Why Districts Benefit from External Expertise in Behavior Support
Many times, school staff who deal with challenging behaviors on a daily basis become so engulfed in the student that they will allow emotions to take charge. External experts can lighten the load by providing effective interventions, which in turn helps maintain morale and staff retention. Having this “outside professional” observe, discuss their findings, and come up with a plan is often welcomed by the involved school parties.
Tips for Conducting School-Based Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
Whether you're a teacher, behavior specialist, or school psychologist, the goal is the same — to understand why a behavior is happening and to respond in a way that helps the student succeed. The "function" of a behavior is its "payoff," "purpose," or "outcome" that it provides to the individual. Behavior occurs to either "Get Something" or "Remove Something". Data collection should be simple, easy, efficient, and team-oriented, not an overly laborious task.
What Makes a Functional Classroom Management Plan?
Without clear expectations, students may struggle with knowing how to behave or what is acceptable in the classroom. Preventing disruptions before they occur is far more effective than reacting to problems after they arise. While consistency is important, a functional classroom management plan also needs to be adaptable.
Fostering Collaboration Between School Teams and Outside Service Providers
Outside support is a solution to help all team members appropriately plan for students. Let’s make this work by focusing on ongoing communication and positive collaboration. It is true - there is power in numbers, and I say the more the merrier
Why Schools Need Board Certified Staffing Buffers
Across the board, special education teachers are approximately 2.5 times more likely to leave the profession than their general education counterparts. However, persistent overextension (mainly driven by a strong desire to support colleagues and students) can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion, a condition often referred to as compassion fatigue. Certified staffing buffers aren’t just about increasing headcount. They’re about ensuring quality, sustainability, and support.
Lessons From Personal Struggles: The Case for TLC in Schools
My teacher had a quiet room where I and other students who were having a challenging time could go to calm down. She had patience with me and other students, which helped us to remain calm and be able to participate because we trusted her.
A Message to Educators: Why Your Work Matters More Than Ever
Some of the most meaningful lessons aren’t written on a whiteboard — they happen in between the lines. You, dear educator, may never fully see the seeds you're planting. But students remember. We believe in equipping school systems with the strategies, training, and support to empower you — because when teachers are supported, students thrive.
Why Nonprofit Collaboration is Key to Supporting Complex Students
There is hope that just as a single ray of light does not illuminate the day on its own but only when it is gathered together with innumerable other rays, so may the work of a nonprofit reach its fullest potential when gathered together with a collective of other light-seekers.
Understanding the Role of Paraprofessionals in Supporting Student Success
Beyond academics, paraprofessionals contribute to creating an inclusive and nurturing environment. When paraprofessionals receive ongoing education and support, they become more confident and capable, leading to better student outcomes and a strengthened partnership with teachers.
Empowering Educators Through Professional Development: A Board Perspective
When we reimagine professional learning as a catalyst for empowerment rather than a checkbox requirement, we unlock the true potential of our educational systems. At the heart of our board’s mission lies a fundamental belief: empowered educators create empowered learners.
Partnering Across Roles for Maximum Effectiveness
Our consulting team brings specialized knowledge in behavior analysis and intervention design. I've found that taking this collaborative approach not only increases the likelihood of success but also builds team confidence and competence. These communication structures aren't just about staying informed—they're about building trust and maintaining momentum. Remember, effective partnership isn't about having all the answers—it's about working together to find them.
Why Mentoring At-Risk Youth Matters More Than Ever
We are building a lifeline for students who have a purpose but have yet to discover their own worth. Every strategy, conversation, and connection is driven by the belief that no student should ever feel like their dreams are out of reach. We're not here to fix students. We're here to believe in them. Together, we can create pathways that enable students to see themselves as capable, worthy, and full of incredible potential!
Hiring the Right Fit Through Vetting School-Based Behavior Specialists
When hiring behavior specialists, the stakes are high, but the rewards are even higher when you find the right fit. Using tools like the CCC ensures you're making decisions that benefit your students, schools, and district as a whole while welcoming in additional fields of expertise. Whether you're evaluating new hires or assessing current specialists, I believe this structured approach of referring to the CCC will help you make informed, confident decisions about hiring staff who can affect sustainable, district-wide change.
What I’ve Learned About Leadership Through Serving on a Nonprofit Board
Leadership is less about guiding others and more about walking beside them, building trust, and creating a shared sense of purpose. The best pivots succeed not because the plan is perfect, but because the people implementing it are invested, aligned, and have ownership. By intentionally creating space for diverse perspectives to come together collaboratively, we’re not just solving problems — we’re designing solutions with purpose.