Build-A-Behavior Analyst: A Preliminary Look at Educator Preferences for Exemplary Qualities in School-Based Behavior Analysts

Behavior-analytic professionals are becoming more prevalent in the public education setting. Within these roles, behavior analysts reported job duties such as providing professional development, coaching, and consulting, among others. Therefore, identifying characteristics of exemplary behavior analysts within consultative roles may prove beneficial for several reasons (e.g., effective service delivery, strengthening behavioral repertoires, and improving client well-being and satisfaction). We conducted a nationwide survey that examined the exemplary characteristics educators determined would be preferable for behavior analysts to demonstrate in collaboration or consultation. Ninety-two educators rated the qualities they believe behavior analysts should, or should not, encompass when joined together to create effective care for the populations with whom they work. Preliminary data indicate that process variables such as student-centered, collaborative, and effective communication skills are preferred over content variables (i.e., technological, conceptually systematic, etc.). Future research and implications are discussed.