High School Counseling Conversations®

By Lauren Tingle, School CounselorEducation Self-Improvement How To

High School Counseling Conversations® episodes

October 07, 2024Exploring Gap Year Opportunities for Your Students (or You!) with Julia Rogers
Have your students ever expressed interest in taking a gap year? A gap year is more than just time off! It’s a deliberate period to explore personal, practical, and professional interests before transitioning to post-secondary education. Under the right circumstances, and with intentional planning, a gap year could be the perfect option for some students.
This is a topic we’ve never discussed on the podcast before, so I’m excited to talk about it today. Gap year education expert, Julia Rogers, joins me in this episode to break down exactly what a gap year is (and isn’t) and to share various gap year opportunities for your high school students.
From traveling in Europe to working locally or taking a structured experiential semester, the possibilities for a gap year are endless. After listening to this conversation, you’ll have plenty of resources to share with students and parents…and you might even find that you’re interested in taking your own gap year!
Resources Mentioned:
Free Resource: Editable Scholarship Spreadsheet - https://counselorclique.com/scholarship
Resource: Join the GYA Annual Membership for $10 with code GYEM2024 - https://www.gapyearassociation.org/gya-membership/high-school-college-counselors/
Resource: The Gap Year Association
Resource: Gap Year Planning Guide
Resource: Gap Year Exploration Month
Resource: Go Overseas
Resource: USA Gap Year Fairs
Resource: TeenLife
Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode147
Connect with Lauren:
Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
Send me an email mailto:[email protected]
Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com
32 min
September 30, 2024The School Counselor’s Role in School Safety and Crisis Management with Brandy Samuell
When you work in a school, there are a million and one things to think about every single day. School safety is at the top of that list, and might even be one of the more intimidating parts of your job. If there was a crisis, would you know what to do? Do you have a strong grasp on what your role as a school counselor is when it comes to crisis management? Let’s talk about it!
My guest today, Brandy Samuell, knows quite a bit about school safety and crisis management. Brandy is the director of mental health and related services at eLuma and has an extensive background in public education. She’s here to share her story of how she handled being in a leadership position during a tragedy in her school district, and what she learned from the experience.
Brandy and I talk through preventative measures and interventions that counselors can put in place for students and practical tips for creating a safe school environment. While we might not want to think about worst-case scenarios happening in our school, it’s important to be prepared for them! If this episode is helpful for you, please share it with a counselor friend and leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts.
Resources Mentioned:
Resource: Back-to-School High School Counseling Bundle - https://counselorclique.com/btsbundle
Resource: Grief and Loss Digital Activity - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Grief-and-Loss-Digital-School-Counseling-Activity-7045695?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20145&utm_campaign=Grief%20and%20Loss%20Digital
Resource: Crisis Bucket for School Counselors - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Crisis-Bucket-for-School-Counselors-4391950?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20145&utm_campaign=Crisis%20Bucket%20Resource
Resource: Critical Incident Stress Management
Resource: DESSA Aperture System
Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode146
Connect with Lauren:
Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
Send me an email mailto:[email protected]
Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com
45 min
September 23, 2024I Gave up Social Media for a Month, and Here’s What Happened
Have you checked your phone’s screen time lately? If you’re anything like me, you might be embarrassed about how much time you actually spend on your phone, specifically the time spent scrolling on social media. I use social media for both work and personal purposes, and I was beginning to feel like I was spending way more time on these apps than I wanted to be.
So, I decided to challenge myself by giving up social media for a month! I was curious to see how a break from social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook would affect my daily life. In this episode, I’m sharing the highs and lows of this experiment. You’ll hear how it felt to step away from the digital noise, the impact on my personal relationships, and even some unexpected benefits I discovered along the way.
This conversation also applies to your professional role. As school counselors, our relationship with social media can be a double-edged sword. While it helps us connect and share valuable resources, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance. I hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own social media habits and even take on a similar challenge if you’re feeling up to it!
If you have ever tried a social media hiatus, send me a message on Instagram @counselorclique (yes, I’m back, but with healthy boundaries!) or an email to [email protected]. I’d love to know how it went for you!
Resources Mentioned:
Free Resource: Scholarship Spreadsheet - https://counselorclique.com/scholarship
Resource: Healthy Relationships Classroom Lesson - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Healthy-Relationships-Classroom-Lesson-for-High-School-Students-7176249?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20146&utm_campaign=Healthy%20Relationships%20Classroom
Resource: Soft Skills Bundle - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Soft-Skills-Bundle-for-High-School-Students-8194384?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20146&utm_campaign=Soft%20Skills%20Bundle
Book: 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Troy Reinke - https://amzn.to/4cJQ0nD

Connect with Lauren:
Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
Send me an email mailto:[email protected]
Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode145
29 min
September 16, 2024How to Host a College Application Day
As school counselors, we know that not all of our students are going to go to college after graduating. However, for the students who do have college in their future plans, we want to make the application process as accessible as possible. Cue: College Application Day!
Hosting a College Application Day is one of the best ways that we can support students as they begin their college application journey. Applying to colleges is an intimidating step for many high schoolers, so hosting a day dedicated to walking them through the process gives them a safe space to tackle this task!
Now if you’ve never hosted a College Application Day before, you may be wondering what you need to do to get this event rolling and make it as successful as possible. I’ve got you covered! In this episode, I’ll walk you through all the details of hosting a College Application Day from beginning to end. Hopefully, with my advice, you’ll be ready to plan and execute an epic College Application Day at your school this year!
Resources Mentioned:
High School Counselor Kickstart Course: https://counselorclique.com/newcounselor
I Applied Bulletin Board: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/I-Applied-College-Bulletin-Board-for-High-School-Counselors-4152773?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20143&utm_campaign=I%20Applied%20BB
College Application Day Pennant Bulletin Board: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/College-Application-Day-Pennant-Bulletin-Board-for-High-School-3400067?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20143&utm_campaign=College%20App%20Day%20Pennant%20BB
College Application Day Photo Booth Props: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/College-Application-Day-Photo-Booth-Props-for-High-School-Senior-Events-4936579?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20143&utm_campaign=CAD%20Photo%20Booth%20Props
College Awareness Bulletin Board: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/College-Awareness-High-School-Bulletin-Board-7270947?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20143&utm_campaign=College%20Awareness%20BB
Free Playlist: College Application Day Spotify Playlist: https://counselorclique.com/collegeappdayplaylist
More episodes on college readiness: https://feeds.captivate.fm/high-school-counseling/college-readiness-high-school-counseling-/
Blog - All the Steps for Hosting a Successful College Application Day: https://counselorclique.com/all-the-steps-for-hosting-a-successful-college-application-day/
Blog - 3 Ways to Use College Application Day to Increase Student Confidence Around College Applications: https://counselorclique.com/college-application-day-confidence/

Connect with Lauren:
Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
Send me an email mailto:[email protected]
Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode144
29 min
September 09, 2024Coffee with the Counselor: What It Is and How to Run It
Have you ever held a “Coffee with the Counselor” event at your school? This can be a great opportunity for parents to connect with counselors and other parents all while learning about a particular topic.
I’ve held several “Coffee with the Counselor” events in the past, and some have been a huge hit while others didn’t quite have the turnout we’d hoped for. Along the way, I learned what logistics you need to plan for and I’m sharing them with you today. I’ll run through all the details so you can get started on prepping your very own “Coffee with the Counselor”!
Running an event like this doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. Just a bit of minimal planning can make a huge impact on parents and students. Getting parents through the door is a win in itself, right? If you’ve hosted “Coffee with the Counselor” before, I’d love to hear about it! Send me a message on Instagram @counselorclique to let me know what went well or what you’re hoping to improve on for next time.
Resources:
*NEW RESOURCE!*: Coffee with the Counselor Parent Workshop Materials
Resource: High School Counselor Kickstart Course - https://counselorclique.com/newcounselor
Resource: NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] - https://www.nami.org/
Blog: Why I Love "Coffee with the Counselors" - https://counselorclique.com/coffee-with-the-counselors/
Book: Love and Logic by Jim Fay - https://amzn.to/3zPE6Kz
Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Lauren:
Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
Send me an email mailto:[email protected]
Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode143
26 min
September 02, 2024Why You Need to Plan Your Year with a 10,000 Foot View
Begin with the end in mind. You've probably heard this advice before, but I want it to be your mantra this school year! One of the best things you can do at the beginning of a new school year is to plan your year. I've talked on the podcast before about using organizational tools, such as a calendar, to give you a visual of your year and showcase all the good things you're doing as a counselor. So, in today's episode, I'm sharing why you need to plan your year with a 10,000-foot view and the benefits it has on your year's success.
You know how busy you are as a high school counselor and the many directions you're being pulled throughout the year, which is one of the many reasons you should plan your year at the beginning of the school year. And while keeping track of your tasks helps with scheduling, there's more to your job than just administrative tasks. By taking the time to plan your year, you're also able to add events and tasks that fill your cup. After all, you got into this profession because you love it and want to fill your year with things you enjoy doing that serve your students and your counseling program!
Although it may feel overwhelming to think about planning an entire year, by doing so, you avoid missing anything important, can think about the goals you have, and can schedule events and tasks that bring you joy as a high school counselor. If you want to limit your stress and enjoy your role this school year, join me for the LIVE Power Hour Planning Party, where you'll walk away with a year-long curriculum map!
Resources Mentioned:
Live Workshop: Power Hour Planning Party https://counselorclique.com/planningparty
Article: "Use the Power of the Calendar"
Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Lauren:
Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
Send me an email mailto:[email protected]
Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode142
17 min
August 26, 2024How a High School Counseling Curriculum Map Will Set You Up to Win This Year
Whether you’re still on summer break or have already kicked off a new school year, there’s one thing I think you need during this season: a curriculum map! While it’s very common for teachers to use this planning tool, I believe there are so many benefits for high school counselors to use it as well. In today’s episode, I’m sharing why you should create a curriculum map and how it sets you up for a successful school year.
One of the things I love about a curriculum map is that it helps you visually see the gaps in your program and ways you can meet those gaps to help better serve your counseling program and students. Even though the beginning of the school year is hectic, making this curriculum map at the start of the year allows you to have a vision and direction of where you’re headed. It also creates accountability for yourself and breaks down where you’re spending your time.
I know you have dreams and goals for your high school counseling program this school year. One of the best ways to achieve those dreams and goals is by creating a high school counseling curriculum map. This visual planning tool will be the ultimate game changer for you to have a successful school year. No matter where you are in the school year right now, make some time to create your own high school counseling curriculum map!
Resources Mentioned:
Free Resource: How to Kick-Start Your Year as a High School Counselor https://counselorclique.com/privatepod
Live Workshop: Power Hour Planning Party (Using a High School Counseling Curriculum Map to Plan Your School Year) https://counselorclique.com/planningparty
Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Lauren:
Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
Send me an email mailto:[email protected]
Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode141
17 min
August 19, 2024Highs and Lows of Working with Seniors with Brittany Slagle
You’ve waited four episodes to listen to the last episode in our grade-level counselor series. A student’s senior year is full of ups and downs, celebratory moments, and disappointments, and a senior counselor gets to experience it all with them. My guest on today’s episode, Brittany Slagle, experienced all of this and is sharing both what she loves and where she struggles in working with seniors.
I’ve talked on the podcast before about the stress and responsibilities of being a senior counselor. Brittany discusses how she managed the bigger administrative tasks of graduation, scholarship deadlines, and test scores, along with the smaller tasks of her role. She admitted that working with seniors can feel intimidating, but building relationships always outweighs the stressors.
When I was a high school counselor, I loved working with seniors, and Brittany feels the exact same way. With this being her first year solely working with seniors, she has learned a lot and has kept notes on what she wants to do differently when she works with them again in three years. I loved her realistic perspective on the stressful, fun, and celebratory moments while working with seniors, and I know you will, too!
Resources Mentioned:
Resource: Free Scholarship Spreadsheet https://counselorclique.com/scholarship
Resource: Credit Check Spreadsheet
Resource: Senior Bundle
Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Brittany:
Email: mailto:[email protected]
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thewhitewoodfarmhouse

Connect with Lauren:
Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
Send me an email mailto:[email protected]
Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode140
38 min
August 12, 2024How Do You Handle Working with Juniors? An Interview with Leigh Pottle
Being a school counselor allows you to form close relationships with your students and help guide them through their high school years. It’s honestly one of the best and most rewarding parts of the job, and no one believes that more than my guest, Leigh Pottle. Leigh is a high school counselor who works with all grade levels, but she is giving her perspective and insight on working with juniors specifically.
Leigh acknowledges that when you work with students as upperclassmen, their needs are different, and their plans start to take action. This requires her to emphasize and constantly reiterate to her students that their academics, attendance, behavior, and discipline matter. During their junior year, everything starts to become more real, which is one reason Leigh works so hard at building relationships and is constantly improving her counseling program.
Throughout our conversation, Leigh often refers to her juniors as mini-adults. She shares how to balance guiding and supporting them in their future goals while also keeping them accountable and responsible for their own actions. After listening to our conversation, you will see why Leigh loves working with juniors and see her care and concern for them shine through.
Resources Mentioned:
Resource: Free Scholarship Spreadsheet https://counselorclique.com/scholarship
Resource: Data Guide https://counselorclique.com/dataideas
Resource: First Generation Small Group
Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Leigh:
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lcp0710

Connect with Lauren:
Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
Send me an email mailto:[email protected]
Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode139
45 min
August 05, 2024What It’s Really like to Work with Sophomores with Hannah Fain
We’re continuing our series on talking with different high school counselors who work with specific grade levels, and today is all about sophomores! Sophomores hold a special place in my heart because when I first started as a counselor, I worked primarily with sophomores. So, I was excited to sit down with my guest, Hannah Fain, to see how our experiences aligned and how things might have changed over the years.
Hannah has a great perspective on working with sophomores and the importance of having conversations and small groups to work on certain social and problem-solving skills, along with making sure they’re staying on the right track toward graduation. She emphasizes that having these conversations often and early, along with the help of other staff in the building, keeps the students accountable and builds those relationships for success.
Resources Mentioned:
Resource: YouScience Career Assessments
Resource: Sophomore Planning Bundle
Resource: Healthy Relationships Classroom Lesson
Resource: Career Bundle 2
Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Hannah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-fain-131494113

Connect with Lauren:
Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviews
Visit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shop
Send me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorclique
Follow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorclique
Send me an email mailto:[email protected]
Join the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.com

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode138
31 min

About High School Counseling Conversations®

From the publisher's feed

High School Counseling Conversations® is a podcast dedicated to energizing your school counseling program while reminding you how much you love your job! This podcast will give you the confidence you need to implement actionable ideas into your high school counseling program… all while having a little fun along the way.