author

Sara Cottrill-Carlo

School Counselor, Curriculum Writer, Presenter

About Sara

Sara, an elementary school counselor and proud SEL enthusiast, now creates research-based resources and training to support fellow counselors. At The Responsive Counselor, she’s passionate about helping you be more effective and confident in your work with students.

Chatting confidently about

Expertise

Individual Counseling
Small Group Counseling
School Counseling Curriculum Development
CBT Based Interventions
504 Coordination

Experience

Curriculum Writer
5-Time ASCA speaker
School Counselor
Professional Development Specialist

13

years of experience


K - 8

Tennessee


Education

BA Psychology, Michigan State University
MS Community Research and Action, Vanderbilt University
MEd Human Development Counseling, Vanderbilt University

Articles from Sara

Ever feel like your group and individual sessions can feel a little too loose? A little unplanned? Using routines during ...

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What counseling routines do you use?

Do you have a shelf full of books in your school counseling office? Children's books with social and emotional themes ...

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What are your go to children’s books for counseling or lessons?

When the Back to School season arrives, it really arrives. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned school counselor, ...

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How do you know what to buy (and not buy) during Back to School?

Positive thinking can be the difference between a student persisting with a challenging activity and stopping too soon. As counselors, ...

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Building Positive Thinking In Students

High stakes state testing can generate a lot of anxiety for students and adults alike. Counselors are uniquely prepared to ...

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Test Anxiety: Activities and Ideas That Help

Organizational skills are important to a student's success at any age. That said, it can be a bit of a ...

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Our Favorite Ways to Teach Organizational Skills

Self regulation is a key skill for students (and adults). As school counselors, we have a great opportunity to target ...

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Self Regulation Counseling Activities

Bullying is something school counselors address in whole class lessons, small groups, individual counseling, and in quick emergency sessions. It ...

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Books and Resources for Bullying Prevention Lessons

I love seeing creative, engaging, and interactive school counseling bulletin boards. There are so many great ideas. Check out some ...

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Creative School Counseling Bulletin Boards

As a new school counselor you are likely feeling excited and overwhelmed. We've all been there. A few Confident Counselors ...

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New School Counselor – Tips For Your First Month

The excitement of getting your first school counseling job is immense. You jump for joy and begin to think, “now ...

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Must-Have Resources for New School Counselors

What's on your school counselor summer to-do list? I always have to take a step back when my list gets ...

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School Counselor Summer To-Do List

A couple of years ago, during a lesson, one of my students said, "Not to be racist, but she was ...

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Teaching Elementary Students About Identity, Diversity, and Social Justice

Restorative practices are sweeping the education world and for very good reason. This approach to discipline focuses on repairing/restoring the ...

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The School Counselor’s Role in Restorative Practices

No matter what your school looks like, chances are you’re helping students to effectively and peacefully manage conflict. We are ...

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Teaching Conflict Resolution: Strategies for School Counselors

While the ELL population is growing by leaps and bounds within US public schools, most school counselors don’t receive any ...

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7 Tips For School Counseling With ELL Students

I’m always excited about new fun school counseling activities that don’t involve worksheets and this post is all about my ...

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Cooperative Learning Activities in School Counseling Lessons

Target's Bullseye's Playground (did you know that’s the real name for what we all call the “dollar spot”??) is great, ...

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5 School Counseling Activities Using Pillboxes

Shop Resources from The Responsive Counselor

Ready to print counseling and social emotional learning resources for K-8.

Connect with Sara

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