Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of the Sped Prep Academy Podcast, where we are joined once again by Jenny Walmsley, a seasoned special education teacher turned behavior coach. With her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and as the founder of Braving BSEL, Jenny brings a wealth of knowledge in supporting the behavioral, social, and emotional learning of both students and educators. In today’s episode, we dive into the concept of "Skill Not Will" to approach challenging behaviors in the classroom with a fresh, constructive mindset.

Highlights:

• Current Mindset and Misconceptions: Jenny begins by addressing the common perceptions among educators that frame student behaviors negatively. She discusses how these views can hinder the educational process and stresses the importance of recognizing behavior as a skill to be taught, rather than a problem to be suppressed.
• A Different Mindset: Jenny explains her philosophy of "Skill Not Will," encouraging teachers to view challenging behaviors as opportunities for teaching and growth. She emphasizes the importance of equipping students with the necessary skills to behave appropriately, rather than merely disciplining them.
• Proactive Strategies: We explore a range of proactive instructional strategies that Jenny has successfully used. These include setting up a supportive environment, using positive reinforcement, and incorporating traditional educational techniques like read-alouds and role-playing into behavior management.
• Success Story: Jenny shares a powerful success story about a student who learned to channel frustration through a safe alternative behavior, demonstrating the effectiveness of the skills-focused approach.

Conclusion: Jenny wraps up the episode by highlighting resources for educators interested in further exploring the "Skill Not Will" approach. She mentions her upcoming free training session and directs listeners to the Braving BSEL website for additional information and support. This episode is a must-listen for any educator looking to transform their approach to behavior in the classroom, fostering an environment where students not only learn but thrive.

Mentioned in the Show:Sign Up for the FREE Skill not Will Webinar in July

Additional Resources:

• Jenny’s Instagram
  Braving BSEL’s Instagram
  Braving BSEL Website

Join us next time on Special Education for Beginners for more insights into enhancing your teaching practices and effectively supporting your students' special needs.

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