The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals
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/misfitsonapple
- Instagram | @themisfitbehaviorists
- YouTube | @themisfitbehaviorists
👋 Find us!
- Audra | abainschool.com
- Caitlin | beltransbehaviorbasics.com
- Sami | 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!
Episodes
84 episodes
Ep. 68: From Chaos to Calm — 5 Quick Classroom De-Escalation Strategies
Every teacher knows those days when everything seems to erupt at once. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin share five quick, practical de-escalation strategies that help you shift from chaos to calm—without losing your sanity or yo...
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Episode 68
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12:35
Misfit Minute 14: Do You Really Need a New Behavior Plan?
Sometimes the issue isn’t that your behavior plan is “bad”—it’s that it’s not being followed with fidelity. Before you rewrite the whole thing, pause and check: are all staff on the same page, teaching replacement skills, and delivering reinfor...
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1:44
Ep. 67: The Role of a BCBA on RTI & MTSS Teams in Schools
Being a BCBA in a public school means more than behavior plans—it’s about collaboration, data, and supporting teachers on RTI and MTSS teams. In this episode, we share tips for building relationships, starting with Tier 1 strategies, and making...
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Episode 67
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12:19
Misfit Minute 13: Reduce Student Pushback with Simple Choice Strategies in Special Education
Offering students simple choices can reduce pushback and boost cooperation. In this Misfit Minute, we break down how to turn everyday directives into opportunities for autonomy and engagement.🔑 Key Takeaways...
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3:06
Ep. 66: Behavior Management for Early Learners - 5 Preschool Classroom Strategies
Teaching little ones with big feelings can be equal parts joyful and challenging. In this episode, we share five simple, effective strategies for supporting early learners in preschool and special education settings. From using visuals t...
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Episode 66
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17:13
Misfit Minute 12: Spot Early Warning Signs to Prevent Escalation in the Classroom
This week’s Misfit Minute is all about catching behaviors before they escalate. Caitlin breaks down how to spot the earliest warning signs—like a shift in posture or a sigh—and why waiting until the meltdown starts is already too ...
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1:36
Ep. 65: How to Teach Maintenance and Generalization of Skills in ABA and Special Education
If it’s not generalizing, it’s not functional. In this episode, we break down what true mastery looks like, how to plan for maintenance from the start, and practical ways to “teach loosely” so skills stick across people, places, and mate...
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Episode 65
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14:44
Misfit Minute 11: Sticky Note Praise Strategy for Quick Classroom Reinforcement
This week’s Misfit Minute is all about a tiny tool with a big payoff—sticky notes! 📝 Audra shares a quick and easy praise strategy you can implement immediately to boost positive behavior, make students feel seen, and encourage classr...
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1:58
Ep. 64: Preschool Circle Time Tips for Engagement, Structure, and Special Education Success
Preschool circle time doesn’t have to be chaos! 🎶 In this episode, we share simple strategies to keep little learners engaged, structured, and having fun—while meeting every student where they are. 🌟🎧 Key Takeaways<...
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Episode 64
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21:32
Misfit Minute 10: Reinforcement vs. Bribery – What Teachers and BCBAs Need to Know
Reinforcement isn’t a trick, a loophole, or a bribe—it’s an evidence-based strategy that builds real behavior change. In this quick Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares a practical way to explain the difference between reinforcement and bribery—perfec...
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1:15
Ep. 63: 5 Data Collection Mistakes BCBAs and Special Educators Should Avoid
Are you drowning in data but still missing progress? In this episode, we’re talking about the five most common data collection mistakes we’ve seen (and made!)—and how to fix them. Whether you're a BCBA, teacher, or therapist, these tips ...
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Episode 63
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14:47
Misfit Minute #9: Easy Circle Time Ideas for Joint Attention and Conversation Skills
This week, we’re keeping it super simple—and super effective. Audra shares two of her favorite low-prep activities that boost engagement, joint attention, and early conversation skills using nothing more than a decorated box or bag and a few tr...
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4:24
Ep. 62: How to Run Social Skills Groups in Schools and Clinics
Running social skills groups can be tricky—especially when you’re balancing different student needs, group sizes, and settings. In this episode, we unpack how to structure and differentiate social skills groups for learners at every level—wheth...
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Episode 62
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25:11
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!”
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1:13
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...
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Episode 61
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12:00
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 ...
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4:24
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:...
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Episode 60
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7:13
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 inst...
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1:05
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 ro...
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Episode 59
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17:47
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...
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3:08
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 ...
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Episode 58
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15:12
Misfit Minute #4: Power of Praise: Encouraging Positive Actions in Students
🎙️ Misfit Minute #4: POWER Up Your Praise – Praising What You Want RepeatedTired of generic praise that doesn't seem to stick? Caitlin highlights the power of behavior-specific praise – telling students exactly what they did well...
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1:14
Ep. 57: Creating a Crisis Cycle Plan in Behavior Support - Part 12 of the FBA Mini-Series
Planning a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) for high-intensity behaviors? This episode walks you through the 7 stages of the Crisis Cycle—and how to use it as a practical tool in your FBAs and behavior plans.We’re talking real...
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Episode 57
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26:07
Misfit Minute #3: REDO Your “No” – Turning Redirection Into a Win
Sick of saying “no” and getting big reactions? Audra shares an easy-to-remember acronym—R.E.D.O.—to help reframe your redirections and get more buy-in from students without the meltdown.💡 Teach them it’s not “No forever,” it’s...
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2:22
Ep. 56: How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting: Timeline, Tips, and Parent Collaboration
Planning an IEP can feel like a whirlwind—deadlines, data, collaboration, and student needs all rolled into one big meeting. In this episode, Caitlin and Audra walk through a practical timeline for IEP prep, from parent check-ins to drafting go...
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Episode 56
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16:09
