Announcements
November Student Development Spotlight: Angie Cox
Get to know Angie Cox, our November Student Development Spotlight! Angie works with 9th-12th graders at Luther High School and has been in education for over 15 years! Thank you, for all you do for your students and their families!
What is your favorite part of or the most rewarding aspect of your position?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a school counselor is witnessing the growth and development of the students. It's incredibly fulfilling to see them overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve their goals.
Why is creating a comprehensive school counseling program important to you?
A comprehensive counseling program ensures that all students, regardless of background or circumstances, have access to the support and resources they need to be successful. Not all students need the same thing, but a comprehensive program will help identify and target what students actually require.
What quote inspires you?
For peace of mind, we need to resign as general manager of the universe by Larry Eisenberg. There is so, so, so much in life that is outside of our control.
What do you do when you need inspiration to tackle another day working on behalf of students?
I think back to all of the successes students have had over the years and that keeps me going.
What do you do to decompress and refuel for the next day?
I read every single day. It helps me sleep better and resets my mind.
Announcements
NEW - Oklahoma Comprehensive School Counseling Hub
We are thrilled to introduce the Oklahoma Comprehensive School Counseling Hub: Oklahoma ConnectED Counselors—your one-stop destination for all things school counseling. This dynamic platform provides access to essential resources and documents tailored to your needs, including the newly-released Oklahoma Comprehensive School Counseling Implementation Guide, crisis response tools, college and career guidance, discussion boards, and so much more!
Whether you're seeking support for day-to-day challenges or long-term planning, the Hub is here to empower you in providing the highest quality support for your students. Join today and explore everything the Hub has to offer!
Two ways to join the Hub:
- https://osdeconnect.instructure.com/enroll/WLW9JT. OR
- https://osdeconnect.instructure.com/register (Join code: WLW9JT)
The second option will direct you to Canvas, where you will need to register using the code above. In order to access and participate in discussions and to receive related emails through this site, you will need to register for a Canvas account through the OSDE platform even if you already have a Canvas account through your agency.
If you have questions, please reach out to Christi Sturgeon ([email protected]) or Amy Whitewater ([email protected])
Statewide School Counseling Needs Assessment Survey:
We Need Your Input!
Why Participate?
This survey is a crucial tool to identify the evolving needs of school counselors across Oklahoma. By sharing your experiences and challenges, you'll contribute to shaping statewide policies and resources that directly impact your work and your students.
How It Helps:
Your feedback will guide efforts to:
- Enhance student mental health, academic support, and career readiness programs.
- Provide targeted resources and professional development for school counselors.
- Strengthen advocacy for school counseling across the state.
Quick and Easy:
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete. Don’t miss the chance to make your voice heard!
Oklahoma School Counseling Needs Assessment
Thank you for your commitment to student success and for helping drive positive change in school counseling!
New: Counselor & Administrator Collaboratives
In the fast-paced world of school counseling, working together as a community can be a game-changer. By joining a school counseling collaborative, you gain access to a network of like-minded professionals who share resources, ideas, and support. Collaboratives provide opportunities for professional growth, problem-solving, and staying current on best practices.
Being in a community with others helps reduce the sense of isolation that often comes with the job, while fostering collaboration on important initiatives like academic success, mental health and wellness, and post-secondary planning. Together, we can strengthen our impact and ensure better outcomes for students. Let’s uplift each other and grow our profession—join a collaborative today!
School Counselor 101 Collaborative:
Are you just starting out in school counseling? Are you emergency or alternatively certified and eager to connect with a team of passionate counselors ready to support you? Join our School Counseling 101 cohort by filling out the form below!
And if you’re a seasoned counselor looking to give back and mentor someone new to the field, we want you too! Simply select “Mentor” as your cohort type on the form, and we'll match you with a mentee. Plus, you'll be part of our regular online and in-person meetups where we’ll share successes, tackle challenges, and explore the fascinating world of school counseling together!
Link to Join: School Counselor 101 Cohort Sign Up
District Director/Lead Counselor and/or Administrator Collaborative for School Counseling:
Are you leading a school counseling department and looking to connect with fellow directors? Are you an administrator wanting to better understand how to work with your school counselor to develop effective and comprehensive programs? Join our School Counseling Leadership Collaborative for regular meetups, idea-sharing, and problem-solving with other leaders. Gain fresh insights, explore best practices, and strengthen your district’s comprehensive school counseling programs through this supportive network of peers.
Whether you're new to the role or a seasoned director, this is your opportunity to grow and collaborate. Fill out the form below and join today!
Link to Join: School Counselor Leader Collaborative
If you have any questions about the cohorts or the forms, please reach out to Christi Sturgeon at [email protected].
Training Opportunities
The Oklahoma State Department of Education Office of Student Support provides various training opportunities for school counselors. Platforms such as annual conferences, seminars, webinars, videos, and on-site training can provide you with the skills and resources necessary to serve Oklahoma students with care.
OSDE Connect Platform
To sign up for professional development through OSDE Connect, see the detailed instructions here.
Upcoming Events
Coffee with Counselors
Please join us for "Coffee with Counselors!" This is an informal time for school counselors from across our great state to come together for celebration, collaboration, and continued growth. We look forward to you joining us!
You asked, and we listened!
By popular demand, Coffee with Counselors will now be hosted on Tuesday mornings during even months and Thursday afternoons during odd months. This change is designed to make our networking opportunities more accessible for school counselors across the state.
Check out the dates, times, and registration links below—we can’t wait to connect with you!
Return to School Counseling Home | Return to Student Support | Return to OSDE Home
