This episode will be difficult to listen to, but absolutely necessary. In this episode we talk with Brian Montgomery, a father of four from Mississippi. He shares how a sextortion scam changed his family within a matter of hours. There were none of the warning signs that we have all been educated to look for. We hope that all educators, parents, aunts, uncles, guardians and concerned citizens will be informed and inspired to take action to prevent another devastating loss.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children- Sextortion Page

Contact Brian Montgomery

Kids Online Safety Act

A Link to Our Book

When we finally have a little down time to sit back and enjoy a good book, podcast, or TV show, it can be frustrating if we don't know what to read, watch, or listen to! In this episode we're giving you our school counselor summer reading list. We've included a mix of nonfiction, fiction, plus OUR book Growing Your Program for School Counselors that was just recently released. Start compiling your list today and let us know whose list you like better, Laura's or Kim's!

We've got a few funny stories for you from our experience at ASCA this year! Listen in as we talk about the RAMP dinner. What do a strawberry, a pecan, and a toenail all have in common? Listen in and find out!

Here is a link with your special offer already applied! Share it with a friend!

This is part 2 of how to add creativity to your school counseling program. In this episode we share several rubber meets the road tips, as well as some stories, and of course some laughs. We truly believe that finding that creativity and tapping into what you're passionate about can be a game changer for your upcoming school year.

We believe that this time of year is the perfect time to reflect and think about what worked this year, and what improvements can be made for the upcoming year. In this episode we give several rubber meets the road tips on how to add creativity to your school counseling program, and why we think it's important. There are so many tips and discussions about each tip, we decided to make this 2 episodes. Enjoy the first half this week and the second half next week.

Dr. Danielle Schultz is a treasure trove of ideas and information. Our brains were in constant planning mode when we finished this episode. Listen in as she gives us the ideas behind minute meetings, how she has made them work over the years, and how she uses the information. We also pick her brain about how she markets her school counseling program and why it's important. We guarantee you will come away from this episode with a few new ideas on how to take your school counseling program to the next level!

You may be tempted to skip this episode if you are snug and content in your current role; however, we would encourage you to give it a listen anyway! The idea behind this episode is to help those of you who are searching for jobs to interview the interviewer. Ask questions to make sure the school will be a good fit for you. If you aren't able to be selective, at least the answers you get from these questions will help you know what to expect on your first day. It is always good to ask questions to ensure your understanding of your role lines up with your administrator's expectation of the role of the school counselor. Even if it's your 21st year, these questions may help guide a conversation with your administrator to bring new life to this upcoming year!

We have heard from so many of you how you are struggling with the decision to continue in your role or look for a change. As two school counselors who are in the trenches with you, we certainly agree that this year (and the past few years) have been like none other. In this episode we talk about how to determine whether it's time to walk away, change schools, change school levels, or just take a nap. We hope that this conversation helps you as you navigate what could possibly be a life-altering decision. Share this with a school counseling friend who may be having the same thoughts.

Counselors for Computing Workshop we mention in this episode.

Link to our school counseling course.

Steve Simpson, a New York media veteran and nationally recognized, award-winning child advocate, shares his personal story. As he does, he points out some of the reasons for the behaviors we see in our students. At a time when educators are wondering how to handle the behavior issues they are seeing, Steve's story and solutions are very needed. As you listen to this episode, we are certain that you will be thinking of students you've encountered over the years. Perhaps Steve's story will shed light on the why behind the behavior.

Check out Steve's books here.

This may be our most needed podcast yet! Amie Dean, the Behavior Queen is sharing timely, quick, and easy strategies to use with various student behaviors. As school counselors we are often viewed as the specialists on student behavior; however, the behaviors we have witnessed and heard about in recent years have escalated quickly. This will be an episode you will want to listen to multiple times in order to grasp the rubber meets the road practical tips that Amie shares with us.