E6 - Sage Advice from a Master Teacher: A Conversation with Bruce Gillespie
Driving to School with Frank and LarryShow Notes
In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Gillespie to reflect on aremarkable 40 year journey in education, one that began somewhat unexpectedly and grew into a career filled with lasting friendships, incredible experiences, and a deep commitment to students. From teaching IB History and Theory of Knowledge to serving as a department head, Success Teacher, and Alberta Education contributor, Bruce embraced many roles throughout his career. He also spent nearly 40 years coaching soccer, earning three city championships along the way. Bruce shares some unforgettable highlights, including international travel, a visit to the Soviet Union just before its collapse, a week at the United Nations, and the privilege of working with outstanding young people. One of the most personal reflections Bruce shares is about being shamed by a teacher when he was a student. While the experience was difficult, it ultimately became an important lesson in the kind of teacher he wanted to be. That experience shaped his commitment to treating students with empathy,dignity, and respect—and taught him firsthand the lasting impact educators can have on young people, both positively and negatively. Join us as Bruce looks back on four decades in education, the lessons he has learned, and the people and experiences that made the journey so meaningful. If you enjoy this episode please like, subscribe and share. We welcome all your comments and questions. If you would like to chat with either of us, please contact by emailing at: [email protected]
More from Driving to School with Frank and Larry
In response to the many questions that have been emailed,Frank and Larry decide to incorporate an "Ask Frank and Larry" episode. We believe the honest questions are indicative of concerns that many are experiencing. The questions answered in this episode are from bothteachers and administrators. Topics covered are: - complexity in the classroom - pregnancies - teacher frustration with administration - first year principal dilemmas - what collaboration looks like in relational leadership - should I really consider going into administration Please keep your questions or concerns coming. We willdefinitely have another episode dedicated to providing feedback. Email addressis: [email protected].
Join Larry and me for a conversation with Paige Bousen, an experienced educator and union leader with the Queensland Teachers’ Union in Australia. As of 2026, Paige is serving as Acting Deputy General Secretary (Member Organizing). She began her career as a teacher in Far North Queensland, where she spent approximately 16 years in education and progressed to the role of Head of Department Mathematics and Science. Her extensive experience working in regional Queensland has also shaped a strong interest in rural and remote education, particularly the experiences and challenges faced by small-school principals. Paige brings a unique perspective to this conversation, having extensive educational experience and connections in both Australia and Canada. Throughout the episode, we explore the complexities of teaching, leadership, advocacy, and teacher support in Australia, while comparing those experiences with what is currently happening in Alberta. We were particularly interested in Paige’s perspective on how educators are supported in Queensland and the similarities and differences between our two education systems. Thank you for joining us as we go international and head Down Under for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about education, leadership, and the people who make our schools work.
We were really happy to be joined by Mike Bolder for this episode. Mike has been a highly respected principal and leader in the Calgary Catholic School District for many years. As both a colleague and a friend, we were able to joke around, but more importantly, have an open and honest conversation about our mistakes, failures, and occasional errors in judgment and how those experiences ultimately helped make us better leaders. Some leadership books call these moments “learning opportunities.” Whatever term you use, they are often difficult, humbling, and deeply reflective experiences. Every decision we make good or bad adds to our experience and, hopefully, our wisdom. The more decisions we are called upon to make, the more we learn about ourselves, our leadership, and how we want to approach the next challenge. Just as importantly, none of us should navigate these moments alone. Having a trusted community of colleagues, friends, and mentors around us can make all the difference when things don’t go according to plan. So please enjoy, although maybe not too much hearing about some of Mike, Frank, and Larry’s most memorable “screw-ups,” the fallout that followed, and what we learned as we made our way out the other side. Thanks again for listening, sharing the podcast, and helping spread the word. With this episode, we will surpass 2,000 downloads, and we truly appreciate the support. We also love receiving your comments and questions, so please keep them coming. In fact, we have received so many questions that we will be dedicating an entire upcoming episode to answering them. Questions can be emailed to [email protected].
Laura Doney joined Frank and Larry for an amazingconversation about teacher and administrator well being. Laura's experience as a Family Support Worker, Teacher and now Certified Counsellor give her a lot of street cred to support educators. Laura is now the Founder and Clinical Director of Larchwood Counselling. Many of Laura's clients are teachers and administrators. On our podcast she talks about seeing a lot of burnout and shame about not being able to be enough. Laura offers a number of suggestions for teachers/administrators to support their mental wellness. Frank and I weresuper impressed with how in tune Laura was with a teacher, administrator's and parents 2026 stressors. Larchwood Counselling is a full service counselling service.Go to: www.larchwoodcounselling.cato get contact information. After listening to this amazing episode, please let us knowwhat you think. You can find us on Spotify and Apple. Like, Follow, Subscribe. Please email us at [email protected]
Sandra O'Flaherty recently retired after 30 plus years. Inthis distinguished career she was an amazing LA teacher, a consultant in Technology and Behavior, an Assistant Principal, Vice Principal and Principal. All while simultaneously being a daughter, wife, mother (2 boys) and soon to begrandmother. We were honored that Sandra took some time to chat. There is no course or special professional developmentsession telling you how to run a staff meeting. We all have sat in and been part of both positive and horrific ones. With Sandra we discuss the mistakes we made and what we have learned about the importance of running an effective staff meeting. Every leader is going to figure out what works bestfor them but we believe there are some nuggets of advice that can be gleaned from this episode. Here are a few of those nuggets: - Survey your staff about needs and their time commitments - Be intentional about treating a one a month meeting as anopportunity. - Decide what is critical information to pass on and todiscuss - You don't want to meet for more than an hour - This is the forum to communicate values and to behumble/vulnerable - Use "we" as much as possible to promote"team". After listening to this amazing episode, please let us knowwhat you think. You can find us on Spotify and Apple. Like, Follow, Subscribe. Please email us at [email protected]