High School Counseling Conversations®

When we have children of our own, we have to juggle the role of parent and high school counselor. Our experience in school counseling can pay off when it comes to helping our children through various milestones, such as the college application process. However, it can also get a bit tricky to wear both hats at once!

My guest today, veteran school counselor Tyesha Hemmans, is a testament of this balancing act. She is here to share her personal experience of guiding her own children through the college application process, offering invaluable insights from her unique perspective as both a counselor and parent.

You’ll hear whether or not her sons were open to receiving their mom’s help, and how Tyesha managed to strike a balance between being their trusted advisor and allowing them to take charge. Even if you aren’t a parent, this conversation will offer a unique perspective that you can bring back to your own experiences in supporting parents and students through the college application process.

Resources:

• Resource: College Prep 101: Clueless to Confident - use code COLLEGE25 to save 25% off!
• Resource: The College Essay Guy
• Leave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Lauren:

• Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews
• Visit my TpT store
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook
• Send me an email
• Join the Clique Collaborative

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode97 

You’ve likely heard all the buzz around artificial intelligence (AI). But let’s talk about AI for school counselors specifically. Can we really use AI to enhance our counseling program and save us some time here and there? Yes we can!

I’m sharing over ten ways that you can leverage AI for school counselors. From letters of recommendation, to writing tough emails to parents or staff, to presentation prep, there are countless counseling tasks that AI can help you with.

Remember, AI isn’t here to replace us. Instead, think of it as an ally. It can’t replicate our genuine care and expertise, but when used properly, it can serve as a helpful tool that will extend our impact. I can’t wait to hear how you use AI in your school!

Resources:

• Digital Mega Bundle
• Chat GPT
• Google Bard
• Facebook Group: AI in School Counseling
• Article: "We Used A.I. to Write Essays for Harvard, Yale and Princeton. Here’s How It Went."
• 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
• Visit my TpT store
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook
• Send me an email
• Join the Clique Collaborative

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode96

What’s one big reason for counselors feeling stressed out, overworked, underpaid, and spread thin? A large caseload! 

You know how it is when you’re juggling a large caseload. You feel like you can’t reach every student that you need to. There’s never enough hours in the day to tackle your endless to-do list. And don't even get me started on all those emails!  

I’m here to help you navigate the challenge of having a large caseload and find ways to manage your time, protect your well-being, and make a lasting impact on your students. If you have a counselor friend who is feeling the stress of a large caseload, be sure to share this episode with them! 

Resources:

• Join the Clique Collaborative
• Book: The School Counselor's Guide to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
• Blog: Counselor Self-Care: The 5 Myths You’re Believing About Work Email Causing You to Fail at It
• Google Chrome Extension: Inbox When Ready
• Podcast: Episode 45, 4 Different Caseload Model Types (Plus My Honest Thoughts on Them)
• Podcast: Episode 77, What It Looks Like to Implement MTSS in a High School Setting with Dr. Jake Olsen and Dr. Peg Donohue
• 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
• Visit my TpT store
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook
• Send me an email
• Join the Clique Collaborative

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode95 

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a community of raving fans for your high school counseling program? You know, those people who are not only aware of the amazing work you’re doing but also actively support and advocate for your program. 

We all know how tiring it can be to constantly advocate for our programs, so let’s explore how we can transform those around us into raving fans who reinforce our efforts. We’ll start by focusing on the people who are already in front of us, such as students, teachers, administrators, and parents. I’ll share how to become more visible to them, how to build trust with them, and more.

PS: The 100th episode of High School Counseling Conversations is coming up soon! Submit your questions for this special “Ask me Anything” episode by sending me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique or an email to [email protected]. Nothing is off limits!

Resources:

• Join the Clique Collaborative
• Classroom Lessons Classroom Playlist
• High School Counselor Kickstart Course
• Podcast: Episode 83, How to Use Needs Assessments Strategically This Year in Your High School Counseling Program 
• Podcast: Episode 17, 10 Key Stakeholders to Invite to Your School Counseling Advisory Council Meetings - Part 1
• Podcast: Episode 18, 10 Key Stakeholders to Invite to Your School Counseling Advisory Council Meetings - Part 2
• Podcast: Episode 19, Using an Advisory Council to Tell Your Story with Lauren and Vira
• 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
• Visit my TpT store
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook
• Send me an email
• Join the Clique Collaborative

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode94

After witnessing a student feel defeated about plans to attend community college rather than a University, Priscilla Grijalva knew that she needed to change the narrative. That’s when “Reach Higher Thursdays” were created, and more support was shown for celebrating all post-secondary options. 

Priscilla Grijalva is a highly accomplished school counselor with over 18 years of experience and an incredible drive for her students. In our conversation, Priscilla discusses the importance of advocacy and perserverance in helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their educational goals.

You’ll hear about some of the initiatives Priscilla has implemented to broaden awareness of post-secondary options at her school. Her journey is. testament to the power of advocacy and the impact that school counselors can have on their students and communities! 

Resources:

• Free Resource: Editable Starter Scholarship Spreadsheet
• Better Make Room/Reach Higher Initiative
• Leave your review for High School Counseling Conversations on Apple Podcast

Connect with Lauren:

• Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews
• Visit my TpT store
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook
• Send me an email
• Join the Clique Collaborative

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode93

Each student on your caseload has unique needs. Your DACA and undocumented students face a particular set of challenges, and you have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope for many of them.

We're going to dive into advocating for undocumented students and exploring ways to meet their needs. I’m sharing three specific ideas for how you can support these students from creating a safe environment, to staying informed about changing policities, to connecting them with valuable resources.

These strategies have the power to make a lifelong impact on our students. Let’s show our undocumented students that they are not alone in their journey!

Resources:

• Free Resource: Editable Starter Scholarship Spreadsheet
• Free Resource: New Counselor Playlist
• 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
• Visit my TpT store
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook
• Send me an email
• Join the Clique Collaborative

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode92

As we gear up for the school year, I know you've probably already started fielding questions from your seniors about their college search. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to know every single fact about every college!

In this episode, I’ll share five free resources that you can direct your students to for their college search journey. From college search engines to school websites and even social media, we've got all the tools you need to equip your students. 

You can share these college search resources with your students and send them on their way or you can sit with them and look up information together. Let’s get started on helping students find their perfect fit college!

Resources:

• Join The Clique Collaborative!
• Podcast: Episode 39, Running Senior Meetings Like a Boss
• Resource: BigFuture College Search
• Resource: U.S. News Best Colleges
• Resource: Naviance
• Blog: 4 benefits of Attending a Counselor Fly-In
• Blog: Counselor Fly-Ins: 7 Insider Things You Need to Know About Them
• Blog: 3 Important Things High School Counselors Can Talk About in Senior Meetings
• Podcast: Episode 38, Let's Talk Counselor Fly Ins
• 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
• Visit my TpT store
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook
• Send me an email
• Get on the waitlist for the Clique Collaborative

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode91

We all want our students to find success after high school and we do everything in our power to get them to where they need to be by graduation. This idea of “success” is different for everyone, as is the path to get there.

In today’s climate, there are so many options for students post-graduation. A traditional four year college isn’t for everyone. However, there are students who want to pursue college, and we don’t want them to be overlooked.

If you’re trying to increase college access on your school’s campus, I have some things for you to consider! Specifically, I have three assumptions I want you to avoid making when promoting college access. From identifying first gen students, to supporting student athletes, to tapping into your expertise on scholarships, together we can empower our students!

Resources:

• Join The Clique Collaborative!
• Resource: Free Scholarship Spreadsheet
• Resource: First Generation High School Counseling Small Group
• Podcast: Episode 41, Supporting and Empowering First Generation Students
• 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
• Visit my TpT store
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook
• Send me an email
• Get on the waitlist for the Clique Collaborative

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode90 

We all have students on our caseload who are falling through the cracks in one way or another. While part of your job is to advocate for these students and find solutions, you don’t have to do it alone. 

Establishing a student support team may be one of the best ways that you can help these struggling students. A student support team gives a small group of people in your school the information they need to keep eyes on a student and determine interventions. 

In today’s episode, I’ll break down exactly what a student support team is, the logistics of who should be involved, when and where these meetings should take place, and most importantly, what interventions and support can be provided to these students. 

PS: Don’t forget to join us in The Clique Collaborative! When you join before September 1, 2023, you’ll receive the exclusive bonuses of a high school curriculum map, the high school digital credit check spreadsheet, and a 30% off coupon to the high school counselor kickstart audio course!

Resources:

• Join The Clique Collaborative!
• Podcast: Episode 88, The Clique Collaborative is Now Open: What to Expect Inside
• Private Podcast: Kickstart Your Year as a High School Counselor
• 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
• Visit my TpT store
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook
• Send me an email
• Get on the waitlist for the Clique Collaborative

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode89 

Are you a high school counselor looking for a supportive and engaging community? The Clique Collaborative might be just what you’re looking for, and doors are officially OPEN for you to join!

The Clique Collaborative is a membership for high school counselors that was created to empower and inspire you in your counseling journey. I’ve recently made some improvements to the membership, and now it’s better than ever!

This membership is intended to bring value to your life rather than a time suck. When you join, you’ll find a searchable teaching library, Q&A sessions, private members-only podcast, member hub where you can chat with other counselors, quarterly live meetups, and more. I’ve been known to throw in a few bonus resources from time to time too!

If you join us before September 1, 2023, you’ll get a sweet bonus: my high school counseling curriculum map. This is a resource that I do not sell anywhere else! Plus, you’ll also receive a 30% off coupon to my High School Counselor Kickstart audio course. 

Click here to join The Clique Collaborative and unlock the treasure trove of resources waiting for you inside. 

Resources:

• Join The Clique Collaborative!
• Grab this Sample Advocacy Letter to input your own information.
• Download this PDF Highlights sheet to hand to your administration.
• Fill out this Purchase Order Form to get started.
• Private Podcast: Kickstart Your Year as a High School Counselor
• 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
• Visit my TpT store
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @counselorclique
• Follow me on Facebook
• Send me an email
• Get on the waitlist for the Clique Collaborative

Full show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode88