126. Andrew Culberson's Approach to Systemic Change in Education

Andrew Culberson lives and works in New Brunswick, which is one of the 10 (and three territories) provinces that make up Canada. Andrew is a learning specialist for the New Brunswick Department of Education (https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/education.html), with a focus on school counseling, mental health and high school change. He has been working in leadership roles in schools and in education and early childhood development over the past 18 years. In many ways Andrew embodies and thrives on what we at What School Could Be care deeply about, which is the building of caring and connected communities. Andrew’s resume is long, and deep. A careful reading suggests he is a coalition builder, a counselor with strong listening and empathy skills, a motivational leader who understands that moving change forward starts with building lasting relationships with the educators, parents and greater communities that will actually carry out that change. Andrew has a BS in Science and Biology, a BA in Education and a Masters in Education Counseling from the University of New Brunswick. Robert Landau, a previous guest on this show and a What School Could Be consultant and coach working with Andrew wrote the following for this episode: “In his role as a Comprehensive and Developmental School Counselor within Education Support Services for the Province of New Brunswick schools, Andrew Culbertson embodies the essence of a champion, advocate, and facilitator for educational innovation and transformation. The foundation of his impactful work is aptly encapsulated in the word ʻsupport.ʻ Andrew's fervent belief is that every student is entitled to an educational experience that nurtures their potential and fosters a sense of inclusion and success. Having had the privilege to collaborate with him on an innovative alternative education project that introduced micro-courses to high school students, I witnessed firsthand the profound respect and admiration he commands. Andrew's unique combination of strengths—ideation, maximizing, strategic planning, and connectedness—makes him a dynamic force of nature in educational support and development.” Kimberly Bauer, the former Director of Learning and Achievement for the New Brunswick Education and Early Childhood Development, English speaking sector has called Andrew a highly committed visionary, a relationship builder, a networker, a results oriented and future focused leader. Those are some pretty awesome accolades. Editing provided by the talented, Evan Kurohara. Our theme music comes from the vast catalog of master pianist, Michael Sloan.