Episodes

In this inspiring conversation from the School Behavior Solutions Summit 2025, Brad Waid sits down with Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper—co-authors of the award-winning book The Language of Behavior—to explore how schools can rethink discipline and create trauma-responsive systems that truly support students and staff. Together, they discuss: ✅ How their unique backgrounds as a former administrator and a former teacher-turned-therapist shaped their framework for transforming behavior practices ...

When a student is melting down, many educators default to the same response: “Take it to the hallway.” But does this actually help? In this episode of The Language of Behavior, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper unpack why isolating dysregulated students often escalates the problem instead of resolving it. Drawing on brain science, trauma-responsive practices, and their own classroom and leadership experiences, they explore: Why the hallway strategy can trigger shame, embarrassment, or heightened...

When a student returns to school after time in a mental health facility, the transition can feel like walking a tightrope for the child, their family, and the educators who want to help. In this episode of The Language of Behavior, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper dig into a listener’s question about what reintegration really requires. Drawing from their experiences as leaders and educators, Charle and Josh shine a light on the hidden challenges students face during this vulnerable moment, from d...

In this episode of The Language of Behavior, co-hosts Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper tackle a timely listener question: “Now that we’ve been in school for a few weeks, I’m starting to see new behaviors. What may be the cause of this?” Together, they explore why the “three-week mark” often brings an uptick in student behavior challenges. From shifting routines and rising academic rigor to stress, working memory overload, and hidden factors beneath the surface, Charle and Josh uncover what’s reall...

What does it really take to create a school community where both teachers and students thrive? In this energizing episode of The Language of Behavior, co-hosts Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper sit down with educator, author, and edupreneur Kim Gameroz to unpack the power of belonging, intentional SEL, and celebrating the small wins that make a big difference. From her days as a high school dance coach to leading nationwide movements like Celebrate Good Times and Teaching Inside Out, Kim shares ho...

Fresh off inspiring events in Ohio and Colorado, co-hosts Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper tackle one of the biggest misconceptions in education: the belief that punishment alone changes behavior. Spoiler—it doesn’t. This episode was sparked by a powerful moment during a recent professional development session, where an “eye roll” from a student led to a deeper conversation about what consequences really mean, how power struggles escalate, and why skill-building—not fear—creates lasting change. ...

Fresh off the VIBE EDU conference in California, Josh and Charle reunite to answer a powerful audience question: Should parents of neurodivergent students reach out to teachers at the start of the school year—and how can they do it well? In this heartfelt and practical conversation, Josh and Charle explore the sometimes tricky terrain of parent-teacher communication. Drawing from their experiences as educators and parents, they unpack the stigma that can surround neurodivergence, the fear of bei...

In this special episode of The Language of Behavior, hosts Josh and Charlie reunite after an inspiring trip to the 2025 MTSS conference in California. They share personal reflections on connecting with passionate educators and mental health professionals and highlight key takeaways from their in-person sessions. The spotlight for this episode is a question on the “push-in” model, a practical, team-based approach for supporting teachers and managing student behavior that’s sparking transformative...

What if the most powerful academic tool isn’t a textbook—but a relationship? In this episode, Charle and Joshua respond to Velma Knowles’ heartfelt question: “How do you empower students to believe that they can achieve their goals?” Drawing from trauma-informed strategies and years of experience in the classroom, they share practical ways to build trust from day one—through one-on-one conferences, daily check-ins, relationship circles, and intentional communication that uplifts rather than crit...

When students misbehave, emotions run high—for teachers, administrators, and the students themselves. In this episode, Charle and Joshua dive into the complex, often misunderstood world of school suspensions. What role do In-School and Out-of-School Suspensions really play in a student’s growth? How can we hold students accountable without pushing them away? Together, we explore the emotional toll behavior incidents take on educators, the balancing act leaders face when assigning consequences, ...

Not all behavior supports are created equal—and some do more harm than good. In this episode, Charle and Joshua dive into the listener question: “What behavior supports most influence student learning?” Using John Hattie’s research as a foundation, they unpack the true academic impact of practices like in-school and out-of-school suspension, the over-identification of students for special education, and common misperceptions around ADHD and behavior. This episode challenges the traditional narr...

In this episode, Charle and Joshua tackle a timely question from an administrator planning for the year ahead: How do we make real progress when the pressure from the state, district, or politics seems to get in the way? With candor and practical insight, they discuss how to stay rooted in your campus vision while navigating the noise. From creative funding options and neutralizing politically charged language, to strategically using data and “slow-rolling” initiatives over time, this conversat...

Sometimes the biggest cries for help are the quietest ones. In this episode, Charle and Joshua respond to a listener’s powerful question: What subtle signs indicate that a child or adult is struggling emotionally or behaviorally? They unpack the vital, often-overlooked clues—like mood swings, sleep changes, irritability, physical illness, sudden grade drops, or disengagement—that might seem like defiance or laziness on the surface, but actually point to something much deeper. Instead of labelin...

What happens when school staff are emotionally exhausted, unsupported, and silently burning out? In this episode, Charle and Joshua answer a powerful listener question: How does school culture contribute to behavioral issues among staff? They explore the disconnect between what’s said and what’s modeled—especially around mental health. Too often, educators are told to “take care of themselves,” yet are given no time, tools, or real support to do so. This “do as I say, not as I do” culture is fue...

When students clash, shut each other out, or stir up conflict, it can ripple through your classroom culture. In this episode, Charle and Joshua unpack the listener question, “What do we do when students display negative interactions with peers?”—and offer real strategies to guide students toward better communication, conflict resolution, and meaningful connection. From modeled language to restorative conversations, prompts that de-escalate tension, and skill practice that sticks, we explore how...

Not every cry for help is loud. In this episode, Charle and Joshua respond to a listener’s important question: What subtle signs indicate that a child or adult is struggling emotionally or behaviorally? Together, they explore how to become more attuned to the quiet cues—shifts in energy, nonverbal language, out-of-character behavior, and tone—that signal deeper emotional needs. With real-world examples and practical strategies, this conversation will empower educators to spot non-baseline behavi...

What do you do when a student shuts down—refusing to work, withdrawing completely, or staring through you like you’re not even there? In this episode, Charle and Joshua respond to a powerful question from listener Isaya Woytowich and dive deep into what’s really going on beneath the surface. They share real classroom stories of shutdowns caused by boredom, emotional overload, trauma, and even hidden medical needs. From strategies that support students who are simply unchallenged to those dealin...

In this episode, Charle and Joshua tackle a tough and familiar listener question from Lindsay Ward: "When students manipulate situations and other teachers for certain things, what strategies do you have to use to still feel like they are supported?" With empathy and honesty, they break down the difference between manipulation and unmet needs, share real-world stories, and offer practical language and strategies to address inconsistencies across classrooms. Learn how to maintain healthy boundari...

Ever find yourself in a standoff with a student and wonder, How did we get here? In this eye-opening episode, Charle and Joshua unpack one of the most common and misunderstood classroom challenges: power struggles. From subtle cues like tone and body language to the words we choose and how we position ourselves, every interaction sends a message. This episode explores how educators may unintentionally escalate conflict and how small shifts in presence, phrasing, and proximity can create big c...

Are In and Out of school suspensions really changing student behavior? In this episode, Charle and Joshua answer a listener's question about how restorative practices can be used in both schools and workplaces to address misbehavior in a meaningful way. Through real stories and practical strategies, they explain how to replace outdated discipline systems with restorative steps that help individuals take ownership of their actions, identify who was impacted, and build a path toward healing and gr...

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Dr. Brandi Kelly joins Charle and Joshua to discuss her new book Lead with Hope and the powerful message behind it. Brandi shares how losing her brother at a young age shaped her journey and ignited her passion to support others through grief, trauma, and depression. Together, they explore how to lean into strengths, boost self-efficacy, and protect our mental health as leaders and educators. This conversation is a reminder that even in the darkest ...

How do you hold a student accountable without damaging the fragile relationship you've worked so hard to build? In this episode, Charle and Joshua tackle a powerful listener question about navigating behavior challenges with students who struggle to trust adults. They explore practical strategies for addressing misconduct—especially when evidence is unclear or actions can’t be ignored—while preserving connection and rapport. From assigning “trusted adults” to implementing restorative practices a...

What if In-School Suspension wasn’t just about separation, but transformation? In this episode, Charle and Joshua respond to a powerful question from educator Leah Hobbs: How can we integrate social emotional learning (SEL) into ISS when students are being disciplined for things like dress code violations or excessive tardies? They dive into the purpose of ISS, how to reimagine it as a proactive learning space, and explore how SEL can become a meaningful tool—not just a checkbox. From creating a...

In this reflective episode, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper revisit some of the most impactful insights from the Thriving Educator LIVE series—focusing on how our physical environment plays a crucial role in shaping student behavior. Responding to a powerful listener question, they explore real-world examples of sensory tools, calming decorations, and intentional classroom design choices that help reduce anxiety and create psychological safety. From flexible seating to textures, colors, and visua...