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Set the Tone: Establish Social Expectations
In this episode, Heather is joined by Waddell, a school social worker who believes social work belongs far beyond the therapy office. Together, they talk about what it really looks like to teach social behaviors in ways that make sense for individual students—not just based on a curriculum, but rooted in context, lived experiences, and real conversations.
They explore how teaching social skills often means throwing out the script and getting creative—using chess to build patience, classroom examples to explore nuance, and cultural context to make lessons relevant. Waddell emphasizes that every student brings their own logic, background, and identity into the room, and if we’re not flexible enough to meet them where they are, we’re missing the point.
The episode also touches on a tension in the field: how to affirm students as they are while also helping them navigate social expectations. Heather and Waddell offer a perspective that honors both authenticity and growth, reminding us that real social instruction isn’t about molding students to fit one standard, but helping them build the skills to engage meaningfully in the world around them—in their own way.
Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
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Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!
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By Heather VolchkoIn this episode, Heather is joined by Waddell, a school social worker who believes social work belongs far beyond the therapy office. Together, they talk about what it really looks like to teach social behaviors in ways that make sense for individual students—not just based on a curriculum, but rooted in context, lived experiences, and real conversations.
They explore how teaching social skills often means throwing out the script and getting creative—using chess to build patience, classroom examples to explore nuance, and cultural context to make lessons relevant. Waddell emphasizes that every student brings their own logic, background, and identity into the room, and if we’re not flexible enough to meet them where they are, we’re missing the point.
The episode also touches on a tension in the field: how to affirm students as they are while also helping them navigate social expectations. Heather and Waddell offer a perspective that honors both authenticity and growth, reminding us that real social instruction isn’t about molding students to fit one standard, but helping them build the skills to engage meaningfully in the world around them—in their own way.
Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!
Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!
Follow Us on Social Media
Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!
Subscribe to Our Podcast
Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!
Support Our Mission
Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.
Send Us Your Feedback
Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!