Schoolin' Around

By Schoolin' Around by Branching MindsBusiness Education Non-Profit

Schoolin' Around episodes

July 28Classroom Management: A Key to Student Success
Summer Replay: In this conversation, educators Ashley Robertson and Emily Jordan discuss the critical role of classroom management in fostering a productive learning environment. They explore the challenges faced by teachers, particularly in the post-COVID landscape, where emotional dysregulation among students has increased. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building relationships, focusing on positive behaviors, and the need for ongoing professional development. They also highlight the role of school leaders in supporting teachers and the evolving nature of classroom management strategies, advocating for a shift from punitive measures to restorative practices that prioritize student well-being.
Resources:
Blog: 6 Daily Engagement Practices for Every MTSS Tier
Tier 1 Behavior Guide
Takeaways:
Classroom management is crucial for student success.
Post-COVID, students are struggling with emotional regulation.
Building relationships with students enhances classroom management.
Focusing on positive behaviors can improve classroom dynamics.
Behavior change requires time and consistent support.
School leaders play a vital role in setting expectations.
Professional development is essential for teacher growth.
Restorative practices are more effective than punitive measures.
Technology can distract students from learning.
Classroom management strategies must evolve with changing student needs.

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 [email protected]!
29 min
July 21How to Support New Teachers in MTSS Implementation
SUMMER REPLAY: In this conversation, Michele James, member of Branching Minds Professional Services, and Larissa discuss the critical aspects of supporting new teachers, particularly through the implementation of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). They emphasize the importance of building community, providing structured support, and creating a collaborative environment for new educators. The discussion covers strategies for effective onboarding, the significance of mentorship, and the need for ongoing professional development to ensure new teachers feel equipped and confident in their roles.
Resources:
Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers
MTSS Coaching Toolkit
ICEL Key Domains of Learning
RIOT and ICEL Matrix: Sources of Information and Variables to Assess
Takeaways:
Building community is essential for new teachers' success.
New teachers often feel overwhelmed, akin to 'drinking out of a fire hose.'
Orientation should focus on relationship-building rather than just information delivery.
MTSS implementation requires a clear path and ongoing support.
Teachers can only handle a limited amount of information at once.
New teachers should have a seat at the table in collaborative meetings.
Creating a non-evaluative atmosphere helps new teachers feel safe.
Asking the right questions can guide productive discussions about student support.
Planning for professional development is crucial for new teachers.
Strategic onboarding can significantly impact new teachers' experiences.

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 [email protected]!
23 min
July 14How to Build MTSS Teacher Buy-in....A Handbook
SUMMER REPLAY: In this conversation, Larissa interviews Shannon Thornton from Warrensville, Ohio, about the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in their district. Shannon emphasizes the importance of teacher buy-in and the need for ongoing education and training on MTSS. She also discusses the development of an MTSS handbook to provide a centralized resource for teachers and administrators. In this conversation, Shannon Thornton, a district administrator, discusses the implementation of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) in her district. She emphasizes the importance of regularly revisiting and updating the MTSS handbook to ensure clarity and address teachers' questions.
Resources:
Guide: MTSS Buy-in and Mobilization Guide
Webinar: Buy-In (in MTSS) is Like Sunscreen
Article: MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation: 8 Steps for Change
Takeaways:
Implementing MTSS is a complex task that requires investment in intervention teachers and programs.
Teacher buy-in is crucial for successful implementation of MTSS.
Ongoing education and training on MTSS is necessary to ensure understanding and implementation fidelity.
Implementing MTSS at the secondary level presents unique challenges, including the need for specialized teachers.
A centralized resource, such as an MTSS handbook, can support teachers and administrators in implementing MTSS effectively. Regularly revisiting and updating the MTSS handbook is crucial for clarity and addressing teachers' questions
One-on-one meetings with teachers can help identify and address students who are not making adequate progress
Implementing MTSS can lead to growth and improved outcomes for students

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 [email protected]!
29 min
July 07MTSS Leadership: Setting the Stage for a New School Year
In this conversation, Larissa and Sandra discuss essential back-to-school strategies for educators and school leaders. They emphasize the excitement of a new school year, the importance of setting a positive tone, and the need for clear communication and visibility in leadership. They also highlight the importance of building relationships and support systems among staff, the necessity of meaningful professional development, and the role of feedback in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The discussion provides practical tips and insights for creating a successful school year.
Resources:
Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers
Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In
MTSS Month by Month Checklist
Beginning of Year MTSS Gameplan Ebook
Takeaways:
The excitement of a new school year brings fresh opportunities.
Showing value to staff and students is crucial for success.
Clear expectations help prioritize important goals.
Effective communication reduces stress and fosters collaboration.
Visibility and approachability of leaders enhance school culture.
Building relationships among staff supports a positive environment.
Professional development should be meaningful and relevant.
Feedback should be constructive and promote growth.
Creating a culture of continuous improvement benefits everyone.
Leaders should focus on one goal at a time to avoid overwhelm.

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 [email protected]!
29 min
June 30How Medina City Schools Is Building MTSS for High School
Summer Replay: This conversation explores the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in secondary education, specifically at Medina City Schools in Ohio. The discussion highlights the challenges faced, the roles of educators, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The speakers share their experiences with MTSS, emphasizing the need for systematic support, collaboration among staff, and the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) into the educational framework. They also provide insights into the progress made and the future goals for improving student outcomes.
Resources:
Guide: Implementing MTSS in Secondary Schools
MTSS in Secondary Schools
MTSS in High School Article
Webinar: EWS https://hubs.ly/Q02RznQb0
Takeaways:
MTSS is becoming more common in secondary schools.
Collaboration among educators is crucial for MTSS success.
Data collection and analysis are foundational for effective MTSS.
Social-emotional learning is essential for student engagement.
Teachers need ongoing professional development to implement MTSS.
Building relationships with students is key to their success.
Addressing disproportionality in education is a priority.
Focusing on one area of improvement at a time is effective.
Creating a supportive school culture enhances student learning.
Continuous communication about the purpose of MTSS is necessary.

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 [email protected]!
50 min
June 23How Great Teaching Grows From Great Systems
In this episode, Larissa Napolitan talks with April Remfrey, international educational consultant, about building supportive school systems, effective classroom routines, and fostering trust and collaboration among educators. They explore practical strategies for leaders to enhance MTSS implementation and create sustainable, inclusive learning environments.
Resources:
https://www.remfrey.com/
April Remfrey on LinkedIn
Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In
How to Lead for Improved Student Outcomes Using Real-Time, Real-Life Insights
Takeaways:
Systems are reflected in teacher conversations.
Teaching practices are rooted in system soil.
Proactive maintenance beats reactive intervention.
Trust and calmness signal system health.
Feedback loops act like nutrients.
Small shifts can ripple widely.
Sustained focus beats quick fixes.

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 [email protected]!
36 min
June 16The MTSS Leader’s Summer Reset
In this episode, we discuss the importance of setting intentions over goals, reflection, and how deliberate leadership can transform the upcoming school year. She offers practical strategies for educators to reflect, set intentions, and lead with purpose, especially in the context of MTSS.
Resources:
Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In
Summer Reflection Questions
Article: Reflecting on Yourself as a Leader
Article: How to Let Your Values Guide You as a School Leader
Article: What K-12 Leaders Need to Know About the Power of Self-Reflection
Article: Setting Intentions: A Powerful Tool to Help Us Learn
Takeaways:
Distinguish between goals that set destinations and intentions that define how you show up.
Use reflection as a counterbalance to keep school change from becoming chaos or burnout.
Set clear intentions to prime your neural system for spotting opportunities that align with your leadership style.
Protect your staff’s energy by removing unnecessary initiatives before adding new ones.
Use the L.O.V.E. framework to evaluate whether your decisions truly align with your core values.
Build trust through small, kept promises rather than relying on grand declarations.

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 [email protected]!
15 min
June 09How Deep District Alignment Makes Real MTSS Progress for North Carolina District
The episode explores how deep district alignment transforms educational practices by embedding frameworks into daily routines in Person County, North Carolina. The guests, Kelly Kiser and Lyndsay Hubbard, highlight the importance of visibility in student progress to boost teacher buy-in and confidence. The discussion emphasizes hands-on support through coaching, which bridges the gap between policy and practice. Finally, it showcases how consistent structures and cross-school collaboration lead to sustainable educational transformation.
Resources:
The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic Planning
Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In
Guide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation
Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers
Request a consultation
Takeaways:
Embedding frameworks into daily practices leads to true reform.
Tangible growth evidence turns compliance into conviction.
Coaching bridges the gap between policy and practice.
Standardizing protocols ensures high-quality practices.
Rethinking support models ignites transformation.
Sharing practices reduces siloed thinking.
A well-planned calendar builds confidence and momentum.

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 [email protected]!
29 min
June 02How One District Leader is Breaking ‘Analysis Paralysis’ to Make Real MTSS Progress
In this interview, Dr. Kristen Panzerella from Lawrence UFSD in New York, shares her district's journey in implementing MTSS, emphasizing the importance of getting into the work quickly, building staff buy-in through consistency, and adapting practices to support diverse student populations. Discover practical strategies for overcoming analysis paralysis and fostering a culture of action in education.
Resources:
Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In
MTSS Meetings Guide
Request a consultation
Takeaways:
Start quickly to fuel progress.
Visible results build commitment.
Consistency unifies student experiences.
Focus on a few targeted interventions.
Action builds momentum faster than planning.
Small wins foster continuous improvement.
Rapid action reveals real needs.
Empower staff to innovate and revise.

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 [email protected]!
28 min
May 26EOY Insights: How To Turn MTSS Data Into Actionable Wins Before Summer Break
In this episode, Valerie Parsons, a Professional Learning Consultant at Branching Minds, school administrator, and author of the MTSS playbook series, shares her expert insights on leveraging end-of-year data to improve educational outcomes. She discusses key topics such as data analysis, universal screening, test preparation strategies, and effective planning for the upcoming school year.
Resources:
MTSS Playbook Series: End-of-Year Winning Plays
Webinar: Turning Insights into Action: EOY Data for Administrators
Blog: End-of-Year Reflection and Planning With MTSS: Connect the Dots With Branching Minds
EOY Action Plan
Schedule a Conversation
Takeaways:
Use data to make informed decisions and improve educational outcomes.
Utilize checklists to ensure nothing falls through the cracks during the school year.
Keep motivation high and evaluate student progress to plan future support.
Understand the benefits and limitations of different assessment types.
Ensure district-wide consistency in cut scores for accurate data analysis.
Use data to guide professional learning and improve instructional effectiveness.
Regularly assess and refine systems for ongoing 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 [email protected]!
37 min

About Schoolin' Around

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Schoolin' Around is a 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.