
The 3 Behavior Priorities for Every BCBA in August
August is one of the busiest—and most important—months for school-based BCBAs. But when everything feels urgent, it’s easy to lose sight of what actually drives long-term impact. This post breaks down the three high-impact behavior priorities every BCBA should focus on at the start of the school year: building teacher buy-in, observing before intervening, and setting up systems that don’t depend on you to function. If you're overwhelmed with back-to-school chaos, this guide will help you simplify your role, support staff more effectively, and create behavior systems that actually stick.

The Unspoken Truths About Being a School-Based BCBA
Real talk: Being a school-based BCBA comes with a lot of unspoken truths. Here are 7 things I wish more people said out loud.

The Rise in Student Behaviors: Why It’s Happening—and How We Can Better Support Staff
I remember walking into a school building during my first year as a BCBA and feeling completely out of place.
I had the credentials. I had the training. But what I didn’t have was a clue how to navigate this world.
Staff were overwhelmed. There were no clear systems. Behavior plans weren’t being followed.
And somehow, I was expected to be the expert—while making it all work in a setting that wasn’t built for behavior support in the first place.No one warned me how different schools would be from clinic life. No one taught me how to coach staff, write BIPs teachers could actually use, or navigate admin pushback with confidence.
And if you’re a BCBA in schools feeling the same way? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doing it wrong.
You’ve just been asked to play a game no one gave you the rules for.

“I Was Never Trained for This”: The Silent Struggle of School-Based BCBAs
I remember walking into a school building during my first year as a BCBA and feeling completely out of place.
I had the credentials. I had the training. But what I didn’t have was a clue how to navigate this world.
Staff were overwhelmed. There were no clear systems. Behavior plans weren’t being followed.
And somehow, I was expected to be the expert—while making it all work in a setting that wasn’t built for behavior support in the first place.No one warned me how different schools would be from clinic life. No one taught me how to coach staff, write BIPs teachers could actually use, or navigate admin pushback with confidence.
And if you’re a BCBA in schools feeling the same way? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doing it wrong.
You’ve just been asked to play a game no one gave you the rules for.


Level Up Your School-Based BCBA Game: The Power of Mentorship and Community in The Behavior Lounge
As a school-based BCBA, you know the unique challenges that come with balancing a heavy caseload, navigating complex school systems, and providing effective behavior interventions. Sometimes, it can feel like you're constantly putting out fires and struggling to keep your head above water.
My BCBA School Group Mentorship is designed to provide you with the support and resources you need to thrive in your role. By joining our community, you'll have access to:
Expert Guidance: Learn directly from myself and the 10 plus years of experience in the school setting
Peer Support: Connect with like-minded professionals and share experiences.
Practical Strategies: Gain practical tips and tools to improve your practice.
Professional Development: Participate in monthly CEU-approved training sessions.
Don't let the challenges of school-based BCBA work hold you back. Join our mentorship group today and start taking control of your career.

Elevate Your School-Based BCBA Practice
As a school-based BCBA, you know the unique challenges that come with balancing a heavy caseload, navigating complex school systems, and providing effective behavior interventions. Sometimes, it can feel like you're constantly putting out fires and struggling to keep your head above water.
My BCBA School Group Mentorship is designed to provide you with the support and resources you need to thrive in your role. By joining our community, you'll have access to:
Expert Guidance: Learn directly from myself and the 10 plus years of experience in the school setting
Peer Support: Connect with like-minded professionals and share experiences.
Practical Strategies: Gain practical tips and tools to improve your practice.
Professional Development: Participate in monthly CEU-approved training sessions.
Don't let the challenges of school-based BCBA work hold you back. Join our mentorship group today and start taking control of your career.

Pause, Don't Break: Teaching Students to Request a Pause in the Task
Tired of tantrums when it's time to hit the books?
Teach your students to take a
pause
instead of a breakdown.
Discover how using visual supports and the simple word "pause" can transform classroom behavior.
Learn practical tips and tricks to help your students regulate their emotions and stay on task.

Tick Tock: The Back-to-School Clock is Ticking. Are Your Paraprofessionals Ready?
Why training paraprofessionals about behavior is important at the start of the school year!


Using Behavior Skills Training in Schools
How to effectivley use Behavior Skills Training in a school

3 Priorities to Behavior Reduction
three priorities that have shaped the way I practice behavior analysis
