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.

We have said it before, and we will no doubt say it again- school counselors are leaders.  ASCA tells us this.  You are a leader in your school, community, and even nation!  Matthew McClain, Executive Director of the Colorado School Counselor Association, drives home the reason why this is so important.  He explains how he got started in school counseling leadership, and what a difference it has made in his career!  Listen in as he shares practical, rubber meets the road tips that will help propel you forward in your school counseling role!

In this episode we talk about the drastic rise in educator burnout.  We are tackling the reasons why educators are walking away from the profession at an alarming rate.  We will be doing another episode soon on school counselor burnout.  If you haven't already, go comment on our Instagram or Facebook post on this topic.  This episode is coming at you straight from the Dayton, Ohio airport!  

Trust us- don't skip this one just because you don't do small groups.  Whether you run small groups or not, we promise this is worth the listen!  Sarah Flier is full of wisdom and school counseling knowledge.  She shares so much information on school counseling that it's easy to see why she was one of the finalists for the National School Counselor of the Year!