How to Train School Staff Without Burnout or Eye Rolls

Let’s be real—training school staff isn’t always easy.

Maybe you’ve led a PD session where only two people looked up from their laptops. Or you’ve modeled a strategy five times… only to find it’s still not being used with fidelity. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone.

That’s why our “Training School Staff: Behavior Change in Schools” session at the Behavior Change in Schools Conference is centered around a gold-standard, evidence-based approach: Behavior Skills Training (BST).

Whether you're teaching paras how to implement a behavior plan, coaching teachers on prompting procedures, or supporting crisis response teams, BST gives you a replicable, research-backed structure for building staff fluency and confidence.

Free Session Preview: The 4 Core Steps of BST in School Settings

BST isn’t just for RBTs—it’s for anyone who needs to learn and apply behavior strategies with accuracy. Here’s the framework we’ll dive deep into at the conference:

1. Instruction (Tell)
   Start by clearly describing the skill. Use plain language and explain the “why” behind it. Tailor your message to the staff member’s role and setting.

2. Modeling (Show)
   Demonstrate the skill exactly how you want it done. This can be live, video-based, or role-play. Visual learners and new staff especially benefit from seeing it first.

3. Rehearsal (Do)
   Have the staff member practice the skill in a controlled setting. This is where the magic happens—confidence starts with hands-on experience.

4. Feedback (Feedback)
   Offer immediate, specific feedback—both corrective and reinforcing. Celebrate what went well, then guide improvement with kindness and clarity.

Pro Tip: You can complete a full BST cycle in less than 10 minutes when you’re efficient and focused. It’s not about making it long—it’s about making it meaningful.

💡 Ready to implement staff training with clarity and confidence?
Join us for the virtual Behavior Change in Schools Conference (May 9–10) or attend in person in California (May 16–17).
👉 Click to register—because better training means better outcomes for your students and your team.