Bringing values to life with behavioral skills training.
This month in my newsletter, I shared how values-based coaching can shift our work from compliance-driven to connection-centered. When we lead with our values—like dignity, collaboration, and meaningful participation—we create learning environments where everyone can thrive.
One of the most effective tools I use to bring these values to life in my day-to-day coaching is Behavioral Skills Training (BST). Click this link to download your BST quick guide right now.
What is BST?
BST is a research-based method for teaching new skills. It includes four key steps:
Instruction – Providing a written and verbal description of the skill
Modeling – Demonstrating what it looks like
Rehearsal – Creating space to practice the skill together
Feedback – Offering supportive and corrective feedback
While it’s often associated with ABA therapy, I’ve found BST to be just as powerful when used to coach educators, paraeducators, and leadership teams.
How I Use BST to Coach with Purpose
Let me give you an example. When I’m supporting a paraeducator who’s working on how to respond when a student refuses a task, I don’t simply model and then leave them to figure out the rest on their own.
Instead, we walk through it together:
I explain the response strategy in plain, accessible language.
I model what it looks and sounds like.
I give them time to practice through role play or in-the-moment support.
Then I offer feedback—both positive and corrective feedback is crucial until the skills is mastered.
This process builds skill, yes—but more importantly, it builds confidence and trust. It turns what might feel like a correction into a collaboration.
Why BST Aligns with My Coaching Values
Values-based coaching is about starting with why. BST helps me deliver the how in a way that’s consistent, compassionate, and actionable and when done correctly, can also get to the why of what to focus on.
Using BST in this way allows me to:
Focus on the ultimate goal of producing better outcomes for students- we can all agree that we want our students to enjoy working with us, to learn new skills and to have less disruptive behaviors.
Promote confidence in staff who may not have received a lot of individualized training in the past by giving them in-the-moment support and reinforcing what they are doing well.
Support generalization—teach staff the skills that actually transfer into real-world situations!
When I combine BST with values-based coaching, I'm not just supporting behavior change—I'm helping people take meaningful steps toward what truly matters to them.
Want to Learn More?
If you're looking to integrate values-based coaching and evidence-based tools like BST into your school or district, I’d love to talk. I offer customized consultation, professional development, and ongoing support that’s practical, personal, and grounded in real-world experience.
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