The Crisis in Education Podcast

Send us a textIn 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. WhilhoitDr. 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 textIn 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 textWhy 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 textAs 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.

Janine Driver, a New York Times Best-Selling Author and former federal law enforcement officer known as the “Lyin’ Tamer,” shares her expertise on body language and communication. She discusses practical strategies for educators to enhance classroom engagement and improve school safety. Janine emphasizes the vital role of emotional intelligence in teaching and offers tips on proactive approaches to student well-being. With anecdotes from her work and her insights on connecting with students, she provides valuable tools for fostering a supportive educational environment.

Send us a textIn 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 90a.valenzuela@gmail.com and Jessica.matus@asu.edu. Together, let's make a difference in the world of education!

Send us a textJoin Dr. Paulie as he takes a solo deep dive into the nuanced world of 'hands-off' policies in educational and care settings. In this compelling episode, Dr. Paulie shares firsthand experiences from the front lines of a struggling elementary school, revealing the real-life impacts and challenges of implementing 'hands-off' strategies. With decades of expertise in behavior analysis and crisis management, Dr. Paulie explores the clash between theory and practice, examining how these policies affect safety, learning, and community dynamics. Unfiltered and packed with insights, this episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, and anyone involved in shaping safe and effective learning environments. Tune in to "Beyond the Policy" as Dr. Paulie navigates the complex terrain of educational policies with candor and expertise. 

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Paulie has an insightful conversation with David Jenyns, a serial entrepreneur, systems devotee, and the mastermind behind SYSTEMology. David has dedicated his career to helping business owners worldwide scale and streamline their operations with his proven seven-step process. During conversation, David and Paulie dive into the challenges schools face with inefficiencies and inconsistent processes. David explains how SYSTEMology’s principles can transform educational institutions by:Defining Critical SystemsAssigning RolesExtracting KnowledgeOrganizing SystemsIntegrating SystemsScaling OperationsOptimizing PerformanceThey also discuss the importance of shifting from reactive to proactive management in education, ensuring that staff can focus on teaching and supporting students effectively. David’s insights provide a fresh perspective on how schools can leverage business systems to create a more organized, efficient, and productive environment.

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Paulie sits down with former principal and national consultant Dr. Kisha Bellande-Francis to dive into the essentials of good instruction and instructional leadership. Together, they explore the critical components necessary for fostering an effective educational environment. Key topics include the importance of involving stakeholders, linking performance to set goals, establishing clear metrics and feedback loops, and maintaining a daily focus on growth and reflection of our practices. They also discuss the pivotal role of formative assessments and the challenges posed by high-stakes testing. Tune in to gain valuable insights on creating a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in education. About Dr. Bellande-FrancisDr. Bellande-Francis believes in a customized approach to education. She works closely with teaching professionals to understand their unique needs and challenges, and then develop tailored solutions to help them achieve their goals and reach a high level of student achievement in their schools. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality results for individuals and teams alike.ExpertiseAs a national consultant, Dr. Bellande-Francis is proud to have developed and conducted professional development regarding best instructional practices in 25 districts across 15 states. With over 17 years of experience in an educational setting, her background includes extensive management of personnel, parents, students, business partners, and all aspects of a school environment. She is well-versed in the most effective coaching and leadership techniques to lead teams to deliver high-quality results. She has a passion for developing schools to implement rigorous instruction and supporting professionals to reach their fullest potential.For more on Dr. Bellande-Francis and her services, check out her website DOTT Consulting

Send us a textIn this episode of the Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paulie sits down with behavior analyst and professor Dr. Guy Bruce, Ed. D, BCBA-D, from Appealing Solutions, LLC, to dig into the pressing issues facing educational institutions today. Dr. Bruce shares insights from his extensive experience in Organizational Performance Engineering, emphasizing pragmatic approaches to transforming educational environments to ensure every learner makes efficient progress.Tune in now and learn how to implement effective leadership and performance engineering in education!