Get Essential: Marching Forward with MTSS

May in Review: CEC 2026 and the Power of Strategic Leadership

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961645/fan_mail/new] May in Review: CEC 2026 and the Power of Strategic Leadership The May episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast is here, and this month we are celebrating courage, leadership, advocacy, and the power of inclusive education! Join Dr. Nakia for May in Review: CEC 2026 and the Power of Strategic Leadership as she reflects on unforgettable moments from the 2026 Council for Exceptional Children Conference in Salt Lake City, including the inspiring Yes I Can Awards and the national recognition of students who overcame obstacles with perseverance and strength. This episode also highlights key May observances, timely education and disability news, and practical leadership tips for families, educators, and school leaders navigating special education, Section 504, and disability compliance. In this episode: 1:23 — Inspirational Story: Celebrating nationally recognized students and their perseverance 3:23 — Dates to Remember: Teacher Appreciation Week, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Mother’s Day, and more 8:04 — Essential News: Budget proposals, federal trackers, and pressing education updates 12:45 — Essential Knowledge: CEC 2026 recap, strategic leadership, disability compliance, literacy policy, dyslexia laws, and practical knowledge tips for parents, educators, and leaders supporting students with disabilities. This episode also explores how strategic leadership connects to disability compliance, literacy policy, dyslexia laws, and equitable reading supports for students with disabilities. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and stay connected with Edufaith Essentials as we continue to inform, inspire, and empower. Get Essential. Stay informed. Lead with purpose. #EdufaithEssentials #GetEssential #SpecialEducation #DisabilityCompliance #CEC2026 #StrategicLeadership #Section504 #IEPAdvocacy #InclusiveEducation #YesICanAwards #TeacherAppreciation #EducationalLeadership Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961645/support] www.edufaithconsulting.com #getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education

Action in April: Building Change Through Leadership, Sustainability, and Service

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961645/fan_mail/new] Welcome to the April episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast, Action in April: Building Change Through Leadership, Sustainability, and Service. This episode is designed for parents, educators, school leaders, advocates, and education professionals who care about inclusive education, special education, educational leadership, disability advocacy, sustainability, and equitable student support. 1:23 We begin with our Inspirational Story, featuring Matthew Paneitz, educator, social entrepreneur, and founder of Long Way Home. Learn how his experience in Guatemala led to a mission of community transformation, sustainable education, and environmental innovation, including the development of the Hero School, a green-built campus created to expand educational access and empower families and communities. 3:00 In Dates to Remember, we highlight important observances in April, including Passover, Easter Sunday, National Assistant Principals Week, Earth Day, Autism Acceptance Month, and the Month of the Military Child. These observances remind us of the importance of inclusive leadership, cultural awareness, student support, and community engagement. 6:41 In Essential News, we break down the latest headlines in special education, disability rights, OCR enforcement, IDEA, and education policy, including updates from the U.S. Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights. We also discuss a pressing story about the future of special education oversight, compliance, access, and strong systems of support for students with disabilities. All News Story Links @ www.edufaithconsulting.com 14:04 In Essential Knowledge, we focus on April Action and turning vision into purpose. Through our interview with Matthew Paneitz, we explore leadership, service, sustainability, nonprofit impact, educational access, and meaningful change in schools and communities. Support Matthew Paneitz @ https://lwhome.org/media. 1.02 Words of Wisdom Listen on all streaming platforms for practical insights on inclusive schools, family engagement, MTSS, Section 504, disability compliance, school leadership, and educational equity. Edufaith Essentials YouTube: https://youtu.be/i5YqBx8X7Ws #ActionInApril #EdufaithEssentials #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducation #EducationalLeadership #DisabilityAdvocacy #EquityInEducation #SchoolLeadership #AutismAcceptanceMonth #FamilyEngagement #SustainabilityInEducation #Section504 #MTSS #EducationalPodcast #GetEssential #getessential Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961645/support] www.edufaithconsulting.com #getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education

Get Essential: Marching Forward with MTSS

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961645/fan_mail/new] Edufaith Essentials Podcast | March 2026 Episode March is a month of movement, momentum, and meaningful leadership. In this episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast, Dr. Nakia breaks down the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) with clarity, strategy, and actionable insight for parents, educators, and school leaders. If you’ve ever wondered whether MTSS is being implemented correctly in your school — or how it aligns with IDEA and Section 504 — this episode will give you the essential knowledge you need. 🎒 Inspirational Story (1:27) Mission Possible: An Unconventional Field Trip A powerful reminder that innovation, inclusion, and belief in students can transform outcomes when leadership dares to think differently. 📅 Dates to Remember (3:43) Women’s History Month  St. Patrick’s Day  School Social Worker Month  And key March observances impacting education and disability advocacy! 📰 Essential News (7:32) Updates from the U.S. Department of Education  Federal policy developments impacting special education and civil rights  Dr. Nakia’s Special Announcement  National stories shaping disability compliance and inclusive leadership 📚 Essential Knowledge (14:53) Marching Forward with MTSS In this deep dive, Dr. Nakia explains: * What MTSS truly is (and what it is not) * How Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 support should function * The MTSS problem-solving process * Data-driven decision-making strategies * Practical tips for parents navigating intervention systems * Leadership guidance for administrators, ensuring compliance * How MTSS connects to IDEA and Section 504 responsibilities 🎯 Who Should Listen? ✔️ Parents preparing for school meetings  ✔️ Teachers implementing tiered supports  ✔️ Section 504 Coordinators  ✔️ Special Education Leaders  ✔️ School and district administrators This episode turns compliance into clarity and systems into support. At Edufaith Educational Services, we are restoring faith in education — one student at a time — by equipping families and schools with essential knowledge rooted in equity, leadership, and lawful practice. 🎧 Follow the Edufaith Essentials Podcast on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@edufaithessentialsandknowledge  📘 Explore the Essential Tips book series: https://amzn.to/3k2dMoC 🌐 Visit our News & Announcements page for related updates and resources: www.edufaithconsulting.com Keywords: MTSS, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Special Education leadership, Section 504 compliance, IDEA law, inclusive education, school leadership strategies, disability advocacy, education policy updates, instructional leadership, tiered interventions. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961645/support] www.edufaithconsulting.com #getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education

Behind the Behavior: The Role of the Behavior Support Specialist

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961645/fan_mail/new] This February, we’re diving Behind the Behavior with a powerful and timely conversation on inclusion, advocacy, and behavioral support. Join us as we welcome Dr. Melvin Middleton Jr., Behavioral Interventionist, author, and educational consultant, for an episode designed to inform, inspire, and equip educators, families, and leaders supporting individuals with disabilities. From real-world behavior strategies to policy updates and insights, this episode brings together essential knowledge and heart-centered impact. Episode Details: 1:25 – Inspirational Story An inclusive organization creating belonging for families and individuals with disabilities—proof that inclusion transforms lives and communities. 3:47 – Dates to Remember (February) Important awareness days, advocacy moments, and reminders connected to disability, education, and inclusion. Here are a few: * Happy Valentine's Day * Happy Chinese New Year * Black History Month 6:21 – Essential News Update February highlights from: * Office for Civil Rights (OCR) * PBS disability and inclusion coverage * IDEA and special education policy updates  📌 All Essential News links available at: www.edufaithconsulting.com [http://www.edufaithconsulting.com] 11:40 – Essential Knowledge with Dr. Melvin Middleton Jr. A deep dive into the role of a Behavior Support Specialist, including: * Supporting students with complex needs * Collaboration with educators and families * Creating sustainable, inclusive behavior systems  Words of Wisdom – 1:20 A powerful closing message from Dr. Nakia on purpose, persistence, and impact. Featured Guest: Dr. Melvin Middleton Jr. Behavioral Interventionist | Author | Educational Consultant 📧 Email: mel_middletonjr@hotmail.com 🌐 Website: www.drmelvinmiddletonjr.com [http://www.drmelvinmiddletonjr.com] 🔗 LinkedIn: Melvin Middleton Jr., Ed.D. 📚 Books: https://a.co/d/ivWTLBV [https://a.co/d/ivWTLBV] Dr. Middleton’s resources are available on the Announcements Page at Edufaith: Contact & Professional Information This month’s Edufaith Essentials Podcast is a reminder that advocacy is love in action. Through stories that inspire, news that informs, and expertise that empowers, we continue building spaces where every learner is valued and supported. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation. Visit www.edufaithconsulting.com [http://www.edufaithconsulting.com] for links, resources, and updates. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961645/support] www.edufaithconsulting.com #getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education

Happy New Year. New Norms. Reset. Reboot & Refocus in 2026

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961645/fan_mail/new] Happy New Year!!! Kick off 2026 with purpose, possibility, and impact on the Edufaith Essentials Podcast—where inspiration meets essential knowledge for parents, educators, and school leaders.  1:33 🎙️ Edufaith Inspirational Story – January Feature  We’re kicking off the year with an inspiring highlight from the Special Needs Christmas Formal, where everyone celebrates through dance, joy, dignity, and a true sense of belonging.  3:04 📅 January Dates to Remember Let’s celebrate January: * MLK Day – Honoring service, leadership, and justice * National Mentoring Month – Elevating the power of guidance and support * Thank You Month – Celebrating educators, families, and community partners * Shape Up U.S. Month – Promoting healthy habits for mind and body  4:36 📰 Inclusive News Highlights!  We will spotlight essential stories, including the celebration of 50 years of the IDEA. We'll also feature a state's strategy to support our dedicated special education teachers, along with other uplifting news from December! Stay tuned!   11:47📘 Essential Knowledge: New Year, New Behaviors As we embrace the start of 2026, we will refresh our approach to behavior! In our ongoing commitment to fostering a Positive School Culture and village mindset, we’ll explore the vital role of Positive Behavior Supports. Join us as we journey through the history of Behavior Supports, its connection to IDEA and Section 504, and the significance of Functional Behavior Assessments.  We can’t wait to share valuable insights with parents, educators, and school leaders to enhance our learning environment together! Join the Movement in 2026! Stream the Edufaith Essentials Podcast on all major platforms and watch on the Edufaith Essentials YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@edufaithessentialsandknowledge?si=2hwxRytTzlPjKpE0. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share as we #GetEssential in 2026 New year. New behaviors. New possibilities.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961645/support] www.edufaithconsulting.com #getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education