In this episode of Counselor Chat, I'm diving into the importance of establishing a balanced summer routine for school counselors.

I should forewarn you—this episode might stir some debate about summer routines for school counselors, but it’s important to talk about.

Rest and Relaxation:

• Importance of taking time to rest and rejuvenate
• Enjoying quality moments with family and friends

Reflect and Plan:

• Reflecting on the past school year
• Setting goals for the upcoming school year

Professional Development:

• Engaging in workshops and online courses
• Highlights of the Summer Counselor Conference

Organization:

• Tips for decluttering and organizing personal and professional spaces

Connect and Collaborate:

• Building and maintaining a professional network

Self-Care:

• Focusing on overall wellness, including physical and mental health

• Summer Counselor Conference

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

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I sit down with Jenice Lee. a youth development consultant and the voice behind the podcast School After Hours. Jenice shares her extensive experience and insights on the importance of after-school programs, their benefits, and how school counselors can effectively collaborate with these programs to create a cohesive and supportive school culture.

Topics Discussed:

• The 2024 Summer Counselor Conference details and how to register
• Benefits of after-school programs for student growth and engagement
• Strategies for building successful after-school programs
• The role of school counselors in supporting and partnering with after-school programs
• Tips for starting your own after-school sessions, including research and community partnerships
• Examples of successful after-school programs and their impact on students
• How to secure funding and resources for long-term program sustainability

• Website:  https://www.schoolafterhours.com/ 
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/schoolafterhours
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/schoolafterhours/

Join the conference: https://carol-miller-counseling-essentials.mykajabi.com/a/2147845963/ND9oBmLW

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

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we dive into:

• An inspiring conversation with Jordan Tatom, a high school counselor from Tennessee, who shares his unique journey from K-8 to high school counseling.
• Insights into the challenges and rewards of transitioning between different educational levels.
• Practical advice for school counselors considering a change in their career paths.
• The differences in responsibilities and interactions when working with elementary, middle, and high school students.
• Details about the 2024 Summer Counselor Conference
• Highlights of Jordan's session at the upcoming conference, where he will dive deeper into the differences between educational levels and what to expect when transitioning.

Tune in to learn more about navigating these changes and enhancing your impact on student growth and success.

Links Mentioned:

Meet Jordan:

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/counselortatom/ 

Join the 2024 Summer Counselor Conference: https://carol-miller-counseling-essentials.mykajabi.com/a/2147845963/2aGE2efT

Mentioned in this episode:

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In this episode, we have a special guest, John Burnett, a middle school counselor from Houston, Texas.

John's journey into education is nothing short of inspiring and serves as a great reminder that our paths can be as unique as the students we serve.

• John Burnett's Journey: Discover how John transitioned from being a bank teller to a middle school Spanish teacher and ultimately found his passion in school counseling.
• Real-Life Experience: John shares the humorous and unexpected start to his teaching career and how it shaped his approach to education.
• Counseling Transition: Learn about John's move from teaching to counseling and the experiences that influenced his decision.
• Middle School Focus: Insights into why John loves working with middle school students and the unique challenges and rewards of this age group.
• Professional Development: John discusses his session at the upcoming Summer Counselor Conference, focusing on nurturing resilience and supporting middle school mental health.

• Unconventional Paths: Embrace the unique and sometimes unexpected journeys that lead us to our passions.
• Student Engagement: Strategies for maintaining effective classroom management and lesson planning.
• Supporting Mental Health: The importance of understanding and addressing trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues in students.
• Continuous Learning: The value of professional development and staying current with new strategies and ideas in school counseling.

• Website: https://counselingwithmrb.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingwithmrb/
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihZmtjPKVmN88g6j45Ew0w
• Twitter:  https://twitter.com/mrbcounseling7

Join the 2024 Summer Counselor Conference: https://carol-miller-counseling-essentials.mykajabi.com/a/2147845963/GKCowpvT

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

In this episode, I dive into the unpredictable nature of school counseling and share strategies to navigate the daily chaos effectively.

I'm thrilled to be joined by my good friend Laura Filtness from Positive School Counselor, an experienced elementary school counselor from Tennessee.

• Introduction to Laura Filtness: Learn about Laura’s background, her journey in school counseling, and her unique approach to integrating therapy dogs into her program.
• Navigating Unpredictability: Practical tips and strategies for managing the ever-changing and chaotic nature of a school counselor’s day.
• Mindfulness in Counseling: Insights into how mindfulness can help school counselors stay responsive rather than reactive.
• School Year Chaos: Discussing the challenges of planning and executing programs amidst the unpredictability of the school year.
• Parent Workshops & Community Engagement: Effective ways to engage parents and the community in your school counseling program.
• Professional Development: The importance of attending conferences like ASCA and the Summer Counselor Conference for ongoing learning and inspiration.

• The importance of flexibility and adaptability in school counseling.
• How to implement mindfulness practices to enhance your effectiveness.
• Strategies to stay organized and prioritize tasks amidst a busy schedule.
• Engaging parents and the community to support your counseling initiatives.
• The value of professional development and continuous learning.

Until next time, keep making a positive impact!

Resources Mentioned:

Meet Laura:

• Website:  https://pawsitiveschoolcounselor.com/
• TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Pawsitive-School-Counselor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawsitiveschoolcounselor
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawsitiveschoolcounselor/

Join the 2024 Summer Counselor Conference: https://carol-miller-counseling-essentials.mykajabi.com/a/2147845963/QP9uoz93

Mentioned in this episode:

Perks Membership

In this episode of Counselor Chat:

We dive into the transformative technique of mind mapping and how it can elevate your school counseling programs.

Whether you're familiar with mind mapping or it's a new concept for you, this episode will provide practical insights and tips to help you harness its full potential.

Here's what we cover:

• Introduction to Mind Mapping
• Explanation of mind mapping as a powerful visual technique
• How it helps organize thoughts, ideas, and information
• Personal experiences using mind mapping with students and in program development
• Benefits of Mind Mapping
• Enhances creativity and critical thinking skills
• Promotes holistic thinking and problem-solving
• Encourages brainstorming without judgment
• Practical Applications in School Counseling
• Program Development:
• Outlining program goals, strategies, and evaluation methods
• Career Fair Planning:
• Steps from initial brainstorming to detailed organization
• Examples from our career fair planning process
• Student Support Services:
• Identifying student needs and designing targeted interventions
• Categorizing support services and available resources
• Upcoming Event
• Details about the 2024 Summer Counselor Conference
• Dates: July 26-28
• Over 40 sessions covering a variety of relevant topics
• Pre-recorded sessions are available until June 2025
• Opportunities to earn three graduate credits through the University of the Pacific
• Register Here

I hope this episode inspires you to incorporate mind mapping into your counseling practice.

The possibilities are endless, and it's a fantastic tool to help structure and enhance your programs.

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

In this episode of Counselor Chat, I dive into your questions about navigating some of the common challenges we face as school counselors. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming interview or trying to optimize your time with students, I've got some tips and stories to help you through. Here's what we covered:

Episode Highlights:

• Interview Preparation: I share essential advice on how to prepare for job interviews in the educational sector. From choosing the right outfit to preparing answers for typical interview questions, these tips are designed to help you enter your next interview with confidence.
• Managing Specials Rotation: Many of you have asked how to manage counseling duties when you're part of a specials rotation. I discuss strategies for fitting small group sessions into a packed schedule and ensuring you can provide meaningful support to your students.
• Participation in IEP Meetings: I tackle the often controversial topic of school counselors' involvement in IEP meetings, offering both legal insights and practical advice to navigate these responsibilities effectively.
• Engaging Games for Lunch Bunch: Discover fun and engaging games to play during lunch bunch sessions that not only entertain but also facilitate important discussions. From Uno to Apples to Apples, these games help reinforce social skills and build camaraderie among students.
• Counselor Planner: I also talk about the benefits of using a specialized counselor planner to stay organized and effective throughout the school year.

Thank you for tuning in and being a part of our counseling community. Your feedback and participation make our conversation richer and more impactful. I look forward to tackling more of your questions in our next episode!

Links Mentioned:

• Pick A Card Bundle Question Prompts
• Create Your Own Counseling Game
• Coping Skills Card Game
• Perfect Counselor Planner
• Summer Counselor Conference

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

In this episode of Counselor Chat, we tackle the often-dreaded state testing season with a fresh perspective and effective strategies to support our students. 

We dive into practical tips and creative ideas designed to alleviate testing anxiety and foster a supportive atmosphere in our schools.

Highlights of this episode:

• Understanding State Testing: We discuss how to frame state tests as mere snapshots in time, helping students understand that these assessments do not define their worth or capabilities.
• Stress Management Techniques: Learn how to implement workshops that teach students stress-relieving techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and positive visualization.
• Creating a Comforting Environment: Ideas for motivational posters and calming activities in the classroom to boost student morale and confidence.
• Physical Preparations for Test Day: Tips on encouraging students to wear comfortable clothing, have a good breakfast, and other essentials to ease test day stress.
• Empowering Students with Confidence: Strategies like assuming a 'superhero' posture to enhance self-esteem right before the test.
• Fun Interventions: From rainbow exercises to motivational pencil flags, discover little touches that can make a big difference.
• Celebrating Effort: How to create celebratory events that recognize the efforts of both students and teachers during the testing period.

Check out the humorous yet insightful video by Jerry Brooks on state testing misconceptions. 👇👇👇

Gerry Brooks IG Video About Testing Assembly

Testing Helpers From My TpT Store

• Test Prep Motivators
• Test Taking Color By Code
• Testing Organizer and Adminstration Pack

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

In this episode of the Counselor Chat podcast, we explore the various ways school counselors can step into leadership roles within their schools and communities. I discuss the differences between vertical and horizontal leadership and share examples of how these leadership styles can make a significant impact on student success and school culture. Whether you're a new counselor or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights into embracing leadership to better support students and advocate for our profession.

Key Topics Covered:

Types of Leadership: I break down vertical and horizontal leadership and explain how they apply to school counselors.

• Vertical leadership focuses on leading from the top down, including roles like department head or lead counselor, advocating for students, and supervising counseling programs.
• Horizontal leadership involves collaboration, teamwork, and community engagement to support students in a more collective manner.

Examples of Vertical Leadership:

• Administrative roles such as department head or lead counselor.
• Advocacy leadership, where school counselors participate in school leadership meetings and propose policy changes that benefit students.
• Instructional leadership, focusing on designing and implementing guidance curriculums and conducting teacher training on social-emotional learning.

Examples of Horizontal Leadership:

• Collaboration with teachers, school psychologists, and social workers to develop support plans for students.
• Community engagement, organizing parent workshops, or partnering with local organizations for volunteer programs.
• Peer leadership, including mentoring newer counselors and participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).

The Value of Leadership:

• Leadership roles help school counselors advocate for students and positively influence school culture.
• Participation in professional associations, such as state or local counselor associations, is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Volunteering for committees, attending conferences, and engaging with other counselors enhances the counseling community and strengthens the profession.

Get on the waitlist to be notified whenregistration for the 2024 virtual Summer Counselor Conference opens!

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

In this episode of the Counselor Chat podcast, I share insights into what I wish I had known earlier in my career as a school counselor. We explore the lessons learned from over three decades in the field, and I offer practical advice to both new and experienced counselors. Join me as I discuss key topics like setting boundaries, understanding contracts, and the importance of retirement planning, along with insights from other counselors in our Facebook group.

Key Takeaways:

• Mentoring New Counselors: I talk about my experience mentoring a brand new counselor in our district and what I've learned from guiding someone at the start of their journey.
• Retirement Planning: I delve into the importance of having a retirement plan early on and share my personal experience with starting late and trying to catch up.
• Checking Contracts: I emphasize the significance of reading your contract thoroughly, focusing on more than just the salary. I discuss why understanding benefits, healthcare coverage, and other terms is critical.
• Boundaries and Work-Life Balance: I discuss the need for boundaries to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. We explore the benefits of setting clear boundaries to separate work from personal life.
• Counselors Need Counselors: I talk about the importance of seeking help when needed and how counselors should not hesitate to seek their own support.
• Advice from the Community: I share insights from other counselors, including advice on maintaining a positive outlook, embracing flexibility, and setting boundaries with colleagues and students.

Upcoming Events:

• 2024 Summer Counselor Conference: I'm thrilled to announce our upcoming summer conference happening from July 26-28. It will feature over 40 sessions and two keynotes, covering a wide range of topics relevant to school counselors. Join us for an enriching experience and a chance to connect with fellow counselors.

2024 Summer Counselor Conference Registration Info Wait List

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