In this insightful interview, Author and Educator, Katrina Huels discusses her book 'Transformational Tools for Special Educators' and explores practical strategies to combat educator burnout. The conversation emphasizes emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience building to support educators' well-being and improve student outcomes.

Resources:

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

https://howwefeel.org/

Katrina's Website: https://www.huelsappliedharmony.com/

Katrina's Book: https://a.co/d/00siKtaO

MTSS Coaching Toolkit

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Takeaways:

1. Developing emotional intelligence can reduce burnout and improve school culture.
2. Consistent practice of self-awareness and breathwork enhances resilience.
3. School-wide adoption of emotional skills fosters supportive environments.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

This episode explores effective strategies for summer professional development, emphasizing adult learning principles, ongoing support, and building strong MTSS frameworks through targeted leadership coaching.

Resources:

School Leader Guide to PD

Differentiating Your MTSS PD article

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

Toolkit for Leading Adults in MTSS Learning

Utilizing Adult Learning Theory in MTSS Professional Development

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Takeaways:

1. Effective summer professional development strategies
2. Adult learning theory and its application in education
3. Building and sustaining a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)
4. Leadership development and coaching for school leaders
5. Creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this episode, Cass McKay, a former testing coordinator and member of the Branching Minds team, shares practical tips, humorous stories, and insights to help educators navigate the stressful assessment season. From planning and team management to debunking myths, discover how to survive and thrive during testing time.

Resources:

8th/9th Month MTSS Checklist

School Leader Guide to PD

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Takeaways:

1. Always have a backup plan for testing day disruptions.
2. Build a supportive team with clear communication tools.
3. Don’t be too rigid with schedules; adapt as needed.
4. Take care of yourself — wear comfortable shoes and eat well.
5. Use humor and stories to connect and reduce stress.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this conversation, Larissa interviews school leaders in Texas about what is going well in their districts. They share insights on how to foster a supportive environment for both educators and students, emphasizing the need for effective communication and shared leadership in schools.

Resources:

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

College and Career Readiness Webinar

Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In

MTSS & Families Toolkit

Tier 1 Core Instruction Article

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Takeaways:

1. Celebrating small wins can reignite motivation in education.
2. Community engagement is crucial for successful educational programs.
3. Collaboration among staff leads to improved student outcomes.
4. Data-driven decisions help identify areas for improvement.
5. Investing in leadership development enhances instructional quality.
6. Parent involvement is key to student success.
7. Utilizing effective curricula can lead to significant growth.
8. Shared knowledge among staff fosters a positive school culture.
9. Continuous training is essential for adapting to new educational challenges.
10. Building a supportive team environment is vital for achieving goals.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this conversation, Larissa discusses the importance of teamwork in education with representatives from Springs Charter Schools, who have successfully implemented a holistic approach to student support through the MTSS framework. They share insights on the significance of data visibility, collaboration across departments, and the necessity of training for effective implementation. The discussion emphasizes the shift from individual responsibility to a shared commitment to student success, highlighting the importance of building relationships and addressing the root causes of student challenges.

Resources:

MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation Article

A Guide to Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation

Middle of Year eBook

Momentum Awards

Takeaways:

1. Teamwork is essential for student success in education.
2. MTSS is a collaborative approach that involves all staff members.
3. Data visibility is crucial for understanding student needs.
4. Training is vital for effective implementation of MTSS.
5. Building relationships with students is foundational for progress.
6. Personalized learning requires flexibility and adaptation.
7. Collaboration across departments enhances student support.
8. Addressing root causes leads to better student outcomes.
9. Success stories motivate and inspire educators.
10. Continuous feedback and adjustment are necessary for improvement.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

This conversation highlights the efforts of educators at Woodbury Hills Elementary and Danville Public Schools in Virginia, in fostering a positive school culture through various initiatives. The discussion covers the importance of celebrating successes, engaging students through social media, utilizing data-driven instruction, and recognizing both staff and student achievements. The collaborative efforts among teachers and staff are emphasized as key to supporting student growth and maintaining morale within the educational community.

Resources:

Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers

Article: The Power of Strength Based Instruction

MTSS and Attendance Article

MTSS Momentum Awards

Takeaways:

1. Celebrating small successes leads to overall growth and improved morale.
2. MTSS is not just another program; educators are already implementing many of its principles.
3. Engaging students through social media has proven effective in increasing attendance.
4. Data-driven instruction helps identify student needs and tailor support accordingly.
5. Recognition of both students and staff fosters a positive environment.
6. Collaboration among educators enhances the effectiveness of teaching strategies.
7. Parental involvement is crucial for student success and attendance.
8. Creative approaches to engagement can significantly impact student motivation.
9. The importance of community and connection in driving educational success.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

This conversation explores the journey of Lee School in Norridge School District in Illinois, focusing on their successful implementation of the MTSS framework. The educators discuss the importance of collaboration, teacher development, and family engagement in fostering student success. They share insights on building a strong MTSS framework, the significance of knowing the 'why' behind their efforts, and the continuous improvement of their processes. The conversation emphasizes the role of teachers and the community in creating a supportive educational environment.

Resources:

Momentum Awards

MTSS Intervention Flowchart Guide

MTSS Handbook Webinar

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Takeaways:

1. Success is built on momentum, which is crucial for sustaining educational initiatives.
2. Understanding the community and demographics is essential for effective educational strategies.
3. Collaboration among educators is vital for student success and should be ongoing, not just during meetings.
4. Knowing the 'why' behind MTSS helps in articulating goals and maintaining focus.
5. Creating clear guidelines and handbooks can help teachers navigate the MTSS process more effectively.
6. Investing in teacher development is key to ensuring they feel confident in implementing new strategies.
7. Engaging families in the educational process fosters a supportive environment for students.
8. Continuous improvement and layering new initiatives can enhance the effectiveness of existing programs.
9. Transparency and communication with parents help build trust and collaboration.
10. The dedication and effort of teachers are fundamental to the success of any educational framework.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

In this episode, we explore how Samuel Walker Houston Elementary in Huntsville ISD leverages PBIS and MTSS to create a positive and inclusive school environment. Assistant Principal Anthony Williams shares actionable strategies for systems, relationship building, and student engagement that are transforming their school community.

Samuel Walker Houston Elementary was one of our Momentum Award winners this year. They were recognized for their momentum in the area of PBIS and MTSS.

Resources:

Article: PBIS: More than Points and Parties

Tier 1 Behavior Guide

Branching Minds Momentum Awards

Capturing Kids Hearts

PBIS

Samuel Walker Houston Elementary School Website

Takeaways:

1. The importance of building capacity in teachers for classroom management
2. How PBIS guiding principles, like "Big Rocks," align staff and student behavior
3. Using classroom expectations, rewards, and recognition to reinforce positive behavior
4. The innovative badge challenge system that promotes collective student achievement
5. Data-driven approaches to reducing office discipline referrals
6. The significance of strong relationships and speaking with purpose
7. The long-term commitment needed to implement effective school-wide systems
8. Strategies for beginning or reinvigorating PBIS and MTSS programs

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!