#8: Defying the Status Quo: The Unique School that *Actually* Teaches for the Future (with Founder Jeff Hopkins)

Have you ever wanted to start your own school? This discussion will have you wanting to rethink the way you approach education in your own classroom. My guest explores the importance of creating a school that values student voice, utilizes the inquiry process to prepare students for the uncertain future, and focuses on the importance of creating a psychologically safe classroom culture in order to foster creativity and innovation. Hope you love it as much as I did!

Jeff Hopkins is the founder and Principal Educator of the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry – an independent high school in Victoria designed to provide a model for education system transformation. His ted talks: “Education as if people mattered" and “An inquiry approach to education” have earned him global attention. Find him by searching Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry. For more information visit my website smallactbigimpact.com and search for episode # 8.

He has been an educator since 1993. He has taught many different subjects, including literature, physics, history, and psychology, and has been a counsellor, principal, and school district superintendent, among other things. Jeff was BC’s first Safe Schools Coordinator, working to address issues of intimidation, harassment, anxiety, and suicide through programs that promote equitable, engaging, and welcoming school environments. Jeff is the founder and Principal Educator of the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry – an independent high school in Victoria designed to provide a model for education system transformation. Inspired by the notion of “consilience,” – the unity of knowledge -- PSII helps its learners to transcend traditional high school subject silos through an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based approach. He often refers to his approach as “Education as if people mattered.” This was also the title of his 2015 TEDx Victoria talk. In 2013-14, Jeff was the University of Victoria’s first “Educator in Residence,” offering support and inspiration to education students and faculty in their contemplation of what an education system could be. He was also named UVic’s Distinguished Alumnus for 2018. Jeff has been invited to present his ideas on education and schools at dozens of conferences throughout BC, in other provinces, and internationally. First and foremost, Jeff is a father of two and a husband.