Building relationships with teachers is a significant part of being effective as a school counselor or psychologist. When I started, I had no idea how to do this besides being friendly. I quickly found myself out of the loop and feeling like my interventions took a long time to get off the ground.
Over time, I learned some tried and true strategies to communicate and demonstrate my value to teachers. In turn, I received their buy-in when I had a plan to help the more challenging students.
Relationship Building Tips
Make Morning Rounds
Consistent and frequent face time is vital to build relationships with teachers. Pick one or two grades to check in and make rounds before the school day begins. When I did this, we'd chat about specific students, but it was often about the class in general and what they noticed. If the conversation focused on a specific student and seemed like a bigger issue, I'd ask them to refer them to our MTSS team.
I chose the morning because it has a natural end time. Seeing my face was the quickest way to weave myself into the fabric of a school. For some grades, it made sense for me to attend a portion of their grade-level meetings.
I'd recommend taking on only a few grade levels so you don't walk away with a to-do list a mile long. If you are new, talk with your principal about prioritizing grades.
Tell Them About Counseling
When I saw a student for counseling, I would send the teacher a quick summary about what I was doing in counseling and strategies they could reinforce in the classroom. I would note the student's counseling session time and if I have a regular check-in with the teacher.
Giving them a view into the counseling sessions helps teachers understand the kind of skills you are teaching and the process.
Recess Queen
Offer to run a class recess for a teacher so they can have some extra time. It is full of teachable moments, especially for social skills and conflict resolution.
Do a Read Aloud
Go in and do a read-aloud lesson. There are plenty of great children's books with a social-emotional learning focus.
Use my SEL Book Database to find your favorites.
My Favorites
Say Thank You
When teachers refer students, I usually drop a treat in their mailbox. You're Snickerific! When they have been consistent with a struggling student, shout them out in your newsletter or offer to supervise recess.
Jot down a thank you for their hard work or something you noticed them doing.
You need teachers to support students, generalize skills, create a positive classroom community, and communicate with parents. Your support is amplified when you have strong relationships with your teachers.
Hi! This is a wonderful resource – I am new to the building(s) and and struggling to build those connections (split between 2 schools). I am going to try these! Do you happen to have a template or copy of your cheat sheet? What types of info do you include? I think these will be great to send to parents too!
Hi Kristin,
It always depended on the student, but I would try to give a strategy or a phrase the parent/teacher could use to prompt the student. Or something the student was working on and how they could support in the classroom. Anything really to help make the connection between the counseling office and the classroom.