I Gave up Social Media for a Month, and Here’s What Happened

Have you checked your phone’s screen time lately? If you’re anything like me, you might be embarrassed about how much time you actually spend on your phone, specifically the time spent scrolling on social media. I use social media for both work and personal purposes, and I was beginning to feel like I was spending way more time on these apps than I wanted to be.So, I decided to challenge myself by giving up social media for a month! I was curious to see how a break from social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook would affect my daily life. In this episode, I’m sharing the highs and lows of this experiment. You’ll hear how it felt to step away from the digital noise, the impact on my personal relationships, and even some unexpected benefits I discovered along the way. This conversation also applies to your professional role. As school counselors, our relationship with social media can be a double-edged sword. While it helps us connect and share valuable resources, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance. I hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own social media habits and even take on a similar challenge if you’re feeling up to it! If you have ever tried a social media hiatus, send me a message on Instagram @counselorclique (yes, I’m back, but with healthy boundaries!) or an email to [email protected]. I’d love to know how it went for you!Resources Mentioned: Free Resource: Scholarship Spreadsheet - https://counselorclique.com/scholarship Resource: Healthy Relationships Classroom Lesson - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Healthy-Relationships-Classroom-Lesson-for-High-School-Students-7176249?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20146&utm_campaign=Healthy%20Relationships%20Classroom Resource: Soft Skills Bundle - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Soft-Skills-Bundle-for-High-School-Students-8194384?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20146&utm_campaign=Soft%20Skills%20BundleBook: 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Troy Reinke - https://amzn.to/4cJQ0nD Connect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on...

As school counselors, we know that not all of our students are going to go to college after graduating. However, for the students who do have college in their future plans, we want to make the application process as accessible as possible. Cue: College Application Day!Hosting a College Application Day is one of the best ways that we can support students as they begin their college application journey. Applying to colleges is an intimidating step for many high schoolers, so hosting a day dedicated to walking them through the process gives them a safe space to tackle this task!Now if you’ve never hosted a College Application Day before, you may be wondering what you need to do to get this event rolling and make it as successful as possible. I’ve got you covered! In this episode, I’ll walk you through all the details of hosting a College Application Day from beginning to end. Hopefully, with my advice, you’ll be ready to plan and execute an epic College Application Day at your school this year!Resources Mentioned: High School Counselor Kickstart Course: https://counselorclique.com/newcounselor&nbsp;I Applied Bulletin Board: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/I-Applied-College-Bulletin-Board-for-High-School-Counselors-4152773?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20143&amp;utm_campaign=I%20Applied%20BB&nbsp;College Application Day Pennant Bulletin Board: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/College-Application-Day-Pennant-Bulletin-Board-for-High-School-3400067?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20143&amp;utm_campaign=College%20App%20Day%20Pennant%20BB&nbsp;College Application Day Photo Booth Props: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/College-Application-Day-Photo-Booth-Props-for-High-School-Senior-Events-4936579?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20143&amp;utm_campaign=CAD%20Photo%20Booth%20Props&nbsp;College Awareness Bulletin Board: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/College-Awareness-High-School-Bulletin-Board-7270947?utm_source=Podcast%20Ep%20143&amp;utm_campaign=College%20Awareness%20BB&nbsp;Free Playlist: College Application Day Spotify Playlist: https://counselorclique.com/collegeappdayplaylist&nbsp;More episodes on college readiness: https://feeds.captivate.fm/high-school-counseling/college-readiness-high-school-counseling-/Blog - All the Steps for Hosting a Successful College Application Day: <a href="https://counselorclique.com/all-the-steps-for-hosting-a-successful-college-application-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Have you ever held a “Coffee with the Counselor” event at your school? This can be a great opportunity for parents to connect with counselors and other parents all while learning about a particular topic.I’ve held several “Coffee with the Counselor” events in the past, and some have been a huge hit while others didn’t quite have the turnout we’d hoped for. Along the way, I learned what logistics you need to plan for and I’m sharing them with you today. I’ll run through all the details so you can get started on prepping your very own “Coffee with the Counselor”!Running an event like this doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. Just a bit of minimal planning can make a huge impact on parents and students. Getting parents through the door is a win in itself, right? If you’ve hosted “Coffee with the Counselor” before, I’d love to hear about it! Send me a message on Instagram @counselorclique to let me know what went well or what you’re hoping to improve on for next time.Resources:*NEW RESOURCE!*: Coffee with the Counselor Parent Workshop MaterialsResource: High School Counselor Kickstart Course - https://counselorclique.com/newcounselor Resource: NAMI [National Alliance on Mental Illness] - https://www.nami.org/Blog: Why I Love "Coffee with the Counselors" - https://counselorclique.com/coffee-with-the-counselors/Book: Love and Logic by Jim Fay - https://amzn.to/3zPE6Kz Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode143 Mentioned in this episode:Shop the #counselorboost sale happening THIS week: Go to https://confidentcounselors.com/counselorboost or simply go to TPT and search for #counselorboost in the search bar.

Begin with the end in mind. You've probably heard this advice before, but I want it to be your mantra this school year! One of the best things you can do at the beginning of a new school year is to plan your year. I've talked on the podcast before about using organizational tools, such as a calendar, to give you a visual of your year and showcase all the good things you're doing as a counselor. So, in today's episode, I'm sharing why you need to plan your year with a 10,000-foot view and the benefits it has on your year's success.You know how busy you are as a high school counselor and the many directions you're being pulled throughout the year, which is one of the many reasons you should plan your year at the beginning of the school year. And while keeping track of your tasks helps with scheduling, there's more to your job than just administrative tasks. By taking the time to plan your year, you're also able to add events and tasks that fill your cup. After all, you got into this profession because you love it and want to fill your year with things you enjoy doing that serve your students and your counseling program!Although it may feel overwhelming to think about planning an entire year, by doing so, you avoid missing anything important, can think about the goals you have, and can schedule events and tasks that bring you joy as a high school counselor. If you want to limit your stress and enjoy your role this school year, join me for the LIVE Power Hour Planning Party, where you'll walk away with a year-long curriculum map!Resources Mentioned:Live Workshop: Power Hour Planning Party https://counselorclique.com/planningpartyArticle: "Use the Power of the Calendar"Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode142Mentioned in this episode:Shop the #counselorboost sale happening THIS week: Go to https://confidentcounselors.com/counselorboost or simply go to TPT and search for #counselorboost in the search bar.

Whether you’re still on summer break or have already kicked off a new school year, there’s one thing I think you need during this season: a curriculum map! While it’s very common for teachers to use this planning tool, I believe there are so many benefits for high school counselors to use it as well. In today’s episode, I’m sharing why you should create a curriculum map and how it sets you up for a successful school year.One of the things I love about a curriculum map is that it helps you visually see the gaps in your program and ways you can meet those gaps to help better serve your counseling program and students. Even though the beginning of the school year is hectic, making this curriculum map at the start of the year allows you to have a vision and direction of where you’re headed. It also creates accountability for yourself and breaks down where you’re spending your time.I know you have dreams and goals for your high school counseling program this school year. One of the best ways to achieve those dreams and goals is by creating a high school counseling curriculum map. This visual planning tool will be the ultimate game changer for you to have a successful school year. No matter where you are in the school year right now, make some time to create your own high school counseling curriculum map!Resources Mentioned:Free Resource: How to Kick-Start Your Year as a High School Counselor https://counselorclique.com/privatepodLive Workshop: Power Hour Planning Party (Using a High School Counseling Curriculum Map to Plan Your School Year) https://counselorclique.com/planningpartyLeave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode141Mentioned in this episode:Shop the #counselorboost sale happening THIS week: Go to https://confidentcounselors.com/counselorboost or simply go to TPT and search for #counselorboost in the search bar.

You’ve waited four episodes to listen to the last episode in our grade-level counselor series. A student’s senior year is full of ups and downs, celebratory moments, and disappointments, and a senior counselor gets to experience it all with them. My guest on today’s episode, Brittany Slagle, experienced all of this and is sharing both what she loves and where she struggles in working with seniors.&nbsp;I’ve talked on the podcast before about the stress and responsibilities of being a senior counselor. Brittany discusses how she managed the bigger administrative tasks of graduation, scholarship deadlines, and test scores, along with the smaller tasks of her role. She admitted that working with seniors can feel intimidating, but building relationships always outweighs the stressors.&nbsp;When I was a high school counselor, I loved working with seniors, and Brittany feels the exact same way. With this being her first year solely working with seniors, she has learned a lot and has kept notes on what she wants to do differently when she works with them again in three years. I loved her realistic perspective on the stressful, fun, and celebratory moments while working with seniors, and I know you will, too!Resources Mentioned:Resource: Free Scholarship Spreadsheet https://counselorclique.com/scholarshipResource: Credit Check SpreadsheetResource: Senior Bundle Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Brittany:Email: mailto:[email protected]: https://instagram.com/thewhitewoodfarmhouse Connect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode140Mentioned in this episode:Shop the #counselorboost sale happening THIS week: Go to https://confidentcounselors.com/counselorboost or simply go to TPT and search for...

Being a school counselor allows you to form close relationships with your students and help guide them through their high school years. It’s honestly one of the best and most rewarding parts of the job, and no one believes that more than my guest, Leigh Pottle. Leigh is a high school counselor who works with all grade levels, but she is giving her perspective and insight on working with juniors specifically.&nbsp;Leigh acknowledges that when you work with students as upperclassmen, their needs are different, and their plans start to take action. This requires her to emphasize and constantly reiterate to her students that their academics, attendance, behavior, and discipline matter. During their junior year, everything starts to become more real, which is one reason Leigh works so hard at building relationships and is constantly improving her counseling program.&nbsp;Throughout our conversation, Leigh often refers to her juniors as mini-adults. She shares how to balance guiding and supporting them in their future goals while also keeping them accountable and responsible for their own actions. After listening to our conversation, you will see why Leigh loves working with juniors and see her care and concern for them shine through.Resources Mentioned:Resource: Free Scholarship Spreadsheet https://counselorclique.com/scholarshipResource: Data Guide https://counselorclique.com/dataideasResource: ​​First Generation Small GroupLeave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Leigh:Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lcp0710 Connect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode139Mentioned in this episode:Shop the #counselorboost sale happening THIS week: Go to https://confidentcounselors.com/counselorboost or simply go to TPT and search for #counselorboost in the search bar.

We’re continuing our series on talking with different high school counselors who work with specific grade levels, and today is all about sophomores! Sophomores hold a special place in my heart because when I first started as a counselor, I worked primarily with sophomores. So, I was excited to sit down with my guest, Hannah Fain, to see how our experiences aligned and how things might have changed over the years.&nbsp;Hannah has a great perspective on working with sophomores and the importance of having conversations and small groups to work on certain social and problem-solving skills, along with making sure they’re staying on the right track toward graduation. She emphasizes that having these conversations often and early, along with the help of other staff in the building, keeps the students accountable and builds those relationships for success.&nbsp;Resources Mentioned:Resource: YouScience Career AssessmentsResource: Sophomore Planning BundleResource: Healthy Relationships Classroom LessonResource: Career Bundle 2Leave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Hannah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-fain-131494113 Connect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative http://cliquecollab.comFull show notes on website: https://counselorclique.com/episode138Mentioned in this episode:Shop the #counselorboost sale happening THIS week: Go to https://confidentcounselors.com/counselorboost or simply go to TPT and search for #counselorboost in the search bar.

When you’re a counselor who works solely with ninth graders, your role and challenges can sometimes look different from those of other counselors working with older high school grades. No one knows this better than my guest, Felicia Carter. Working primarily with ninth graders her entire counseling career, she has gained so much knowledge through her experience and is sharing her wisdom with you all. In this episode, Felicia shares how she seamlessly transitions ninth graders into high school, along with what she’s learned and let go of along the way.One of the things I loved most from our conversation was Felicia’s optimistic perspective and encouraging words for working with ninth graders. She worked hard at fostering a sense of belonging and school spirit before ninth graders even started their first day of school. I gained a new outlook for ninth graders, and I know after listening to this episode, you will, too!Resources Mentioned:Private Podcast: Kick-Start Your Year as a High School Counselor https://counselorclique.com/privatepodResource: Freshman Year Planning BundleResource: Ninth Grade Transition to High School PresentationResource: Freshman Year Planning GuideResource: Soft Skills BundleResource: Back-to-School BundleLeave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Felicia:Instagram: http://instagram.com/schoolcounselingsmart Connect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook https://facebook.com/counselorcliqueSend me an email mailto:[email protected] the Clique Collaborative <a href="https://cliquecollab.com/" rel="noopener...

Before the new school year officially begins, I’m starting a new series where I’m talking with counselors from different grade levels to gather insight into their roles and the specific struggles or challenges they face with the grade level they serve. Today, I’m kicking off the series with middle school counselor Lauren Tenholder. Lauren shares what high school counselors need to know about incoming ninth-grade students and their transition to high school. When incoming ninth graders enter high school, high school counselors often feel like they have to start from scratch by gathering information on their students. However, Lauren emphasizes using their feeder middle school counselors as a resource. She believes communication and collaboration amongst middle school and high school counselors will make a student’s transition to high school smoother and make the ability to take action on serving their social and academic needs easier. Throughout our conversation, Lauren provides a lot of insight into the common struggles eighth graders have about entering high school, the pressure parents can put on their kids when it comes to academics, and the growing number of expectations these students are facing. I loved the perspective Lauren conveyed about a student’s transition to high school and what kind of information they’re equipped with and still need to know. So, if you’re a high school counselor who works directly with ninth-grade students, this episode is for you!Resources Mentioned:Resource: Transition to High School Ninth Grade PresentationResource: Freshman Year Planning Guide​​Resource: Freshman Year Planning BundleLeave your review for School Counseling Conversations on Apple PodcastsConnect with Lauren Tenholder:Facebook: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090560221288&amp;mibextid=ZbWKwL&nbsp;Instagram: https://instagram.com/onecraftycounselor&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Etsy: https://etsy.com/shop/onecraftycounselor Connect with Lauren:Sign up for the free, 3-day prep for High School Counseling Job Interviews: https://counselorclique.com/interviewsVisit my TpT store: https://counselorclique.com/shopSend me a DM on Instagram @counselorclique: https://instagram.com/counselorcliqueFollow me on Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/counselorclique" rel="noopener noreferrer"...