The Educator's Blueprint

In this episode, Lisa Powers conducts an enlightening, meaningful interview with Susan Barrett and Kimberly Yanek, longtime contributors to the National Center for PBIS. The interview focuses on wellness and its significance to everyone in the school community. The participants discuss practical ways as well as resources designed to create educational spaces where everyone feels both connected and...

Although the school year is coming to an end, educators are always looking for meaningful ways to prepare themselves and their students for what's next. Jody Baker, coordinator for the Missouri PBIS Summer Institute, provides very specific information regarding the professional learning opportunities provided as well as some of the fun you could have at this year's institute . Listen in...

"Safety isn't the absence of a threat, but the presence of connection". Join us as we explore the broad implications for School Safety with Michelle Kruse, the Academy Program Coordinator for MSBA's Center for Education Safety. Resources: MSIP 6 CES Site School Safety Academy MSBA/CES Calendar Want to be a guest on the show? Submit here . 

Today Dr. Powers chats with Dr. Higgins on how to inspire leaders using an MTSS framework to develop systems to support the entire students'  academic, behavioral, and social-emotional health. As the  coordinator of the District Leadership Team, Dr. Higgins has the task of motivating the team and leaders to problem solve using data  identifying practical strategies to get positive outcomes. ...

Today's conversation is taken with great care and concern as we discuss how to navigate support to schools in recovery after a crisis, both short and long-term. Dr. Steve Goodman and Dr. Jen Freeman provide us, and listeners, with scaffolding, gathered from many fields of research, across social/emotional/behavioral and mental health needs.  Steve and Jen wish to acknowledge the leadership an...

Today we chat with Dr. Hollins-Sims on how, with intention and a framework, we can create spaces where belonging is foundational so every students' agency can be amplified! Join is as she provides tangible analogies on equity and vulnerable decision points, scaffolding to navigate this work, and permission to dream out loud together. Resources:  PBIS.org/equity Community of Practice Equity Se...

Join us (just Lisa and me) as we unpack and explore connection and sense of belonging; from the science to implementation. We talk about why connection matters and what this work can look like in school systems. Lots of laughs, reflection and resources.  Huge shout out to Dr. Nanci Johnson and Jody Baker on my "new" team; they began studying this work ahead of me and I have gleaned rich...

Join us as we explore what the role of a MTSS Coordinator means to Amber Smith, a Director of Academic Intervention. She offers the following for anyone new to the role: Take some time to: 1) Resource map and explore what supports exists and where. 2) Define and align language. 3) Explore beliefs around MTSS as a framework and build from there. Resources: Embedded Formative Assessment by Dylan Wil...

Part 2: Join us in a 2-part conversation, with Dr. Kathleen Lane, as we unpack the etiology of systematic screening (credit to Dr. Hill Walker), how it predicts needs and empowers teachers, and what it looks like to take an integrated approach to tiered-systems thinking with community and family voice. "We need to do the little things really well so that we can do the big things". - Dr....

Part 1: Join us in a 2-part conversation, with Dr. Kathleen Lane, as we unpack the etiology of systematic screening (credit to Dr. Hill Walker), how it predicts needs and empowers teachers, and what it looks like to take an integrated approach to tiered-systems thinking with community and family voice. "We need to do the little things really well so that we can do the big things". - Dr....

Join us as we explore the strategies and systematic approach to embedding Restorative Practices (RP) within a PBIS/MTSS framework. The secret? 80% of this work is proactive! Lizzie Wiegert, a SEL Interventionist, paints a picture of what RP looks like, in practice, with staff, students and families.  Resources: Restorative Practices within PBIS Webinar The Prison Within- A 2020 Documentary Anxious...

Today's bonus episode is different! We are inviting you "behind the scenes" as we ask District Leaders questions relevant to Training/Coaching, Embedding Special Education within the MTSS framework, Funding, and Workforce Capacity.  The Leader's we are speaking with are as follows:  Dr. Jessica Meisenheimer, Director of Special Programs, Kansas City Schools Dr. Casetta Brown, C...

Join Dr. Lisa Powers as she unpacks the purpose, process and people at the annual PBIS IL Forum 2024 with Kelly Perales, Co-Director of the Midwest PBIS Network! 

Join us as we converse with Elisha Nemens, and Assistant Principal, here in St. Louis. She nicely outlines systems and practices their building creates at the beginning of each year to build a strong sense of community, consistency and safety for students, staff and families. Resource: Top 10 Tips and Resources Want to be a guest on the show? Submit here . 

Welcome back, listeners and friends, to Season 4 of the Educator's Blueprint.  Join us as we highlight key topic areas we are diving into this season, including: Screening Trauma-Informed approach to unwanted behaviors School Safety Sped in MTSS Advanced Tiers PD Blueprint MTSS Network and more!  Want to be a guest on the show? Submit here . 

Jump into this lively conversation with Dr. Angus Kittelman (again) as we explore how College and Career Readiness shifts the focus in priorities AND practice within a MTSS/PBIS framework in High Schools. This conversation is resource rich, student-focused, and highly energizing! Resources: High School Think Tank Monthly Community of Practice  APBS 2024 Conference Highlights Educator's Bluepr...

Join Lisa as she explores Mental Health within MTSS with Mark Weist and Andy Garbacz as they challenge how we integrate Mental Health into the Tiered Systems framework. The MTSS framework is a critical construct to organize programming and integration of MH in schools. Aligning programs across tiers provides many benefits:  1.        Reduction in Stigma 2.        Promotion of Health Seeking Behavi...

Join us as we explore MTSS/PBIS in an Early Childhood Setting with Ms. Tanisha Stanciel, Ed. S., from the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District. She unpacks the Reggio method, including relationships, environment, and the power or Social Stories with Spot!  Resources:  MRH ECC Matrices  Spot Social Story with Spot  Picture of Social Story with Spot

Join us as we have a lively conversation with Vince Estrada (Director of Student Services) and Lauren Weissler (MTSS Coordinator) for a Community District in St. Louis.  Some highlights of our conversation include how district priorities are reflected in classrooms, a values-based approach to building a true school community, and how MTSS is the work of schools. 

Join us as we begin to thoughtfully unpack Mental Health in school systems with Kelcey Schmitz, Director of Training and TA at the UW SMART Center and Dr. Kurt Hatch, Director for the Education Administration Program at UW.  They truly take us from the boardroom to the classroom and back again. Reminding us of implementation science, principals as the most consequential roles, and how to begin pro...

Join us as we talk through wrapping up a semester with Celebrations, Reflections, Priorities and Planning for the New Year.  Near the end, you can hear some family traditions we hold near and dear to our hearts!  Resources:  Center on PBIS - Classroom PBIS Missouri School-wide Positive Behavior Support - Tier 1, Effective Classroom Practices Supporting and Responding to Educators' Classroom P...

Join Dr. Powers as she unpacks a statewide "Stone Soup" approach with Tina Lawson. Tina eloquently discusses how Pennsylvania has taken an integrated approach, connecting behavioral, mental and academic supports; built a diverse Community of Practice, and continues to grow in efficacy and efficiency in their state's MTSS framework, to include mental health. "Nothing is ever per...

Join us as we talk about highlights from the keynote, district-focused strategies from exemplars, and what we are watching for in PBIS 6!  Resources:  Implementer's Blueprint District Systems Fidelity Inventory (DSFI)   IES MTSS-B Trial: Key Takeaways for District and State Leaders DSFI Action Planning Tools: Features Summary, Quick Checks, Coaching Tips & Resources Want to be a guest on...

Join us as we get to FINALLY interview students from a HS in Nebraska as they share their experience with PBIS, developing student led processes and sense of belonging. Resources: High School PBIS Implementation: Student Voice  Spotlight on Youth Voices Video Want to be a guest on the show? Submit here . 

Join us for our first official guest in Season 3, Dr. Aaron Campbell! She has many passion areas, to include early intervention normed on black and brown children, culturally responsive and adaptive supports, and how to consider equity through literacy.   Some books she references in our conversation are: Brown Boy Joy by Thomishia Booker I am Enough by Grace Byers What should Danny Do?  by Adir L...