Solution Focused Schools Unlimited

This podcast addresses how the solution focused mindset helped two school counselors to deal with complicated problems in two real case studies. Learn specific ways to ask questions and the reasons to steer away from problem talk with both elementary and secondary students. For more information on the solution focused approach to school counseling, go to https://solution focused school.com

The school year has started and so have the requests. This podcast introduces the solution focused approach as a mindset, not just strategies to try out. Listen to how the author recognized the importance of engaging students differently, as a teacher, and then later as a school counselor. The podcast will share the three steps of the solution focused approach and bring to life what those steps do for the school client (student, teacher or parent). From there, each step is explained and examples given. You will leave this podcast with steps to try out that will restore hope in your job as a school counselor and leave you less stressed and more excited than you have been in a while. Listen, enjoy and practice! Get the book, Counseling Toward Solutions at Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-A-Practical-Solution-Focused-Program-for-Working/Metcalf/p/book/9780367640903 Check out the Solution Focused Schools Unlimited website: https://solutionfocusedschool.com

This episode explains three strategies that will empower students, find peace in overcrowded classrooms and expand solution building techniques with exceptions. For more information reach out to the Solution Focused Schools Unlimited website at https://solutionfocusedschool.com

This unique podcast was created after I witnessed a disturbing situation in a classroom. Recording the podcast in my car afterwards, I share ideas on how to help teachers who take actions that can disengage students who desperately need engagement. Listen as I provide ideas from the 3 solution focused steps that can assist you in reaching teachers of concern.

It’s time to review what we did and plan for next year. That goes for school counselors, teachers, administrators and…students. This podcast will share the importance of not doing it alone! Instead, by asking the right questions you may have the planning done for you.

The solution focused approach is not about technique or strategies. It is much more than that. it is about how we think of people- our mindset. This podcast provides 4 mindset beliefs of the solution focused approach and describes a case of a student who is in an administrator’s office facing suspension. Additionally, a case involving a teacher who just wants advice about a disruptive student is addressed. Seeing the expert in every school client can instigate results like these- it just takes a mindset.

Learn how to create a Miracle Workers’ team in your school to help carry out the solution focused approach in team meetings. Listen to a classroom guidance activity that helps students conceptualize what a team player does. Go further by incorporating teacher input so the classroom climate changes. Finally, get an idea on how to proactively approach frequent flyers so they construct a new vision of themselves. Website: https://solutionfocusedschool.com

Our students are returning this fall after seventeen months away. How we greet them will impact how they re-enter the classroom environment and settle back into school. This podcast will provide ideas for developing a plan for re-entry using the solution focused mindset. Get ready to brainstorm your unique plan and greet your students back to class. The solution focused mindset will make the difference for students and for you!

There were 29 school shootings in 2021. Our strategies to protect our schools is noble but not effective in putting a stop to school violence. This podcast takes on a solution focused mindset that is proactive. Listen to ideas that will give you direction to try a new strategy. We nothing to lose and have everything to gain. The last SF Connection on Dec 15 will be at 12:00 CST. The topic will be on preventing school violence. Register at: https://solutionfocusedschool.com

This podcast refers to “The Power of Purpose Driven Schools, an article by Mark Oppenheimer (WSJ 8-1-21) and explains how the questions of the solution focused approach can elicit purpose for our students. A story is included that focuses on how a student rose above a tough situation and shows how the solution focused questions supported his resilience. To become part of the SF Connection webinar series and receive guidance topics weekly (Monday Ideas) as well as learn about the 2021 SF School Conference, go to https://solutionfocusedschool.com

Parents often come in upset about their child/teen and have concerns and complaints that can veer you toward problem focused land. By inquiring about their child/teen’s wonderfulnesses the conversation will get you on the path to solutions and improve the parent-child relationship in the process. This podcast will provide steps for you, too, so you discover the wonderfulnesses that you possess as well. This podcast was inspired by the book, Narrative Therapy in Wonderland: Connecting with Children’s Imaginative Know How- Norton Publishers (2016) Epston, Marsten and Markham. Visit solutionfocusedschool.com for more resources on becoming a solution focused educator!

This podcast gently adds some narrative therapy magic to the action oriented solution focused approach when working with school clients who seem overcome by situations. The SFNT model offers a slight detour off path, so the school client can express concerns in a way that shares their values with the counselor. Learn how the models became intertwined and evolved into my book, Solution Focused Narrative Therapy( Springer, 2017). Register at solutionfocusedschool.com for free bi-monthly webinars

Self care used to be an indulgence but now it is essential! This podcast takes the listener through an exercise to invigorate their day. Additionally, there are suggestions for externalizing issues that students bring to the school counselor. To join the author each week for live webinars supporting topics like this, go to solutionfocusedschool.com and click on membership!

In this first podcast of a new series, "The Solution Focused Teacher," learn about a new approach that can help you get your power back in your classroom. Whether you teach kindergarten or twelfth grade, whether you are an academic coach, administrator or special education teacher, the ideas in this podcast are aimed at one goal...to help you get your power back. Once you grow your power, your classroom will transform into a more respectful, motivating climate. This podcast series will introduce a very different approach that is part of a "solution focused mindset." This initial podcast describes that mindset by describing how a twelfth grade teacher dealt with a disruptive student who tried everything to upset her. Listen as the teacher comes up with new ways of dealing with the student that did not include consequences! Listen as I describe how she created her own solution, which she then tried successfullly. I would love to hear from you! Email me at lmetcalf62@gmail.com with situations or topics for future podcasts. This podcast series is yours and to make it yours, I want to cover what you need. May the solution force be with you. Linda Metcalf, M.Ed., Ph.D. Solution Focused Schools Unlimited, LLC email: lmetcalf62@gmail.com website: https://solutionfocusedschool.com

Students often show their lack of understanding of academics or emotional turmoil by acting out. Those students need us more than ever. Yet too often, we grow frustrated after trying to engage them and sometimes disengage from them. This podcast shares some ways of thinking that may help educators to give it one more try to engage the disengaged student. And, surprisingly, it may be easier than you think! Join the Solution Focused School Unlimited membership program! Go to solutionfocusedschool.com

Where else can you hear 15 Solution Focused Experts on Schools from 5 countries, and get up to 15 CEU's for the early bird price of $129?  This podcast will share details of the speaker's topics and give you all the reasons to join me on Oct 2-3-4.  Here is the link to explore the conference even more and register!  Early Bird price of $129 ends on September 10 so hurry! https://solutionfocusedschool.com/conference/

This episode will provide specific questions and approaches for school counselors, teachers and administrators to use when starting back to school, whether virtual or, face to face.  We all face uncertainty with this school year, yet probably, to most of us, uncertainty itself is not new!  Learn how to respond to uncertainty when it attempts to take over a teacher, student or parent.  And, look within yourself too, for the expert who can emerge and send messages of reassurance to everyone, just by noticing exceptions they exhibit, every day. For. more informative sessions, click on The Solution Focused School Conference,  hosted by Linda Metcalf, October 2-3-4,  2020, virtually.  Hear from 18 speakers from 5 countries share their solution focused ideas for schools that work virtually or face to face!  Go to:   https://solutionfocusedschool.com/conference/

This episode describes how the solution focused mindset can encourage us to watch our biases toward others and reach out to them, whether in our personal lives, our communities or at school. Learn about the Promise Program and get specifics on how to address marginalized students so that they feel hope in their lives. Information about a free weekly webinar is included as well as how to register for it at metcalfconsulting.org

Whether you do virtual counseling or face to face, students who are not engaged are challenging. This podcast takes a look at what Maslow said about self-actualization and the incredible need that we all have, especially some of our students, to feel a part of something. Learn some new ways of thinking about the resistant student  that can give you one more try to reach that student who seems distant and resistant.

This episode talks about disappointments and sad situations that intrude in students’ lives. While recorded during the Pandemic, the steps shared can be used any time. The use of narrative therapy and the idea of externalizing problems is covered with examples of questions to ask.