As the school year approaches, it’s completely natural to feel a bit nervous as a new school counselor. You have a lot to learn and a lot to do, but don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll share some going to share some essential dos and don’ts for new school counselors to make sure you start the school year right. From building relationships with students to managing your workload, here are our my tips.

Supercharge Your Start: Do Go In Early If You Can

You’ll want to set up your office, become acquainted with the building, introduce yourself to the administrative staff. (Pro Tip: Administrative assistants are the heart of the school. They know your job, the teacher’s job, the parents’ jobs, the administrator’s jobs, and more! These are the people who will guide and mentor you through questions, ups and downs, and procedures. Treat them like gold. We can not run schools without them!

Secure Some Superglue: Do Build Bonds with Students Starting On Day 1

One of the most important parts of being a school counselor is building relationships with students. It’s essential to make them feel comfortable and safe enough to come to you with any concerns they may have. Take the time to get to know your students (minute meetings are a great way to do this), listen to them, and show them that you care. This will make a huge difference in how effective you are throughout the school year. Trust me on this.

Exercise Balancing Brilliance:  Don’t Overcommit Yourself

As a new school counselor, it’s  tempting to try to do everything at once. However, this can quickly lead to burnout. Make sure you’re not overcommitting yourself by taking on too much at once. You do not have to sign up for every committee. You do not have to say yes to every ask that is sent your way.  Your mental health requires boundaries. Prioritize your workload and set clear and concise boundaries.  Remember, you can’t help anyone if you’re feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.

Powerful Partnerships Do Communicate with Teachers and Parents

Collaboration with teachers and parents is essential for student success. Establish good lines of communication with them by introducing yourself personally. (Pro Tip: Send out welcome cards or make phone calls to say hello if you can!) Attend staff meetings and parent-teacher conferences. Try to be available for communication as much as possible.

See the Strength in Numbers: Don’t Go It Alone

Being a school counselor can be a challenging job, and it’s essential to remember that you’re not alone. Building relationships with other personnel such as social workers, school psychologists, and other professionals is essential. They can provide you with support and valuable insights. Seek out their advice if you need it.  Understand though, that there may be times when you feel like you’re on an island, especially if you’re an elementary school counselor without a team to work with.  Work through those feelings with the help of family, friends, and trusted colleagues.

Many new school counselors worry about how and what to teach in their classroom lessons.  There is no need to reinvent the wheel when we seasoned school counselors are here to support you.  You can find a wealth of resources here in my TPT store.  And as for tips, tricks, and classroom lesson management we can ease some of that angst with this School Counseling Classroom Management Kit. Some moments of prep before you start your lessons for the year will go a long way in helping your lessons have a huge impact on students.  For more great tips on school counseling success  join me at the 2023 Summer School Counseling Conference to gain valuable insight. Secure your spot by registering through this link. This virtual event offers more than 35 professional development opportunities, tailored to enhance your skills as a school counselor. There will be over 35 school counselors providing school counseling strategies to help you be your best!

Supercharge Your Self Care:  Do Prioritize Your Self-Care 

School counseling is a demanding profession, and it’s important to take care of yourself to avoid burnout. Consider doing yoga, meditation, or exercise to keep your body invigorated. Don’t forget to take personal days when needed.

Successfully Sail the Social Seas: Don’t Assume That Every Colleague Is Your Personal Friend (I.e., Girl, don’t be telling people all your business)

You are working. You are at your school to do a job and do it well. Yes, it is lovely to have a work friends. In fact, your work friends may some day become the folks you rely on during major moments in your adult like. Keyword: SOMEDAY. If you are new and you do not know your colleagues, remember that your professionalism sets the stage for how you will be viewed and treated.  Act accordingly.  Let your work friendships develop organically. And for the love of all things counseling, do not discuss confidential student or family situations or your counseling sessions with students. There will be unique situations where you may need to do this but proceed with caution, being ever mindful that your students are your priority!  (Pro Tip: Do not engage in office gossip. Politely excuse yourself if you feel uncomfortable with a conversation.)

You have a critical role to play in promoting student success. Building and maintaining positive relationships with students, teachers, and parents is an essential part of your role. Don’t forget to prioritize self-care and collaboration with other professionals. Be kind and set your professional standards for yourself high. Above all, enjoy your job, and take pride in the positive impact you will make. Remember, you got this!

For more great tips on school counseling success  join me at the 2023 Summer School Counseling Conference to gain valuable insight. Secure your spot by registering through this link. This virtual event offers more than 35 professional development opportunities, tailored to enhance your skills as a school counselor.