Podcast
The Crisis in Education Podcast
Hosted by Pivot Crisis Intervention · EN
Educators are the backbone of our nation, and education is its lifeblood. But because of a number of issues exacerbated by politics and the pandemic, it is progressively faltering. From teacher shortages and failing schools to growing mental health issues, there is an undeniable growing crisis in Education at the individual, classroom, and school level. Though painful, with the right approaches, crises can be leveraged as an opportunity for growth. Therefore, Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni hosts the Crisis in Education Podcast, where Education meets Behavior Science, to interview educational leaders, behavior scientists, and experts around the world to dissect the root causes of crisis issues and explore potential opportunities for sustainable improvement across schools and districts. [Sponsored by Pivot Crisis Intervention - pivotcrisis.com]
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Stop Blaming the People. Start Fixing the System with Dr. Clay Cook
4w ago00:45:31Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost conversations about student behavior stay at the surface—focusing on what students are doing without fully understanding why it’s happening or how to change it in a meaningful way. That approach leads to frustration, inconsistency, and outcomes that don’t hold up over time.In this episode of Crisis in Education, Dr. Paul “Paulie” Gavoni sits down with Dr. Clay Cook of Character Strong to unpack what it really takes to move from intention to implementation in schools. Drawing on his background as a former paraprofessional, researcher, and leader in implementation science, Clay shares practical insights on why so many well-designed initiatives fail—and what educators can do differently.The conversation digs into the gap between knowing and doing, the importance of building systems that support adult behavior, and how schools can create environments where effective practices are not just introduced, but sustained. If you’ve ever wondered why two schools can have the same training and completely different outcomes, this episode gives you a clear, behaviorally grounded answer.This is a must-listen for educators, behavior analysts, and leaders who are serious about creating change that actually sticks.Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!
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The Teacher’s Champion: What Educators Actually Need (But Rarely Get) with Wynette Richardson
Apr 900:38:34Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWe keep asking teachers to do more.More instruction. More behavior management. More emotional support.And then we act surprised when they burn out.In this episode, Dr. Paulie sits down with Wynette A. Richardson—speaker, award-winning professor, author, and Teacher’s Champion—to unpack a hard truth:Teachers aren’t failing. They’re operating in systems that were never designed to support the behavior we expect from them.This conversation goes beyond burnout and into something more actionable—environment design, reinforcement, and what it actually means to support performance in education.What We Get Into Why “support” for teachers is often talked about—but rarely operationalized The mismatch between expectations and environmental conditions What real advocacy looks like when it shows up in behavior, not just words How leadership decisions shape teacher performance—whether we admit it or not Key TakeawayTeacher performance is not a motivation problem. It’s a systems problem. If the environment doesn’t reinforce the behaviors required for success, those behaviors won’t sustain—no matter how committed the teacher is.About the GuestWynette A. Richardson is a speaker, professor, and author known as The Teacher’s Champion. Her work focuses on elevating educators by addressing the conditions that impact their ability to perform and stay in the field.Who This Episode Is ForLeaders who are serious about outcomes.Educators who feel the gap between expectations and reality.Anyone ready to stop blaming people—and start fixing systems.Connect with WynetteWebsiteLinkedIn: Wynette RichardsonInstagram: Wynetterichardson1Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!
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Your Teacher Evaluation System Isn’t Working—And You Know It with Matt McCrea
Mar 2500:41:11Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailLet’s just say it.Most evaluation systems don’t improve performance. They document it… sometimes poorly… and often too late to matter.In this episode, we take a hard look at a system that educators and leaders have been told to trust—annual evaluations, long observations, delayed feedback—and ask a simple question: If this actually worked, wouldn’t we see better outcomes by now?Matt McCrea joins the conversation to unpack where evaluation systems break down and why leaders keep relying on them anyway. The issue isn’t effort. It’s not even intention. It’s the gap between knowing and doing—and the absence of systems that shape behavior in real time.We get into what leaders are actually reinforcing, how feedback timing changes everything, and why most organizations are measuring performance instead of building it.If you’re tired of checking boxes and calling it leadership, this one will hit.Guest Bio Matt McCrea is an executive coach and Partner at Third Coast Education Partners. He works with mission-driven organizations to strengthen leadership, align teams, and build systems that drive real performance.Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!
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From Clinics to Classrooms: Making Behavior Consultation Work in Schools with Dr. Neelima Duncan
Feb 2400:49:23Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat does it take for behavior analysts to make a real impact in classrooms—not just on paper, but in the day-to-day reality teachers face?In this episode, Dr. Paulie sits down with Neelima Duncan, CEO of Blue Sky Behavior Therapy, an organization that provides clinical services and partners directly with schools to support educators and students. The conversation grew out of a leadership moment that caught Dr. Paulie’s attention—staff speaking about their CEO with pride, respect, and ownership. That kind of culture doesn’t happen by accident. It reflects leadership that shows up in behavior.From there, the discussion moves into the heart of the work: how behavior analysts can effectively consult in classrooms, support teachers without overwhelming them, and help schools build systems that actually improve student outcomes.This is a practical conversation about the intersection of ABA, education, and leadership—where technical knowledge meets real-world constraints.In This Episode, You’ll LearnHow Blue Sky Behavior Therapy partners with schools to support classroom successWhy the effectiveness of a leader—or a consultant—is reflected in the behavior of the people they supportWhat behavior analysts must understand about classroom realities before recommending interventionsHow to work with teachers as partners rather than positioning yourself as the outside expertWhy simple, practical strategies that produce quick wins drive implementationHow strong leadership inside organizations translates into better support for schools and studentsKey ThemesLeadership You Can See The true measure of leadership is found in how staff behave, speak, and engage when the leader isn’t in the room.Consultation That Builds Capacity The goal is not to create dependence on the behavior analyst. The goal is to help teachers feel confident, capable, and successful managing their own classrooms.Context Drives Implementation Interventions only work when they fit the time, demands, and pressures teachers are already navigating.Behavior Is the Common Language Whether you are a teacher, a school leader, or a CEO, performance, culture, and outcomes all come back to behavior and the contingencies shaping it.About the GuestNeelima Duncan is the founder and CEO of Blue Sky Behavior Therapy, an organization providing ABA services across clinic and school settings. Blue Sky partners with educators to deliver practical, classroom-based behavioral support while building systems that improve outcomes for both students and staff. Website: blueskybx.comWho Should ListenSchool-based BCBAs and behavior specialistsSpecial education directors and district leadersTeachers working with behavioral consultantsOrganizations providing ABA services in school settingsAnyone responsible for improving classroom behavior and instructional timeWhy This Conversation MattersSchools don’t need more programs. They need support that fits real classrooms. When behavior analysts understand the environment, build relationships, and focus on practical impact, consultation becomes a powerful tool for improving both student behavior and teacher confidence.Click here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!
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Beyond Restraints: Designing Environments That Prevent Harm
Dec 1200:42:54Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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 GuestsBonnie 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-c3WpClick here to explore the Parent & Care Giving Courses today!
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Keeping Kids in School — and Out of the System
Nov 1101:07:08Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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 CoveredWhy 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!
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Building Better School Leaders with Mike Caldwell of LinkedLeaders
Oct 2700:45:51Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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 TakeawaysLeadership 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 GuestMike 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!
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Preparing Teachers for the Real World: A Conversation with Dr. Greg Rockhold
Sep 2900:53:04Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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 CoveredThe 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!
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Should Teachers Be Ashamed? Dr. Gavoni and Dr. Cubbin Square Off
Sep 801:02:07Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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!
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Turning Around a Failing School District with Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency
Aug 2100:49:25Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn 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!
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