SCOPE: School Counselor Opportunities and Professional Engagement

During this time of racial unrest, I think hearing other people's stories gives us great insight into racism and how we can have conversations that make us uncomfortable.  Dr. Wanda Fisher and Candice Burrell, MEd, share their insight and wisdom on how to talk about racism with our students and each other.   vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

In these unknown times, understanding values and wellness is an integral part of the school counselor's work.  How can we start thinking about bringing students back into our schools and meeting their needs?   vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

Alex is well known for his work in mindfulness practice, years before it became the norm in school counseling.  During this pandemic and while we are under stay at home orders managing the new normal, he has some timely words to offer us for comfort and support.   vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

Learn some new ideas and strategies for working with LGBTQ+ youth and how to impact school climate and culture.  Josh Hurley, former VSCA board member, shares his counseling journey in running small groups and giving students a voice.  We also discuss how counselors can work virtually with students during our social isolation.   vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

Working through grief and loss is one of the toughest parts of the school counselor role.  Listen to this podcast with guest Lynne Hughes with Comfort Zone Camp for some tips and resources to benefit you and your students.  vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

We have a new state school counseling specialist, Sarah Bazemore!  And we have our former specialist, Joe Wharff, who now serves as Associate Director for Student Services.  They have some exciting initiatives to share with us.  Learn how to get support for your program at the state level. vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

Play therapy is a great strategy to implement in working with students in the school setting.  Hear about how to use meaningful play therapy and learn how you can become a certified play therapist. vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

Advocacy is a word you hear often in the school counseling profession.  Hear how you can make YOUR voice count at the state and local level.  vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

This episode discusses the career domain with some creative ideas for implementation and collaborating with CTE teachers and business partners.  How do we prepare students for jobs that don't even exist yet? vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

A group of counselors from the professional development team discuss their summer passion projects with some amazing ideas and strategies for our every day work.  Learn how you can bring that summer passion into the fall for best practice for your students.  vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

We all have the topics of equity and access on our radar in working with our student populations.  Valerie Keating from the College Board discusses how we can promote equity for all and how the College Board can be of use to elementary and middle school counselors as well as high school counselors.     vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

Teaching classroom lessons in the three domain areas of academics, careers, and personal social can sometimes be time consuming and the students don't see the connection between these lessons and real world experiences.  Deb Anderson shares her holistic model and how it has impacted her school community. vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

It is a challenge to work with students who are struggling with behaviors, attendance and mental health concerns.  Liz Beatley shares tips and creative ideas that have been successful in working with her students in an alternative education setting.   vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

Talking about substance use is important for schools and communities so that students and parents are comfortable in asking for help and resources.  Shelley and Majken are school counselors who specialize in substance prevention and share their unique programs and discuss current trends in substance use.   vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

Get some relevant and innovative ideas on how to run small groups.  This team is inspiring and has some creative ways to get student and faculty buy in.   vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

This episode explores the emerging theory of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.  We discuss mindfulness techniques we can use for ourselves and our students in dealing with stress and anxiety. vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

Paige shares with us her RAMP journey from beginning to successful end as a top 6 School of Distinction. (Recognized ASCA Model Program) vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com

Liz updates us on the new VSCA board and advocacy efforts for the state of VA.  There are a lot of exciting events unfolding. vscaprofdevelopment@gmail.com