The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals

Audra Jensen, Caitlin Beltran
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Are you a teacher looking for support with students with diverse needs or behavior management in the classroom? Tune into The Misfit Behaviorists podcast, hosted by Caitlin Beltran and Audra Jensen, BCBAs and special education teachers, as they bring you actionable tips to behavior reduction and skill acquisition. Listen to evidence-based strategies with a student-centered focus as they share practical advice for special education teachers, behavior support teachers, BCBAs, and ABA professionals.  Whether you're seeking advice or just want to laugh, new to the field or a veteran looking for a fresh perspective, tune in for this unique blend of professional expertise and real-life experience. Weekly episodes will be concise, because we know your time is limited! Don’t miss it!  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: https://abainschool.com/misfits 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | abainschool.com/misfitsonappleInstagram | @themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | abainschool.comCaitlin | beltransbehaviorbasics.com 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

  1. 6d ago

    Para Training in a Pinch #8: Collecting High-Quality Data

    Get the Month 2 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month2 Good data starts with one deceptively simple question: Does everyone know exactly what counts? In Week 8 of Para Training in a Pinch, we’re building on the data basics from last week and focusing on how to make data more accurate, objective, and useful for the whole team. We’ll cover how to: ✔️ Write and use clear operational definitions ✔️ Describe behavior objectively ✔️ Separate observations from opinions ✔️ Improve consistency across staff ✔️ Understand interobserver agreement You’ll also hear why vague labels like “noncompliant,” “rude,” or “aggressive” can create confusion. Instead, we want descriptions that tell us exactly what happened so another person could picture the same event and collect the same data. A helpful question to ask yourself is: If another person saw this, would they record the same thing I did? This week’s challenge: Slow down and practice recording exactly what you see and hear. If you’re unsure what counts, ask before collecting the data. Accurate data doesn’t tell the story of what we think happened. It tells the story of what actually happened. 📚 Want the activities that go with Weeks 5–8? The Month 2 Para Training Academy workbook includes weekly activities, scenarios, reflection, and practical application to go along with the trainings. Get the Month 2 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month2 • Para Training in a Pinch podcast series: Start here! https://abainschool.com/ep83 • Join The Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group: https://abainschool.com/misfits • ABA in School Resources: https://abainschool.com/tptstore • Browse all podcast episodes: https://abainschool.com/podcast 💬 Join Us Next Time Next episode, Week 8: Collecting High-Quality Data. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    Para Training in a Pinch #8: Collecting High-Quality Data

  2. Oct 20

    Para Training in a Pinch #7: Data Collection Basics

    Get the Month 2 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month2 Data collection can sound intimidating, but most of the time we’re really trying to answer one simple question: What happened? In Week 7 of Para Training in a Pinch, we’re breaking down the basics of special education data collection and the common ways paraprofessionals may be asked to measure student skills and behavior. We don’t collect data just to fill out paperwork. We collect it because students deserve decisions based on evidence instead of guesses. We’ll cover how to: ✔️ Collect objective, accurate data ✔️ Measure frequency, rate, and percentage ✔️ Use interval recording ✔️ Measure duration and latency ✔️ Understand ABC data and permanent products You’ll also learn why different behaviors require different types of measurement. Frequency tells us how many, duration tells us how long, latency tells us how long until, and ABC data helps us look for patterns surrounding behavior. And one of the biggest rules of good data collection? Record it as close to the moment as possible. Missing data is better than filling in something later based on what you think you remember. This week’s takeaway: Record what you see, not what you remember. The goal isn’t perfect data. It’s honest, useful data that helps students succeed. 📚 Want the activities that go with Weeks 5–8? The Month 2 Para Training Academy workbook includes weekly activities, scenarios, reflection, and practical application to go along with the trainings. Get the Month 2 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month2 • Para Training in a Pinch podcast series: Start here! https://abainschool.com/ep83 • Join The Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group: https://abainschool.com/misfits • ABA in School Resources: https://abainschool.com/tptstore • Browse all podcast episodes: https://abainschool.com/podcast 💬 Join Us Next Time Next episode, Week 8: Collecting High-Quality Data. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    Para Training in a Pinch #7: Data Collection Basics

  3. Oct 13

    Para Training in a Pinch #6: Reading the IEP

    Get the Month 2 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month2 IEPs can be 40, 50, even 60 pages long. The good news? As a paraprofessional, you don’t need to memorize the whole thing. In Week 6 of Para Training in a Pinch, we’re breaking down the IEP and focusing on the information paras actually need to support students successfully throughout the school day. Think of the IEP as the team’s playbook. You don’t need every play. You need to know the ones for your position. We’ll cover how to: ✔️ Find the IEP information you need ✔️ Understand student goals and accommodations ✔️ Use an IEP At-a-Glance or Snapshot ✔️ Keep important supports easily accessible ✔️ Connect IEP goals to daily data collection We’ll also talk about creating a para clipboard or “sideline playbook” with the information you need throughout the day, such as schedules, student snapshots, data sheets, visuals, reinforcement information, and other supports. And remember, your data isn’t “just numbers.” The information you collect helps the team determine whether supports are working, whether students are becoming more independent, and what should happen next. This week’s challenge: Take five minutes to review the plan for one student you support. Ask yourself: What goal are we working on? What supports does this student need? What should I be watching for? Know the plan. Play the plan. 📚 Want the activities that go with Weeks 5–8? The Month 2 Para Training Academy workbook includes weekly activities, scenarios, reflection, and practical application to go along with the trainings. Get the Month 2 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month2 • Para Training in a Pinch podcast series: Start here! https://abainschool.com/ep83 • Join The Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group: https://abainschool.com/misfits • ABA in School Resources: https://abainschool.com/tptstore • Browse all podcast episodes: https://abainschool.com/podcast 💬 Join Us Next Time Next episode, Week 7: Data Collection Basics. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    Para Training in a Pinch #6: Reading the IEP

  4. Oct 6

    Para Training in a Pinch #5: Preventing Burnout

    Get the Month 2 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month2 Special education can be incredibly rewarding, but some days can also drain your battery before lunch. 🔋 In Week 5 of Para Training in a Pinch, we’re focusing on the adults in the classroom. Because when you’re overwhelmed, frustrated, or running on empty, it becomes much harder to be the calm and supportive person your students need. We’ll cover how to: ✔️ Recognize your own stress early ✔️ Use quick reset strategies in the moment ✔️ Ask for help before reaching your limit ✔️ Create a team plan for swapping support ✔️ Recover after difficult moments Self-care doesn’t always mean taking a 15-minute break. Sometimes you can’t leave. A reset might be ten seconds to breathe, relax your shoulders, ground yourself physically, or simply recognize, “I’m getting overwhelmed.” We’ll also talk about creating a discreet code word or phrase your team can use when someone needs backup or a chance to swap out. Great classrooms don’t require superheroes. They need teammates who know when to support each other. This week’s challenge: Identify your own early signs of stress and choose one quick reset strategy you can use when you can’t immediately step away. Taking care of yourself isn’t something you do instead of taking care of your students. It’s one of the ways you take care of them. 📚 Want the activities that go with Weeks 5–8? The Month 2 Para Training Academy workbook includes weekly activities, scenarios, reflection, and practical application to go along with the trainings. Get the Month 2 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month2 • Para Training in a Pinch podcast series: Start here! https://abainschool.com/ep83 • Join The Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group: https://abainschool.com/misfits • ABA in School Resources: https://abainschool.com/tptstore • Browse all podcast episodes: https://abainschool.com/podcast 💬 Join Us Next Time Next episode, Week 6: Reading the IEP. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    Para Training in a Pinch #5: Preventing Burnout

  5. Sep 29

    Para Training in a Pinch #4: Positive Classroom Interactions

    Get the Month 1 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month1 Before prompting, data collection, or behavior plans, there’s something even more foundational: the relationship you build with your students. In Week 4 of Para Training in a Pinch, we’re talking about connection, pairing, reinforcement, and how strong relationships can make learning more effective. We’ll also look at how a little flexibility can help prevent unnecessary power struggles. We’ll cover how to: ✔️ Build rapport through pairing ✔️ Find what actually reinforces each student ✔️ Use behavior-specific praise ✔️ Balance expectations with flexibility ✔️ Avoid unnecessary power struggles You’ll also learn about “the frame”: decide what the real expectation is, then allow flexibility with the things inside that frame. Does the student really need that pencil, that chair, or that exact way of completing the task? Sometimes adults accidentally turn the picture into the frame. This week’s challenge: Try two things. First, replace a generic “Good job!” with specific feedback such as, “I noticed how you kept trying.” Second, before correcting a student, ask yourself: Is this the frame or just the picture? Students don’t have to earn a relationship from us. Relationships are how we earn the opportunity to teach them. 📚 Want the activities that go with Weeks 1–4? The Month 1 Para Training Academy workbook includes weekly activities, scenarios, reflection, and practical application to go along with the trainings. Get the Month 1 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month1 • Para Training in a Pinch podcast series: Start here! https://abainschool.com/ep83 • Join The Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group: https://abainschool.com/misfits • ABA in School Resources: https://abainschool.com/tptstore • Browse all podcast episodes: https://abainschool.com/podcast 💬 Join Us Next Time Next episode, Week 5: Preventing Burnout. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    Para Training in a Pinch #4: Positive Classroom Interactions

  6. Sep 22

    Para Training in a Pinch #3: Classroom Systems & Routines

    Get the Month 1 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month1 Strong classroom routines aren’t about making everything rigid and predictable forever. They’re about creating enough structure and consistency that students feel secure, know what’s coming next, and can become more independent. In Week 3 of Para Training in a Pinch, we’re talking about classroom systems, routines, and visual supports, plus the important role paraprofessionals play in keeping those systems consistent. We’ll cover how to: ✔️ Follow classroom routines consistently ✔️ Balance predictability with flexibility ✔️ Use visual supports effectively ✔️ Individualize visuals for different learners ✔️ Fade supports to build independence We’ll also talk about why visuals aren’t just for students with autism. We all use calendars, GPS, lists, reminders, and other visual supports to navigate our own lives. The question isn’t whether we can give students more supports. It’s which supports help this student do more independently? This week’s challenge: Find one situation where a visual could replace some of your words. Try a visual schedule, first-then board, checklist, picture directions, transition card, or choice board. Use it consistently for a few days and watch what happens. Did the student become more independent? Need fewer verbal reminders? Experience less confusion? Sometimes a little visual support lets us do a lot less talking. 🙃 📚 Want the activities that go with Weeks 1–4? The Month 1 Para Training Academy workbook includes weekly activities, scenarios, reflection, and practical application to go along with the trainings. Get the Month 1 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month1 • Para Training in a Pinch podcast series: Start here! https://abainschool.com/ep83 • Join The Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group: https://abainschool.com/misfits • ABA in School Resources: https://abainschool.com/tptstore • Browse all podcast episodes: https://abainschool.com/podcast 💬 Join Us Next Time Next episode, Week 4: Positive Classroom Interactions. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    Para Training in a Pinch #3: Classroom Systems & Routines

  7. Sep 15

    Para Training in a Pinch #2: Understanding Our Students

    Get the Month 1 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month1 A disability label can give us useful information, but it doesn’t tell us who a student is. In Week 2 of Para Training in a Pinch, we’re talking about understanding the individual students behind the labels. Every learner brings different strengths, interests, communication styles, experiences, and support needs to the classroom. We’ll cover how to: ✔️ Presume competence ✔️ Look beyond disability labels ✔️ Recognize individual strengths and learning styles ✔️ Use respectful, student-centered language ✔️ Build trust and positive relationships You’ll also hear a personal example of how an unexpected strength can become a powerful teaching tool, and why sometimes supporting a student means thinking outside the box instead of following the “typical” path. This week’s challenge: Choose one student you support and learn something new about them that has nothing to do with their disability. What do they enjoy? What makes them smile? What are they really good at? Great educators don’t just know students’ needs. They get to know the students. 📚 Want the activities that go with Weeks 1–4? The Month 1 Para Training Academy workbook includes weekly activities, scenarios, reflection, and practical application to go along with the trainings. Get the Month 1 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month1 • Para Training in a Pinch podcast series: Start here! https://abainschool.com/ep83 • Join The Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group: https://abainschool.com/misfits • ABA in School Resources: https://abainschool.com/tptstore • Browse all podcast episodes: https://abainschool.com/podcast 💬 Join Us Next Time Next episode, Week 3: Classroom Systems & Routines. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    Para Training in a Pinch #2: Understanding Our Students

  8. Sep 8

    Para Training in a Pinch #1: Welcome to Special Education

    Get the Month 1 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month1 Welcome to Para Training in a Pinch, a quick weekly training series for special education paraprofessionals! In Week 1, we’re starting with the foundation: professionalism and understanding your role as a para. Being a great paraprofessional isn’t about knowing everything on day one. It’s about being someone your students and team can count on. We’re talking about knowing your role, communicating with your team, being open to feedback, protecting student confidentiality, using technology appropriately, and asking questions when you’re unsure. In this episode: ✔️ Know your role on the classroom team ✔️ Build professional habits ✔️ Communicate and accept feedback ✔️ Protect student privacy and confidentiality ✔️ Be curious, ask questions, and keep learning And remember: you are never “just a para.” Well-trained, dependable paraprofessionals make a tremendous difference for students, teachers, and the entire classroom. This week’s challenge: Remember your why. What brought you to this work, and what kind of teammate do you want to be? 📚 Want the activities that go with Weeks 1–4? The Month 1 Para Training Academy workbook includes weekly activities, scenarios, reflection, and practical application to go along with the trainings. Get the Month 1 Para Training Workbook: https://abainschool.com/month1 • Para Training in a Pinch podcast series: Start here! https://abainschool.com/ep83 • Join The Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group: https://abainschool.com/misfits • ABA in School Resources: https://abainschool.com/tptstore • Browse all podcast episodes: https://abainschool.com/podcast 💬 Join Us Next Time Next episode, Week 2: Understanding Our Students. Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!  Apple podcast | The Misfit BehavioristsYouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School  Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    Para Training in a Pinch #1: Welcome to Special Education
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Are you a teacher looking for support with students with diverse needs or behavior management in the classroom? Tune into The Misfit Behaviorists podcast, hosted by Caitlin Beltran and Audra Jensen, BCBAs and special education teachers, as they bring you actionable tips to behavior reduction and skill acquisition. Listen to evidence-based strategies with a student-centered focus as they share practical advice for special education teachers, behavior support teachers, BCBAs, and ABA professionals.  Whether you're seeking advice or just want to laugh, new to the field or a veteran looking for a fresh perspective, tune in for this unique blend of professional expertise and real-life experience. Weekly episodes will be concise, because we know your time is limited! Don’t miss it!  Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: https://abainschool.com/misfits 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | abainschool.com/misfitsonappleInstagram | @themisfitbehavioristsYouTube | @themisfitbehaviorists👋 Find us! Audra | abainschool.comCaitlin | beltransbehaviorbasics.com 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

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