The CharacterStrong Podcast

18:54

Five Strategies to Strengthen Tiered Support Across...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/05/15

Today our guest is Dr. Suzanne Thompson, Vice President of Business Development at SESI (Specialized Education Services, Inc.). Dr. Thompson shares five practical strategies for superintendents and building leaders who want to build stronger, more responsive tiered support systems, with a focus on reaching the most vulnerable students and celebrating progress along the way. She also explains how MTSS works best when it's treated as a district-wide priority, not a department, and why celebrating

en

15:13

How High-Impact Tutoring Reaches the Students Schools...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/05/08

Today our guest is Devon Wible, Vice President of Teaching and Learning at Catapult Learning. Devon works directly with schools and districts to design high-impact tutoring programs that fit inside existing MTSS systems — helping the students most likely to fall through the cracks actually get the support they need. She also explains how relationship-building sits at the center of this work, not as an add-on, but as the core driver of academic and behavioral outcomes. When students feel seen and

en

04:20

How Pre-Correction Reduces Behavior Problems Before...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/05/01

Today, host John Norlin shares a practical classroom strategy called pre-correction a proactive approach to reducing behavior correction before it's needed. This episode helps educators understand why constant correction increases conflict and disengagement, and what they can do instead to get ahead of it. He also explains how pre-correction works as a system, not just a technique, by front-loading expectations before transitions, tasks, and high-risk moments. When implemented consistently, it

en

03:57

Why Predictability Is One of the Most Powerful Tools...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/04/24

Today, host John Norlin shares a strategy called Grandma's Rule, a practical, research-backed approach to building predictability into the classroom through first-then scheduling and visual routines. John walks through why predictable environments lead to regulation, engagement, and ultimately learning, and how educators can set this up in a way that increases student motivation from the start. This episode is part of the CharacterStrong Weekly series — short, immediately applicable strategies

en

04:08

How to Train Yourself to Pause Before You React -...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/04/17

Today, host John Norlin shares a strategy called the Tactical Pause, a simple, trainable habit of pausing before responding in high-emotion situations so that reactions come from intention rather than regret. John walks through what it looks like in practice and why building this habit in low-stakes moments is what makes it available when it matters most. In this episode, John offers important reminders for educators and leaders: Responding from emotion in the moment is easy, the Tactical Pause is

en

04:45

A Simple Strategy for Becoming a Better Listener -...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/04/10

Today, host John Norlin shares a simple approach to staying focused in conversations when the noise of the day makes it hard to truly hear what someone is saying. He walks through exactly how to use it, step by step, in a way that makes the other person feel genuinely seen and heard. In this episode, John offers important reminders for educators and leaders: Truly listening to someone is harder than it sounds, the Click On strategy gives you a practical tool to cut through mental noise and stay

en

22:35

How Schools Can Build Systems That Address the Root...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/04/03

Today our guests are Rebekah de Peo-Christner, Assistant Director of Counseling, and Amy Lawrence, Director of Counseling and Social Work, both at Denton ISD in Texas. We discuss how their district created WRAP — the Wilson Restorative Action Plan — a family-centered alternative to exclusionary discipline that wraps support around students and families rather than cycling them through punitive consequences. Rebecca and Amy share how WRAP helps schools address the underlying reasons behind student

en

10:24

What You Do Matters Every Day - John Norlin

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/03/27

Today, host John Norlin shares a powerful reminder about the reach of educator influence, sparked by an unexpected email from a former exchange student, now living in Slovakia. What follows is a reflection on why the work educators do matters far beyond what they can see or measure. Drawing on the Amazing Law of Influence and a story about a smile that changed a life, John reminds us that small, intentional actions ripple outward in ways that are impossible to fully track, but no less real. In

en

21:26

Why Every Student Needs at Least One Caring Adult -...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/03/20

Today our guests are Michelle Marcellin, Staff and Student Support Consultant, Nancy Buyle, School Safety and Student Assistance Consultant, and Sara Orris, School Health and Homeless Education Consultant — all at Macomb Intermediate School District. We discuss how schools can ensure every student is connected to at least one caring adult through a practical, research-backed approach called Silent Mentoring. They share how this three-step process helps schools identify disconnected students, match

en

15:09

Building School Systems That Strengthen Connection,...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/03/13

Today our guest is Brenda Ortiz McGrath, district administrator, school committee member, author, and founder of the family engagement platform CoreKind360. We discuss why student support and character development must move from being an occasional initiative to becoming part of a school's foundation. Brenda shares how schools can embed life skills, relationship-building, and proactive student supports into daily instruction, leadership practices, and school culture. She also explains why strong

en

15:15

Why Career and Technical Education Matters for...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/03/06

Topic: Career and Technical Education • Career Pathways • Workforce Readiness Today our guest is Brooke Martin, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education at Aldine ISD in Texas. We talk about why career and technical education (CTE) is becoming essential for helping students explore career pathways and workforce opportunities while still in high school. Brooke shares how industry certifications, work-based learning, and strong community partnerships allow students to gain real-world

en

16:09

Repurposing Time: A Practical AI Strategy for...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/02/27

Today our guest is Sean Beaverson, Director of Technology at Orono Public Schools. We talk about how schools can use AI in education to reduce teacher workload and reclaim instructional time. Sean shares a practical approach to lowering cognitive load by offloading administrative tasks to AI, allowing educators to repurpose time toward relationships, collaboration, and deeper learning. In this conversation, Sean offers clear reminders for leaders working to reduce workload and restore professional

en

25:04

From Intention to Impact: The Science of Implementation

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/02/20

Today our guest is Jenice Pizzuto, Implementation Training Specialist at CharacterStrong. We dive into why change is both personal and emotional, and how implementation science gives leaders a roadmap for turning intention into lasting impact. If you've ever adopted a new initiative only to watch it fade, this conversation will help you understand why, and what to do differently. In this episode, we answer critical leadership questions about implementation: Why do new initiatives fail even when the

en

15:36

The 30-Second Feedback Strategy That Strengthens...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/02/13

Today our guest is Meghan Lawson, Assistant Superintendent at Sycamore Community Schools in Cincinnati, Ohio. We talk about how small, consistent moves can grow collective potential across a school system. Meghan shares the 30-Second Feedback Protocol, a simple strength-based strategy that builds trust, reinforces effective practice, and strengthens culture without adding more to the plate. She highlights how 1% of intentional time can create meaningful impact for teachers, leaders, and students. In

en

20:10

Creating Belonging Through Systems That Work -...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/02/06

Today our guest is Kendrick Claxton, Vice Principal at Central Middle School in Kansas City Public Schools. We talk about how positive school culture is built through systems that create belonging, safety, and consistent adult support. Kendrick shares how mentorship, trusted adults, and simple daily practices help students feel seen and supported. He highlights how consistency, not grand gestures, drives stronger engagement, safer schools, and better outcomes for students and staff. In this

en

15:05

A Principal's Approach to Making Middle School...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/01/30

Today our guest is Dr. Joe Sweeney, principal at Old Quarry Middle School and the 2025 Illinois Principals Association South Cook Region Middle School Principal of the Year. We talk about how Joe uses a schoolwide podcast to bring consistent lessons to life and elevate student voice. He shares how recording short episodes with students helps simplify implementation, increase engagement, and meet teachers where they are. He highlights how this approach builds consistency, reduces staff burden, and

en

24:25

How Student Voice and Developmental Assets Drive...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/01/23

Today our guest is Pierre Orbee, Principal at DeWitt Clinton High School in New York. Pierre was named the School Administrators Association of New York State's 2025 New York State Principal of the Year, the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents' 2025 National Principal of the Year, and the K-12 Dive 2025 Principal of the Year. We talk with Pierre about how shoring up the underlying developmental assets students need can unlock stronger outcomes and long-term success. Pierre

en

16:37

Why Names, Presence, and Energy Matter in Leadership...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/01/16

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

en

12:52

Creating Calmer Classrooms by Supporting Educators -...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/01/09

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:

en

22:57

Top 6 of 2025: Simple Systems, Lasting Impact:...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2026/01/02

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

en

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

Edutainment Learning

Ralph Krauss

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

Education Futures

Svenia Busson & Laurent Jolie

Out In The Hall

NHSA