDSB, joins Coach Academy Founder Nathalie Blais for a powerful conversation about education, leadership, and the role of coaching in creating meaningful change.With two decades in the classroom, Bonnie understands firsthand the pressures teachers face: isolation, unrealistic expectations, and the constant demand to be everything to every student. Today, she serves as a strategic partner to education leaders navigating high-stakes organizational change, advocating for a shift in priorities: teaching children how to learn, equipping teachers with coaching skills, and embedding wellbeing, communication, and belonging at the heart of the system.Together, they explore• Why teachers often feel isolated and overwhelmed in their roles• How coaching helps educators rediscover purpose and connection• Why emotional wellbeing is essential for effective teaching• The critical role of communication skills and self-regulation in schools• How belonging impacts student success and teacher resilience• Why funding models need to expand beyond curriculum to support wellbeing• How coaching can relieve the pressure teachers feel to save every student• What it looks like to reimagine educational goals around curiosity and growth• How personal experience in education can inspire system-level transformationThis is a must-listen for anyone passionate about education, wellbeing, and leadership. Bonnie’s story highlights the opportunity to transform classrooms, schools, and entire systems through the quiet power of coaching.Tune in for an insightful and energizing conversation about education, leadership, and the future of learning.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:39 Bonnie's Journey From Teacher to Coach03:37 Creating Onwards by Design Supporting Educators05:18 The Role of Coaching in Education08:26 Bridging the Gap Coaching Skills in Teaching10:36 Communication Skills The Missing Link in Education13:31 Reimagining Educational Goals17:03 The Importance of Belonging in Education19:50 The Teacher's Role Beyond Project Management22:44 Funding and Resources in Education26:59 The Future of Onwards by Design31:45 Navigating Educational Challenges37:50 The Importance of Emotional Safety in Schools43:38 Coaching as a Tool for Teacher Wellbeing49:35 Shifting Perspectives on Education55:21 Hope for the Future of EducationWhere to Find Bonnie MickleWebsite: https://www.onwardsbydesign.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonnie_coach_onwards_by_design/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-mickle/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnwardsbyDesign/Where to Find Coach AcademyWebsite: https://canadacoachacademy.com/Nathalie on Instagram: @nathalieblais.ceoNathalie on LinkedIn: @nathalieblaisCoach Academy LinkedIn: @coachacademygroup#CertifiedCoach #CoachingJourney #EducationTransformation #TeacherWellbeing #CoachAcademy #BelongingInEducation #TransformationalCoaching #CoachingCulture #EmotionalWellbeing #CuriosityInLearning #CommunityImpact