Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Paulie sits down with Dr. Keith Storey —Professor Emeritus, BCBA-D, and lifelong educator—to explore how PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) isn’t just for schools. They break down how the same strategies that support students in classrooms can be used to empower people with disabilities as they transition into adult life and the workforce. Too often, students with disabilities age out of school and enter “the real world” wi...
Jul 15, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Send us a text We all talk about feedback—but what if the real key to teacher growth is the trust behind it? In this episode of the Crisis in Education podcast, Dr. Paulie sits down with Craig Randall , former principal, counselor, and author of Trust-Based Observations , to challenge the compliance-heavy approach to teacher evaluations. Craig makes a compelling case: Feedback matters . But unless it's grounded in psychological safety and authentic relationships , it rarely drives meaningful cha...
Jul 02, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Paulie sits down once again with Andrew Kieta , Executive Director of Morningside Academy , to unpack what might just be one of education’s best-kept secrets. They dive into the practical magic behind Morningside’s model—one rooted in precision teaching, fluency-based instruction, and the science of human behavior. From guaranteeing students double their expected academic growth to evolving principles from Project Follow Through and Direct Instruction, this ep...
Jun 19, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Paulie Gavoni sits down with veteran superintendent Dr. Don Haddad of St. Vrain Valley School District to explore one of the most hotly debated educational shifts in recent years—the 4-day school week. With over 17 years of experience leading one of Colorado’s largest districts, Dr. Haddad brings deep insight into the logistical, academic, and behavioral implications of this bold move. What started as a spirited back-and-forth on social media turns into a cand...
May 21, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Paulie sits down with Nicola Soares , President of Kelly Education, to tackle one of the most urgent issues in education today: the staffing and workforce crisis. With over 20 years of experience spanning product development, policy reform, and leadership across major organizations like NBC Universal and McGraw-Hill, Nicola brings a powerful, pragmatic perspective to the table. They dig into the root causes of high turnover in education, explore data-driven st...
May 08, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Send us a text In this episode of The Crisis in Education Podcast , Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni sits down with Missouri middle school teacher and author Philip Wire to unpack a provocative and timely topic: Are schools getting trauma-informed education right—or missing the mark entirely? Inspired by Philip’s bold book, " Trauma-Informed Tragedy: How Schools Got Trauma Part Right and Part Wrong ," this conversation dives deep into the well-intentioned yet sometimes misguided practices that have emer...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Send us a text In this powerful episode of the Crisis in Education Podcast , Dr. Paulie welcomes Emil Majetich, a doctoral candidate in early childhood special education, licensed behavior analyst, university instructor, and 25-year fire service veteran. Emil shares his remarkable journey from fire lieutenant and paramedic to behavior analyst, emphasizing the transferable skills and values that fuel his passion for helping others. With firsthand experience supporting families of children with au...
Apr 09, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Send us a text Join Dr. Paulie as he explores value-based care in education with Leila Farshchian MA, BCBA , leader of ABA Toolbox —an award-winning platform advancing science-driven, learner-centered interventions for individuals with autism and disabilities. The conversation explores how integrating behavior analytic principles with compassion and creativity can significantly enhance outcomes for students with special needs. Listen in as Layla shares her inspiring journey into behavior analysi...
Mar 25, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Send us a text In this episode of Crisis in Education , Dr. Paulie sits down with educator and leader Jamia Green to discuss the challenges and opportunities in supporting deaf students. With experience as a teacher of the deaf, a STEM technology educator, a principal, and now a state-level leader in Hawaii, Jamia brings a wealth of knowledge on how to create inclusive and effective learning environments. They dive into why deaf students are often overlooked in discussions about special educatio...
Mar 07, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Send us a text In this episode of the Crisis in Education Podcast , host Dr. Paulie welcomes his good friend and former colleague, Pierre Louis . As a long-time leader and one of the founders of Ovation Behavior Group , Pierre brings deep insights into the intersection of behavior science, leadership, and education. Dr. Paulie and Pierre discuss: ✅ How behavior science drives effective leadership in education ✅ Challenges and successes in implementing behavior-based strategies ✅ The power of men...
Jan 31, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Send us a text Episode Description: In this episode of The Crisis in Education Podcast , Dr. Paulie sits down with behavior analyst and education expert Steve Ward to discuss practical strategies for supporting teachers and students—especially those with special needs—while highlighting lessons that apply to all classrooms. They dive into the critical role of assent and assent withdrawal , exploring how these concepts can be observed, measured, and taught to both teachers and parents. Steve emph...
Jan 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Send us a text In this eye-opening episode of Crisis in Education , Dr. Paulie sits down with Dr. Greg Rockhold to explore a bold and urgent topic: the growing teacher turnover crisis and its potential implications for national security. Drawing from decades of experience in education and leadership, Dr. Rockhold offers a compelling analysis of how the exodus of teachers from the profession threatens not only the quality of education but also the stability of communities and the nation's future ...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Send us a text In this episode, Christopher Hull sits down with Dr. Paulie to share his journey from the classroom to becoming a leader in educational innovation. As a former teacher, Christopher understands the challenges educators face every day and uses that experience to drive meaningful change in K-12 education. Together, he and Dr. Paulie dive into what it takes to empower teachers, improve student outcomes, and turn data into tools that truly support learning. Christopher opens up about h...
Nov 20, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Send us a text In 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. ...
Nov 07, 2024•49 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Send us a text In this episode of Crisis in Education , we sit down with 25 year principal Martin Silverman , author of the upcoming book S ustaining 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 add...
Oct 24, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Send us a text Why 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 set...
Sep 16, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Send us a text As 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 clin...
Aug 28, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Send us a text In this episode of the "Crisis in Education" podcast, Dr. Paulie interviews Janine Driver , a New York Times Best-Selling Author and award-winning keynote speaker. Known as the “Lyin’ Tamer,” Janine is a body language expert and former federal law enforcement officer with over 16 years of experience at the Department of Justice. She’s the founder and CEO of the Body Language Institute, where she trains individuals and companies to enhance communication skills and detect deception....
Aug 12, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Send us a text In 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 col...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Send us a text Join 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...
Jul 17, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Send us a text In 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 edu...
Jun 21, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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 r...
Jun 05, 2024•58 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Send us a text In 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 lear...
May 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Send us a text In this enlightening podcast episode, Dr. Paulie and Clint Evans , known as the Behavior Chef, delve into effective strategies for promoting healthy eating habits among educators using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This discussion is timely, given the higher obesity rates among early care and education (ECE) teachers compared to the general U.S. population, influenced by factors such as tenure and diet habits. Addressing this issue from a health perspective, the conversation em...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Send us a text In a recent enlightening discussion on the podcast, Dr. Paulie spoke with CEO of Futures Forge, Nat Green , about the transformative shifts in education and workforce preparation. During their conversation, Nat compellingly argued that the traditional college path might not be necessary for many individuals. Instead, the key to success lies in acquiring the right knowledge and skills that align with actual market demands. The dialogue delved into how the future of hiring will focu...
Apr 16, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Send us a text In our recent podcast, Dr. Clarence Cooper , a doctoral-level certified behavior analyst, joined Dr. Paulie to delve into the complex world of behavior analysis consulting in classrooms. Dr. Cooper discussed the significant challenges behavior analysts face when working in educational settings. Key among these is the difficulty of applying ABA strategies within existing classroom management frameworks, often exacerbated by educators' varying levels of familiarity and comfort with ...
Apr 08, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Send us a text Feedback is universally recognized as a cornerstone of growth and development, yet its delivery often falls short, missing the mark on fostering the intended positive impact. But, by recalibrating our approach to providing feedback, we can transform it into a catalyst for genuine improvement. In this episode, assistant executive director and principal of alternative schools Jillian Bucciero , explores the critical art and science of delivering feedback effectively. She reveals inv...
Mar 13, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Send us a text In today's episode, we're diving deep into the heart of educational transformation with our esteemed guest, Dr. Jim Van Allen, a renowned speaker who travels across the country to share his insights on creating a thriving school and classroom environment. Jim, alongside co-author Jon Gordon, has penned the game-changing book, "The Energy Bus for Schools: 7 Ways to Improve Your School Culture, Remove Negativity, Energize Your Teachers, and Empower Your Students," set to captivate a...
Mar 04, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Send us a text In this episode, seasoned Principal Anthony Chiles discusses the importance of focusing on the fundamentals for improving culture, climate, and ultimately, student achievement in schools. Principal Chiles is an authentic and servant leader who is making real change through practical approaches. If you are a district or school leader, you don't want to miss this episode! Website fore STAPLEs (Simple Techniques for Achieving A Positive Learning Environment): mvpspaces.com MVP Spaces...
Feb 14, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Paulie explores the realm of improving PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and Trauma-Informed Care, guided by the expertise of psychologist Mike Bonevento . Join us as we uncover practical strategies and expert insights grounded in the principles of OBM (Organizational Behavior Management) and ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis). These insights are set to enhance the well-being and success of individuals, schools, and communities. Don't miss thi...
Jan 17, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 39
