High School Counseling Conversations®

This episode is one that high school counselors come back to again and again — and for good reason. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to reset with your team before the chaos of the school year begins, this conversation is packed with practical tips for hosting an off-campus planning day that sets the tone for a successful year. From crafting SMART goals and setting team norms to reviewing key documents and mapping out your first few weeks, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to help your team start the year strong.

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If there’s one thing I hear over and over from high school counselors, it’s that there’s just never enough time in the day. That’s why I loved this conversation with Kaci Ranger—so much so that I’m bringing it back as a listener favorite! In this episode, Kaci and I talk through simple, effective time management strategies that are actually doable for busy counselors. We cover everything from building a realistic daily schedule to setting boundaries around email and meetings, plus easy ways to organize your digital tools without adding to your plate. Whether you’re brand new to the role or deep into your counseling career, I know you’ll walk away with a few tips to help you lighten that mental load.

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We’re bringing back one of your favorite episodes all about “Coffee with the Counselor”, because any chance to connect with parents (and drink coffee!) is a win, right? In this replay, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from hosting these events at my own school—the good, the not-so-great, and everything in between. From picking the perfect time of day to choosing topics parents actually want to hear about, I’ll walk you through how to pull it off without a ton of stress. If you’ve been thinking about trying one of these events (or making your next one even better), this episode’s got you covered!

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In this replay of a High School Counseling Conversations listener-favorite episode, we’re diving into the world of artificial intelligence—specifically how it can support and streamline your school counseling work. With all the buzz around AI, it’s time to explore how this powerful tool can actually save you time and enhance your counseling program!

I’m sharing over ten practical ways you can use AI as a school counselor, from writing letters of recommendation and tough emails to prepping for presentations and even interview practice. You’ll also hear key differences between ChatGPT and Google Gemini (formerly Google Bard), tips for using AI ethically, and why it’s important to view AI as a helpful ally, NOT a replacement.

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Starting out as a high school counselor is both exciting and overwhelming—and there’s a lot you don’t learn until you’re in the role. In this episode, I’m reflecting on the top three things I wish I knew when I was just beginning my counseling career. From navigating tricky relationships with parents and colleagues to connecting with hard-to-reach students, these lessons are ones I wish I could go back and share with my younger self.

Whether you’re brand new to high school counseling or still preparing for the role, this episode offers honest encouragement to help you grow with confidence. You’ll also hear practical advice on avoiding common mistakes, finding meaningful professional development, and embracing the challenges that come with stepping out of your comfort zone.

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