How School Counselors Can Be Advocates with Caroline Hines [IEP 190]

We continue to see compounded challenges in this school year. Today’s show focuses on the vital role school counselors can play in advocating for students and supporting student success, even in the uncertainty of a pandemic. Join us to learn more!Caroline Hines is an elementary school counselor in Sacramento, CA. Unlike many school counselors, Caroline is a social-emotional counselor who supports students and families, making sure her school is a kind and caring place where students feel safe, included, accepted, and cared for. Her last appearance on the podcast was about how schools and parents can promote kindness, and today’s conversation focuses on the unique challenges in our current school year.Show Highlights:How school counselors wear many hats that differ greatly from school to schoolWhat Caroline notices about this school year and its challengesHow our brains are wired to handle short bursts of stress rather than long, sustained periods of stressHow COVID adds extra stress because of the uncertainty of each day, along with the capacity to handle everyday challengesThe reality of the learning gap for students who haven’t had a normal school year for more than two yearsThe difficulty for teachers in challenging above-grade-level learners while supporting students who are behindThe need to revamp homework purposes and policies to account for students who are already behindHow parents and teachers feel scared, helpless, and uncertain about what comes nextWhy our “new normal,” whenever it comes, needs to address the socioemotional needs of students betterHow MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) is helping in Caroline’s school with a whole-child focus Thank you for listening!Connect with Caroline:On Instagram or via email: [email protected]/Resources:Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday.If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show.Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns:FacebookInstagramTwitterIEP websiteThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.