I’ll never forget the day my principal walked into my classroom—not for an observation, not for a meeting, but because he actually cared enough to check in. He noticed a tense exchange between me and a colleague and wanted to know how I was handling the whirlwind of changes that year. But here’s the part that stuck with me: he didn’t just listen—he took action. Because of that conversation, our team meetings became more purposeful, our collaboration more effective, and for the first time in a long time, I felt truly seen as an educator.
Effective leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about building trust and collaboration. One of the most powerful ways to do that? Truly listening to teachers. Teacher feedback is essential, especially when shaping a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). As middle school principal Melissa Harvey shared on the Schoolin’ Around Podcast, “They love that I listen to them, that I hear them. And it takes a lot because it’s a whole day or two of active listening.” But that effort pays off—when leaders prioritize teacher voices, they foster buy-in, strengthen systems, and create meaningful change.
| Tips for Building Trust and MTSS Buy-In Through Teacher Feedback |
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Whenever I mention I taught middle school, the reactions are predictable: either a wide-eyed “Wow, you’re so brave!” or a grim “Middle school? That was the worst time of my life.” While it’s true that these years can be challenging for many students, I discovered something special during my time as a teacher. There’s a unique joy in witnessing who middle school students are becoming—caught between the fun of childhood and the journey into young adulthood.
Educators know that meetings are a big part of the job—especially MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) meetings, which are all about figuring out how to best support students who need extra help. But without proper planning and focus, these meetings can quickly go from being super helpful to feeling like a total waste of time.
| Preparation Matters: Sharing agendas in advance keeps MTSS meetings focused, productive, and efficient. Stay Structured and Data-Driven: Effective MTSS meetings avoid distractions, rely on student data, and end with clear, actionable steps. Build Trust and Inclusivity: A culture of trust encourages honest, collaborative discussions in MTSS meetings. |
Jodee Nelson, a Title 1 Coordinator and K-3 Reading Specialist from Lincoln County, Wyoming, with nearly 20 years of experience, recently shared her tips on how to make MTSS meetings more effective for both students and teachers.
The success of any Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework hinges on one critical factor: how well resources are aligned to address students' needs.
From funding and staffing to time and data, the challenge for schools lies in turning the possibility of comprehensive mental health and academic support into practice that delivers better student outcomes.
Educators and school leaders across the nation are navigating the complexities of implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). While the framework offers data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes, it requires significant effort to execute effectively. During our 2023 MTSS Summit, Dr. Judy Elliott and Dr. George Batsche, leading experts on MTSS, joined us to share their insights on the current trends, challenges, and methodologies shaping MTSS.