Before we know it is time for classes to begin and a new class of students will be walking the halls of your school. Here is a nice infographic from We are Teachers that gives you some ideas for icebreakers that can help you get to know your students in fun ways.

Teachers Pay Teachers has a nice free handout available for students – “How to Get Through a Hard Day”. To get a copy a “free registration” is required. Here is a link to the page to download it: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Resiliency-FREE-handout-for-students-middle-high-school-counseling-6926624?fbclid=IwAR3UQiUywwh5Gtmea1OAtgKBxquG-fLvbLh_XuwnutVbEVkJles0tACBe8U

Mental exhaustion is part of a person’s life. Most of our exhaustion is felt when we’re overwhelmed with decisions. We wake up in the morning thinking about our daily tasks, “What should I do first?” or “Should I do x or y?”. Decisions increase tension and eventually create stress. Making a choice like what to Read More

Have you ever wondered what makes the people around you behave the way they do? What makes you, you?  We are taught to believe that labeling people isn’t fair and we should avoid doing that at all costs. However, in many cases being able to figure out what type the person we are talking to Read More

This is a general timeline of activities and tasks. The counseling department and/or you in particular don’t necessarily do everything listed. Depends on your duties and grade levels. JULY : Update transcripts with summer school grades and finalize/change schedules. Summer registration for previously enrolled and new students. Meet with senior students and parents who need Read More

A great book is available for Counselors written by Heather Couch, a Counselor at Batavia Middle School in Ohio. This practical guide includes topics from internship to professional development from an intimate perspective within the context of real-life scenarios. Drawing from personal experiences, journal articles, textbooks, and excerpts by numerous professional school counselors, it fuses Read More

Ashley Rose recently posted a very nice Google Slides Presentation on Scheduling Team Secrets in the High School Counselor Resources Group on Facebook. The presentation includes information on the pre-scheduling phase as well as the 8 scheduling phases. Here is a link to the entire slide presentation: Scheduling Slide Presentation She also includes a link Read More

Each state has slightly different requirements for Counselors. Most public school systems require advanced-degree courses that include the following topics: Human growth and development Theories Individual counseling Group counseling Social and cultural foundations Testing/appraisal Research and program evaluation Professional orientation Career development Supervised practicum Supervised internship The American School Counselor Association has published a summary Read More

As a high school counselor, you’ve likely witnessed students struggling to meet the demands of their curriculum, keep up with college applications, or stay motivated throughout the school year. When the overwhelm hits, they turn to you for support and guidance. One excellent way you can help is by showing them how to visually track Read More

School counselors are at the heart of schools as the moral compass. Therefore, it’s important for counselors to be on their game, when it comes to the students. From life advice to calming fears to helping students confront other challenges (i.e., bullying, trauma, etc.), counselors are a resource that schools should never take for granted. Read More