In this episode of On the School Bus with Dr. Spates, the mic flips — three aspiring teachers interview Dr. Spates about what it actually takes to build an MTSS system that works in real classrooms.

From relationships to data, from teacher collaboration to differentiation, this conversation breaks MTSS and RTI down in a way that’s real, practical, and grounded in care. Dr. Spates shares strategies educators can use tomorrow to support diverse learners academically, socially, and emotionally.

Whether you're a teacher, principal, student teacher, or instructional leader, this episode is packed with insight into what it truly means to support every student.

✨ Episode Takeaways

• Strong relationships are the foundation of student success.
• MTSS supports the whole child — academics, behavior, and social-emotional needs.
• Teachers shouldn’t aim for perfection; take risks and grow.
• Progress monitoring and data collection matter.
• Collaboration strengthens support for diverse learners.
• Investing time to truly know students pays off.
• Positive reinforcement drives motivation.
• Student feedback helps teachers refine their practice.
• Classroom environment communicates care.
• Family engagement expands the support network.

🎧 Sound Bites

• "It's not personal, right?"
• "They love affirmation."
• "You can't outdo care."

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 — Introduction & Purpose

05:28 — Why These Future Teachers Chose Education

11:27 — What MTSS & RTI Really Mean in Schools

17:41 — The Teacher’s Role in MTSS

19:46 — Using Data & Progress Monitoring Effectively

21:14 — Asking Students for Feedback

23:23 — Teacher Collaboration That Actually Works

26:37 — Differentiation for Diverse Learners

29:27 — Strengthening Relationships with Students & Families

32:37 — Empowering Students as Peer Teachers

34:52 — Creating a Positive, Welcoming Classroom Environment

📌 Keywords

MTSS, RTI, education, teaching strategies, student support, teacher collaboration, classroom management, diverse learners, educational leadership, teacher relationships

🚌 On the School Bus with Dr. Spates

So here we are. On the School Bus with Dr. Spates — a vehicle (a metaphorical school bus) for learning, growing, laughing, stretching our thinking, and being inspired together.

This podcast is exclusively for two groups of people:

1. The passionate school leaders who show up every day determined to improve student outcomes and transform TK–12 school experiences, and
2. The once-passionate leaders who may have lost a bit of their spark and just need a dose of inspiration to find their way back.

As the culture says: #WeAreNotForEverybody — and that’s perfectly fine with me.

📬 Connect with Dr. Krishna Darlene Spates

Website: KrishnaSpates.com

Email: hello@OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates.com

Instagram • YouTube • TikTok • Facebook: @OnTheSchoolBusWithDrSpates

LinkedIn: Krishna Spates, Ed.D.

📸 Production Studio

Recorded at 661 Creators Space — a creative studio dedicated to amplifying local voices through high-quality audio and visual production.

Website: 661CreatorsSpace.com

Instagram: @661CreatorsSpace

Email: 661creatorsspace@gmail.com

🎼 Music

Theme Song: “Call of Duty” Artist Mutanix

Instagram: @mutanixs

Email: mutanixmedia@gmail.com

Used with permission. All rights reserved.

💛 Support the Work

If this episode inspired you, please follow, rate, and share with another school leader. Our students, families, and communities are counting on us.