Michael McKnight won't admit to being an expert; however, we found him to be a treasure trove of information regarding students who have experienced trauma. He is especially passionate about how to educate educators on ways to work with students.   In this episode Mr. McKnight talks about the power of caring adults in students' lives.  He also believes in what we call "Rubber meets the road" strategies to engage and encourage students.  In fact, listen as he takes us through a "wake-up activity" that you can implement in your classroom immediately!  

In a very timely episode, Alicia Oglesby and Rebecca Atkins discuss their book, Interrupting Racism: Equity and Social Justice in School Counseling. Their book is specifically for school counselors, as we are the "social justice advocates" according to the ASCA Ethical Standards. In this episode we talk about culturally relevant instruction at all grade levels, implicit bias, using data to support all students, and What to say when you're scared of saying the wrong thing.

In an unforgettable episode, teacher and motivational speaker, Joseph Roberts, shares his personal story of overcoming obstacles and how those events have shaped him into the educator he is today. He tells us the Importance of never giving up on our students, how to build trust with students with specific things to consider for black students and people of color. Plus what is in a why box and why you should have one!

No matter how long you've been a school counselor, each year is a fresh start. It's never too soon to start preparing for the upcoming school year. This episode has tips that will help you no matter how long you've been a school counselor. Our guest, Abby Cantello, talks with us about starting a school counseling program from scratch. She has tips we can all use!  Make sure you download our guide to the first 20 days of your school counseling year.

Matt Eldridge travels the country speaking to educators with his organization, Certified Restraint Training, but spoiler alert: his goal in trainings is to de-escalate behavior so that restraint isn't needed.  If you're like us, you will be riveted within about 10 seconds of his story-telling.  Matt delivers practical, no nonsense ways of talking to students and defusing intense and potentially volatile situations.  He shares lessons he's learned through his years as a teacher, administrator, and director of schools.  You won't want this episode to end!

All students and educators have experienced the loss of the traditional school year.  The sudden loss of what was expected has left many students and adults feeling a certain level of grief, whether they realize it or not.  Dr. Lena Pearlman, mental health therapist and author of Stay Here: Your Personal Journal to Staying Present, Mindful, and Grateful Every Day, shares ways for all educators to prepare to support students in grief from a distance and when we return to school.  

Get ready to take notes!  Steve Sharp, co-author of 50+ Tech Tools for School Counselors, President-elect of the Pennsylvania school counselors association, and middle school counselor, shares some tech tips with us along with a lot of laughs and school counseling wisdom.  This episode started as technology-focused, but quickly transformed into how to advocate for your program and career.  It is easy to see why he is the president-elect for the Pennsylvania School Counseling Association!

Ever wondered how to clone yourself in order to be more effective? Whether you are a new counselor or a veteran counselor, Level 2 Google Certified Educator Teyanna Walker has something to teach all of us on using Google to improve our efficiency.  In this episode she walks us through using Google Classroom, explains why we should be using Google Classroom in school counseling, and tells us what a Google Cocktail is.  Whaaatt??  This episode will take your counseling program to the next level!  We only wish we'd listened sooner!

Sandy Austin was instrumental in providing counseling services during the Columbine tragedy and the difficult years that followed.  In this episode she inspires listeners to give a purpose to the pain and shares how she did that through her program, B.I.O.N.I.C., which stands for Believe It Or Not I Care.  

Dr. Ruby Payne prepares us for the changing face of poverty in the educational system. She discusses who's vulnerable, who will bounce back, and how to care for those in sudden need. Share this episode with your administrator and your staff.  It is a must listen to for all educators!

Click here to visit Dr. Payne's Website full of resources for all educators.  You can also join a weekly webinar with her on Wednesdays.  Sign up on her website.

Check out her On-Demand professional development here. This is a great opportunity to participate in training and then replicate that training to your faculty and staff!