Counselor Chat Podcast

88. A Day In The School Counselor Life with Sarah Altman


Listen Later

In this episode of the Counselor Chat Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Altman, a seasoned elementary school counselor with 20 years of experience at Sycamore Elementary in Indiana. Sarah gives us an inspiring and detailed look at what it’s like to manage the daily ups and downs of school counseling while building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families.

From her creative lesson plans to balancing unexpected challenges, Sarah shares practical strategies, tips, and wisdom that every school counselor—no matter their experience level—can learn from.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
  • Behind the Scenes of Elementary School Counseling
  • Sarah takes us through a "typical" day in her role, showing how she balances proactive planning with the unexpected.
  • Creative Lesson Ideas for K-4 Students
  • Sarah’s go-to lessons include fun, hands-on activities with “little spot” books, growth mindset escape rooms, and even using a colander to teach social filters!
  • The Value of Longevity
  • Learn how staying at the same school for 20 years has helped Sarah connect deeply with her school community.
  • Proactive Programs That Work
  • Discover Sarah’s unique peer mentoring program and how she integrates social and academic skills into everyday interactions.
  • Career Readiness for Elementary Students
  • Sarah’s innovative approach to career development includes resume writing, mock interviews, and job exploration tailored for fourth graders.
  • Balancing Duties and Grace
  • From morning drop-off to lunch duty, Sarah explains how counselors can use these moments to connect with students and identify areas of need.


Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast


Join Perks Counseling Club Membership and get the lessons, small group and individual counseling materials you need. Join now and get your first month free when you sign up for 3 months!


Connect with Carol:

  • TpT Store
  • Counseling Essentials Website
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Elementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook Group
  • Caught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook Group
  • High School Counselor Connection Facebook Group

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Counselor Chat PodcastBy Carol Miller, School Counselor

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

64 ratings


More shows like Counselor Chat Podcast

View all
Happier with Gretchen Rubin by Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

12,899 Listeners

The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

The Lazy Genius Podcast

6,628 Listeners

WHOA That's Good Podcast by Sadie Robertson Huff

WHOA That's Good Podcast

13,185 Listeners

On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

27,759 Listeners

Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry by Lynn Lyons LICSW, Robin Hutson

Flusterclux With Lynn Lyons: For Parents Who Worry

456 Listeners

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson by Higher Ground

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

12,678 Listeners

School Counseling Simplified Podcast by Rachel Davis

School Counseling Simplified Podcast

101 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

29,180 Listeners

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown by Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown

5,337 Listeners

Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

Good Inside with Dr. Becky

4,528 Listeners

School for School Counselors Podcast by School for School Counselors

School for School Counselors Podcast

218 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,294 Listeners

High School Counseling Conversations® by Lauren Tingle, School Counselor

High School Counseling Conversations®

54 Listeners

Candid Counselors by Brian Coleman and Olivia Carter

Candid Counselors

8 Listeners

The Oprah Podcast by Harpo

The Oprah Podcast

1,525 Listeners