In this insightful episode, Amy Miller, District Director of Integrated Academic and Behavior Systems (IABS) and board-certified psychologist, pulls back the curtain on what it takes to implement MTSS with fidelity in a large, diverse district. From scaling supports across 56 schools with a three-person core team to tackling chronic absenteeism and behavior reform through restorative practices, Amy offers more than theories; she shares tested solutions and lived realities.

Backed by over 25 years of systems design experience and a commitment to equity, Amy emphasizes the importance of aligned leadership, creative staffing, community trust, and responsive professional development. If you’ve ever wondered how districts can use MTSS to address both academic gaps and climate challenges, this episode is your playbook.

Key Moments

05:04 – State vs. District Perspective: The value of side-by-side support

10:28 – High Schools and MTSS: Why sustainability is the biggest hurdle

13:34 – Two-Tier Model for High Schools: Pragmatic structures for student success

14:52 – Tier 1 Instruction as a Districtwide Priority: Messaging from the Superintendent

16:52 – Top Implementation Barriers: Funding, retention, and onboarding

20:25 – Reimagining District Support: Customer service mindset from the central office

24:20 – Restorative Practices as Tier 1 Behavior Supports: Building relationships systemically

28:00 – Making MTSS One Framework, Not Many Initiatives

31:15 – Attendance Interventions That Center Relationships Over Punishment

34:44 – Engagement Tree Model: Linking SEL, attendance, behavior, and academics

38:00 – School Improvement Plans & NC Star: Making data actionable

42:21 – Panorama, Progress Monitoring & FAM Assessments: Tools and trust

44:32 – PD That Hits Home: Real data, real students, real-time coaching

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

Ground-Level Truth, Top-Level Strategy: Amy unpacks both the theory and the day-to-day lift of implementing MTSS in a resource-strapped reality.

Restorative, Not Reactive: Learn how Durham is integrating restorative practices directly into its MTSS framework, shifting both beliefs and behavior.

From Silos to Systems: This episode demonstrates what true systems thinking looks like—where data, relationships, and leadership converge to drive meaningful change.

Connect with Guest - Amy Miller
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-miller-ed-s-67566329

Connect with Host - Dr. Tamara Thomas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tamara-thomas-2204b113/
Website: https://drtamaralthomasconsulting.com/

Thanks for listening to the M-TIP Podcast. Keep striving, continue reflecting, and remember real change starts with one committed leader. That could be you.