When schools invite me to support their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) efforts, one of the first things I ask is, “What’s the plan for professional learning?” In many schools, PBIS staff training starts with a strong kickoff session, often led by a few dedicated educators who care deeply about creating a positive school culture. The challenge is sustaining that momentum. Without a clear, whole-school plan for ongoing support and onboarding, it’s easy for even the best efforts to lose traction.
-by Dr. Tim Grivois, Executive Director
Whole-School PBIS Starts with Whole-School PBIS Staff Training
PBIS is most effective when every adult in the building knows their role in building positive school culture. Whether we’re designing a PBIS framework from the ground up or facilitating yearly onboarding and refreshers, the most important thing we can do is treat PBIS as a *whole-school framework*. If we want consistency for students, we need clarity, shared ownership, and collaboration among all staff—from classroom teachers to cafeteria teams to school leaders.
What Makes PBIS Staff Training Effective
Real training isn’t just about telling people what to do. It’s about designing professional learning that’s relevant, brain-aligned, and rooted in the daily realities of school life. Here’s how I approach it:
– Collaborative learning: Everyone’s voice matters. We co-create expectations, recognition systems, and supports that reflect the school’s identity.
– Real examples, not hypotheticals: I bring in stories, photos, and case studies from real schools doing great work.
– No chart paper required: Instead of busy work, I design activities that are engaging, efficient, and actionable.
– Follow-through built in: Training includes pre-work, onsite facilitation, and practical tools for implementation—plus optional after-care for long-term success.
It’s Not Just Training. It’s Culture Work.
When we do PBIS staff training the right way, we’re not just teaching strategies—we’re shaping culture. We’re building trust, aligning around values, and creating systems that help students feel seen, supported, and successful.
Whether your team is brand new to PBIS or you’re onboarding new staff before the school year starts, whole-school training ensures everyone is moving in the same direction—with clarity, purpose, and a plan.
Want to see what this looks like in action?
Explore sample trainings, session outlines, and real-school stories on our YouTube channel.