logo
episode-header-image
Aug 8
14m 42s

2025 Tier 2 Summit: Problem-Solving Comm...

CharacterStrong
About this episode

Today we talk with Dr. Clay Cook, the Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. He shares the biggest reasons Tier 2 systems stall—and what to do about it. Dr. Cook unpacks common barriers like unclear roles, limited capacity, and lack of team clarity, offering practical, hopeful solutions every school can apply.


Learn More About CharacterStrong:
 

Up next
Aug 22
Systems Over Goals: Building Belonging in Schools - Dr. Darian Jones
Today our guest is Dr. Darian Jones, Program Implementation Specialist at CharacterStrong. We talk to Dr. Jones on why belonging must be built into the systems of a school, not left to chance. He highlights how proactive and responsive practices, like structured greetings, adviso ... Show More
16m 40s
Aug 15
The Power of Presence in a Rushed World - John Norlin
On today's episode CharacterStrong Co-Founder John Norlin explores a simple idea with big impact: the pace of our day influences the way we show up for others. When we’re constantly rushing, even our best intentions, like showing kindness or practicing empathy, can get lost in th ... Show More
5m 58s
Aug 1
What Happens When Kids Know You Believe In Them - Dr. Andre Stout
Today our guest is Dr. Andre Stout, principal at Gray Middle School, in Tacoma, WA. We talk to Dr. Stout about how intentional systems—not just goals—drive lasting change. From daily character lessons and biweekly Fireside Chats to celebrating growth and reclaiming the hallways, ... Show More
17m 40s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2023
A Mighty Moving Episode With Lindsay Kemeny
This installment of Literacy Talks features and celebrates the publication of our own Lindsay Kemeny’s new bestselling book, 7 Mighty Moves: Research-Backed, Classroom-Tested Strategies to Ensure K-to-3 Reading Success, from Scholastic. It’s an opportunity to hear how Lindsay, a ... Show More
37m 23s
Mar 2024
Leo the Lion Teaches Kids About Entrepreneurship with Children's Author, Annie Franceschi
March 28, 2024 Transforming the Toddler Years- Episode 128 Leo the Lion Teaches Kids About Entrepreneurship with Children's Author, Annie Franceschi This week Annie Franceschi, former Disney storyteller-turned-branding expert, joins Cara this week to discuss teaching kids abo ... Show More
30m 19s
Dec 2021
Ep. 87: "I'm a Kindergarten Teacher, and the Way I've Been Teaching Reading is Wrong"
We would love to hear from you! Send us a message (if you'd like a reply, email us at literacypodcast@greatminds.org)In today’s episode, Kate Winn, a teacher, freelance writer and TV guest, and wife and mom to two girls, joins us on the podcast to share how after 20 years of ... Show More
36m 43s
Nov 2023
Episode 108: Untold Teaching Truths with Katie Kinder
Katie Kinder, author of Untold Teaching Truths and Hallway Leadership, is a professional learning facilitator, and she has been an educator since 2006. She brings her message of hope, fun, and real strategies to educators all over the nation.  She believes that life is fun, and l ... Show More
41m 49s
Oct 2024
Empowering Young Learners and English Educators
🎙️ Welcome to ESL Talk! 🎙️A podcast for English Teachers, by English Teachers.Tune in to this latest bumper episode of ESL Talk as we explore the vital topic of “Empowering Young Learners and English Educators” with our esteemed guest, Dr. Hayley Watson.Dr. Watson, a clinical p ... Show More
42m 1s
Sep 2023
The Story Gets Better With Special Guest Emily Hanford
In this episode of Literacy Talks, the trio excitedly welcomes Emily Hanford, the award-winning journalist and media producer whose work and Sold a Story podcast have changed the literacy landscape. You’ll hear Emily talk about her career reporting on education and how she uncove ... Show More
45m 14s
Aug 2023
Jillian DuBois (@JillDuBois22) - Move Closer to Your Dreams
Jill is a redesigned educator who has been in the elementary classroom for over 20 years. She is currently a Professional Learning Specialist with Forward Edge/Edge•U. Jill is passionate about infusing joy in educational leadership by focusing on service and using her voice to fo ... Show More
55m 20s
May 2024
#ELB Podcast with Danielle Livengood
Meet Danielle Livengood-the Sr. Executive Director of High Schools & Secondary Curriculum of Marion County Public Schools in Florida. Danielle has led there for more than 20 years serving in a variety of roles. Danielle is a twin, was a foster child, and has over-come many obstac ... Show More
47m 48s
Jun 2021
Episode 40: Tiny Polly
‏In the US One out of every five students report being bullied. Students who experience bullying are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, lower academic achievement, and dropping out of school. Students who experienced bullying or cyberbullying are nearl ... Show More
14m 4s
Apr 2025
‘Our Kids Are the Least Flourishing Generation We Know Of’
There’s something of a policy revolution afoot: As of March, more than a dozen states — including California, Florida and Ohio — have passed bills or adopted policies that aim to limit cellphone usage at school. More are expected to follow.Jonathan Haidt is the leader of this par ... Show More
1h 11m