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

Audra Jensen, Caitlin Beltran, Sami Brown
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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, Audra Jensen, and Sami Brown, three BCBAs (and two 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.comSami | behavioranalyticsupport.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. Misfit Minute #8: Redirection Without Power Struggles — Gentle, Positive Behavior Strategies

    2D AGO

    Misfit Minute #8: Redirection Without Power Struggles — Gentle, Positive Behavior Strategies

    In this quick episode, Caitlin shares how to redirect student behavior without power struggles, using subtle, positive phrasing that preserves dignity and prevents escalation. Learn how to guide students clearly—without ever saying “No!” 💡 Key Takeaways 🔄 Redirection doesn’t need to be confrontational 💬 Use clear, positive language to say what to do instead 🧠 Build habits with consistent, gentle phrasing 🤝 Preserve student dignity and avoid resistance ✨ Try phrases like “Use a calm voice” or “Try again with walking feet” 📚 Resources & Visuals 🎧 Other episodes you’ll love: 🔗 Ep. 3: 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors and Trauma-Informed Care https://abainschool.com/ep3 🔗 Ep. 29: Functions of Behavior: The WHY more than the WHAT https://abainschool.com/Ep29 🧾 Misfit Behavior Strategy Calendar: 52 weekly staff tips! https://abainschool.com/behaviorcalendar 🎨 Visuals for Calm Communication https://abainschool.com/an1j 🙌 Join Us & Share 📱 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for quick, practical tips 💬 Join the conversation in our Facebook group for extra resources https://abainschool.com/misfits 🎧 Subscribe to catch all our behavior strategy drops 👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a teammate who rocks redirection! Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    1 min
  2. Ep. 61: 4 Must-Know Tips for New Special Education Teachers in Self-Contained Classrooms

    JUL 22

    Ep. 61: 4 Must-Know Tips for New Special Education Teachers in Self-Contained Classrooms

    🎙 Join Caitlin and guest Michelle Morris, an experienced self-contained classroom teacher, as they unpack real talk for new special ed teachers. From unexpected chaos to building strong staff dynamics, Michelle shares the five things she wishes she knew starting out—plus how to lean into your team and your strengths without losing your mind. 💡 Whether you're brand-new or deep in the trenches, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to pivot with grace. 🔑 Key Takeaways 🌀 Be flexible—plans change, behaviors erupt, and that’s okay 🙅 Don’t take things personally—from students or staff 🤝 Use your resources—you're not expected to do it all alone ✨ Play to your strengths (and your team’s!) 🧘‍♀️ Take breaks when you need them—it’s not weakness, it’s wisdom 📚 Resources and Ideas 🎧 Other episodes you’ll love: 🔗 Ep. 47: Managing Paras 🔗 Ep. 30: Supervising RBTs and Paras 🔗 Misfit Minute #5: Best Clipboards for data collection Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode: Redirection Misfit Minute 🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Let us know how YOU connect with staff in our Facebook group  @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.   Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    12 min
  3. Misfit Minute #7: Pre-Correcting Behavior—3 Easy Steps to Prevent Common Chaos

    JUL 15

    Misfit Minute #7: Pre-Correcting Behavior—3 Easy Steps to Prevent Common Chaos

    In this short and practical episode, we explore the power of pre-correcting behavior—a quick strategy to set students up for success before a problem even starts. You’ll learn how to spot patterns, cue expectations in the moment, and reinforce positive behavior with intention. 💡 Key Takeaways 🔍 Know the behavior patterns—when and where issues usually occur 🗣️ Use quick verbal cues right before problem moments 🎯 Reinforce success immediately with specific praise and rewards 📋 Pre-correction is easier than correction—set students up to shine 🎒 Keep visual cues on a lanyard or clipboard for fast, effective reminders 📚 Resources & Visuals 🎨 Lanyard Pre-Correction Visuals (rhyme + statement versions in color/B&W) 🖍️ Student Coloring Pages for Each Routine (included in the visuals) 📏 Line-Up Behavior Chant Visual – “1, 2, eyes on you…” 🙌 Join Us & Share 💬 Join the Facebook group for free downloads and behind-the-scenes discussions 🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss a weekly strategy drop 👯‍♀️ Share this episode with a fellow teacher or behaviorist who needs an easy win! Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    4 min
  4. Ep. 60: Is It Positive Reinforcement or Punishment? Let’s Settle the Debate

    JUL 8

    Ep. 60: Is It Positive Reinforcement or Punishment? Let’s Settle the Debate

    This episode started as a quick Misfit Minute—but it turned into a deep dive, so we made it a full one. Inspired by that iconic Big Bang Theory clip with Sheldon and the chocolates, we break down a question behavior folks love to debate: 👉 Is it positive reinforcement... or positive punishment? We walk through a simple way to understand the four terms: Positive/Negative Reinforcement and Positive/Negative Punishment …without getting stuck in jargon, so you can apply it in real situations, not just pass a test. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Behavior terms like “positive” and “negative” aren’t value judgments—they describe what’s added or removed ✅ You must define the target behavior first before labeling an intervention ✅ Positive reinforcement = behavior increases + something added ✅ Negative reinforcement = behavior increases + something removed ✅ Positive punishment = behavior decreases + something added ✅ Negative punishment = behavior decreases + something removed ✅ Yes, the Sheldon chocolate clip is still relevant—and worth discussing 📚 Resources and Ideas 📌 Download the flow chart from the episode 🧩 Use it for quick reference in team meetings, FBAs, or your BCBA exam prep 🖼️ Join the conversation in our Facebook group to share your interpretation of the Sheldon example! 📌 Related Episodes: – Ep. 18: Behavior Management Basics – Ep. 45: Must-Read Behavior Books for Teachers and BCBAs Join Us... 🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.   Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    7 min
  5. Misfit Minute #6: How to Teach Replacement Behaviors That Actually Work

    JUL 1

    Misfit Minute #6: How to Teach Replacement Behaviors That Actually Work

    In this bite-sized episode, we dive into a powerful mindset shift: don’t just teach the rule—teach the replacement behavior. Saying “don’t do that” isn’t enough. Real behavior change happens when we teach students exactly what to do instead. 💡 Key Takeaways: 🚫 Saying “don’t do that” doesn’t teach a skill—replacement behaviors do 🔁 Replacement behaviors aren’t add-ons—they are the behavior plan 🧩 Prompting, modeling, and reinforcing appropriate actions is essential ❓ Before correcting behavior, ask: “Have I taught what I want to see instead?” 🌱 Teaching new behaviors is about building skills, not just managing disruption 📚 Resources & Inspiration 🔗 Tantrums to Transformation: Positive Behavioral Support to Address Challenging Behaviors 🔗 Episode 12 Managing Problem Behaviors Through Replacement Skills 🔗 Episode 55 How to Reinforce Replacement Behaviors and Respond to Problem Behavior 📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies! 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about! Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    1 min
  6. Ep. 59: Making Your BIP Work: Data Collection and Fidelity in FBAs - Part 13 of the FBA Mini-Series

    JUN 24

    Ep. 59: Making Your BIP Work: Data Collection and Fidelity in FBAs - Part 13 of the FBA Mini-Series

    Part 13 (the last step) of the FBA Mini-Series! You’ve got the plan… now let’s make sure it actually works. In this final episode of our FBA Mini-Series, Audra and Sami walk you through how to track behavior data, define roles, build fidelity, and make sure your BIP stays meaningful. This is the wrap-up you didn’t know you needed, filled with practical ways to follow through on everything you’ve created! 🔑 Key Takeaways 🧠 Track what matters – Collect data on both the target and replacement behaviors 📈 Keep it doable – Simple, regular data is better than complex forms no one uses 🧍‍♀️ Assign clear roles – Know who is collecting what, when, and how 🔍 Check fidelity – Use plan-specific and general fidelity checklists to stay on track 💬 Share updates – Include teachers and families in celebrations and progress 🎯 Define mastery – Know when the plan has “worked” and what comes next ♻️ Keep it alive – BIPs should be living documents that evolve with the student 📚 Resources and Ideas 📌 Free Download: Fidelity Checklist Template 📌 Related Episodes: – Ep. 54: Creating the Behavior Plan – Part 10 – Ep. 12: Managing Problem Behaviors Through Replacement Skills Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode: Behavior Responses (positive/negative reinforcement/punishment) Made Clear! 🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Let us know if you use a Fidelity Checklist in your BIPs in our Facebook group  @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.   Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    18 min
  7. Misfit Minute #5: Best Clipboards for Data Collection and Token Boards in Special Education

    JUN 17

    Misfit Minute #5: Best Clipboards for Data Collection and Token Boards in Special Education

    💡 Key Takeaways: 🖊️ Use a dual-sided clipboard with a whiteboard front and chalkboard back for both data and student visuals 🎯 Turn the chalkboard side into a Velcro token board or quick-reinforcer tracker 🧵 Small quarter-sheet clipboards are perfect for mini data sheets and can be worn on lanyards or fit in your pocket 💼 Clipboards aren't just for paper—they’re flexible tools that can help paraprofessionals stay organized and responsive 🙌 Use these tools to make reciprocal visuals, portable schedules, or motivation systems for students on the move 📚 Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Whiteboard/Chalkboard Clipboard 🔗 Standard small clipboards 6x9 🔗 Mini-small color clipboards 4.7x7.3 🔗 Mini-small black clipboards 4x6 📚 Resources & Inspiration 📝 Want to go deeper? Listen to Ep.18: Behavior Management Basics or Ep. 2: 2 Ways to Hack Your Data Collection 📌 Follow us on Instagram @MisfitBehaviorists for daily tips and visuals and especially join us on Facebook where we house all the freebies! 🎧 Subscribe so you never miss your weekly quick win and share this with someone you care about! Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    3 min
  8. Ep. 58: Bridging the Gap: Building Teacher-BCBA Collaboration for Student Success

    JUN 10

    Ep. 58: Bridging the Gap: Building Teacher-BCBA Collaboration for Student Success

    🤝 Join Caitlin and Audra as they dive into the crucial topic of fostering strong working relationships between school-based BCBAs and teachers! Learn from their real-world experiences – both successes and challenges – in building mutual respect and understanding for the benefit of students. 💡 It's all about teamwork! Discover how to move beyond potential roadblocks and create effective partnerships. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ Lead with trust—respect teachers’ expertise, time, and lived experience 🧠 Use teacher-friendly language and avoid behavior jargon (save “DRO” for later) 🎯 Ask open-ended questions to understand their struggles before jumping to solutions 💡 Use simple tools like “What’s Working / Not Working” to frame tough conversations 🧍 Mirroring emotions and validating teachers’ experiences builds connection 📉 Even if you don’t become best friends, aim for collaboration over compliance 🪄 Pro tip: Genuine praise in front of others goes a long way in building rapport 📚 Resources and Ideas 🎧 Previous Relevant Episodes: 🔗 Episode 3: 6 Ways to Approach Challenging Behaviors and Trauma-Informed Care 🔗 Episode 10: Navigating Difficult Conversations with ABA Staff 📖 Book Recommendations: 🔗 Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss  - Discussed for its insights on communication and building understanding. 🔗 Let Them by Mel Robbins 📝 Freebie: 💡 Caitlin's "What's Working/What's Not Working" visual for facilitating positive meeting starts Join Us... 🎙 Next Episode: Part 13 of the FBA mini-series, MASTERY! 🌟 Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes on practical strategies and must-have resources for behavior support! 📢 Share this episode with a teacher, BCBA, or administrator looking for fresh approaches to special education and behavior analysis! 💬 Let us know how YOU connect with staff in our Facebook group  @TheMisfitBehaviorists 📚 Connect: Follow us for more tips, tools, and discussions about all things behavior and education.   Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists 😍 More, you say? We’re here for you! Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists 👋 Find us! Audra | ABA in School Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics Sami | B.A.S.S. 🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

    15 min
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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, Audra Jensen, and Sami Brown, three BCBAs (and two 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.comSami | behavioranalyticsupport.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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