Strong Starts

Jessica Whitehead and Sarah Gerber-Kai
  • 5.0 (3)
  • EDUCATION

Welcome to the Strong Starts Podcast. We are your hosts, Jessica Whitehead and Sarah Gerber-Kai. Strong Starts is your go-to source for building strong foundations in K-12 education. Each episode explores how to create inclusive, supportive, and thriving environments for all learners. We unpack key topics like neurodiversity, social-emotional learning, creating meaningful connections, universal supports, and Tier 1 strategies. Whether you’re setting up your classroom for the first time or leading a school-wide initiative, join us for practical insights, expert interviews, and real-world stories that inspire strong starts for all learners.

  1. From Compliance to Autonomy: Rethinking Rewards and Incentives

    FEB 2

    From Compliance to Autonomy: Rethinking Rewards and Incentives

    Reward systems can do more harm than good. The Strong Starts Podcast dives into the complex nuances of sticker charts, token economies, and extrinsic motivation, revealing how they can either build autonomy or deepen dependency. In this eye-opening episode, hosts Jessica and Sarah explore the dark side of reward systems and explain how they can inadvertently reinforce trauma, manipulate relationships, and undermine intrinsic motivation. We break down the pitfalls of reliance on extrinsic incentives and share practical strategies for fading out dependence while fostering student ownership and internal drive. You'll learn key frameworks like trauma-informed care, the importance of meaningful relationships, and how systemic influences shape our behaviors around incentives. We discuss the risk of weaponizing rewards against students, especially those facing food insecurity, past trauma, or developmental challenges, and how to avoid reinforcing harmful patterns. Ideal for anyone working with children and youth, especially those with special needs or experiences of trauma. Empower your practice with insights on ethical reinforcement, foster genuine motivation, and build relationships that last.

    25 min
  2. FBAs in Schools: A Trauma-Informed Approach

    JAN 19

    FBAs in Schools: A Trauma-Informed Approach

    In Episode 12, Sarah and Jessica delve into the intricacies of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), exploring their roles in schools and the controversies surrounding them. They discuss the ethical considerations for BCBAs, and the challenges of implementing these plans in the school setting. The episode also touches on trauma-informed practices and the systemic biases present in educational settings.

    27 min
  3. Playful Learning: Breaking Barriers in Education

    JAN 5

    Playful Learning: Breaking Barriers in Education

    In this episode of the Strong Starts Podcast, we dive into the power of play in education. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating play-based learning into classrooms, despite systemic barriers. Discover practical strategies for educators to foster creativity and engagement, and hear inspiring stories of teachers who are making a difference. Whether you're an educator, parent, or advocate for innovative learning, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable ideas to bring more play into education. Tune in and be part of the movement to revolutionize learning through play!

    15 min
  4. When Students Say No: The Challenge of a Compliance-Based System

    12/01/2025

    When Students Say No: The Challenge of a Compliance-Based System

    In Episode 10, we dive into the challenges educators face when students say "no." They explore the systemic issues contributing to non-compliance, discuss the impact of mental health on learning, and offer practical strategies for creating a more collaborative classroom environment. Tune in to discover how to address these challenges with empathy and effectiveness. References: Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Council of Opportunity in Education (COE) US Dept of Education (USDOE) National Institute of Health (NIH) Georgetown University Compass Health Yale Medicine Education Week Harvard Medicin National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) Childmind.org

    33 min
  5. Myth-Busting the ‘Just Build Relationships’ Advice in Education

    11/17/2025

    Myth-Busting the ‘Just Build Relationships’ Advice in Education

    In Episode 9 of the Strong Starts podcast, hosts Jessica and Sarah dive into the complexities of relationship building in educational settings. They tackle common myths, such as the belief that strong relationships automatically lead to better behavior management and compliance. Through candid discussions and personal anecdotes, they explore the nuances of rapport versus true relationships, and the importance of meeting students' needs beyond just building connections. Tune in to discover practical insights and strategies for fostering genuine relationships that support both educators and students. Free Episode One-Pager: Relationship Building Myths

    25 min
  6. Revisiting Restraint, Isolation, and Discipline: New Insights and Strategies

    11/03/2025

    Revisiting Restraint, Isolation, and Discipline: New Insights and Strategies

    In Episode 8, hosts Sarah and Jessica revisit the sensitive topics of restraint and seclusion in educational settings. They address listener questions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context and emotional responses involved. The episode explores trauma-informed practices, the impact of adult anxiety, and the significance of building positive relationships with students. Tune in for insights on alternative strategies to restraint and creating supportive environments that meet students' needs. Webinar link for Strong Starts: Establishing Tier 1 Systems for Behavior in Schools

    26 min
  7. Beyond Punishment: The Impact of School Suspensions

    10/20/2025

    Beyond Punishment: The Impact of School Suspensions

    Join the Strong Starts podcast as they dive into the complexities of school suspensions and their impact on students and the school community. Discover the surprising effects of punitive actions and explore the potential of restorative practices to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. Tune in for insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and a look at how schools across the country are rethinking discipline. We will add to the discussion on future episodes. https://edsource.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Noltemeyer_Ward_2015_Meta-Analysis.pdf https://visible-learning.org/hattie-ranking-influences-effect-sizes-learning-achievement/ https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/corporal-punishment-schools-still-legal-many-states https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/corporal-punishment-and-health#:~:text=Corporal%20punishment%20triggers%20harmful%20psychological,that%20support%20dealing%20with%20danger. https://www.bjcl.org/blog/dismantling-the-school-to-prison-pipeline-in-california-giving-schools-more-discretion-in-responding-to-student-behaviors https://www.house.mn.gov/comm/docs/lbiF4L5kakqGrVazMEz1Bw.pdf https://catalog.results4america.org/case-studies/rj-in-schools-oakland https://www.socialthinking.com/products/social-situation-mapping

    28 min
  8. Mindset Matters: Seeing Beyond Labels

    10/06/2025

    Mindset Matters: Seeing Beyond Labels

    In this episode of the Strong Starts podcast, hosts Sarah and Jessica delve into the profound impact of language and labels on students, especially those who are neurodivergent. They explore how labels can shape expectations and outcomes, emphasizing the importance of empathy and collective responsibility in education. Join them as they discuss personal experiences, share insightful studies, and offer practical strategies for fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Pygmalion Study Brody Study Article: Just a Label

    15 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Strong Starts Podcast. We are your hosts, Jessica Whitehead and Sarah Gerber-Kai. Strong Starts is your go-to source for building strong foundations in K-12 education. Each episode explores how to create inclusive, supportive, and thriving environments for all learners. We unpack key topics like neurodiversity, social-emotional learning, creating meaningful connections, universal supports, and Tier 1 strategies. Whether you’re setting up your classroom for the first time or leading a school-wide initiative, join us for practical insights, expert interviews, and real-world stories that inspire strong starts for all learners.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Whitehead and Sarah Gerber-Kai
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Strong Starts