Send us a text

In this episode of the Crisis in Education Podcast, host Dr. Paulie welcomes his good friend and former colleague, Pierre Louis. As a long-time leader and one of the founders of Ovation Behavior Group, Pierre brings deep insights into the intersection of behavior science, leadership, and education.

Dr. Paulie and Pierre discuss:
✅ How behavior science drives effective leadership in education
✅ Challenges and successes in implementing behavior-based strategies
✅ The power of mentorship and leadership in fostering meaningful change

This engaging conversation is packed with practical takeaways for educators, behavior analysts, and leaders committed to improving systems through evidence-based practices. Don't miss it! ​

Send us a text

Episode Description:
In this episode of The Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paulie sits down with behavior analyst and education expert Steve Ward to discuss practical strategies for supporting teachers and students—especially those with special needs—while highlighting lessons that apply to all classrooms.

They dive into the critical role of assent and assent withdrawal, exploring how these concepts can be observed, measured, and taught to both teachers and parents. Steve emphasizes the importance of respecting a learner's right to say "no" and, more importantly, how to reintroduce expectations in ways that build trust, confidence, and engagement.

The conversation also challenges traditional approaches to learning by making a compelling case for expanding fun—particularly social fun—as a primary goal. By prioritizing enjoyment and meaningful interactions, educators can create positive ripple effects that go far beyond preparing students to complete tasks.

Tune in to learn actionable strategies, from fluency-building formats to incorporating games and routines, that help turn novelty and unpredictability into opportunities for growth. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or school leader, this episode offers insights you can apply right away to make learning more effective and enjoyable for all students.

More on Steve
Website
Facebook

Articles
https://www.archivesofpsychology.org/index.php/aop/article/view/82
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5352626/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03393050

Webinars
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/cabs-autism-and-behavior-specialists-34162179949

Podcasts

Trauma Informed Care: Some ThingsYou Should Know

Punishment on Trial in Behavior Analysis

Assent and Compliance: When to Use Which

How to Help Individuals with Anxiety: Session 187 with Steve Ward

The Case for Humor in Behavioral Interventions: Session 111 with Steve Ward

Book links
Teaching Good Learner Repertoires
What You Need to Know about Motivation and Teaching Games: An in

Send us a text

In this eye-opening episode of Crisis in Education, Dr. Paulie sits down with Dr. Greg Rockhold to explore a bold and urgent topic: the growing teacher turnover crisis and its potential implications for national security. Drawing from decades of experience in education and leadership, Dr. Rockhold offers a compelling analysis of how the exodus of teachers from the profession threatens not only the quality of education but also the stability of communities and the nation's future workforce.

The conversation lifts up the hood on the systemic challenges driving teacher burnout, the lack of preparation and support for educators, and how these issues ripple out to impact society on a broader scale. Together, they discuss actionable solutions grounded in behavioral science, leadership principles, and policy reform to address this alarming trend.

Tune in for a powerful discussion that reframes the teacher turnover crisis as more than just an educational issue—it's a national security concern that demands immediate attention.

About Dr. Rockhold
Dr. Greg Rockhold, in his 28th. year as an educational leader, served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). He has served in a variety of roles, including:

• NASSP No Child Left Behind National Task Force,
• Testified in US Senate Sub-Committee Hearings on Education and New Mexico Legislature many times on behalf of public education, 
• Presenter at NASSP Convention regarding NCLB in San Francisco and Reno,
• President - New Mexico Coalition of School Administrators (NMCSA),
• Executive Director - New Mexico Association of Secondary School Principals (NMASSP),
• Secretary - New Mexico Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development (NMASCD),
• Colorado Rural Caucus Steering Committee, 
• NCATE - Educational Leadership Constituent Council Reviewer,
• Considered for a White House Appointment, 
• McDonald’s/NASSP New Mexico Assistant Principal of the Year, 
• Adjunct Professor with Trinity Southwest University, and 
• USMC veteran and Eagle Scout.

Greg is a professionally skilled problem solver and highly organized team builder who leads a focus on increasing student performance via targeted professional development for all staff using student data to make informed decisions.

Greg is a highly effective change agent and consummate student of transformational leadership, organizational management, organizational efficiency, organizational effectiveness, organizational health, and organizational motivation.

As a change agent, Greg presents a clear vision that enables communication to be a give-and-take arena; he is patient yet persistent as people are moving forward; asking the tough questions; character and credibility as Greg is knowledgeable in what he is speaking about as he builds strong relationships on a foundation of trust. He is highly approachable and reliable. While a change agent, Greg creates conditions for sustainable change that permeates the organization.

People rejecting indifference – demanding excellence – PRIDE. - Greg Rockhold

Send us a text

In this episode, Christopher Hull sits down with Dr. Paulie to share his journey from the classroom to becoming a leader in educational innovation. As a former teacher, Christopher understands the challenges educators face every day and uses that experience to drive meaningful change in K-12 education. Together, he and Dr. Paulie dive into what it takes to empower teachers, improve student outcomes, and turn data into tools that truly support learning.

Christopher opens up about his mission to create a better educational experience for everyone involved—students, teachers, and administrators alike. He discusses how his firsthand experiences shaped his vision and commitment to making a difference where it counts most: in the lives of students and the educators who support them. Tune in for an insightful conversation on rethinking education through passion, purpose, and practical solutions.

Click here to learn more about OTUS

Send us a text

In this episode of the Crisis in Education podcast, Dr. Paulie sits down with Dr. Skip Wilhoit to dive into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of educational success—measuring and incorporating school climate into the overall school grade. Together, they explore why a supportive, positive climate is essential for both students and educators, the ways in which it impacts academic outcomes, and how school climate metrics can—and should—be integrated into accountability systems. With a blend of candid insights and data-driven discussion, Dr. Paulie and Dr. Wilhoit make the case for why shifting the focus beyond academic scores and towards climate measurement can transform schools into healthier, more effective learning environments. This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, and anyone passionate about meaningful change in education.

About Dr. Whilhoit
Dr. Skip Wilhoit is an experienced educator and administrator specializing in school safety, student intervention, and behavioral management. He has served as the Safe Schools, Dropout Prevention, and Student Intervention Specialist for the School District of Manatee County in Florida. 

His work in the district includes initiatives focused on bullying prevention and character education, aiming to foster a positive and safe learning environment for students. 

Dr. Wilhoit has also been involved in securing significant funding for educational programs. He was awarded a $2.7 million grant to benefit his K-12 school district, reflecting his commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and addressing behavioral issues within schools. 

Send us a text

In this episode of Crisis in Education, we sit down with 25 year principal Martin Silverman, author of the upcoming book Sustaining Excellence: How Culture Drives Teacher Retention. Marty shares his perspective as a long-time school leader, discussing effective strategies to foster a positive school culture that encourages teacher retention. 

Dr. Pauile discusses the actionable approaches Marty applied as a leader and outlined in his book, ranging from building autonomy and addressing mental health to creating a "culture of yes" and nurturing a family-like atmosphere in schools. Marty emphasizes the importance of genuine connections within school communities and how these practices can reduce turnover while strengthening the bonds that keep teachers committed to their profession. 

If you're looking to understand how school culture can be a powerful tool for retaining great educators, this episode is for you.

Send us a text

Why are Black men so rarely seen in leadership roles in our schools? In this episode, Dr. Paulie teams up with Dr. Bruce Tinor, a trailblazing school principal and behavior analyst—perhaps the only Black man to hold both distinctions. In it, they dissect the complex layers of systemic barriers and historical patterns that contribute to this significant underrepresentation. More importantly, they explore the potential profound impact of having Black male leaders in educational settings, discussing how their presence can enhance student outcomes, school culture, and more. Armed with Dr. Tinor’s unique insights and my behavior analysis expertise, we offer actionable strategies to dismantle these barriers. Tune in for a candid, enlightening conversation that not only challenges the status quo but also champions a vision for diverse and dynamic educational leadership.

Send us a text

As students return to school, some carry the invisible burdens of trauma, which can manifest as anxiety, avoidance, and disruptive behavior in the classroom. Recognizing these challenges is critical but only the first step in a comprehensive support strategy.

In this episode of the Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paulie explores the application of systematic desensitization as a means of building resilience in traumatized students. Joined by Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, a respected clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, the conversation dives into how methodically and gently exposing students to feared situations within a supportive school environment can alleviate anxiety and help develop fortitude—the ultimate goal of trauma recovery. 

The episode also touches on the sensitive topic of suicide, offering insights into how educators can navigate these complex issues while supporting students' mental health. This discussion equips educators with practical strategies to help students overcome their fears and thrive in the school setting.

Send us a text

In this episode of the "Crisis in Education" podcast, Dr. Paulie interviews Janine Driver, a New York Times Best-Selling Author and award-winning keynote speaker. Known as the “Lyin’ Tamer,” Janine is a body language expert and former federal law enforcement officer with over 16 years of experience at the Department of Justice. She’s the founder and CEO of the Body Language Institute, where she trains individuals and companies to enhance communication skills and detect deception.

During our conversation, we dive into the world of communication and body language, exploring how teachers can use these skills to create more effective and engaging classrooms. Janine shares insights from her work with corporate giants like Coca-Cola, Salesforce, and Lockheed Martin, as well as her experience speaking on platforms like TEDx, where her talks have garnered millions of views.

We also discuss the critical issue of reducing school shootings. Janine offers practical strategies for educators to improve school safety through enhanced communication and awareness. Her unique perspective, rooted in years of law enforcement and body language expertise, provides valuable tools for creating a safer and more connected school environment.

Janine is also a regular contributor to NBC’s Today Show and has appeared on CNN, The Dr. Oz Show, and Anderson Cooper Live. She has trained thousands of law enforcement officers and business professionals, helping them decipher fact from fiction and build rapport with ease​.

Whether you’re a teacher looking to improve your interactions with students or simply curious about understanding people better, Janine’s insights are sure to leave you with practical tips and new perspectives. Plus, she offers free talks to schools, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring her expertise to your educational setting.

Tune in to hear more from Janine Driver and discover how to enhance your communication skills while making schools safer!

Send us a text

In this episode, Albert and Jessica explore how behavior analysts can connect with teachers by understanding and aligning with their core values through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This dynamic duo is passionate about integrating behavior analytic technologies—such as Relational Frame Theory (RFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles—into educational settings. Their goal is to alleviate human suffering and foster collaborative relationships among stakeholders, including parents, educators, paraprofessionals, RBTs, BCBAs, and students, to achieve optimal outcomes for all involved.

Listen as Albert and Jessica discuss practical strategies for building strong partnerships between behavior analysts and educators by focusing on shared values and goals. By leveraging ACT, they demonstrate how to create an educational environment where everyone thrives, supporting both teachers' and students' needs.

Are you interested in developing innovative solutions and contributing to this shared vision? Albert and Jessica invite you to connect and create meaningful change with them. Reach out via email at [email protected] and [email protected]. Together, let's make a difference in the world of education!