Schoolin' Around

Hosted by Schoolin' Around by Branching Minds

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169

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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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60 recent

August 18, 202637 min

From an MTSS Hero: "Build Systems Good Enough to Outlast You"

In this episode, Todd Hartman, principal of Creekside Elementary in Lakota Local Schools, Ohio, and a 2026 MTSS Hero Award winner, shares what changed between his first year in the building and his fourth. He and Larissa get into why "do all the things right away" turned out to be unsustainable, what collaboration actually means once a staff defines it out loud, and the five-minute monthly practice that has become his teachers' most requested professional learning. Perfect for building leaders who want the systems they build to keep working after they're gone. Resources: Lead From Where You Are — Joe Sanfelippo Ep 98: Roll Call! Addressing the Roots of Absenteeism with MTSS — Todd's first appearance, 4/1/2025 (Captivate link) How Creekside Elementary Improved Attendance with Branching Minds Principal to Principal: 5 Steps to MTSS Succes s How To Establish a Supportive & Successful MTSS Culture How to Master Your MTSS Meetings Request a consultation Takeaways: Chasing every improvement at once frustrates staff and moves nothing very far. Collaboration is interdependence — you feel it when a teammate is missing. A real legacy is a system that survives the leader, not a leader nobody can replace. Define collaboration with your team out loud instead of assuming shared meaning. Call it evidence, not data, when the word carries baggage for teachers. Coach your building leadership team so they can coach their own teams. Hand data-meeting ownership to teachers gradually, over years, not in one year. Invite a parent to speak for five minutes at a staff meeting each month. Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website , or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

August 11, 202632 min

Lessons for Superintendents

In this episode, Dr. Emilio Castro, Sr. Executive Director of Schools of Houston ISD, shares invaluable leadership insights from his 24 years in education, focusing on common traps that derail superintendents and strategies for building effective systems and teams. Perfect for aspiring and current district leaders aiming to enhance their leadership capacity. Resources: Books Dr. Castro Recommends The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive – Patrick Lencioni The Five Temptations of a CEO – Patrick Lencioni The Advantage – Patrick Lencioni Good to Great – Jim Collins Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek The Speed of Trust – Stephen M. R. Covey Dr. Emilio Castro Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In Article: Leadership and System-Level Work in MTSS Article: Top 5 MTSS Implementation Tips for School and District Leaders Guide: The District Leader’s Guide to MTSS and Strategic Planning Webinar: The Role of MTSS in District Improvement: Aligning Vision and Action Request a consultation Key Topics: Leadership traps and how to avoid them Building leadership capacity and density Effective communication and clarity in leadership System alignment and crisis management Habits and strategies for young leaders Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website , or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

August 4, 202632 min

What MTSS Progress Really Looks Like

In this episode, Larissa revisits her interview with Theresa Donohue from Plainview Old Beth Page to explore the district's journey through MTSS implementation, challenges, and successes over the past few years. Discover how strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and team collaboration transformed their approach to supporting student achievement. Resources: DataWise Protocol How to Scale Up Your MTSS District-Wide MTSS Month-by-Month Checklists Request a consultation Takeaways: The importance of district leadership support in sustaining MTSS initiatives Cultivating trust through consistent communication and professional growth opportunities The value of data protocols in shifting classroom culture from personal to collaborative data use Future focus on subgroup analysis, equity, and targeted interventions Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website , or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

July 28, 202628 min

Classroom Management: A Key to Student Success

Summer Replay: In this conversation, educators Ashley Robertson and Emily Jordan discuss the critical role of classroom management in fostering a productive learning environment. They explore the challenges faced by teachers, particularly in the post-COVID landscape, where emotional dysregulation among students has increased. The discussion emphasizes the importance of building relationships, focusing on positive behaviors, and the need for ongoing professional development. They also highlight the role of school leaders in supporting teachers and the evolving nature of classroom management strategies, advocating for a shift from punitive measures to restorative practices that prioritize student well-being. Resources: Blog: 6 Daily Engagement Practices for Every MTSS Tier Tier 1 Behavior Guide Takeaways: Classroom management is crucial for student success. Post-COVID, students are struggling with emotional regulation. Building relationships with students enhances classroom management. Focusing on positive behaviors can improve classroom dynamics. Behavior change requires time and consistent support. School leaders play a vital role in setting expectations. Professional development is essential for teacher growth. Restorative practices are more effective than punitive measures. Technology can distract students from learning. Classroom management strategies must evolve with changing student needs. Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website , or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

July 21, 202622 min

How to Support New Teachers in MTSS Implementation

SUMMER REPLAY: In this conversation, Michele James, member of Branching Minds Professional Services, and Larissa discuss the critical aspects of supporting new teachers, particularly through the implementation of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). They emphasize the importance of building community, providing structured support, and creating a collaborative environment for new educators. The discussion covers strategies for effective onboarding, the significance of mentorship, and the need for ongoing professional development to ensure new teachers feel equipped and confident in their roles. Resources: Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers MTSS Coaching Toolkit ICEL Key Domains of Learning RIOT and ICEL Matrix: Sources of Information and Variables to Assess Takeaways: Building community is essential for new teachers' success. New teachers often feel overwhelmed, akin to 'drinking out of a fire hose.' Orientation should focus on relationship-building rather than just information delivery. MTSS implementation requires a clear path and ongoing support. Teachers can only handle a limited amount of information at once. New teachers should have a seat at the table in collaborative meetings. Creating a non-evaluative atmosphere helps new teachers feel safe. Asking the right questions can guide productive discussions about student support. Planning for professional development is crucial for new teachers. Strategic onboarding can significantly impact new teachers' experiences. Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website , or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

July 14, 202628 min

How to Build MTSS Teacher Buy-in....A Handbook

SUMMER REPLAY: In this conversation, Larissa interviews Shannon Thornton from Warrensville, Ohio, about the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in their district. Shannon emphasizes the importance of teacher buy-in and the need for ongoing education and training on MTSS. She also discusses the development of an MTSS handbook to provide a centralized resource for teachers and administrators. In this conversation, Shannon Thornton, a district administrator, discusses the implementation of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) in her district. She emphasizes the importance of regularly revisiting and updating the MTSS handbook to ensure clarity and address teachers' questions. Resources: Guide: MTSS Buy-in and Mobilization Guide Webinar: Buy-In (in MTSS) is Like Sunscreen Article: MTSS From Buy-in to Implementation: 8 Steps for Change Takeaways: Implementing MTSS is a complex task that requires investment in intervention teachers and programs. Teacher buy-in is crucial for successful implementation of MTSS. Ongoing education and training on MTSS is necessary to ensure understanding and implementation fidelity. Implementing MTSS at the secondary level presents unique challenges, including the need for specialized teachers. A centralized resource, such as an MTSS handbook, can support teachers and administrators in implementing MTSS effectively. Regularly revisiting and updating the MTSS handbook is crucial for clarity and addressing teachers' questions One-on-one meetings with teachers can help identify and address students who are not making adequate progress Implementing MTSS can lead to growth and improved outcomes for students Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website , or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

July 7, 202628 min

MTSS Leadership: Setting the Stage for a New School Year

In this conversation, Larissa and Sandra discuss essential back-to-school strategies for educators and school leaders. They emphasize the excitement of a new school year, the importance of setting a positive tone, and the need for clear communication and visibility in leadership. They also highlight the importance of building relationships and support systems among staff, the necessity of meaningful professional development, and the role of feedback in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The discussion provides practical tips and insights for creating a successful school year. Resources: Administrators Guide to Supporting Teachers Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In MTSS Month by Month Checklist Beginning of Year MTSS Gameplan Ebook Takeaways: The excitement of a new school year brings fresh opportunities. Showing value to staff and students is crucial for success. Clear expectations help prioritize important goals. Effective communication reduces stress and fosters collaboration. Visibility and approachability of leaders enhance school culture. Building relationships among staff supports a positive environment. Professional development should be meaningful and relevant. Feedback should be constructive and promote growth. Creating a culture of continuous improvement benefits everyone. Leaders should focus on one goal at a time to avoid overwhelm. Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website , or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

June 30, 202649 min

How Medina City Schools Is Building MTSS for High School

Summer Replay: This conversation explores the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in secondary education, specifically at Medina City Schools in Ohio. The discussion highlights the challenges faced, the roles of educators, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The speakers share their experiences with MTSS, emphasizing the need for systematic support, collaboration among staff, and the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) into the educational framework. They also provide insights into the progress made and the future goals for improving student outcomes. Resources: Guide: Implementing MTSS in Secondary Schools MTSS in Secondary Schools MTSS in High School Article Webinar: EWS https://hubs.ly/Q02RznQb0 Takeaways: MTSS is becoming more common in secondary schools. Collaboration among educators is crucial for MTSS success. Data collection and analysis are foundational for effective MTSS. Social-emotional learning is essential for student engagement. Teachers need ongoing professional development to implement MTSS. Building relationships with students is key to their success. Addressing disproportionality in education is a priority. Focusing on one area of improvement at a time is effective. Creating a supportive school culture enhances student learning. Continuous communication about the purpose of MTSS is necessary. Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website , or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

June 23, 202635 min

How Great Teaching Grows From Great Systems

In this episode, Larissa Napolitan talks with April Remfrey, international educational consultant, about building supportive school systems, effective classroom routines, and fostering trust and collaboration among educators. They explore practical strategies for leaders to enhance MTSS implementation and create sustainable, inclusive learning environments. Resources: https://www.remfrey.com/ April Remfrey on LinkedIn Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In How to Lead for Improved Student Outcomes Using Real-Time, Real-Life Insights Takeaways: Systems are reflected in teacher conversations. Teaching practices are rooted in system soil. Proactive maintenance beats reactive intervention. Trust and calmness signal system health. Feedback loops act like nutrients. Small shifts can ripple widely. Sustained focus beats quick fixes. Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website , or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!

June 16, 202614 min

The MTSS Leader’s Summer Reset

In this episode, we discuss the importance of setting intentions over goals, reflection, and how deliberate leadership can transform the upcoming school year. She offers practical strategies for educators to reflect, set intentions, and lead with purpose, especially in the context of MTSS. Resources: Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In Summer Reflection Questions Article: Reflecting on Yourself as a Leader Article: How to Let Your Values Guide You as a School Leader Article: What K-12 Leaders Need to Know About the Power of Self-Reflection Article: Setting Intentions: A Powerful Tool to Help Us Learn Takeaways: Distinguish between goals that set destinations and intentions that define how you show up. Use reflection as a counterbalance to keep school change from becoming chaos or burnout. Set clear intentions to prime your neural system for spotting opportunities that align with your leadership style. Protect your staff’s energy by removing unnecessary initiatives before adding new ones. Use the L.O.V.E. framework to evaluate whether your decisions truly align with your core values. Build trust through small, kept promises rather than relying on grand declarations. Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website , or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. Send feedback or inquiries to podcast@branchingminds.com!