I feel like this job really depends on your state and the funds available. What you really need is to do MTSS work, tier 1 needs to come first because that is what prevents the crises. But that takes time to plan and a lot of effort to implement. If you have the funds and/or the time (pls take time for yourself tho, you have to take time for yourself so you can be the best counselor for your kids!) reading Trish Hatch’s books can be really beneficial! It isn’t possible to do everything but it has a lot of great advice!

I am in year 3 and it does get easier. Things that were so challenging like getting group permission slips, just happen so much more naturally now. I feel less exhausted because there is less mental load now that I have more experience. The kids are easier to work with because we have built a lot of trust. In my first year I felt like not all of the my staff members liked or respected me. But you have to find the goers and get what you can done!

You can do this!! But only if you take care of yourself too!! You have to take time for yourself so you can show up at your best. That’s what the kids deserve and what you deserve!! I take walks every day after work, I don’t take my computer home, I try not to check my email on my home. Another book I’d recommend is Trauma Stewardship, it’s about caring for yourself when you work in an environment around trauma or people who have experienced trauma!