The CharacterStrong Podcast

Today our guest is Andrew Marotta is an author and presenter, and is the Director of Communications & Academic Services at Port Jervis Schools, NY. We talk with Andrew about the power of positive energy and how small, intentional actions shape how people feel in schools. He shares practical reminders like learning names, using names often, and being fully present in brief moments. Andrew also highlights how slowing down, focusing on what matters most, and leading with intention can create stronger connections each and every day. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website Andrew Marotta is the Director of Communications & Academic Services at Port Jervis Schools, NY. He was Principal & AP for the last 20 years in the great small city of Port Jervis. He took on a new challenge in the 23-24 school year, moving to this director position, allowing him to promote and carry the banner for Port Schools in a new and creative way while giving him more flexibility to travel and present nationally as an inspirational speaker. He is a husband, father, adjunct professor of school leadership, former Division 1 men's college basketball official, speaker, & author.

Today our guest is Kait Ahlbrandt, school psychologist and Director of Customer Success at EmpowerU. We talk about why educator wellbeing is essential to student success and how adult regulation shapes classroom climate. Kate shares why intentional listening and making space for connection matter, especially when educators feel overwhelmed. She highlights the need for practical, realistic supports that help educators show up present, regulated, and ready to teach. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Chris Fore, Principal at Mojave High School, in Hesperia, CA. We talk with Chris about why it is important and how it is guiding his work everyday. He shares how creating high-accountability meetings with parents and teachers led to a nearly 60% reduction in failure rates. Chris also highlights the impact that "flipping the script" on parent communication has as he has celebrated individual student wins with positive phone calls home. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website Chris Fore is the Principal at Mojave High School, a 2025 California Department of Education Model Continuation School. Fore coached high school football for sixteen years (eight as a Head Varsity Coach) and Junior College football for one. He spent six years as an Athletic Director where both schools set the school record for the most Championships won in one year; both stand to this day. (One was set in 2010, the other in 2013.) He has also served as the Administrator supervising athletics and the Athletic Director for 4.5 years. His education includes: a Master's degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration, an Administrative Services Credential (CA), Education Specialist Credential (CA), and a Bachelor's degree in Religious Studies.

Today our guests are Assistant Principal Crystal Keck & Humanities Instructional Coach Wendy Uzzle from Bowie High School in Austin, TX. We talk about the unique challenges and solutions for implementing CharacterStrong at the high school level. Crystal & Wendy share how they utilized a "soft launch" approach and adjusted their schedule from 3rd period to advisory based on honest student feedback. They also highlight practical strategies for increasing teacher confidence, including creating a "one-stop shop" for materials and live demonstrations of the low-prep curriculum. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website