#49 Executive Functioning (Part 1) with Mitch Weathers of Organized Binder

Make It Mindful: Insights for Global Education

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth Fleischauer kicks off the first in a two-part series on executive functioning by welcoming Mitch Weathers, founder of Organized Binder and author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom. They explore how routines, modeling, and accountability can help students develop critical executive functioning skills in a way that integrates seamlessly into daily classroom life. Mitch also shares practical strategies and insights that teachers can implement immediately, alongside a deeper dive into his program, Organized Binder.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The six key executive functioning skills that empower students: goal setting, work flexing, planning, organizational skills, self-regulation, and accountability.
• How Organized Binder provides a structured routine to model and practice executive functioning daily.
• The role of predictability and repetition in fostering motivation and reducing cognitive load.
• Strategies for integrating time management and goal setting into classroom practices.
• Insights into student accountability and its dual role in teacher-student relationships.
• How routines and clarity can transform classroom culture, supporting all students in developing "student-ness."

Guest Bio: Mitch Weathers is a former high school science teacher and founder of Organized Binder, a program designed to help students develop executive functioning skills through structured classroom routines. He is the author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom and a sought-after trainer and speaker, working with K-12 schools and colleges globally to enhance teaching and learning.

Host Bio: Seth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning, with live virtual programs that teach digital and cultural competencies. Through Make It Mindful, Seth explores transformative solutions that align teaching with the challenges of the modern world.

Episode Links:

• Learn more about Organized Binder: OrganizedBinder.com
• Mitch’s book: Executive Functions for Every Classroom

Stay tuned for Part Two of this executive functioning series, featuring Karen Dudek-Brannan, who delves into Tier 2 interventions and individualized strategies for student support.