Schoolin' Around

Apr 15 2025 101 ep. 30 mins 4

Schoolin' Around Podcast artwork

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. You can find more info about Branching Minds at our website, branchingminds.com or follow on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds.

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Leading With Vulnerability: Changing the Way We Support Students

Apr 15 2025 39 mins

**100th Episode Giveaway Entry Link**In our 100th episode, Larissa and Jared Scott discuss student mental health, vulnerability, and how student voice is essential in school culture. Jared shares his journey from a shy student to a public speaker and counselor, highlighting the need for authentic connections between educators and students. They talk about the Culture Shift Tour, wh

De-Escalation Done Right: Practical Tips for Teachers

Apr 08 2025 47 mins

**100th Episode Giveaway Entry Link**In this discussion, educators Erika Bare and Tiffany Burns share their insights into the education sector, reflecting on their experiences during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and their journey to co-authoring the book Connecting Through Conversation. They underscore the critical role of building meaningful connections in schools and o

Roll Call! Addressing the Roots of Absenteeism with MTSS

Apr 01 2025 38 mins

This podcast episode discusses the significant challenges of absenteeism in K-12 education, highlighting the efforts of educators at Creekside Early Childhood School in Lakota Local Schoolsin Ohio. The conversation covers various strategies implemented to improve student attendance, including community engagement, communication with parents, and tiered support systems. The speakers

Making MTSS Work in Middle Schools

Mar 25 2025 11 mins

This conversation explores the unique challenges of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in middle schools. It highlights common mistakes schools make, such as ignoring core instruction and static interventions, and presents effective strategies used by high-performing schools to enhance student support. The discussion emphasizes the importance of flexible interventi

#EdHotTake: A Tech-Savvy Teacher’s Toolbox—Here’s What They’re Using to Differentiate Instruction & Engage Students

Mar 18 2025 29 mins

Larissa talks with Joshua Windham, an eighth-grade history teacher, about integrating technology into education to meet diverse student needs. Joshua shares insights on balancing traditional teaching with modern tools, using strategies like gamification and peer feedback to boost engagement and empower students. He also discusses the potential of AI to create personalized learning,

How MTSS Builds Sustainable Support for Secondary Students

Mar 11 2025 38 mins

In this conversation, Larissa and Farah Assiraj discuss the complexities of implementing and sustaining Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in secondary schools. Farah shares her extensive background in education, emphasizing the importance of student agency and voice in the learning process. They explore strategies for fostering student engagement and the need for educational s

Reimagining Teacher Wellbeing Through Practical Solutions

Mar 04 2025 43 mins

In this conversation, Larissa and Dr. Julie Sauve discuss the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in education, the challenges faced by educators, and the need to prioritize teacher wellbeing. They highlight how Harmony Academy supports students and teachers with relationship-driven curricula and practical strategies for managing wellbeing in a complex educational system.

How to Simplify MTSS Implementation Through W.I.N. Time

Feb 25 2025 10 mins

In this episode, host Larissa Napolitan discusses the challenges faced by middle and high schools in ensuring that every student receives the necessary support and enrichment. She introduces W.I.N. (What I Need) Time, a flexible, data-driven approach designed to address these challenges by providing tailored interventions and enrichment opportunities. The conversation explores the

Leadership Lessons in Elementary Behavior Strategies

Feb 18 2025 34 mins

In this conversation, Larissa and Paul Young, retired principal and college professor, discuss effective strategies for managing student behavior in elementary schools. Paul shares his experiences as a principal and educator, emphasizing the importance of teaching positive behaviors, creating a supportive school culture, and understanding behavior as a system problem rather than an

Does Behavior Incident Documentation Feel Like a Waste of Time?

Feb 11 2025 16 mins

In this conversation, Larissa and Trudy Bender, school psychologist and Senior Manager of Thought Leaders at Branching Minds, discuss the critical role of behavior documentation in schools, emphasizing its importance for both compliance and effective student intervention. They explore the challenges teachers face with traditional documentation practices, the need for accurate data