The Ruckus Report
Quick take: Most schools are drowning in Tier 2 and Tier 3 referrals. Mitch Weathers shows why fixing Tier 1 first is the only way out — and how to actually make it work.
🤝 Meet Your Fellow Ruckus Maker
Mitch Weathers is a veteran educator, author, and co-founder of Organized Binder. He’s helped thousands of schools rethink their Tier 1 systems and center equity, consistency, and executive function in the classroom. Mitch has keynoted across the U.S. and even rocked turquoise jewelry markets in New Mexico (true story).
Breaking Down the Old Rules
🧠 Key Insight #1: Tier 1 is the Foundation
- What’s broken: Schools overload Tier 2 and Tier 3 while ignoring Tier 1.
- The shift: Design Tier 1 systems every teacher can implement with fidelity.
- Impact: Reduced referrals, increased student success, and less burnout.
🧠 Key Insight #2: PD That Actually Works
- What’s broken: Professional learning feels irrelevant and impractical.
- The shift: Anchor PD in tools and mindsets that apply Monday morning.
- Impact: Teachers actually implement strategies — and want more.
🧠 Key Insight #3: Lead with Flow, Not Force
- What’s broken: Leaders grip too tightly to plans and compliance.
- The shift: Lead with intentionality, flexibility, and flow.
- Impact: More trust, better culture, and stronger adult nervous systems.
Quotable Ruckus
Your Do School Different Challenge
Ready to implement these ideas? Start here:
- Tomorrow: : Audit one Tier 1 practice for clarity and consistency.
- This Month: Host a team conversation on the real purpose of PD.
- This Semester: Design Tier 1 initiatives that every teacher can do.
Connect & Continue
Get the full episode transcript: here
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