June 10, 2025

Ep. 58: Bridging the Gap: Building Teacher-BCBA Collaboration for Student Success

15 minutes

🤝 Join Caitlin and Audra as they dive into the crucial topic of fostering strong working relationships between school-based BCBAs and teachers! Learn from their real-world experiences – both successes and challenges – in building mutual respect and understanding for the benefit of students.

💡 It's all about teamwork! Discover how to move beyond potential roadblocks and create effective partnerships.

🔑 Key Takeaways
✅ Lead with trust—respect teachers’ expertise, time, and lived experience
🧠 Use teacher-friendly language and avoid behavior jargon (save “DRO” for later)
🎯 Ask open-ended questions to understand their struggles before jumping to solutions
💡 Use simple tools like “What’s Working / Not Working” to frame tough conversations
🧍 Mirroring emotions and validating teachers’ experiences builds connection
📉 Even if you don’t become best friends, aim for collaboration over compliance
🪄 Pro tip: Genuine praise in front of others goes a long way in building rapport

📚 Resources and Ideas
🎧 Previous Relevant Episodes:
🔗 Episode 3: 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors and Trauma-Informed Care
🔗 Episode 10: Navigating Difficult Conversations with ABA Staff

📖 Book Recommendations:
🔗 Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss - Discussed for its insights on communication and building understanding.
🔗 Let Them by Mel Robbins

📝 Freebie:
💡 Caitlin's "What's Working/What's Not Working" visual for facilitating positive meeting starts

Join Us...
🎙 Next Episode: Part 13 of the FBA mini-series, MASTERY!
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📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis!
💬 Let us know how YOU connect with staff in our Facebook group @TheMisfitBehaviorists
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