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- Cultivating Wellbeing and Resilience: Strategies for School Counselors
Course Title | Cultivating Wellbeing and Resilience: Strategies for School Counselors |
Course Number | ISCA 507 |
Course Overview | How can I be helpful to others if I’m not feeling well and balanced myself? We know the well-being of educators and staff is foundational to providing a high standard of care and professionalism in their critical roles of trust. When they learn how to prioritize and enhance their own wellbeing, they are better equipped to create a nurturing and supportive environment for students. This matters immensely because the tools and information they have to support themselves enhance their ability to perform professionally and cultivate an environment that empowers students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Join us for this transformative 7-module course with both live and asynchronous learning experiences, to focus on personal and professional care that guides us to monitor mental, emotional, and physical health. Led by experts Lindsay and Kirsten, you'll gain a rich toolkit of strategies to nurture self-compassion, resilience, and sustainable self-care routines - both for yourself and to infuse into your school community. Consider the historical, psychological, and cultural influences of work ethic and norms, including the addiction to stress, desire for busyness, and prioritization of productivity. This class will include reflection on both personal and collective care and the overlap between individual and institutional responsibility for workplace wellbeing. Through engaging content, practical resources, and thought-provoking reflection, you'll feel equipped to prioritize your needs while inspiring a culture of care. Don't miss this life-changing opportunity to replenish your cup and become a catalyst for holistic wellbeing in your educational realm. We have created this sacred space for you to reflect on personal and professional self-care practices. |
This course is primarily focused on the responsibility of the professional counselor. While the skills learned will be transferable to students, the primary emphasis is on the professional standards and development. |
ASCA Ethical Standards 2022 B.3. Responsibilities to Self g. Develop knowledge and understanding of historic and systemic oppression, social justice and cultural models (e.g., multicultural counseling, anti-racism, culturally sustaining practices) to further develop skills for systemic change and equitable outcomes for all students. h. Recognize the potential for stress and secondary trauma. Practice wellness and self-care through monitoring mental, emotional and physical health, while seeking consultation from an experienced school counseling practitioner and/or others when needed. i. Monitor personal behaviors and recognize the high standard of care a professional in this critical position of trust must maintain on and off the job. School counselors are cognizant of and refrain from activity that may diminish their effectiveness within the school community. C. SCHOOL COUNSELOR DIRECTORS/ ADMINISTRATORS/SUPERVISORS d. Providing opportunities for professional development in current research related to school counseling practices, competencies and ethics. i. Providing staff with opportunities and support to develop knowledge and understanding of historic and systemic oppression, social justice and cultural models (e.g., multicultural counseling, anti-racism, culturally sustaining practices) to further develop skills for systemic change and equitable outcomes for all students. |
Intended Audience | This course has been created for School Counselors and Educators of any level. |
Essential Questions |
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Knowledge | Skills |
Participants will have knowledge about: | Participants will be able to: |
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About the Facilitator |
Additionally, she enjoys interviewing for InitialView, and coaching school tennis teams. Her favorite pastimes include playing pinochle with her friend Kirsten, where conversations often meander into their shared passion for health and wellness topics. In her downtime, Lindsay can be found reading Louise Erdrich books, savoring tranquil moments on the pontoon at her cabin in Northern Minnesota, or attempting to make healthy baked goods.
Through her business platform, www.kirstenpontius.com, she extends her reach globally, drawing from her vast experience living in diverse locales such as Japan, The Republic of Georgia, Cambodia, Romania, and her current residence in Cote d'Ivoire, West Africa. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kirsten finds joy in the timeless game of pinochle, especially when played with her friend Lindsay, as well as cherishing moments of forest bathing, lakeside serenity in Minnesota, and exploration through travel. |
Lindsay Kehl is an experienced licensed School Counselor who has dedicated over 12 years to supporting international educational communities across Romania, India, Zambia, Panama, and Japan. Recently repatriated to the United States, Lindsay has established an educational consultancy offering private college counseling, creating professional development experiences for School Counselors, providing short-term coverage, and collaborating with non-profits like Meto to revolutionize the college search process. 
Kirsten Pontius is an International Wellbeing Consultant and holistic health coach with a multifaceted educational background spanning communications, a master's in administration, and specialized training in behavioral science from Yale's School of Public Health. Her expertise encompasses integrated nutrition, complemented by her role as a seasoned yoga instructor and practitioner of mindfulness-based stress reduction. Kirsten's dedication lies in fostering wellness within international communities, collaborating with schools, embassies, and organizations to provide comprehensive support for workplace wellbeing and assisting expat communities. Dates and times of offerings | Synchronous Sessions (90 min/each) - 12:00PM UTC
Asynchronous Activities
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Contact hours | 6 hours |
Time commitment between sessions | 1 hour every month |
Required Resource(s) | A journal, notebook, or diary. A calendar or planner may also be helpful. |
References | Follow APA 7th Standards
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