The CharacterStrong Podcast

CharacterStrong
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The CharacterStrong Podcast: Weekly conversations for anyone in education. CharacterStrong provides an evidence-based, multi-tiered solution to support whole child success. Curricula and trainings that improve behavior, increase safety, and support mental health. For more information visit our website: characterstrong.com

  1. 2D AGO

    Don’t Forget These Learners: Practical Adaptations That Work - Sara Nussman

    Today our guest is Sara Nussman a School Counselor at Stoner-Thomas School. We talk to Sarah about how she adapts CharacterStrong lessons for students with cognitive and communicative deficits. She shares how nonverbal strategies like body language build relationships, and how visual trait boards, consistent routines, and monthly social narratives make abstract concepts like respect concrete and accessible. Sarah also highlights the impact on student independence and confidence, and reminds us not to overlook learners with limited verbal skills, but to show up, be present, and let connection lead. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website Sara Nussman is a dedicated and innovative school counselor at Stoner Thomas School, a public separate school for students with significant disabilities. She established the school's first-ever comprehensive school counseling program. In her work, Sara focuses on meeting the unique needs of students with limited verbal and communication skills. She provides individualized and small-group counseling sessions, and she has a remarkable ability to adapt the CharacterStrong Curriculum in ways that are specifically tailored to her students' abilities. She's a true advocate for empowering students to find their voice and reach their full potential.

    22 min

  2. SEP 26

    Systems, Not Slogans: Building a Culture of Care & How Georgia is Prioritizing Student Mental Health - Erica Fener-Sitkoff

    Today our guest is Erica Fener-Sitkoff the Chief Clinical Officer at FullBloom. We talk to Erica talk about why student mental health belongs at the center of school success. She shares a practical frame for Tier 1–Tier 3 supports, why universal wellbeing skills (like gratitude, check-ins, and regulation) make Tier 2 and Tier 3 more effective, and how helping teachers, counselors, and staff, protects everyone’s capacity. Erica also highlights how Georgia is investing in school safety and mental wellness, with funding that schools can use for culture-building, universal skill instruction, and scalable Tier 2 supports. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

    26 min

  3. SEP 19

    From Data to Care: Coaching That Strengthens Counselor Connections - Abby Master & Tiffany Brown

    Today our guests are Abby Master, Co-Founder of EmpowerU & Tiffany Brown a Licensed School Counselor and Lead Coach with EmpowerU. We talk to Abby & Tiffany about The Power of 1:1 Coaching to Transform Student Mental Health. They share how one-to-one, asynchronous coaching expands Tier 2 capacity, strengthens counselor-student relationships, and helps subclinical students build real resilience. Abby & Tiffany explain how students take quick lessons, get personalized coach feedback, and set their own goals, while counselors receive targeted updates they can act on. The also talk about the outcomes schools are seeing, including better attendance, fewer behavior referrals, and strong goal progress. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

    24 min

  4. SEP 12

    Simple Systems, Lasting Impact: Character Through Daily Announcements - Meg Boyd

    Today our guest is Meg Boyd the Principal at Edgewood Elementary. Meg shares how her school uses morning announcements to keep a daily focus on character in every classroom. From “Motivation Monday” to “Fun with Words Friday,” each day carries a theme that unites students and staff while strengthening school culture. What began during COVID as simple voice-over slides has grown into a consistent, schoolwide practice that proves connection doesn’t have to be polished to be powerful. With student shout-outs, quotes, and simple reminders, these daily announcements have become a daily touchpoint for connection. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website Meg Boyd is in her 11th year as Principal at Edgewood Elementary in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Under her leadership, Edgewood has twice been recognized as a National School of Character, and has also been acknowledged for students' growth and closing achievement gaps. Meg works to ensure that all children have access to an education that opens doors for their futures. Believing in and nurturing children's character and competence is what makes that possible.

    23 min

  5. SEP 5

    Season 8 Kickoff: Three Challenges in Education - Mental Health, Behavior, & Burnout

    Season 8 kicks off with CharacterStrong co-founders John Norlin and Houston Kraft unpacking three challenges schools face: student mental health, rising behavior, and educator burnout. They explain why culture is “the plate,” not another thing on it, and how adult behavior change drives schoolwide improvement. John and Houston also show how a cohesive MTSS ecosystem (Tier 1–3), paired with policy-aligned campaigns, attendance tools, and Future Ready content, reduces fragmentation. Finally, they preview new “assessment to action” work with Intellispark that helps leaders turn data into evidence-based next steps, so schools spend less time reacting and more time proactively supporting students and staff.   Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

    31 min

  6. AUG 29

    Relational Strategies That Strengthen Academics - Dr. Lori Lynass

    Today our guest is Dr. Lori Lynass, Sr. Director of MTSS at CharacterStrong. We talk to Lori about how connection isn’t “extra” or “soft”—it’s a strategic, academic practice at the heart of effective Tier 1 work. She shares how simple strategies, like quick community-building circles, can be woven into the school day in just a few minutes and still have a lasting impact on belonging and engagement. She also emphasizes that adults need connection, too, and that when schools prioritize role-modeling relational practices with staff, it directly strengthens consistency and impact with students. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

    18 min

  7. AUG 22

    Systems Over Goals: Building Belonging in Schools - Dr. Darian Jones

    Today our guest is Dr. Darian Jones, Program Implementation Specialist at CharacterStrong. We talk to Dr. Jones on why belonging must be built into the systems of a school, not left to chance. He highlights how proactive and responsive practices, like structured greetings, advisory systems, and intentional transitions can help both students and adults reset, connect, and thrive. Through powerful stories, including a pivotal moment where uncovering the root cause of a student’s behavior transformed outcomes, Dr. Jones reminds leaders that adult behavior change is the key lever for student success. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

    17 min

  8. AUG 15

    The Power of Presence in a Rushed World - John Norlin

    On today's episode CharacterStrong Co-Founder John Norlin explores a simple idea with big impact: the pace of our day influences the way we show up for others. When we’re constantly rushing, even our best intentions, like showing kindness or practicing empathy, can get lost in the shuffle. John invites educators and leaders to reflect on how we prioritize connection in our daily routines. Sometimes, the most powerful shift we can make is slowing down just enough to see the people right in front of us. Click here to subscribe to the CS Weekly  Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

    6 min
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4.9
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422 Ratings

About

The CharacterStrong Podcast: Weekly conversations for anyone in education. CharacterStrong provides an evidence-based, multi-tiered solution to support whole child success. Curricula and trainings that improve behavior, increase safety, and support mental health. For more information visit our website: characterstrong.com

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