#scchat Mary Beth elementary counselor from Northern VA tweeting with fellow school counselors tonight hoping for delayed opening tomorrow based on weather forecast
I’m Terri Tchorzynski, school counselor at Calhoun Area Career Center in Battle Creek, MI. So excited to hear from all of you about this topic! #scchat
Hello everyone! Still on break, but I am tearing myself away from binge-watching #TheCrown to participate with my peeps. Elementary SC from Georgia. Looking forward to tonight! #scchat
I’m Angela Cleveland, former school counselor fr NJ, currently consultant for @ncwit's "Counselors for Computing," @ReigningIt cofounder, @NJSCA 2017 School Counselor of the Year, Author (https://t.co/51EhjDqHtf), cat-lover, pun-maker, and #SCCHAT fan!
It’s time to begin the Q & A live chat on #SCCHAT! I’ll ask Q1 and you’ll start your response with A1 and so on! Let’s collaborate #hscchat#cscchat#SCCrowd#escchat
Hi! I'm Lezya, current grad student (entering my last semester @SDSU) in school counseling & current Southern California Emerging Leader @MyCASC Happy New Year! #scchat
A1: Seems strange now, but I was surprised about how non-stop middle school counseling was. The day starts and you go non-stop and then it ends. #scchat
A1. How much paperwork there is and how many acronyms there are in this profession. I had a spreadsheet going my 1st year so I could remember what everyone was talking about. Also, how important documentation is and how to keep it up #scchat
Great question: The complexity of the job. So many things to do and such a serious career most days! #SCCHAT but I love it!!!!!! I did not like the dual role that I had in beginning years.
A1: The intricacies of MTSS, SAP, RTI, Child Study, Attendance teams and all of the teams School Counselors play an important role in and need to understand! #advocacy#scchat
A1: So many things! Mostly how CONSTANT my advocacy skills would need to be on many levels. And "advocacy" was not a freq used word when I was in my Masters program. #scchat
A1: I was surprised at the lack of awareness my admin and teachers had about the work SCs should actually be doing and how we can help impact student success #SCCHAT
A1: I never knew how fast little children could run! We seem to have several on each grade level this year. Never discussed in school. Lots of modeling appropriate behavior, social stories and more going on! #scchat
A1- I don't think I was ready for the type of issues kids face these days. Much different than when I was kid! The reality check was a little discouraging but I had some great SCs to lean on. #scchat
A1: Technology issues can't really be fully discussed or understood. It changes too rapidly. In just 10 years, the tech/social media issues I have dealt with have changed often. #scchat
A1 how difficult it could be to get your foot in the door to find a job (at least speaking for LA); all the interviews, prep, & whatnot was/is still can be overwhelming #scchat
A1 I wasn't prepared for the strong (mostly misguided) perceptions about the role of a school counselor from staff and parents. A great deal of my time spent trying to unteach what "guidance counselors" do. Still working on some! #scchat
❤️ this question so much that I actually wrote about it for @edutopia (https://t.co/EsC0mCr3qk)!
1. Technology Skills 💻
2. Data Analysis Skills 📈
3. Public Speaking and Presenting Skills 🗣
#SCCHAT
A1: Something I wasn’t prepared for was the strange separation b/w myself and #teachers and even #admin, and having to advocate for teachers to parents/students with little-to-know background since I am not a former teacher #scchat
A1: I am often surprised at how much parents look to us for answers & help, especially in times of great difficulty. We create a safe place for them to show vulnerability. #scchat
A1 I taught for almost 10 years first, but some of the interns I have worked with do not have a teaching background. They are surprised at how short/brief "counseling" sessions with students can or have to be. Nothing like therapeutic sessions. #scchat
That's so true! I found myself trying to keep up with social media issues just so that I could better inform parents. Not a friend of all of it, but I have to keep up with the times. #scchat
And in my case and many others, sometimes there is physical separation. My office is away from classrooms and office and many times I am only adult in that area. Privacy is nice, but I can go hours without seeing an adult/co-worker. #scchat
A1: Something I wasn’t prepared for was the strange separation b/w myself and #teachers and even #admin, and having to advocate for teachers to parents/students with little-to-know background since I am not a former teacher #scchat
❤️ this question so much that I actually wrote about it for @edutopia (https://t.co/EsC0mCr3qk)!
1. Technology Skills 💻
2. Data Analysis Skills 📈
3. Public Speaking and Presenting Skills 🗣
#SCCHAT
A1: I think I would also say coming from being in the classroom and surrounding myself with a team, being an Elem couns can sometimes be lonely. You're not a teacher, you're not admin. Hard to find a balance and know where to fit in #scchat
Totally agree - I've seen the SC role shaped by the administrator. For veteran school counselors who have the tools, advocacy skills, and tenure, it's easier to speak up and have a dialogue about expectations than if you are a newbie. #SCCHAT
A1. People (in all stakeholder groups) have deeply seeded negative experiences and misperceptions about school counselors/ing that takes much work and patience to overcome #scchat
A2 Not having someone to go to for an answer. During internship you’re surrounded by people that want to help and once you’re hired, most of the times it’s just you and they expect you to know everything already. #scchat
A1 As an Elementary School Counselor, I didn't realize how lonely it would feel sometimes, not having a counseling team in my building. This is why connecting with SCs online is so wonderful! #scchat#escchat
A1 and for those of us who were not teachers before hand: learning some classroom management skills, planning developmentally interesting & relevant lessons for our age group, etc #scchat
A2: Time management, no longer being on "teacher team", and having tough conversations with parents about their child and serious topics like suicidal thoughts, self-harm, sex, etc. #scchat
Q2: I wanted to do everything at once! ALL the prevention programs ever created! Lol. I was excited, and that's positive, but it wasn't realistic, or even necessary. #scchat
A2: CONFIDENCE! Finding "my style" and staying true to my way of doing things. Had 4 strong, different models from internship but then was largely on my own in my first position. #scchat
This is very true. And if you were a teacher before working with a team of teachers (and if you are an extrovert like me!), this feeling can be very tough and strange. #scchat
A2: A1: Finding mentors in the profession, and being able to continue with #prodevo despite limited funds. Also just putting in the time and hours of growing pains of coming into my own as a school counselor #scchat
A1 Whenever I do presentations on the appropriate roles of school counselors, I ask my audience to describe their experience with their school counselors. The results, sadly, are often filled with words like ineffective, played favorites, non existent. #scchat
A1. People (in all stakeholder groups) have deeply seeded negative experiences and misperceptions about school counselors/ing that takes much work and patience to overcome #scchat
A2 Theory to practice. I had no clue about 504's, IEPs, testing, etc... Plus I had a lot of imposter syndrome feeling like "What do I know?" when working w parents as I had no children of my own. Thankfully, I had a great mentor who helped me sort through those feelings. #SCCHAT
or teaching yourself how to schedule classes and organize testing - amazing how much time those jobs seem to take me now compared to when I started in '94...#scchat
In reply to
@counselorPCE, @AngCleveland, @edutopia
A2: It was hard to know where to fit in. I was a teacher for 8 years and always worked on a team. When I became a Cs, I moved to a difference system, so I knew no one. Starting a program, trying to build relationships, etc. was difficult. #scchat
A2 #SCCHAT I was a HS teacher first so I had to figure out
how to address the needs of ALL my students. Went from having 130 students to over 450! MI needs to do better w/ ratios
For sure it is a career-long aspiration but you are right, it gets better with time and experience. There's so much I'd say to my younger SC self...#scchat
A2: I remember having a tough time tempering my enthusiasm & trying to sit back when I was eager to take on so much. I joined a team of veteran counselors & some of my job expectations were probably too lofty/unrealistic! #scchat
A1: I think I'm always suprised at how hard it can be to get all players on the same side for the best interest of a kid. Seems like a no brainer. The politics are intense. #scchat
Yes! Scheduling! Gosh I had NO IDEA what I was doing and that was a HUGE part of my job. And, it was a part that you get heat from families, teachers, and students if they aren't happy with the results. I was NOT prepared! #SCCHAT
A1: I was an elementary teacher prior to being a SC. Grad school doesn’t prepare you for the full immersion of dealing with mental health issues, an ongoing stigma affecting so many of our Ss and families. #scchat
A2 Figuring out how to be myself in the role and relationships I was building. It’s okay to not have all the answers but to be willing to help find them. #scchat
I forgot to introduce myself: HIgh School counselor from small, rural school in Indiana who started working in #HigherEd as a #SAPro and transitioned!#scchat
I think grad schools should make students aware of the potential non-counseling duties, but more importantly to learn how to advocate for themselves so they aren't responsible for those duties.
A2 definitely losing my cohort. The 16 of us survived two years of grad school largely through looking out for each other. Now we're spread all over and it just isn't the same! #scchat
I do not. I teach the realm of duties they might have to do, and how to use data to show where their time could be better spent. I struggle with this b/c we all know that school communities are families, and sometimes that comes with fair share duties. Keyword, fair. #scchat
A3: always remember it has to be about the student! No matter who the convo is with- family, Teacher, Staff- it should be about how we can all come together the give the child the support he/she needs! #scchat
A3 Advice I got in grad school in class taught by our own Supt.: Start conversations with students or parents with "I need your help..." Makes them a partner before the issue is even known. They get to help and be part of solution. Eases into tough conversation #scchat
A2 This is one of the biggest fears for my interns as they begin their careers, both being questioned about heir abilities and doubting their abilities because they are unexperienced. #scchat
A3: Ugh. These are the worst. Consult with other counselors or trusted staff member to go over the conversation and the best way to approach this. In the moment? I ask for clarification and that normally lends an opening to advocate. #scchat
A3: Very careful non accusatory language.. “I’m curious if ____ would be best?” “Correct me if I’m wrong but ____” and with DATA to back up my suggestion! “Based on ___ I think ___” #scchat
The amount of trauma my little kiddos would already experience, and how that impacts their learning, s/e state, etc. We discussed a lot about poverty and racial issues, but I don't recall any specific information about trauma. #scchat
A3 Most of my students are fairly familiar & comfortable w/ my presence, so we usually engage in a pleasurable activity they like (drawing, Playdoh, etc). Start w/ easy ?s then transition to the difficult topic/convo. #scchat
Bah! I know that feel. My go-to response to "Do you have kids?" has always been... "No, I don't have kids. But if I did, they wouldn't be YOUR kids anyway, so tell me what I need to know!" #scchat
Yes, inform admin of tough conversations. They may eventually need to be involved anyway. Plus, nice to have support and extra set of eyes/ears. #Scchat
Again, love this Q @ttchorzynski & @SCE_counselors! A3 coming your way!😄 I was talking to a new counselor last year who had 2 have a difficult convo& was nervous. I replied "We r school counselors! We r in the business of difficult convos! If not us, who will have them?" #SCCHAT
Q3: There's an article I read over 10 years ago from the ASCA journal on Delivering Difficult News to Parents #scchat I have read this article so many times to help!!!! https://t.co/7wrFs8qVUb
A2: I had a different entry into SC. background in social work. So I got my specialist in SC while doing my 1st SC job which actually was awesome but I think looking younger Ts often questioned what I knew. #scchat
A3 the best thing is to be upfront and honest. It may be uncomfortable, but best to just be said. Always make sure it is about the student. It's not about the other person you are talking to. #scchat
A3: This Q brought back one of my 1st difficult DFCS calls/convos. Relied heavily on basic skills and strengths-based approach w student. Humbling, hard, emotional work. #scchat
A3 I agree w/ @SCE_counselors! Student needs must always be the center of the conversation. Also - the more facts and/or data you can use to frame convo - the better. Advocate from the heart, but use the facts/data for support! #SCCHAT
A3 take a deep breath, collaborate as needed, and have the conversation. Nothing good comes of avoiding. Plan when possible and be open in the dialog - whether it’s asking for help or sharing information. #scchat
A3 I still struggle with talking to parents about their child who is having suicidal thoughts. They have to know, need to know, but that is powerful news to hear. Lots of emotion. I try to do these in person. Try to normalize and coach them into supportive role, not anger #scchat
A3: Ongoing communication needs to be happening prior to the meeting for the student. I always make sure to check in and collaborate with all people that need to be in the know. This makes having those difficult conversations much easier when everyones on same pg. #scchat
A3: I think as a HS counselor, I just try to be direct, relatable, and compassionate. I try to make sure there is space in my office for everything they want to say or not say by evaluating myself and my bias/gut reactions #scchat
Yes, they are great for students. I just hate learning in the spot in front of students and parents. My parents have been super cool and my team has been helpful. #scchat
A3 I often approach these conversations like the stages of grief. Denial and anger are not responses personal to me but in response to the situation or information. Circling back when when info has time to sink in often yields a productive solution-focused convo. #SCCHAT
I was not expecting parents to call asking for help about parenting help! I'm not a parent and do not feel near qualified to be offering that kind of advice! #scchat
A3: My approach to difficult convos is to put myself in the shoes of the recipient. How would I want to receive the same info? Lead with kindness, as my AP says. #scchat
A3: I’ve found that normalizing the issue when possible can really help as well. Sometimes a difficult convo with a parent/staff/student can become a lot less difficult if they don’t feel alone in their experience. #SCCHAT
A3- I'm fortunate to work in a team where I can ask other SCs for feedback and advice on my approach. I gain confidence- either by their agreement to my ideas or by stealing their better, more experienced ideas! #scchat
Absolutely. It’s never an easy topic to discuss. I work to make the parents informed, so they can make the safest & best educated decision for their child/student. #scchat
A3 I still struggle with talking to parents about their child who is having suicidal thoughts. They have to know, need to know, but that is powerful news to hear. Lots of emotion. I try to do these in person. Try to normalize and coach them into supportive role, not anger #scchat
A3: I just remind myself that it's about what is best for the Ss. I am willing to deal w/ the nerves and awkwardness if I'm fighting for what is right for a student. #scchat#rememberyourwhy
A3 Identify early as to which students may be high need and may require difficult conversations. Meet with them often, contact parents with positives often, meet with teachers. Get everyone on board positively early. When tough conversation is needed, everyone is ready. #scchat
Not much about school counseling that isn't humbling, in my experience. First time you think you know what you're doing, you'll be shown otherwise. Learning never stops. #scchat
I like the fact that you added humbling. Our job can be humbling at times and we will not always make the right choices, but we have to learn as we go and follow our heart and trust our training, as well as our colleagues.
A4 As an elementary counselor, our team created a conflict management program that then expanded into an inclusive games program for students at recess. #scchat
A3 I approach it with compassion and patience. I have my students best interest at heart and more than anything I need to listen so they feel heard while maybe hurting #scchat
Not much about school counseling that isn't humbling, in my experience. First time you think you know what you're doing, you'll be shown otherwise. Learning never stops. #scchat
I like the fact that you added humbling. Our job can be humbling at times and we will not always make the right choices, but we have to learn as we go and follow our heart and trust our training, as well as our colleagues.
A3: I just remind myself that it's about what is best for the Ss. I am willing to deal w/ the nerves and awkwardness if I'm fighting for what is right for a student. #scchat#rememberyourwhy
A4 I helped develop some online forms for other school counselors to use with data and keeping up with students. Sometimes the easiest things are the most helpful #scchat
A4. Not sure there is anything I alone brought, but our district counseling team has brought a school food pantry, a clothing drive, food/holiday resources for community, an 8th grade college campus tour, career speakers/sessions, school supply pantry, etc. #scchat
A4: I'm proud of data informed, tech solutions to some basic internal needs within my school. Also, this year we have launched a student-led peer support team! It's cool to watch those kids work! #scchat
A4 I advocated hard to get PBIS training and we launched in our school this year. It's going great and I'm super lucky to have such a supportive school team & admin! #scchat
Probably the hardest part of the job. Especially if my professional opinion doesn't necessarily align with the teacher's. Always start with positives and keep emotions out of it (as much as possible!) Focus on the best interest of the student! #scchat
A4: I think I have challenged the “this is how we’ve always done it” way, and above all I have helped create a more open space for students to seek support/services in our office #scchat
Not much about school counseling that isn't humbling, in my experience. First time you think you know what you're doing, you'll be shown otherwise. Learning never stops. #scchat
I like the fact that you added humbling. Our job can be humbling at times and we will not always make the right choices, but we have to learn as we go and follow our heart and trust our training, as well as our colleagues.
Of these, the School Food Pantry is the one I am most proud. It was my first big goal as a school counselor. Took about 6-7 years, but finally got it and I love seeing all the families and students we help. #scchat
A4. Not sure there is anything I alone brought, but our district counseling team has brought a school food pantry, a clothing drive, food/holiday resources for community, an 8th grade college campus tour, career speakers/sessions, school supply pantry, etc. #scchat
A3: I like to tell my Ps and Ts that they are MY (OUR) babies too! When they know that you only want what's best for their child, that can sometimes ease any uncomfortable convos. #scchat
A4: I believe our job is very much about parent education & support so I have been fortunate enough to work at schools where I was able to create parent programming and bring in experts #scchat
A4 #SCCHAT Implementing a comp. RAMP program that is driven by student needs. Everything we do revolves around student needs - makes the work purposeful and relevant!
A4 more small groups, started monthly counseling newsletter for staff & parents, this twitter acct (!), better developed lessons that adhere to ASCA standards, bringing our school counseling program closer to the ASCA model each year, more data collection #scchat
A4: super proud that I have brought regular C lessons to all preK-3 classrooms. Previously only 3rd grade was getting SEL lessons sporadically. It has served me well too.. I know all of the kids, and this makes the "tough stuff" (Q3) so much easier when it comes up. #scchat
Started a monthly newsletter communicating guidance lessons information, tips for parents, and tips for teachers! The best is when a parent calls and says they tried it! Even better if it worked! ☺️ #scchat
A4: Consistent meaningful and preventative classroom guidance lessons across all grades! Tier 1 baby! Also.. I love teaching so enjoy that very much. Chance to know all students #scchat
A4: I feel our Tier 2 interventions are solid. One thing we added this year are Dialogue Circles and keeping #Mindfulness a part of our daily routine. #scchat
A4: I'm proud that I have had the opportunity to educate a lot of administrators, parents, students and community members about the impact that school counselors can have! #scchat
A4: Started a peer tutoring program where 4th and 5th tutor K-2 in the morning. Also utilize Skype to expose my students to various careers around the world. Recently had my 1st graders @SkypeClassroom with farm in Africa. #scchat
I am glad to bring a creative twist to my program, specifically my classroom lessons/curriculum! The ability to engage my students and teach about topics that matter to them, makes learning stick! #scchat
Q4: Then and now, INNOVATION. Always looking for ways to new ways to reach stakeholders, push the envelope on creativity and advocacy. Timid in the beginning but grew exponentially over time. It's how I keep challenging myself to improve for the sake of my students. #scchat
Q4: Most important thing I brought to my program was knowledge of the ASCA model and a desire to move from “guidance” to “school” counselor. So many good things hatch from this! #scchat
A4: advocacy for the role of a school counselor and my background/story that helps me to constantly relay the importance of educator-student connections. #scchat
A4 - Campaigning, advocating, & succeeding in bringing a schoolwide SEL program to our MS. $45000 grant obtained, 100 staff trained, program implemented. #scchat
A4 Updated, engaging lesson plans! I created @nearpod lessons w/ @YouTube clips &lots of interaction &embedded formative assessment. Before that, lessons were 30min VHS tapes& 10 min discussion (if that). The year I intro'ed @GetKahoot, I was the "Kahoot Counselor" 2 kids #SCCHAT
A2: having a community of other counselors to talk with on a regular basis! I loved being able to consult with my professors and classmates on difficult issues #scchat
A4 I am proud of the communication we’ve build with families. From the bi-weekly newsletter sent out to the information put on our website. We also record all of our presentations. All this increases access to info for more families! #scchat
A4 more articles about being black on campus, more discussion about HBCU vs PWI and more focus on issues related to equity for SOC #scchat my school 99% black so those convos are crucial
A4 (cont): I also wanted to become a #goldstar school since I started but due to cost it wasn’t possible, after getting a grant last year we were able to afford it and do the work to develop a more competent and comprehensive program #scchat
A4: Walking individual counseling sessions . It allows the student to walk and talk. And I can see multiple students in a block and get all of my steps. 👟👟#scchat
A5 I use google forms and calendar to log my days and show exactly how my time is being used. It's helps advocate for things when you can show it on paper #scchat
A5 I use data from the state and google form surveys I make to makes changes to my program. I then present the ideas to my principal showing how my services are important and necessary for our Ss! #scchat
A5: We use data to identify needs & show why our lessons, groups, schoolwide programs are needed. We use data to show our stakeholders how we have impacted Ss. #scchat
A5: We’ve been working on using pre/post data in our small groups and class lessons. This creates data to share to show student learning and importance of counselors in the schools! #scchat
A5: This year I have used feedback from student surveys to change up how students connect with me on campus, plus offering more student-led interventions on campus. We also have a cool new counseling drop box! Students ask, students receive! #scchat
A3 take a deep breath, collaborate as needed, and have the conversation. Nothing good comes of avoiding. Plan when possible and be open in the dialog - whether it’s asking for help or sharing information. #scchat
A4 I am proud of the communication we’ve build with families. From the bi-weekly newsletter sent out to the information put on our website. We also record all of our presentations. All this increases access to info for more families! #scchat
A5: I use SCUTA to track my time. Non negotiable for Counselors trying to advocate for ideal responsibilities. I also love giving a data recap to teachers on last day of every month including ind. coun breakdown by grade referral source and topic #scchat
@nearpod is my favorite presentation tool, and it's easy to migrate your google slides to - so simple! Maybe @Nearpod will give #SCCHAT counselors a free trial upgrade! free version is great, but upgrade allows website links!
A5: how do i not use data!? Google forms are my best friend, and i have an awesome tech T who's willing to use her class time for the Ss to answer my surveys. I use them for quick check-ins 2x/ year. I use them to track who and for what my services are used...list goes on #scchat
A4: I started character education classes grades 1-7 on a weekly or biweekly basis. It’s been rewarding to get to have group talks and it helps me build rapport with kids so they’re comfortable talking to me when they need to 😊 #scchat
A5: used data to demonstrate increased enrollment of minority students in AP programs, decrease in recidivism rate for suspensions, brought to local and state level for advocacy. #scchat
Yes! It has taken me several years to get comfortable with it. And still I only feel most comfortable w/ it in relation to our whole program. (not so much individual accolades). I learned from my district director how to share & promote our program! #scchat
One of the most important things besides collecting the data is sharing the data with stakeholders. I think that is one thing we need to do better at as professions. Toot our own horns and share our results!
A5 an excel spreadsheet on how my time gets spent (to show my principal), track which/when my classes attend lessons, pre&post data for small groups, SLT data for state teacher/counselor eval... interested in more ways to collect data from my tinys on lesson effectiveness #scchat
A5: I pull our behavior data for our PBIS meetings. We also use this data as an entry point into Tier 2. I meet with grade level teams monthly to discuss student needs and to make sure we have kiddos plugged into interventions that need them. #scchat
A5 I required my SC students to utilize data for a real school district from the state report card to assess needs from which to create a small group group with lessons. #scchat
A5 Google forms are amazing for surveys and getting a lot of info in a short amount of time from students. We also do a week-long time/task analysis each year and share this. We also do some closing the gap interventions. #scchat
A5: Recently used attendance data to show improvement with my small groups focusing on chronic absenteeism. Also Google Classroom is great for pre/post data. #scchat
A6 There's so much! From the hugs from the students, to seeing your struggling student get his first A, to the Christmas cards telling you thank you, to the kids crying on the last day b/c they don't want to leave you, I could go on and on! #scchat
A6 By far it is seeing the growth in my SC interns from the beginning of their experience to being career ready by graduation. It just gives me goose bumps to see how much they have grown. #scchat
A5: Admittedly this is a weakness of mine, however this past year we were able to do a school wide survey of students to let us know gaps in our services and student needs, and do spreadsheets to track time away from meeting those needs for testing, etc #scchat
#scchat A5 - Data has changed how I do my job. So much more productive now. Think data driven (Buying a car from the internet) vs data informed (Looking up the car online but still taking it for a drive). Work smarter and not harder.
A5: last year - split between two buildings, shared the caseload with another counselor at both buildings, and created 86 guidance lessons/grade. We tracked how we spent our time/advocated for change. Now: one building, half the caseload, and 43 lessons/grade! #scchat
A6: That’s easy. The kids. The relationships we make. When a kid returns to your room because he accidentally took one of your pencils from your room and then asks for a hug, you know you made an impact. #scchat
I feel like I will definitely need more characters to explain my answer. Google forms for needs assessment, @plickers for pre/post data, @nearpod polls during lessons, @Google forms for use of time and soooo much more. #scchat
A5: I am making some gentle, initial steps towards making our grad program more data-driven. We use data for accreditation and marketing but could be doing more, and modeling for the students! #scchat
A6 Hands down it is the relationships! Relationships with students, staff, and families. I love being able to give to al, promote confidence and compassion, and advocate for students who need a voice! #SCCHAT
A6: Always the kids. Seeing them change over a year, make it successfully through adversity, demonstrate they've got grit, and see the world a little clearer. It's fascinating and rewarding. They are everything! #scchat
A6: Seeing the look on a kid’s face or hearing a “yeah! exactly!” when they feel validated, heard, and understood! Getting more of those daily thanks to reading @ReaganNorth recent book #SCCHAT
A6 the most rewarding is watching a student find success (getting a good grade they worked hard for, getting into a college, making it to graduation). It’s the best! #scchat
A5: In all honesty, I’m still working on perfecting my “data usage for advocacy” skills. Data’s such a daunting, necessary evil! But @googledrive houses our data & we share at our advisory council mtgs amongst our stakeholders. #scchat
A6: I love when students have the opportunity to see what success and personal growth feels like and we get to watch this happen! It's the best!!! #scchat
A6: These kids. These kids. These kids! They are AMAZING! They are the most rewarding part. Connecting with them everyday as people and then supporting them in their education & seeing them grown & learn & thrive! #scchat#theyaremywhy
A6 working w/ my tinys in building important foundational skills, ID-ing students in need, the hugs & high 5s, outreach & resources to parents/families in need, getting to learn from them ❤️ #scchat
#scchat A5 -Data allows me to quantify what I do into an understandable format. For example, I see about 15 kids per day, along with 90 minutes of duty.
Hi! I'm a lurker tonight; I am in my final semester of grad school out of Grand Valley State University in Michigan. I've never used twitter before tonight, but this is great! So much useful information. Thank you to everyone involved! :) #scchat
A6 the smile on a kids face as they leave my office after a stressful situation/meltdown, or kids asking when I am coming in to teach a guidance lesson #scchat
Love knowing that I have helped to positively impact student lives! Being that person if influence who can support students in a way that will have an impact on them for the rest of their lives. #scchat
A6: Who doesn't love the hugs from all the littles?! ☺️ And watching kids who are struggling overcome obstacles. I do a lot of Tier 2 work, and those relationships and successes are hard to beat! #scchat
A5 Easy! I count the number of times I smile, chuckle to myself and think "Well, that's a new one!" Just kidding! I love using Google Sheets to track reasons why I'm seeing students - identify trends to be proactive with their needs. #SCCHAT
A6 Most rewarding? I get to go to my "job" each day and be with middle school students and talk with them, listen to them, help them, support them, laugh with them, and then see them grow into HS students. Every piece of that is awesome! #scchat
A6: CREATING CHANGE. Knowing that the hard, humbling work can have some powerful impact, and that students (and new school counselors) go on to create their own change in the world too! #scchat
A6: I get to leave “work” with a full heart. Hands down the best part. My relationships with my students are what makes being a school counselor the best job in the world. #scchat
A6: the students, hands down. When a student succeeds, when I can help a student or advocate for them, when students are happy to see you, engage in lessons, use what they learn #scchat
As we near the end of the chat so happy to see all 57 of you here tonight and hope you come back all month long to connect with other school counsellors as we help each other. Hope you'll join us in chat next month. #scchat
Hi! I'm a lurker tonight; I am in my final semester of grad school out of Grand Valley State University in Michigan. I've never used twitter before tonight, but this is great! So much useful information. Thank you to everyone involved! :) #scchat
A7 I have "my person" in the school that understands what I'm going through. Even the school counselor needs someone to vent to every now and then #scchat
A6: Long term reward? In the past week alone, I shopped/used/ate at local businesses 5 different times where former students worked. They all called me Mr. Barry and were so excited to see me. And I was just excited to see them! #scchat
A7: I talk with peers, take a mental health day, do my self-care activities, pray. Sometimes a good talk with myself to get pumped up! Remembering I'm only 1 person and always doing the best I can. #scchat
As we near the end of the chat so happy to see all 57 of you here tonight and hope you come back all month long to connect with other school counsellors as we help each other. Hope you'll join us in chat next month. #scchat
A7: Step away. Do something kind for myself. Rely on my carefully created plans & processes to regroup and start fresh. One day at a time sometimes. Especially in October and February ;) #SCCHAT
A7: @LRossSchCnslrsaid it before, but #RememberYourWhy is so important when you have dark days. This profession can be rewarding, but it can also be difficult feeling like you're not doing enough, not being used properly, etc. #scchat
A7 #1 - Self-Care! But also being mindful of the important work we do for students. If its not SC doing this work for our students, then who? Remember - our work is crucial for the dev. of the whole-child!#SCCHAT
A6 One clue as to the rewards of my job. I absolutely love the first day of school and despite the smiles/excitement of students, I really don't like the last day of school. I don't like not seeing my students for 80+ days. Nothing beats the rush of Day 1 seeing the kids #scchat
A7: Remembering my WHY. I went into this profession for a reason... it’s is vital to keep this in the forefront of my mind when the going gets tough! #scchat
A7: I overcome discouragement & overwhelmed feelings by asking myself, "what else would you rather being doing as a career?" And I can't come up with a better answer than school counseling!!! #scchat
A6 Being a champion for the child who needs it. I feel like I've always been that person who scanned the room for the person sitting alone, quietly struggling. My friend @StvSharp knows I cannot read this section of @ASCAtweets without crying because it speaks to my heart #SCCHAT
A7: Talk w/ my co-counselor. Slow down. Reflect. Reframe. Pep Talk. Refocus. And talk to mySs. Just a good hallway conversation w/ a kiddo can change my perspective quickly! Just a that small interaction helps me refocus back to the positive. #scchat
A7: I take myself out of the equation & remind myself that all of the work is bigger than me/for a greater good - that of the students & families I’m serving. I also reach out to my fellow SC friends - such a great network of supportive professionals! #scchat
A7 I also tell my SC students that they can do everything within their power during school hours, but after they get home, they need to tend to themselves and the relationships that will exist long after their current job does. #scchat
A7 Having purposeful self-care/“me” time. Yoga, essential oils, chocolate, family/friend time, Spotify, kickball. Not being afraid to reach out for support to colleagues or cohorts if I need it. #scchat
A7 I struggle with this and throw everything I got at it. Having a drawer of notes from students, returning home to my own 5 goofy kids/wife, reflecting on my #OneWord each day. (I chose #Matters for 2018...remembering what matters and what doesn't each day) #scchat
Q7: look at my smile file- cards, positive notes from students, teachers and parents, talk it out with someone, take care of myself- workout, take a walk, listen to music #scchat
A7: TIME WITH MY PEEPS! In person, phone, virtual, etc. Other SCs and SCEs keep me grounded, realistic, inspired and open to learning. S/O to so many of you on #scchat for that!
A2 Learning how to advocate for my role based not on what I wanted to do but what students wanted to do and using data to support it was the hardest transition! I didn’t know the world wouldn’t know what school counselors do! #scchat
A6 Being a champion for the child who needs it. I feel like I've always been that person who scanned the room for the person sitting alone, quietly struggling. My friend @StvSharp knows I cannot read this section of @ASCAtweets without crying because it speaks to my heart #SCCHAT
