Episode 35 - Reg Klassen: Canada’s Education Identity

Podcast Episodes

Episode:

35

guest episode

June 19, 2025

Reg Klassen: Canada’s Education Identity

Leadership in Education

Equity in Schools

Student Agency & Engagement

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In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Reg Klassen, the executive director of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA), shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Saskatchewan to a successful career in education. He discusses the importance of building relationships in education, the impact of teachers on students, and the need for parental involvement in their children’s education. Reg reflects on his own struggles in school, the challenges he faced as a teacher, and the inspiring stories of students who overcame adversity. He emphasizes the human aspect of teaching and the importance of understanding the complexities of the classroom environment. In this conversation, Jason Buccheri and Reg Klassen discuss the critical themes surrounding education in Canada, including the importance of parental involvement, the challenges of implementing sustainable changes in school systems, and the mission of CASSA to promote equity and excellence in education. They explore the need for better preparation of educators to face future challenges, the unique aspects of Canadian education, and the vision for a more equitable educational landscape. The discussion emphasizes the importance of legacy in education and the need for a collective will to improve the system.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠CASSA (the Canadian Association of School System Administrators)⁠. CASSA unites school superintendents and system leaders from coast to coast to tackle Canada’s biggest public-education challenges, with a sharp focus on equity, student success, and collaboration. Learn more at ⁠cassa-acgcs.ca⁠.

book recommendations

Blues All Around Me: The Autobiography of B. B. King by B.B. King, David Ritz
A firsthand account of B.B. King’s rise from the Mississippi Delta to become the undisputed King of the Blues.
What Is My Legacy?: Realizing a New Dream of Connection, Love and Fulfillment by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, Marc Kielburger, Craig Kielburger
A firsthand account of B.B. King’s rise from the Mississippi Delta to become the undisputed King of the Blues.

music recommendations

The Best of B.B. King (greatest-hits compilation)
A perfect sampler of B.B. King’s mid-career classics—from “The Thrill Is Gone” to “Why I Sing the Blues.”

About The Guest

Reginald Klassen

Reg Klassen is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA).

Prior to his time as Executive Director for the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA) Reg spent thirty-six years serving students in several communities and a variety of educational positions. He has worked in numerous capacities including Guidance Counsellor, Resource Teacher, Classroom Teacher, School Administrator, Superintendent, and Chief Superintendent.

Reg brings with him a comprehensive understanding of education as it relates to leadership, administration, staffing, curriculum, and community. He sees the main goal of education is “to prepare students to take their place in society as citizens in a democracy, a democracy that gives time for and encourages people (students) to discuss those issues that are common to them with the intent of finding a resolution that is beneficial to all involved so that a good life can be achieved”.

Reg Klassen is a well-respected educator, leader and visionary, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing quality educational programs for diverse students in a variety of settings. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology, Arts, and Education, and a master’s in Education Administration.

He has served as the Chair of the Canadian Association of Mennonite Schools and the Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools Education Committee, and as the President of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents and President of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators. Currently he is a Board member of the Toba Centre for Children and Youth.