September 2025 Speaker: Mark Reid
For September we are excited to explore the global theme 'blossom' with award-winning educator and music director, Mark Reid.
A District Resource Teacher for Career Education, Mark Reid champions innovative and inclusive learning pathways that empower students to explore their futures in skilled trades and service careers with confidence and creativity. With a background spanning public and independent schools, curriculum development for BC’s Ministry of Education, and educator training in technology and pedagogy, Mark brings a systems-level lens to reimagining career education.
A passionate advocate for creative thinking in education, Mark has served as a TeachSDGs Ambassador, Google Certified Trainer, and Global Teacher Prize Ambassador. He earned a JUNO Award as the 2013 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for the million-dollar Global Teacher Prize in 2015. His work includes speaking engagements at education events across five continents, where he shares insights on global collaboration, real-world learning, and the power of creativity to shape meaningful, future-ready education.
Speaker Interview
Each month we ask our speaker some probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:
- How do you define and apply creativity in your life and career?
Creativity is a dynamic skill set that drives process and progress, a lens through which we see possibility. To quote Sunny Varkey, notable philanthropist in education, “no matter the question, education is the answer.” I look at creativity as a cause to show curiosity, an imperative to learn, and the best opportunity to construct solutions to a problem. I invite questions. I find it to be the best way to exercise creative capacity, and both uncover and inform perspective. Applying creativity to my work means helping others to answer the questions they hadn’t yet realized could be asked. - Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
I draw creative inspiration from conscious observations of people, problems, and proprioceptive experience – how we move, position, and act in relation to environment. Some of my most creative moments have been inspired by a need for nuance. - What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?
The purpose of education is to learn how the world works and how to be happy in it. - Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?
Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, the person responsible for the revival and resurgence of LEGO. - What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Having been put on the spot to fill time while Maestro Andrea Bocelli was running late to a speaking engagement, I stood up, took a deep breath, and sang O Canada…because that’s all my brain could recall in front of an international audience that was NOT there to hear me. - What did you learn from your most memorable creative failure?
No single choice, result, opinion will define me. It simply defines a temporal moment. - What’s your one guilty creative indulgence
I have two and feel guilt about neither. Absolutely Fabulous, one of the absolute finest British cultural exports available, and LEGO Botanicals. - What fact about you would surprise people?
At a professional event, Jennifer Hudson held my hand, sang to me, and I cried streams of tears in front of a crowd of colleagues from around the world. - How does your life and career compare to what you envisioned for your future as a sixth grader?
Not all that different, I suppose. I have achieved what 11/12-year old me had anticipated, but extended my career into areas that weren’t possibilities when I was that age. - How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
I help students move out of regular school to start training or apprenticeship in a skilled trade or dual credit pathway. OR I help kids who are emotionally done with high school discover that there is more than one way to graduate, that they can earn a paycheque while earning credits, and that learning can happen anywhere. - What's the most recent thing you learned (big or small)?
The regulatory and training process to become a Funeral Director. - If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?
Backstage at any Disney park. - Where was the last place you travelled?
Regina, SK for the 2025 Skills Compétences Canada National Competition. - What music are you listening to these days?
Prolonging the Magic, Cake (1998) - What was the best surprise you’ve experienced so far in life?
Being unexpectedly swarmed by crowds of inspired teachers at a professional development event in the Philippines. - Where is your favourite place to escape?
The Pick-a-Brick wall at any LEGO store. - What books made a difference in your life and why?
‘Fifth Business’ by Robertson Davies – I read this book in my last year of high school and it had a profound impact on how I saw myself in the context of others…especially when out of the spotlight. Being a ‘main character’ in someone’s life doesn’t last forever. You can eventually be relegated to Fifth Business. Titles, roles, and authority can all be temporary. To pass this along in a digestible way, I’d gather graduating students together at the end of the year-end school concert to offer one piece of advice: whatever you do with your life, make a difference in the lives of children. - What is the one movie or book every creative must see/read?
Movie: ‘Run Lola Run’; Book: ‘The Inner Game of Music
Musical Guest
🎵 To start the morning with a live musical performance, we are honoured to present the classical, Celtic, and electric harp stylings of Madison Dartana.🎶
Known for reimagining harp performance across genres, Madison blends technical excellence with an interdisciplinary spirit that challenges stereotypes and expands what the harp can be. A graduate of UBC’s Orchestral Performance program, where she studied under Elizabeth Volpé-Bligh, Madison has performed with ensembles including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, and Symphony 21. She also teaches at the Samantha Ballard Harp Studio, where she supports well-being and nurtures creative exploration through music.
This Month's Presenting Partner:
Abode Vancouver is a collaboration rooted in a shared passion for unique properties, thoughtful client experiences, and an editorial approach to interior and architectural design—reimagining real estate as stylish, elevated, and refreshingly original.
How to Register for this Event
Join us on September 5th from 8:15-10am at the Vancouver Art Gallery by registering here.
