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!
The Misfit Behaviorists - Practical Strategies for Special Education and ABA Professionals
Misfit Minute 21: Handling Staff Pushback with Curiosity Instead of Control
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Staff pushback happens. Eye rolls, sighs, and the dreaded “we already tried that” can make even the calmest team lead feel defensive. In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin talks about shifting from control to curiosity when staff resist new strategies and how asking the right questions builds trust, buy-in, and stronger teams.
🔑 Key Takeaways
• Staff pushback often comes from burnout or feeling unheard 😮💨—not resistance for the sake of resistance.
• Curiosity beats control 🔍—asking “What didn’t work last time?” opens the door to real insight.
• You don’t lose authority by asking questions 💬—you gain collaboration.
• Empathy creates buy-in 🤍—acknowledging that new strategies feel hard reduces defensiveness.
• Modeling flexibility invites flexibility 🔄—your tone sets the tone.
• “We’re in this together” builds teams that grow with you, not against you 🤝
📦 Resources to check out
• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits
🙌 Join Us & Share
• How do you respond when staff push back?
• What questions have helped you build buy-in?
• Share your experiences in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group 💬
• Know a BCBA or teacher navigating staff resistance? Send them this Misfit Minute 💙
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!
