Counselor Chat Podcast Carol Miller, School Counselor

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 PromptsCreate Your Own Counseling GameCoping Skills Card GamePerfect Counselor PlannerSummer Counselor Conference

Grab the Show Notes: Counselingessentials.org/podcast

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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 MotivatorsTest Taking Color By CodeTesting 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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School

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:
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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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor

In this episode of the Counselor Chat, we are learning all about the Circle of Control, a fundamental concept that helps us differentiate between what we can and cannot influence in our lives. 
Episode Highlights:
Understanding the Circle of Control:
Overview of the Circle of Control and its relevance to both personal and professional life.Importance of acknowledging what is within our direct influence versus what we need to let go of.
Setting Boundaries:
Practical tips on setting healthy boundaries with students, colleagues, and family to maintain work-life balance.
Time Management:
Strategies for effective time management during the school day.Emphasizing the significance of prioritizing tasks and the empowerment of saying no.
Professional Development:
Discussion on the importance of continued education and seeking professional growth opportunities.
Creating a Positive Environment:
How to foster a positive atmosphere in both office and home settings.The impact of the physical and emotional environment on our professional output and personal well-being.
Relationship Building:
Insights into building and nurturing relationships within the school and beyond.
Self-Care and Wellness:
The significance of self-care and the eight dimensions of wellness.
Advocacy and Emotional Regulation:
The role of school counselors in advocating for resources and policies.Techniques for managing personal emotions and seeking support when needed.
Accepting What We Can’t Control:
Discussion on facing realities like policy changes, parental involvement, and student behavior that are beyond our control.Strategies to cope with and accept these limitations.

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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group
Mentioned in this episode:
Perks Membership

In this episode we are exploring side hustles and how to make ends meet as a school counselor.Episode Highlights:
My Journey to Side Hustles:
Reflecting on my years as a school counselor.Balancing my passion for counseling with the reality of financial needs.Sharing my primary side hustle: Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT).
Inspiring Side Hustle Ideas from Our Community:
Coaching Multiple Sports TeamsRunning a Summer CampProctoring ExamsGrant ReviewingAnd MORE!
The Joy of Creating Tangible Results:
Encouraging counselors to seek side hustles that bring joy and a sense of accomplishment.My mom's wisdom: Life requires something to keep us healthy, something to make us wealthy, and something to bring us joy.Finding satisfaction in seeing results, whether it's a successful TPT resource or a well-run summer camp.
Invitation to Explore and Share:
Let's continue this conversation!Reach out with your questions, stories, or ideas for future episodes.Your experiences could inspire others in our incredible counseling community.

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 StoreCounseling Essentials WebsiteInstagramFacebookElementary School Counselor Exchange Facebook GroupCaught In The Middle School Counselors Facebook GroupHigh School Counselor Connection Facebook Group
Mentioned in this episode:
Perks Membership