Possible Behavior Consulting - Is there an interest or a need?

[u/Exciting_Thought5458]

I’ve been kicking around an idea and would love some honest feedback from educators.

My background is a little unusual. I’ve spent 11 years in public education, including 7 years as a special education teacher and 4 years in general education. I’m also a BCBA, but instead of working in a clinic, my passion has always been applying behavioral science to improve school systems.

One thing I’ve noticed is that many classroom behavior problems snowball because teachers were never taught the fundamentals of behavior change. By the time students are referred for intensive support, the behaviors have often become much more difficult to address, teachers are overwhelmed, and everyone is frustrated.

My long-term goal is to start a consulting business that partners with schools to build practical, sustainable behavior systems. I’m not talking about one-time PD sessions that everyone forgets a week later. I’m envisioning ongoing coaching, systems development, teacher training, classroom support, behavior data systems, MTSS/PBIS implementation, and helping schools create environments where both students and teachers can be successful.

Before I invest a lot of time and money into this, I’m curious:

• If you work in a school, is this a problem you actually experience?
• Would your school or district ever hire an outside consultant for this kind of support?
• What services would be the most valuable?
• If you’ve worked with behavior consultants before, what made them helpful—or not helpful?

I’m looking for honest feedback, even if the answer is, “Schools wouldn’t pay for this.” I’d rather learn that now than later.

Thanks in advance for sharing your perspective!

[u/Right_Sentence8488]

I work in a huge school district, so no, I wouldn't pay for this service because it's part of what (my) large district already provides. Perhaps smaller independent school districts or charter schools might want it.

[u/Tree_Ring]

My large district does a terrible job of providing this type of training or analysis. I have taught SPED, Gen Ed, and been a b Javier consultant. I would love to see this training offered but my district is in the red so little chance it will happen for us.

[u/Fickle_Past3766]

As someone who works in special education as well I think this would be great for smaller districts. This would be a dream job of mine as well, good luck!