Season 5, Episode 5 CS (96): Be Specific and Get More from Your Students

Season 5, Episode 5 CS (96): Be Specific and Get More from Your Students

From The Educator's Blueprint by Dr. Lisa Powers and Ms. Jamie Grieshaber

February 11, 2026 · 19 min · Season 5 · Episode 96

About this episode

Darcy Pratt discusses strategies for improving student engagement and the importance of specific praise in the classroom.

Listen in to a quick, practical conversation with Darcy Pratt, Dean of Students in the Southbridge Public School System in Massachusetts. This discussion focuses on her current work with teachers and coaches to improve student engagement and time on task. Explicitly teaching expectations and providing positive specific praise around those expectations requires time to build proficiency but can make all the difference in your classroom. Resources Supporting and Responding to Students' Needs Na...

People in this episode

Hosts: Dr. Lisa Powers, Ms. Jamie Grieshaber

Guest: Darcy Pratt

Topics covered

  • student engagement
  • teacher coaching
  • classroom expectations
  • positive reinforcement
  • educational strategies

Keywords

  • student engagement
  • teacher coaching
  • classroom management
  • positive praise
  • educational resources

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Southbridge Public School System

Places: Massachusetts

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