Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in Action

Meeting the Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Academic Needs of Learners through Responsive Teaching and Strong Relationships

Julia (Judy) Johnson, Alice Tomasini, Alice Rodli Tomasini

• Publisher: Myers Education Press
• Year: 2026
• Print ISBN:
  9781975508272
• eBook ISBN:
  9781975508296
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Classroom Management

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is an important addition to a long list of initiatives designed to ensure educational equity for all students. Veteran educators will recognize many MTSS strategies as practices they already use, while others may feel uncertain or overwhelmed by yet another framework. This book bridges that gap—grounding MTSS in authentic classroom experience and practical wisdom.

Through vivid, real-life stories, the authors illuminate both the complexity and the humanity of school-based work. Drawing on decades of experience—as a classroom teacher and as a school counselor/psychologist—their narratives span from 1982 to the present day, including insights from K–12 settings and university teaching. Each chapter presents a compelling case study highlighting student and classroom engagement across grade levels. These stories invite reflection and dialogue around research-based best practices and educational theory, with each chapter concluding in a transparent explanation of the authors' professional thinking.

Readers will trace the evolution of educational practice over time—from an era when Culturally Responsive Pedagogy was rarely discussed to today's emphasis on inclusive, socially-constructed learning environments. The book chronicles the profession's broader shift from behaviorism to social constructivism and demonstrates how that journey informs effective MTSS implementation.

The case studies illustrate how culturally responsive practices, data-informed decision making, and authentic relationships with students create the conditions where academic growth, positive behavior, and social-emotional wellness intersect. Universal (Tier I), Targeted (Tier II), and Intensive (Tier III) supports—across academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning—are woven seamlessly throughout.

Ideal as an introduction to both the theory and practical application of MTSS, this book offers clarity, compassion, and hard-earned insight. It is designed to spark meaningful discussion in teacher preparation programs, professional learning communities, school buildings, and district leadership teams.

Perfect for courses such as: Positive Behavior Supports; Role and Function of a School Psychologist: Positive Behavior Supports (Practicum); Crisis, Trauma Response, and Interventions; Academic Assessment & Intervention; Community, Family, and School Collaboration; Curriculum and Inquiry in Public Schools; Fundamentals of Teaching; Access to Learning in a Pluralistic Society; Teaching Emergent Bilingual Students and Students with Disabilities

Table of contents

• Cover
• Halftitle page
• Copyright
• Title page
• Dedication
• Contents
• INTRODUCTION Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in Action: Meeting the Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Academic Needs of Learners through Responsive Teaching and Strong Relationships
• CHAPTER ONE Historical Narrative
• CHAPTER TWO Case Study - A Boy Named June
• CHAPTER THREE Case Study - Call Me Coach Ismael
• CHAPTER FOUR Case Study - Chris Jones
• CHAPTER FIVE Case Study - Eric in Charge
• CHAPTER SIX Case Study - Tim
• CHAPTER SEVEN Case Study - Marianna
• CHAPTER EIGHT Case Study - Patty
• CHAPTER NINE Case Study - Love, Empathy, & Respect: Rhys and Julio
• CHAPTER TEN Case Study - Secondary School Teacher Credential Candidates, the Arts, and MTSS
• CHAPTER ELEVEN Case Study - Nathaniel
• CHAPTER TWELVE Case Study - Sean
• CHAPTER THIRTEEN Case Study - Rebecca
• CHAPTER FOURTEEN Case Study - Bertha
• CHAPTER FIFTEEN Case Study - Gwen
• CHAPTER SIXTEEN Case Study - Christopher
• Appendix Recommended Further Readings
• About the Authors
• Index