Episodes

Ever faced a student who simply shuts down, refusing to engage or even lift a pencil? In this week's episode, Charle and Joshua dive into the often-overlooked challenges of avoidant students—the ones who declare, "I'm just here because I have to be." Through powerful storytelling and expert insights, they peel back the layers of disengagement, exploring what might lie beneath the resistance. With 17 creative strategies in hand, they offer fresh perspectives and actionable tools for fostering con...

In this critical episode of The Language of Behavior, Charle and Josh tackle a sensitive yet vital topic: "How to Assess Our Student's Level of Risk Effectively?" Together, they explore the warning signs—both verbal and non-verbal—that educators need to recognize when assessing student mental health and the potential risk of suicide. From understanding levels of danger to identifying subtle behavioral cues, this episode equips listeners with the tools to navigate these challenging situations wi...

In this special episode of The Language of Behavior, we welcome our very first guest, the extraordinary Todd Nesloney! As an award-winning author, speaker, and renowned school leader, Todd brings a wealth of wisdom and heart to the conversation. Todd takes us on a journey through his evolution as an educator—from implementing practical steps to reduce student misbehavior as a teacher to discovering powerful ways to transform school culture as a principal. Through candid stories and hard-earned ...

In this episode of The Language of Behavior, hosts Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper explore the critical topic of student mental health and the importance of timely referrals to school counselors. Join them as they discuss how to identify students who may be in need, using their insightful framework that classifies concerns into three levels of risk: Curiosity, Concern, and Crisis. Listeners will gain practical strategies for recognizing the signs that a student may be struggling, including speci...

How can teachers identify when a student is struggling with their mental health? In this compelling episode of The Language of Behavior, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper take on the big question: "Should teachers assess students' mental health?" Together, they share a practical and empathetic approach to spotting the signs that something might be wrong. By focusing on three key areas—feelings, behaviors, and appearances—educators can gain a better understanding of their students’ needs without ove...

In this important episode of The Language of Behavior, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper dive into a powerful listener question: "How can teachers be proactive to prevent behaviors from escalating?" Charle and Joshua share actionable strategies to help educators take a proactive approach to behavior management, including: Using check-ins and check-outs to foster trust and understand student emotions. Building meaningful relationships with hard-to-reach students. Incorporating fun, low-pressure a...

In this week's episode of The Language of Behavior, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper tackle a listener's question: "How do we set up a classroom to reduce behaviors?" Charle and Joshua explore practical strategies to create a safe and calming environment that benefits students, parents, and teachers alike. From adjusting lighting and furniture to choosing colors, sounds, and even scents, they dive into how each element can impact student emotions and behavior. With real-life stories, they illustra...

As we are entering a season of increased student behavior, Charle and Josh introduce an essential and free tool designed to help educators strengthen connections with students and foster a positive classroom environment. This simple 20-step guide serves as a reminder of "best practices" for every stage of class: from greeting students as they enter, to starting lessons on the right note, and maintaining positive interactions throughout. Whether you're a teacher, instructional coach, counselor, o...

Welcome to the debut episode of The Language of Behavior! In this episode, hosts Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper introduce themselves and share the mission behind the podcast: transforming how educators approach student behavior. We dive into the question, "Is the traditional way of student discipline working?" Spoiler alert—it’s time for a new approach. Together, we explore how traditional practices like detentions, In-School Suspension (ISS), and Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) often fall short ...