As we near the end of the school year, it's easy to feel so, so TIRED. How do we power through the rest of the school year while maintaining our sense of purpose and joy for the work we do each day? It's a heavy topic, but an important one. In this episode, I'll share my own end-of-year challenges, the things we can do to reset our mindset, and the approaches we can take to recapture our hope and purpose in our work, despite our current circumstances. If you're due for some mental clarity or rejuvenation of spirit, this episode just might do the trick. Supporting resources for this episod ..read more

In this episode, I highlight a fascinating conversation  with Elizabeth Janners, a school counselor with a super-cool blend of music and military service in her background. Listen in to hear how Elizabeth's background shapes her unique approach to mentoring the next generation, offering invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability as she guides students through life's challenges. Elizabeth's story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of personal growth, and how combining various life experiences can lead to a fulfilling career that has the potential to positively impac ..read more

Ever felt like you're juggling the workloads of four people, expected to perform seamlessly in all of them? Buckle up and join me from my car's front seat where I get real about where we stand in the school counseling profession, including the unsustainable pace we're expected to maintain and the systemic issues that often leave us feeling like we're set up for failure. The good news? Falling short may not be your fault- listen to find out why. ********************************** Our goal at School for School Counselors is to help school counselors stay on fire, make huge impacts for students ..read more

Do you feel like you're running an 'unwinnable race' this time of the school year? In this episode, Steph provides an excerpt of her recent keynote speech for the Lone Star State School Counselor Association Rural Route School Counselors Conference to highlight the importance of self-care, setting achievable goals, and the profound impact counselors have on their students' lives. ********************************** Our goal at School for School Counselors is to help school counselors stay on fire, make huge impacts for students, and catalyze change for our roles through grassroots advocacy an ..read more

This is such a fun episode! Getting started on a new career path can often be a leap of faith, and this story is a shining example of where such a leap can land you. Meet Katie—a former teacher and current grad student who has discovered her true calling in the school counselors' office. Led to develop a meaningful and student-centered school counseling program amidst multiple natural disasters and a global pandemic, Katie speaks from the heart about her journey, her challenges, her triumphs, and ultimately- her goals for the future. Whether you're an aspiring school counselor, new school cou ..read more

Today's episode considers the legendary "spring fever" in schools, where escalating tensions and stress impact both students and teachers. We unpack the collaborative problem-solving approach credited to Ross Green that seeks to strengthen students' abilities in areas often overlooked – from emotion regulation to social skills – rather than pointing fingers at motivation levels or parenting styles. And we're here to shine a light on the five pathways that can make or break a student's ability to cope and thrive. Get ready to learn about a path forward that emphasizes empathy, equips students ..read more

When life throws you curveballs, it's the ones who knock them out of the park that inspire us the most. Lydia Larimore did just that, turning a disheartening remark from her own school counselor into a fire that fueled her rise as an innovative educator and a Virginia Department of Education Difference Maker. On our show, host Steph Johnson takes a deep dive into Lydia’s transformative journey, from leveraging her logistics and MBA background to revolutionize attendance at a Title I school, to instilling in her students the confidence to recognize the power of their voices. Lydia's story isn't ..read more

So many of you feel like you are being used as firemen right now, running from one fire to the next, trying to put out the biggest flames. This week, I share the four critical questions that I ask any teacher who flags me down for behavior assistance, why these four questions are so important, and how to facilitate these conversations without causing a rift in your professional relationships. If you're overwhelmed with behavior response right now, this could be a game-changer for you. Mentioned in this episode:School for School Counselors Mastermind ********************************** Our g ..read more

Ever found yourself in the middle of behavioral chaos, wondering where it all went wrong? In this episode, we create a "cheat sheet" for initial behavior intervention with strategies to support students without pulling them away from the classroom prematurely. Mentioned in this episode: ChildMind Institute's Hierarchy of Behavioral Techniques ********************************** Our goal at School for School Counselors is to help school counselors stay on fire, make huge impacts for students, and catalyze change for our roles through grassroots advocacy and collaboration. Listen to get to kno ..read more

How can we effectively educate kids with mental health or basic well-being concerns? Carissa, a former teacher, current school counselor and mental health therapist, says it's not realistic. Students can't learn if they aren't regulated and works to be her best self for her students by remembering her goal of helping rather than "fixing"- guiding her students toward resilience and self-reliance. Carissa shares her strategies that keep her grounded and effective while balancing a demanding workload and unrelenting needs with the realities of too little time. Our conversation brings to light an ..read more