Advertise on podcast: The Crisis in Education Podcast

Send us a text In this powerful episode of the Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni sits down with Bonnie and Thomas Liotta, founders of Creating Champions For Life, for an unfiltered conversation about behavior, safety, and the cost of getting it wrong. The discussion centers on a reality educators and parents can no longer ignore: when systems rely on reactive, punishment-based approaches, everyone loses—students, families, and staff. Drawing from decades of experience and thousands of transformed families, the Liottas challenge conventional behavior management practices and offer a proactive, skills-based alternative grounded in prevention, regulation, and human dignity. Together, Paulie, Bonnie, and Thomas unpack why restraint-driven cultures persist, how fear and misinformation shape decision-making, and what happens when adults are trained to teach life skills instead of managing crises. The conversation connects behavior science, parenting, education, and leadership through one unifying question: What would change if we focused on building capacity instead of controlling behavior? This episode is a must-listen for educators, administrators, behavior analysts, parents, and leaders who want safer environments, better outcomes, and approaches that actually work in the real world. About the Guests Bonnie and Thomas Liotta are the founders of Creating Champions For Life, where they have helped over 3,000 children achieve a 90% behavioral transformation rate and a 78% medication elimination rate across hundreds of families. After Bonnie’s own children struggled with behavioral diagnoses, she discovered Thomas’s methodology and experienced a complete transformation at home. Today, they challenge traditional parenting and behavior models by teaching families how to eliminate challenging behavior through proactive life-skills development, not punishment. Combined, they bring over 60 years of experience in child development and personal growth. Resources Mentioned in This Episode 🔹 Digital Collection – The Path to Parenting Paradise https://thepathtoparentingparadise.com/ 🔹 E-Book Resources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ05RIBDfSBj7D_buUs8K-9Rcz6TTVPntqJPvurS_kc/edit?usp=sharing 🔹 LinkedIn Article by Bonnie & Thomas Liotta https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bonnie-and-thomas-liotta-13339480_last-week-a-staff-member-died-restraining-activity-7389407546563989504-c3Wp Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

Send us a text In this episode of the Crisis in Education podcast, Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni sits down with Michael Waller, an attorney and Executive Director of Georgia Appleseed, to talk about the real work of keeping students safe, supported, and out of the criminal justice system. Drawing from legal, educational, and behavioral science perspectives, they unpack how poverty, exclusionary discipline, and lack of proactive support funnel students — especially kids in poverty and kids of color — from classrooms into courts. The conversation shines a light on what actually works: strengthening schools as prevention hubs, building predictable environments, and giving educators the tools to respond to behavior before it escalates. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Why the criminal justice system was never designed for childrenHow poverty and school exclusion feed the “school-to-system” pipelineThe real impact of suspension, expulsion, and “push-out” practicesWhat educators can do when they don't control the home environmentHow legal advocacy and behavior science intersect in preventionThe role of predictable, reinforcing environments in reducing crisis behaviorWhy “safety” must be defined as more than just the absence of violenceIf you believe schools should be places of opportunity, not gateways to the system, share this episode with a colleague, educator, or policymaker.  Subscribe for more behavior-science-driven conversations about fixing what’s broken in education.  Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni sits down with Mike Caldwell, founder of LinkedLeaders, a national platform dedicated to accelerating the growth and effectiveness of K–12 school leaders. With a shared passion for bringing out the best in people through leadership and behavioral science, Paulie and Mike explore what it really takes to build schools where leadership is intentional, scalable, and deeply human. They unpack the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and professional support systems that truly equip leaders to thrive—not just survive—in today’s complex educational landscape. Mike shares lessons from his work with charter schools and district leaders, emphasizing that leadership development isn’t a luxury—it’s the lever for sustainable change. Through stories from the field, Paulie and Mike connect the dots between values, systems, and performance. They dig into how leaders can multiply their impact by investing in others, building communities of practice, and aligning actions with purpose. The conversation highlights how effective leadership ripples outward—from the superintendent’s office to the classroom, and ultimately to the students themselves. 🔑 Key Takeaways Leadership growth happens through mentorship, modeling, and deliberate practice, not chance.Schools flourish when leaders create reinforcement-rich environments that build trust and accountability.Effective leaders see themselves as part of a system—their behavior sets the tone for everyone else’s performance.Collaboration and connection aren’t soft skills—they’re the foundation of sustainable school improvement.Empowering school leaders means empowering students, families, and communities.💬 About the Guest Mike Caldwell is the founder of Link Leaders, a national organization connecting K–12 education leaders to expertise, tools, and community. Previously the Director of Bluum, Mike has mentored and coached school leaders across Idaho to design innovative models, strengthen leadership capacity, and scale high-quality practices that improve student outcomes. Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Paulie welcomes back Dr. Greg Rockhold, a seasoned educator and leader with nearly 30 years of experience and service, including on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Known for his thought-provoking LinkedIn posts, Dr. Rockhold joins to discuss one of his most pressing concerns: the lack of preparation first-year teachers receive before being thrown into the classroom “frying pan.” Together, they explore why teacher preparation programs often fall short, how systemic issues leave new educators vulnerable to burnout, and what schools and districts can do to better support them. The conversation also touches on the potential of simulations and artificial intelligence as game changers in teacher training and education at large—tools that could revolutionize how educators build skills before they ever step into a classroom. Key Topics Covered The hidden challenges first-year teachers face in today’s classrooms.Why traditional teacher preparation programs aren’t enough.The critical role of leadership in supporting and retaining new educators.Lessons from the Marine Corps and Boy Scouts about preparation and adaptability.How simulations and AI could transform teacher training and student learning.Practical steps districts can take to reduce teacher turnover and empower staff.Why Listen? If you’re a school leader, teacher, policymaker, or parent, this conversation will shed light on the realities of teaching and why so many educators leave the profession early. You’ll walk away with actionable insights on how to create systems that prepare, support, and sustain teachers—because when teachers thrive, students do too. Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

Send us a text In this episode of The Heart & Science of Leadership Podcast, Dr. Paulie Gavoni sits down with veteran educator Dr. Michael L. Cubbin for a spirited debate on classroom leadership. The conversation was sparked by Cubbin’s critique of Paulie’s article on establishing expectations during the first week of school, and by his own provocative piece, “Don’t Grade Student Work On-Time? Shame on You!” What followed was an honest, challenging dialogue about: Whether classroom systems support or drive teachers awayThe role of values, culture, and reinforcement in shaping student behaviorThe balance between accountability and compassion in teacher expectationsWhy grading and timely feedback remain a flashpoint in educationAt times direct and contentious, this discussion highlights both differences in philosophy and shared concern for improving outcomes for students and teachers. Listeners will hear two strong perspectives that push each other—and the audience—to think more critically about what true classroom leadership looks like. Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni sits down with Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent of Putnam County Schools in Florida, to explore how one of the lowest-performing districts in the state transformed into a model of success. When Dr. Surrency took office in 2016, Putnam County Schools faced daunting challenges: a graduation rate under 55%, multiple failing schools, and a community that many considered on the decline. Fast forward to today, and the results speak volumes: Graduation rate increased to over 92%Every failing school eliminated$300+ million secured to rebuild aging campusesRecognition as Florida’s Superintendent of the Year (2023)Dr. Surrency shares the leadership principles, strategies, and hard choices that fueled this turnaround, including how to: Align education with real-world opportunities through programs in aviation, advanced manufacturing, and beyond.Create systems that reinforce both academic achievement and vocational readiness.Rebuild trust and pride in a community once considered a “dying district.”This conversation goes beyond statistics. It’s about values-driven leadership, equipping students with skills that match their passions, and building schools that serve as engines of hope for families and communities. 🎧 Tune in to hear how bold vision, relentless action, and a commitment to human behavior science can breathe life into a struggling school system. Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

Send us a text In this episode of The Crisis in Education Podcast, Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni sits down with three-time District Teacher of the Year finalist, Tana Stanley, to explore a critical and often overlooked element of classroom success—student voice. They dig into how giving students opportunities to provide feedback through structured surveys can foster engagement, build psychological safety, and contribute to a more learning-ready classroom environment. Tana shares practical strategies from her own teaching experience, including how she uses student surveys to guide her instruction and strengthen her relationship with learners. From implementation tips to lessons learned, this is a must-listen for any educator looking to make student-centered learning more than just a buzzword. 📩 Want a Copy of the Student Voice & Learning Readiness Survey? Email [email protected] with the subject line "Student Survey" and we’ll send it your way. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This survey is a practical tool informed by research on student engagement, teacher-student relationships, and learning readiness. However, it is not a validated psychometric instrument. Its intended use is to open dialogue, build connection, and guide reflection—not to formally evaluate teacher performance or diagnose student needs.  Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

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” with minimal support and little preparation for independence. Dr. Storey shares how PBIS strategies can help bridge that gap—creating environments that reinforce dignity, build skills, and increase the likelihood of success in the workplace and beyond. Topics Covered: How PBIS principles apply beyond K-12 to adult employment settingsUsing behavior analysis to increase independence and reduce barriersThe role of teachers and job coaches in shaping meaningful, dignified employmentChallenges in applying PBIS and ABA ethically in adult servicesReal examples of successful workplace inclusionWhy systems-level change is critical to long-term impactTreating adults with disabilities as capable contributors, not passive recipients of supportCheck out Dr. Storey's most recent book  POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORTS FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES IN EMPLOYMENT, COMMUNITY, AND RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS: Practical Strategies That Work (3rd Ed.) Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

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 change. That’s why his trust-based model isn’t just a softer alternative—it’s a smarter one that provides the conditions that actually support learning. You’ll hear: Why most observation systems fall short—even with good intentionsHow trust amplifies the impact of feedbackWhat leaders can do to build a culture where both students and staff thriveIf you're tired of checklists and one-sided evaluations, this conversation offers a clear, evidence-informed path forward. Resources Craig's Trust Based Observations Website Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

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 episode is a wake-up call to educators, leaders, and anyone serious about accelerating student achievement. Forget gimmicks and shiny tech—this is about outcomes. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when behavior science meets real-world education and delivers, this conversation is for you. Resources Project Follow ThroughDr. Kent Johnson on Morningside AcademyHow to Use the Standard Celeration ChartClick here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

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 candid, thought-provoking dialogue between two leaders in education. They unpack the reasons behind the shift, the data being considered, and what’s at stake for students, families, and staff. Can cutting a day really lead to better outcomes—or are we just masking deeper systemic issues? This conversation challenges assumptions and offers multiple perspectives rooted in both leadership and behavioral science. Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

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 strategies for creating sustainable workforce pipelines, and discuss how schools can shift from reactive hiring to proactive talent cultivation. Nicola shares hard truths, real solutions, and a compelling vision for how schools can survive—and thrive—by rethinking how we recruit, train, and retain great educators. 🔥 Whether you're a district leader, teacher, or policymaker, this episode offers actionable insights grounded in experience and behavioral science. 👉 Don’t just talk about the crisis—tune in and learn how to fix it. Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

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 emerged in the name of supporting students with trauma. Dr. Paulie and Phil explore:  ✅ What schools are doing well in addressing trauma ✅ Where the system is falling short—and even causing harm ✅ Why good intentions aren't enough without behaviorally sound strategies ✅ How educators can actually empower students without overaccommodating dysfunction This is not your average trauma talk. It’s a raw, respectful, and practical conversation between two professionals committed to helping—not harming—students through real, actionable solutions. 🎧 Tune in now to hear what it really means to be trauma-informed—and how to do it better. Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

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 autism in education, especially military families navigating the challenges of virtual service delivery, Emil brings a unique blend of grit, compassion, and behavioral science to the table. Listeners will hear about Emil’s work mentoring the next generation of practitioners, his involvement with organizations like Surfers Healing, and how his experiences in high-stakes, real-life crises inform his perspective on meaningful family and educator support. This episode underscores the importance of authenticity in service delivery and highlights practical ways educators and behavior analysts can collaborate to create lasting impact—not just in theory, but in action. Military & DoD Families with Autistic Children: Take part in a free virtual ABA family coaching study designed specifically for you. Receive personalized support from a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst and learn practical, evidence-based strategies you can use at home—no travel required. The program is flexible, confidential, and built with military life in mind. Support your child’s development while helping shape better services for other military families.  Please use this link https://bit.ly/4hzDjxA or contact Emil Majetich Jr. at [email protected] Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!

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 analysis, the critical role of values in education, and practical strategies to empower educators, students, and families alike. Key Takeaways: How CABAS merges science & teaching for individualized success The role of tech-driven solutions in special education & ABA Toolbox The power of collaboration in transforming therapy & learningThis engaging conversation is packed with practical insights for providers dedicated to collaboration, brining the learner to the center for enhanced treatment outcomes in education. To learn more about Leila and her mission, please visit us at: www.abatoolbox.com Leila Farshchian, MA, BCBA. https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-farshchian-33974335  Contact: [email protected] Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!