Essential Skills for International School Counselors

ONLINE
Dates: 7 September - 26 October 2024
Synchronous Sessions: 7 - 9am ET - 7, 21, 28 September; 12, 19, 26 October.
Facilitator: Heidi Mermis-Cava

Hear what our participants have to say about the course! Andrea Morris

To be a counselor in an international school requires a unique skill set because counselors are often relied upon for so much more than what they were prepared for in a traditional counselors’ training program. This course provides a big picture understanding of the role of the counselor in international schools and provides practical tools and strategies to enhance a counseling program.

Essential Questions

  • What is the role of the international school counselor?

  • What are the design principles of an effective counseling program?

  • What are some examples of school counseling resources/practices which support all members of international school communities?

  • What does a comprehensive international school transition program look like?

  • What is the role of the counselor in child protection?

  • What is the counselor’s role in supporting digital citizenship, wellbeing, DEIJB and other school program initiatives?

Learning Goals

You will understand that:

  • Comprehensive school counseling programs are in a constant state of continuous improvement

  • Comprehensive transition programs are important for effectively supporting students, parents and staff

  • Sharing resources and experiences benefits everyone

You will know:

  • The key components of an effective international school counseling program

  • The varied roles of an international school counselor

  • A variety of resources for approaching different aspects of our work

You will be able to:

  • Use ethical guidelines to inform your counseling practice

  • Create a comprehensive transition program

  • Develop recommendations for improvement of your school’s counseling program

  • Demonstrate effective communication practices with all stakeholders

  • Evaluate and support school culture development strategies for approaching different aspects of a counselor’s work

Who is this experience for?

Current and aspiring counselors in international schools will benefit from the CTC courses. The mix of theory and practical, job-embedded practices will provide participants with a wealth of strategies to use in their role.

What’s my commitment?

This is an 8-week course with six synchronous sessions and job-embedded tasks and practices for participants to complete between sessions. Synchronous sessions include opportunities for both learning from an experienced international school course-long leader and small group discussions. You should be prepared to spend approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours per week, including individual and job-embedded tasks. This course can be used towards completion of your Certificate of International School Counseling.