A multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) offers an opportunity for holistic school improvement, improving decision-making and fostering community connections. Join Cindy Bourget, ASCA 2024 School Counselor of the Year finalist, to learn how to improve student outcomes by integrating Tier 1 SEL instruction, aligning ASCA Student Standards with state standards and developing teacher-led curricula. Gain insights into creating consistent systems for behavior, attendance and academic achievement across districts.

Explore the transformative power of employability skills to improve student behavior and build a cohesive school culture. In this session, Cindy Bourget, ASCA 2024 School Counselor of the Year finalist, demonstrates how a universal discipline system based on employability skills creates natural consequences are easily understood by students and families. This approach, which is tied to the  ASCA Student Standards, unites staff with a consistent language for behavior expectations, discipline and positive reinforcement. Gain strategies to make difficult conversations with families less daunting and enhance staff capacity through co-teaching employability skills.

Learn to foster strong, effective relationships with administrators, staff and your larger school community. Cindy Bourget, ASCA 2024 School Counselor of the Year finalist, guides you through the annual administrative conference, using data to inform and defend decisions and writing successful grants. Discover ways to engage staff through trauma-informed care and restorative practices, reduce mental health stigma and conduct productive meetings with families. Gain insights into engaging the community with social media outreach and advisory committees.

The stigma surrounding mental health poses a significant barrier impacting every facet of our students' lives, from academic achievement to attendance and behavior. School counselors are pivotal in supporting families to navigate their students' mental health journeys effectively. Join Cindy Bourget, ASCA 2024 School Counselor of the Year finalist, as she explores innovative approaches to leveraging Employability Skills to collaborate with key stakeholders. Discover how to establish a Universal Tier 1 framework that fosters mental health and resilience among students. Explore strategies to engage school staff through trauma-informed care and restorative practices, ensuring a supportive environment for all. Learn effective techniques for conducting productive meetings with families, aimed at reducing mental health stigma and fostering understanding and collaboration. Join her as we uncover practical insights and actionable strategies to empower school counselors in their crucial role as advocates for student mental health and well-being.

As school counselor leaders we need to be masters of, "being a crock-pot, not a microwave." With the benefit of our positions to see all aspects of a school, it's easy to envision possibilities and strive for immediate change. However, true student centered leadership requires understanding and respecting the pace at which teams adapt to new ideas and initiatives. Like cooking with a crock-pot, effective leadership involves providing the right ingredients and conditions, maintaining a steady momentum, and allowing sufficient time for ideas and efforts to mature into something truly impactful. Join Cindy Bourget, ASCA 2024 School Counselor of the Year finalist, as she explores how embracing the crock-pot philosophy has not only shaped her leadership style but has also fostered sustainable growth and lasting success within my school and community. Together, we'll uncover practical strategies for nurturing change, building strong foundations through Tier I behavior interventions, and empowering all school staff to support student success through attendance, achievement, and discipline.

How often have we heard, "Well, that’s how we’ve always done it"? Traditions in education provide consistency and demonstrate positive intent, fostering essential trust within school communities. Yet, for students to achieve sustained success and develop the skills required for adulthood, they need educational programming and systems that offer both stability and opportunities for growth. Join Cindy Bourget, ASCA 2024 School Counselor of the Year finalist, as she explores the transformative impact of data on school counseling programs and district-wide systems. Discover how harnessing data can enhance stability in educational initiatives while fostering the adaptability necessary for every student’s achievement. Gain insights into strategies for empowering stakeholders to embrace a forward-thinking vision of school counseling that drives systemic change. Together, let’s ensure that our traditions evolve to empower all students.