Publication

Practical strategies to improve school climate and well-being for all

I recently authored and edited a book with Dr. Melissa S. Ockerman from DePaul University. This book aims to clarify the intersections among multiple SEL models and outline how school counselors can effectively support and enhance each one.

In addition to providing conceptual clarity, the book serves as a practical guide for both school counselors and administrators aiming to implement a fully systemic approach to SEL. It includes discussions of common problems of practice, actionable solutions, reflective questions, professional learning and implementation templates in each chapter.

As an edited volume, the book features contributions from 19 practitioners and scholars selected for their demonstrated ability to lead systemic SEL initiatives in schools. Contributors include both field-based leaders driving change in K–12 settings and researchers offering evidence-based best practices from higher education.

Actionable insights to foster culturally responsive programming while driving systemic change

Practical solutions for addressing real-world implementation challenges tailored to diverse school communities

Downloadable templates, talking points for encouraging dialogue, and team-based professional development activities

Guidance for fostering partnerships among administrators, school counselors, and multidisciplinary partners

Strategies to prevent burnout and sustain meaningful contributions within school systems

REVIEWS

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“This book is essential reading for every school counselor, leader, counselor educator, and leadership educator. Kirsten Perry and Melissa Ockerman have edited an international, culturally diverse, and wise group of school counselors and leaders in the field who address our biggest issue: making sure that building leaders and school counselors are on the same page to ensure the success of all students. As I was reading this book, I realized we finally have a school counseling text ideal for human development classes—we are not only developing individual students, but also entire school counseling programs; that is what this book does by combining the best of CASEL and ASCA Model concepts. It’s a love letter to schools and students wrapped in the need to be flexible, creative, and fierce as we create culturally responsive practices, This book is a roadmap on how to chart a course of care, wisdom, and kindness as we ensure academic, career, college access and affordability, and admission skills rooted in the social-emotional success for all students.”

Stuart Chen-Hayes, PhD

Professor in Counselor Education: School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

Student mental health, maintaining a healthy workforce, and meeting more needs with fewer resources are continued and growing challenges in education. The ABCs of Social Emotional Learning for School Counselors and Administrators is a forward-thinking and practical vision for supporting our youth in the most fundamental ways. Perry and Ockerman craft an insightful, engaging, and pragmatic framework that is further illustrated and defined by the amazing contributors, a team of thought leaders and talented practitioners. Throughout the pages there are effective models to elevate leadership and enhanced understandings on how to deliver SEL instruction and skills to build competencies. The book provides essential data practices, strategies, supports, and interventions to drive an MTSS program, all centered in culturally responsive partnerships with our youth, families, and communities. The book provides dynamic visuals and easy to understand guides and models. Just as the ABCs are fundamental to the start of learning for our children, The ABCs of Social Emotional Learning for School Counselors and Administrators is a great starting point for school counselors and other educational leaders to create a new vision that is adaptive, balanced and collaborative.

Stephen Sharp

Author and School Counselor, Hempfield School District, PA

Grounded in research and real-world experience, The ABCs of Social Emotional Learning for School Counselors and Administrators equips educators to build sustainable programs while prioritizing the well-being of all.