Schoolin' Around
Branching Minds
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Schoolin' Around is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Branching Minds, featuring prominent leaders, subject-matter experts, and thought innovators with their perspectives on the current challenges facing K-12 education.
You can find more info about Branching Minds at our website, branchingminds.com or follow on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
Available episodes
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6 days ago
Special Edition: Our Top 6 Education Leader Insights for Effective MTSS
We are celebrating One Year of 'Schoolin’ Around' by sharing favorite moments from the show over the last year. Host Larissa Napolitan is in the hot seat and joined by Community and Social Media Strategist Melanie Gonzalez.
We discuss why MTSS is so magical, a few valuable pieces of wisdom guests have shared, and Larissa shares a few insights from her own experience as an educator.
We are looking forward to Season 2 in January, but don’t miss our 4 part Education Tough Questions mini-series in December!
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Nov 14, 2023
Episode 28: How Clear Communication Impacts Your MTSS with Krissy Martin
For educational leaders striving to move change initiatives forward, they have to do the work to bring everyone on the same page, which includes having a common language and clear communication.
The episode guest, Krissy Martin of Roanoke Rapids School District in North Carolina, talks about the importance of developing a common language as they implemented MTSS, ensuring more consistency in their MTSS practice. In the episode, we dive into specific techniques she developed for effective implementation and what it means to be visible as an administrator.
Krissy Martin began her career as a public educator in Halifax County Schools in 2013 as a middle grades English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. She served as the AVID program coordinator for her school.
Krissy began coordinating the Academically & Intellectually Gifted (AIG) program in Weldon City Schools in 2016. She also served as Beginning Teacher Coordinator, Professional Development Coordinator and Interim Director of Curriculum & Instruction and Testing & Accountability for Weldon City Schools. In June 2023, Krissy joined Roanoke Rapids Graded School District as the MTSS/COVID-19 Interventionist Coordinator.
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Oct 31, 2023
Episode 27: How to Build Your MTSS Structure with Christine Downing
Every school has its own unique challenges and culture, and when a new initiative such as MTSS comes along, it might seem easier just to replace the old ways with the new ways. However, our guest today, Christine Downing, says that an important aspect of MTSS implementation is to start with examining what aspects of MTSS are already happening and build on those practices.
Christine Downing is an educator and leader of 30 years in New Hampshire, often taking on dual roles for small districts, such as a principal and Curriculum Director. She currently serves as Director of Curriculum and Instruction for 3 different districts, helping educators with the resources they need to support students.
In this episode, we talk about leveraging resources and the importance of building a teacher toolbox. We also dive into some foundational aspects of a strong MTSS practice.
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Oct 17, 2023
Episode 26: Leading through System Level Change featuring Simma Reingold
Leaders work hard to make their schools great, often facing many challenges, like getting others to agree on what needs to change. Change can be hard, especially within an established school system, with long-held beliefs, traditions, or struggles.
In this episode, we discuss why change is so hard and how leaders can build their root cause analysis and strategic thinking skills. Our guest, Simma Reingold, works with schools and leaders all over the country, helping walk teams through the process of large-scale change, whether that is implementing MTSS or a curriculum overhaul.
Over the last ten years, as a Strategy and Operations Consultant, Simma has facilitated in-depth strategic planning engagements with Superintendents to radically redesign policies, practices, and organizational structures so that the vision for the future can become a reality today. She specializes in community-centered design, leveraging student and educator feedback to guide district-level decision-making while uncovering new and unique ways to solve persistent challenges.
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Oct 3, 2023
Episode 25: Being A Reasonable MTSS Leader with Angie Plugge, Director of Learning
In the world of education, every year new initiatives are promised to be the magic bullet that solves all the problems. However, many of those new things don’t last. Educators can be weary of something new. Our guest today understands the hesitancy; however, in her work, Angie Plugge, director of Learning in Waverly, Nebraska, spends her days building an MTSS practice that stays true to its purpose, helping teachers evaluate the impact of core instruction and meet the needs of students.
In this episode, Angie and I talk about building an effective MTSS practice, the impact of collective efficacy, and how leaders should strive to be reasonable as they implement new practices and frameworks. Angie brings 23 years of experience leading school and district teams through improvement efforts. She spent her first 19 years working in Title I middle schools as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, where she learned how to set up MTSS systems. She now serves as the Director of Learning in a mid-sized rural district where she supports schools in setting up their MTSS systems.
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Sep 19, 2023
Episode 24: Unlocking the Potential of ELL Students With Author Emily Francis
Most teachers will tell you that teaching is not just about helping students learn content but about how to think about themselves, the world, and even their place in it. Our guest today, Emily Francis, talks a lot about the power of story and how that can help students find their way, especially if they are immigrant students encountering language and cultural challenges.
In today’s episode, Emily and I sat down to discuss the power of stories and how teachers and administrators could reach English Language Learners in powerful ways.
Emily Francis is a teacher, author, and speaker excited to talk about the potential of English Language Learners because she knows exactly what they are experiencing. As an immigrant student, she experienced what many students around the country are experiencing. She is passionate about sharing with educators the power that stories can have in unlocking their potential. She even wrote a book about her story and the stories of her students called “If You Only Knew: Letters from an Immigrant Teacher.”
Check out her book here: https://a.co/d/8C3GBES
Check out this article about utilizing MTSS to Support English Language Learners: https://www.branchingminds.com/blog/mtss-english-language-learners
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Sep 5, 2023
Episode 23: MTSS and Equity -- The Rising Tide That Lifts All Boats With Emily Myers
Schools around the country are still feeling the effects of interrupted learning and finding their way to help students grow and succeed. Many of those schools know that they can’t go back to the way things were before, and they want to make a change to impact ALL students. For Emily Myers, MTSS Director of Orange County Schools in North Carolina, she desires to lead her team in the work of equitably supporting students through MTSS.
In this episode, Emily spoke with us about her journey with MTSS and how her mindset shifted from just identifying students for special education to truly making equity the center of her work. She is kind enough to share a story about how MTSS made a difference for a student very close to her heart.
We also talk about how serving students is getting comfortable operating in the messy work of decision-making and doing what’s best for students even when it isn’t always clear.
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Aug 22, 2023
Episode 22: How Prevention is the key to MTSS with Gary Schaffer
In the work of educators, one area that continues to challenge schools is making sure that we are helping students in the best way possible, preventing problems for them further in the future. Now more than ever, educators are looking to researchers to find the most effective interventions and provide them with guidance and what to do with the needs they see in the classroom.
The guest for this episode, Gary Schaffer, is one of those researchers. He is also an author striving to create materials and resources to help educators do their job to the best of their ability and help students succeed. Not only does he have years of experience as a school psychologist and academic, but he also brings the perspective of a student who received special education services.
Growing up as a struggling student with ADHD and a learning disability, Gary Schaffer has dedicated his professional practices and life to helping all learners succeed. Gary received a bachelor’s degree in special education and English and subsequently became a school psychologist and clinical mental health counselor. He has authored three books related to MTSS for SAGE and Routledge Publications entitled:
1) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support: A Practical Guide to Preventative Practice
https://a.co/d/bm1XkVT
2) Implementing Universal Social-Emotional Programs is a Step-by-Step Guide for Schools
https://a.co/d/bHEJHuB
3) Nuts & Bolts: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support: A Basic Guide to Implementing Preventative Practice in Our Schools
https://a.co/d/5e2GYOc
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Aug 8, 2023
Episode 21: Being a New Principal with MTSS featuring Justin Petersen
Any educator will tell you that the first couple of years in a new role is like drinking from a fire hose. There is so much to learn and adapt to, even more so when you are a new principal.
In this episode, Larissa talks with Justin Peterson, an elementary school principal in Broken Bow, Nebraska. He stepped into a new role this year and is not only learning what it means to be a principal but is learning all about how MTSS can help a school meet the needs of students. He was ready to chat about what it means to be a learner somewhere new and how much he loves his job.
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Jul 25, 2023
Episode 20: How Teamwork Makes a Difference for MTSS with Gwinnett County Schools
It takes a lot more work and planning to make a large wheel turn, but in Gwinnett County Schools, their team did just that. They have been working hard these last few years, making the wheel of school improvement turn with their strategic work with MTSS, and they are seeing the impact of their efforts.
In this episode, Larissa chats with Dr. Tinisha Parker, Executive Director of Student Services, Dr. Debbie Durrance, Executive Director of Data Governance, and Elizabeth Moore, Director of Instructional Development and Support for Gwinnett County Schools in one of the largest school districts in the country. They share the process of bringing their teams together to truly make a difference for their students and how sometimes the MTSS process requires unlearning before adding anything new. They also share their wisdom for those just beginning the process and share about their work moving forward.
Learn more about making system level change with MTSS. https://www.branchingminds.com/mtss-guide https://www.branchingminds.com/branching-minds-solution
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Jul 11, 2023
Episode 19: MTSS and Montessori: Personalized Learning at Island Village
In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Ocana and Jennifer Sessa from Island Village Montessori, a K-8 charter school in Florida's Sarasota County School system. Jennifer Ocana is the Head of School for Island Village but has been teaching and leading for 20 years in Montessori schools. Jennifer Sessa is the Director of Pupil Support, working with the Special Education staff. We talk about how MTSS and the Montessori philosophy are closely linked and how they lean into differentiated instruction to help meet the needs of their diverse population.
Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our website Branchingminds.com, or Sign up for our weekly newsletter on all things MTSS with this link. (https://bit.ly/3SgBlXH) Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.
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Jun 27, 2023
Episode 18: MTSS for Maximizing Learning for Students with Dyslexia with Kristen Beesaw
Reading difficulty has an outsized effect on a student's ability to be successful in school and life. In the past few years, more and more states are passing legislation around dyslexia, requiring schools and teachers to have the knowledge and to screen students early.
Dyslexia is “a brain-based learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s reading ability.” Fortunately, research suggests that early identification and intervention for dyslexia prevents further difficulty for the student.
In today’s episode, I sat down with Kristen Beesaw, Assistant Director of Interventions and 504 for Bryan Independent School District. We talked how about misconceptions about dyslexia and how a Multi-Tiered System of Supports can help meet students that are at risk for dyslexia. Kristen was kind enough to share how Bryan is striving to intervene early and implement best practices to support students at risk for dyslexia.
Kristen Beesaw has been in education for 28 years, all wi…
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Jun 13, 2023
Episode 17: Supporting ELL Students through Classroom Relationships with Gabi Graham
As educators, we know that we cannot control what students bring in with them each day, whether that be academic, behavioral, emotional, or even language learning needs. An educator's job is to support students, helping them feel safe so that they can learn and meet their goals.
This episode is a conversation with Gabi Graham, a former elementary dual language teacher passionate about helping schools support students from other cultures. We talk about how different aspects of student mental health can affect outcomes and how sometimes simple things can make all the difference in helping students feel safe and that they belong, no matter their culture.
Gabi Graham balances the roles of being the mother of 2 sweet girls and a successful sales development representative for Branching Minds. As a former dual language educator and lover of all things EdTech, she can understand user needs daily. She lives in a beautiful west Texas border city where the mountain views are breathtaking, th…
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May 30, 2023
Episode 16: Reflecting on Your MTSS Practice with Karen Castle
Karen Castle, veteran educational leader and Executive Director of Professional Learning at Branching Minds, offers wisdom about wrapping up the school year and questions for leaders to reflect on their MTSS practice.
We also dive into the idea that “Remembering Your Why” is not sufficient with the why and the how of making school transformation.
Karen is the Executive Director of Professional Learning at Branching Minds, where she leads a team of education consultants to provide guidance and support to schools and districts, as they implement Branching Minds and improve their MTSS practice. Prior to Branching Minds, Karen spent 12 years building a national professional development program for Amplify Education, a leading company in the education technology space. Prior to her work in the Edtech space, Karen served as curriculum director, principal, and teacher for several school districts in the North Texas area for 23 years. Karen holds an M.Ed. from the University of North Tex…
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May 16, 2023
Episode 15: School Transformation Begins with the Adults with AJ Crabill
The guest for this episode, AJ Crabill, advocates for taking risks to find a better way to improve schools and support students. AJ Crabill believes that “Student outcomes don't change until adult behaviors change.”
In this conversation with AJ, we talk about his work in helping improve schools and helping schools create student-led restorative circles. Restorative practices focus on resolving conflict, repairing harm, and healing relationships. It is an overarching term referring to strategies that help build community in ways that treat humans with dignity and respect.
AJ Crabill serves as Conservator at DeSoto, Texas ISD. During his guidance, DeSoto improved from F ratings in academics, finance, and governance to B ratings. He’s also Faculty at the Leadership Institute of Nevada and Director of Governance at the Council of the Great City Schools. He served as Deputy Commissioner at the Texas Education Agency and spearheaded reforms as board chair of Kansas City Public Schoo…
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May 2, 2023
Episode 14: Using Early Warning Indicators to Support Students with EWI Expert Sarah Frazelle
Part of any good system of support isn’t just reacting to student needs but also being proactive in supporting students at risk. Intervening early can be the best way to prevent students from missing out and falling further behind.
One way would be to utilize Early Warning Indicators, such as attendance, behavior, and class grades. These are helpful indicators for identifying students that may need support in the future and allow educators to intervene before a student needs more intense support.
In this episode, we talk with Sarah Frazelle, a researcher in Early Warning Indicators. We talk about why getting systematic support is necessary and why teachers might have difficulty taking attendance.
Sarah Frazelle is the Director of Early Warning Indicator Systems and MTSS for the Puget Sound Education Service District in Seattle, WA. She has been working on Early Warning Indicator Systems since 2012. In that time, she's moved from the analysis of early warning data to coaching scho…
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Apr 18, 2023
Episode 13: How MTSS Can Support Positive Behavior With School Psychologist, Trudy Bender
Recently it has been reported that more than 80 Percent of U.S. Public Schools say the pandemic has negatively impacted student behavior and socio-emotional development.
Our guest today is the perfect person to give us some insight into how the system and school culture can help teachers with these issues. Trudy Bender previously served as the Coordinator of District Behavior Intervention for the Waco Independent School District, where she facilitated the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports for Behavior, including initiatives to improve school climate and connection, provide effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 behavior intervention programs, and coordinate wrap-around services and transitional support for students in alternative disciplinary settings.
Not only that, but she built a multi-year sequence of teacher training in classroom management, behavior intervention, and peer coaching to help build capacity and collaboration among teachers.
Now, she is Branching M…
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Apr 4, 2023
Episode 12: Connecting MTSS Best Practices to Education Policy with Abigail Woodworth and Yoni Doron
Now more than ever, a spotlight is being shined on our education system. Requiring states to make decisions to help support educators. Schools, teachers, and students need help. In this episode, our two guests are working to connect and build relationships with policymakers, researchers, and those who can help change the system for better student outcomes.
Abigail Woodworth, VP of Communications at Branching Minds, and Yoni Doron, Branching Minds Chief Strategic Partnership Officer, have been a part of the company since the beginning and have seen how important it is to help schools and districts not only individually but at the policy level.
Abigail Woodworth, VP of Communications, is a seasoned communications professional with over two decades of experience developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that drive organizational growth, building and leading successful teams, and enhancing reputation, reach, and revenues of companies. Prior to joining Branching…
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Mar 21, 2023
Episode 11: MTSS + Tech = Magic: Solving Educators’ Pain Points With Emily-Rose Barry, VP of Product
Often, as a teacher using educational technology, I had frustrations about its uses in the classroom, its functionality, and its purpose. I wish I had known our guest back then to discuss how to make technology work FOR me, not against me.
In this episode, we talk with Emily-Rose Barry, the VP of Product at Branching Minds. Much like many of our guests, her journey began in the classroom as a student wondering how learning worked. Our conversation covers her accidental journey to her current role and how technology assists educators in doing their job better.
Emily-Rose Barry has worked in Education Technology in roles overseeing Product and Customer Success for the past ten years. Before joining the world of agile software development, she taught reading and writing at every level, from early childhood to college, administered special programs for an adult literacy nonprofit, and published short fiction and poetry as a freelance writer. She co-founded ProductTank Buffalo, a local…
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Mar 7, 2023
Episode 10: How Student Wellness Impacts Academic Outcomes With Dr. Essie Sutton
Recent research around students’ mental and emotional health has revealed a dire need for educational professionals to do something to help. More than 15% of students have had a depressive episode in this last year. And many parents believe their students would benefit from mental health assistance.
Our guest today, Dr. Essie Sutton, an applied developmental psychologist, has made it her job to learn more about how social-emotional learning and mental health support can actually help students. In this episode, we discuss how teachers use evidence-based practices in the classroom, the need for a deeper understanding of student wellness, and what she is learning from her work.
Essie Sutton is an Applied Developmental Psychologist and the Director of Learning Science at Branching Minds. Her work brings together the fields of Child Development and Education Psychology to improve learning and development for all students. Dr. Sutton is responsible for studying the impacts of the Branc…
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Feb 21, 2023
Episode 9: Academia Meets K-12 Edtech: A Personal Journey of Chief Product Officer Dr. Eva Dundas
Have you ever thought about how you can think different thoughts and how your brain works? Beginning from childhood, this week’s guest loved to think about how people think. Dr. Eva Dundas and I sat down to chat about how a Dr. of Developmental and Cognitive Psychology became a Chief Product Officer for an Edtech company.
We dive into how she went from being an academic research scientist to seeking a role to apply her knowledge and see research in action. I was most excited to talk with her about why learning science isn’t what some may believe it to be and why teachers should be called Learning Engineers.
Dr. Dundas is the Chief Product Officer of Branching Minds, where she pursues her mission to bridge the gap between the science of learning and education practice. At Branching Minds, she develops ways in which teachers can use technology to bring evidence-based strategies and practice into the classroom. Dr. Dundas is widely recognized as a visionary in the fields of devel…
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Feb 7, 2023
Episode 8: Always a Learner: Transition From Teacher to EDTech CEO With Maya Gat Part 2
The best leaders are the ones that know they can’t be an expert at everything. They often continue to learn and seek out other experts to join their team.
In this episode, Part 2 of our conversation with former educator turned Edtech CEO, Maya Gat shares how she continues to lean into the idea of humility and the power of learning. She expands on how she is always a learner and how she translated her skills as a teacher to her role leading a company.
Maya is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Branching Minds, where she focuses on building partnerships with districts and product design. She has spent 17 years working with children, youth, and adults as an educator in various capacities both inside and outside of the school system. She has previously taught young children ages 2-3, and students in grades 2-4 in New York City. Maya has also taught English and Mathematics internationally to children, teenagers, and adults in Istanbul, Turkey, and has written math curriculum…
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Jan 24, 2023
Episode 7: “Why Not Me?" Transition From Teacher to EDTech CEO With Maya Gat Part 1
Every compelling story has an unlikely hero, someone on an adventure to solve a problem, find a treasure, or save the day. For this episode, we have the privilege of hearing one of these great stories. Former teacher Maya Gat shares with us how she became the CEO and Co-Founder of Branching Minds. This episode is part one of the conversation. We cover where it all started, her journey to be a teacher, and what has continued to compel her in her work today. Tune in for part two in a few weeks!
Maya is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Branching Minds, where she focuses on building partnerships with districts and product design. She has spent 17 years working with children, youth, and adults as an educator in various capacities both inside and outside of the school system. She has previously taught young children ages 2-3, and students in grades 2-4 in New York City. Maya has also taught English and Mathematics internationally to children, teenagers, and adults in Istanb…
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Jan 10, 2023
Episode 6: 50 Years of Leadership in RTI/MTSS: A Conversation w/ Dr. Alan Coulter & Dr. Eva Dundas
Since the purpose of this podcast is to bring you conversations with practitioners and experts from the field, to discuss the challenges of supporting students and schools, we had to share a special episode featuring Dr. Alan Coulter and Dr. Eva Dundas. In this episode, originally recorded for our 2022 MTSS Summit, Dr. Eva Dundas, Branching Minds Chief Product Officer, sat down with Dr. Coulter to discuss his experience leading RTI/MTSS as an educator, psychologist, and consultant over the past 50 years.
Dr. Coulter is a licensed psychologist and organizational development consultant (Directions & Resources Group), providing technical assistance, professional learning, and executive coaching in school improvement. For more than 52 years, Alan has been an educator involved in school improvement at the local, state, and national levels. Currently, he provides technical assistance in support of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and improvement of results in special education usi…
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Dec 27, 2022
Episode 4: MTSS Requires Shifting Mindsets with Tiffany Studivant
We are excited to share our conversation with Tiffany Studivant, who is in her 11th year with Clark County School District in Athens, Georgia. Her energy and enthusiasm for her work are contagious.
Tiffany has extensive experience in supporting students and families at the school level as well as supporting building leaders at the district -level. After nine years as an elementary Special Education Teacher and Team leader, Tiffany joined the district’s support staff in her current role. She currently serves as a District MTSS Implementation Specialist, coaching and guiding 14 building-level Elementary MTSS coordinators with the overall implementation of the MTSS framework.
Quotes:
"It's a team approach, it takes building off others' knowledge and learning from each other to figure out the needs of students."
"Shifting that mindset, no, it's not RTI, it's a component of MTSS. Yes, we will intervene as needed. But our goal is getting kids back to tier 1, exhausting everything in Tier…
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Dec 27, 2022
Episode 5: MTSS Is Finding the Right Intervention with Jenna Blank
For our final episode of the “Voices from the Field” series, we chatted with Jenna Blank, an educator at Livonia Elementary School in the small, rural community of Livonia in Western New York.
Jenna has been an educator for 14 years and three years ago took on a new position of coordinating the RTI/MTSS process for her school and loves being about to work closely with teachers and families in support of students. Previously she had been a classroom teacher and reading specialist. She continues to teach PreK in the mornings and loves the ability to focus on early foundational skills with her little ones!
Quotes:
"The pandemic highlighted how important to have parents involved in your MTSS process. They have so much valuable information that might often be overlooked. They are the other half of their child's life. They bring such valuable knowledge and insight."
"It can't be underestimated the power of a strong Tier 1 curriculum, accessibility to research-based Tier 2 and Tier 3…
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Dec 13, 2022
Episode 3: The Power of MTSS as a Collaborative Problem-Solving Process with Dr. Lydia Williams
For our third installment of “Voices from the Field,” we have the opportunity to hear from another excellent educator, Dr. Lydia Williams, from Long Island, New York.
Dr. Williams is an educational leader, administrator, and scholar with over 17 years of experience in elementary education. Her prior roles as a classroom teacher, academic intervention specialist, and International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme coordinator have all converged to influence her current work as an MTSS coordinator for the district of North Bellmore in Long Island, New York. In our conversation, we discuss how a Multi-Tiered System of Supports helps provide students with what they need to thrive.
Quotes:
"For me, it's about finding that confidence in ourselves and our expertise and asking questions and seeking the knowledge. It's about creating opportunities for collaboration because it is so powerful what we can do when we come together."
"It's really about using the information to be prevent…
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Nov 29, 2022
Episode 2: “MTSS Is More Than Just an Intervention” With Trisha Senne
Continuing our series highlighting “Voices from the Field,” we chatted with another superb educator, Trisha Senne, from Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
Trisha started her career as a special education teacher, then transitioned to be a behavior and learning consultant for the district before landing her current role as the coordinator of assessment & MTSS in the Community Consolidated School District 59. In this episode, we talk about how data collection can impact how a school helps students feel like they belong and how schools and communities can be transformed when there is a solid system or framework in place.
Quotes:
“The new “Aha” was really seeing how beyond intervention MTSS is, and how impactful your preventative and proactive approaches at your core really need to be.”
“MTSS is the impact that we have as a system, all the things that we do on a day to day basis, on behalf of students, of course, the assessment, intervention, but its also having a reliable core…
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Nov 15, 2022
Episode 1: “MTSS Is Equity With its Work Boots On” - A Conversation With Donna Cross
To kick off our podcast, we are featuring a few remarkable educators in a series called “Voices from the Field.” These are education rockstars, leaders in their school communities, and serving to support students and teachers.
Today, we begin our podcast with Donna Cross, the Director of MTSS and SEL in Evanston Skokie School District 65 in Illinois. We talk about how MTSS or a Multi-Tiered System of Supports can provide students with what they need when they need it. She also shares how her journey began with her childhood experiences and shaped her approach to supporting students.
Quotes:
“MTSS is equity with its workboots on, giving kids what they need when they need it, and how they need it.”- Donna Cross
“You do get burnt out, and you do get exhausted because you are trying to figure it out on your own. When you are a part of a system and structure that is supporting that work, and doing it in a collectivist manner, you aren’t in this by yourself, you have that…
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Nov 7, 2022
Trailer For Schoolin' Around
Don't miss out on our upcoming podcast!
Schoolin' Around is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Branching Minds, featuring prominent leaders, subject-matter experts, and thought innovators with their perspectives on the current challenges facing K-12 education.
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