In this conversation, Larissa and R. Keeth Matheny discuss the importance of preparing students for college and careers through the development of essential skills, particularly emotional intelligence and soft skills. They explore how educators can integrate these skills into the curriculum, the role of parents and community in supporting students, and the real-life applications of these skills. The discussion emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to education that nurtures both academic and human skills, preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce.

Resources:

@eqcoach_rudy

Coach Rudy's Website: https://sellaunchpad.com/

ExSELent Teaching: Classroom strategies to support the social, emotional, and academic growth of students

School Connect: https://school-connect.net/

College and Career Readiness Webinar

How MTSS Supports College and Career Readiness for All Students

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Preparing students for college and careers is critical.
• College and career readiness involves strong academic roots and emotional intelligence.
• The future of work will require emotional intelligence skills.
• We need to grow great humans who can launch into the world.
• Soft skills are essential for success in life and relationships.
• Educators can layer soft skills into content delivery.
• Collaboration and communication are key skills for students.
• Parents and community play a vital role in reinforcing skills.
• Real-life applications of skills help cement learning.
• The future belongs to those who can master new technology while maintaining human skills.

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!

In this episode of Schoolin' Around, host Larissa Napolitan engages with Angie Plugge, the Director of Learning at Waverly School District in Nebraska, to discuss the implementation and impact of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in education. They explore the challenges and successes of MTSS, the importance of continuous improvement, and share real-life stories of student success. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration, data analysis, and the significance of setting a strong foundation at the beginning of the school year.

Resources:

Waverly's Success

Guide for Sustainable MTSS Implementation

Capacity Building for MTSS Article

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• We have to prioritize where we really want to focus.
• Data analysis is not intuitive.
• It's about helping people meet their fullest potential.
• We have to build capacity for sustainable capacity.
• There's power in stories with MTSS.
• We need to connect the student outcome to the teacher action.
• Every year your group of students is different.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to MTSS and Educational Challenges

01:29 The Importance of Setting Up Structures

04:17 Angie's Journey with MTSS

06:53 The Role of Data in MTSS

09:54 The Impact of MTSS on Student Success

12:41 Gradual Release and Building Capacity

15:27 Connecting Teacher Actions to Student Outcomes

17:58 Celebrating Student Success and Teacher Efficacy

20:59 Final Thoughts on MTSS Implementation

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!

The conversation explores the challenges educators face in utilizing data effectively. It highlights the overwhelming nature of data, the difficulty in extracting actionable insights, and the importance of leadership in guiding teachers to make informed decisions based on data.

Resources:

Article: How Meaningful Metrics Drive MTSS Success

Progress Monitoring Guide and Toolkit

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Data overload can hinder effective teaching.
• Teachers often struggle to find actionable insights.
• Vague data does not provide clear guidance for educators.
• Leadership plays a crucial role in data utilization.
• Effective teaching requires clear direction from data.
• Data should serve as a map, not a mountain.
• Educators need support in interpreting data.
• Actionable insights can transform teaching practices.
• Data-driven decisions require clarity and purpose.
• Leadership can bridge the gap between data and teaching.

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!

In this conversation, Larissa speaks with Katie Ahsell and Trisha Senne from Community Consolidated School District 59 about the challenges and successes they have faced in supporting student needs, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. They discuss the unique demographics of their district, the importance of equitable resource allocation, and the collaborative efforts made to improve their multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). The conversation highlights the significance of clear communication, data-driven decision-making, and the positive outcomes resulting from their hard work and commitment to student achievement.

Resources:

A Guide to Self-Assessment of MTSS Implementation

Middle of the Year Webinar: MTSS Momentum

Leader Protocol Guide for Buy-In

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Supporting student needs across a diverse school district is a challenge.
• A one size fits all approach to intervention is ineffective.
• Post-pandemic, the district had to adopt new curricular resources.
• Recognizing inequities in resource allocation was crucial for change.
• Collaboration among staff and departments was key to success.
• Evaluating and adapting intervention strategies is an ongoing process.
• Effective communication is essential during times of change.
• Celebrating successes boosts morale and confidence among staff.
• Commitment to continuous improvement is vital for student achievement.

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!

In this conversation, Nicole Kade, Chief Education Officer of Greenfield Learning, shares her personal journey as a struggling reader and discusses the current challenges in literacy education. She emphasizes the importance of structured literacy, the need for effective teaching practices, and the role of MTSS in supporting struggling readers. Nicole also highlights the significance of engaging students and addressing emotional aspects of learning to read, while advocating for the use of technology as a supportive tool in literacy instruction.

Resources:

https://www.voyagersopris.com/products/reading/rewards

https://www.thereadingleague.org/compass/

A Teachers Guide to Making Phonics Explicit

Website: www.greenfieldlearning.com

Facebook: @GreenfieldLearning

Twitter: @GreenfieldLearn

LinkedIn: @Greenfield Learning Inc

Branching Minds Resources:

• Why We Teach Reading This Way: Understanding Literacy Basics Through the Science of Reading
• Literacy Basics Slides
• Early Literacy and Branching Minds Article
• Early Literacy Webinar

Takeaways:

• Structured literacy is essential for effective reading instruction.
• Many students are not receiving the explicit instruction they need to learn to read.
• Teachers face challenges due to competing initiatives and lack of resources.
• MTSS provides a framework for supporting struggling readers effectively.
• Engagement and relationships are key to motivating students to read.
• Technology can enhance literacy instruction when used intentionally.
• Addressing emotional aspects of learning is crucial for student success.
• Teachers need to be equipped with the right tools and training to support literacy.
• It's never too late for students to learn to read.

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!

In this conversation, Larissa and Dr. Jess Plaza discuss the critical topic of school safety within the framework of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). They explore the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students, emphasizing the need for both physical and emotional safety. Dr. Plaza shares insights on proactive versus reactive approaches to safety, the challenges of implementing safety protocols, and the significance of team dynamics in threat assessments. The discussion also highlights the role of data in identifying student needs and the importance of community support in fostering a holistic educational environment.

Resources:

Guide: Threat Assessment Guide

Article: Assessing Threats and Preventing Danger in Schools: A Multi-Tiered Process

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• School safety is a top priority for educators.
• Emotional and psychological safety is harder to address than physical safety.
• Proactive approaches can prevent crises in schools.
• Clear structures and routines help create a predictable environment.
• MTSS should address both academic and social-emotional needs equally.
• Data from threat assessments is crucial for planning interventions.
• Community support enhances the effectiveness of school safety measures.
• Training staff on responses to crises is essential.
• Building a sense of belonging improves student engagement.
• Confidentiality must be balanced with the need for support.

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!

In this conversation, Larissa and Maria Laws explore the intersection of AI and education, discussing how AI can empower both educators and students. They delve into the potential of AI tools to enhance learning experiences, support diverse student needs, and alleviate some of the burdens faced by teachers. The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration, addressing resistance to AI, and navigating the ambiguity that comes with adopting new technologies in educational settings. Ultimately, they highlight the role of educators in shaping the future of AI in classrooms and the need for a mindset shift towards embracing innovation.

Resources:

AI for Educators

Future of Meetings with AI Article

Maria Laws LinkedIn

https://scale.stanford.edu/genai/repository

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• AI tools promise enhanced ease and efficiency in education.
• Maria Laws emphasizes the global impact of AI on education.
• AI can empower students to take charge of their learning.
• AI tools can support teachers in meeting diverse student needs.
• Educators need to feel comfortable navigating AI tools.
• Collaboration among educators is crucial for effective AI integration.
• Resistance to AI often stems from fear and uncertainty.
• Professional development should focus on experimentation with AI.
• AI is a part of students' lives and should be integrated into education.
• Empowering educators is key to successful AI adoption.

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!

This episode explores how meaningful, timely, and growth-oriented feedback drives continuous improvement within schools and MTSS frameworks. Drawing from classroom experiences and leadership examples, the host demonstrates how feedback—when specific, collaborative, and actionable—empowers educators, strengthens instructional practice, and fosters a culture of trust. The discussion moves from why feedback matters to practical strategies for giving and receiving it effectively, highlighting its essential role in creating thriving, reflective school communities.

Resources:

Article: Building Trust and MTSS Buy-In Through Teacher Feedback

Student Feedback Article

MTSS Coaching Toolkit

2025 Branching Minds MTSS Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Feedback is a Growth Engine, Not a Task: When feedback focuses on learning and trust rather than evaluation, it becomes a catalyst for lasting improvement.
• Be Specific and Actionable: Effective feedback targets behaviors, not personality, and offers concrete examples that lead to real classroom changes.
• Create Dialogue, Not Monologue: Feedback should be a two-way conversation where reflection and collaboration drive ownership of professional growth.
• Build a Culture of Psychological Safety: Schools thrive when teachers feel safe to both give and receive feedback without fear—encouraging vulnerability, reflection, and continuous learning.
• Model and Embed Feedback in Daily Practice: Leaders should model openness by inviting feedback on their own work and weave feedback into existing systems for ongoing improvement.

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!