

Wayne County Counselor Connection
September Newsletter Publication
Welcome back, School Counselors,
As we embark on a new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome back to each of you. The beginning of a new academic year always brings with it a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a renewed sense of purpose. This year, as we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, your role as school counselors remains more critical than ever.
Your dedication to supporting students, fostering their academic and personal growth, and ensuring their well-being is truly inspiring. You are the heart of our schools, the advocates for our students, and the champions of their success. The work you do not only impacts the students you serve but also shapes the future of our communities.
As we kick off this year, know that we are here to support you in every way possible. We have a range of professional development opportunities lined up, resources to enhance your work, and a community of peers ready to collaborate and share ideas. Together, we can make this year one of the best yet!
Thank you for your unwavering commitment and passion. Let’s make this school year a remarkable one for our students and for ourselves.
Welcome back!
Stacia
Career Readiness and Counselor Consultant
Did you know....
Did you know that RESA offers upwards of 26 hours of SCECHs for School Counselors?
SCECHs are free or low-cost
Professional learning sessions are mostly virtual
We offer professional learning sessions to support LLC and LPC. Each year, we provide both Human Trafficking and Implicit Bias in collaboration with the Safe and Healthy Schools Team
RESA has a partnership with Oakland Schools and Macomb ISD to offer support to new school counselors, with 3 years or fewer or recently changed levels, through the New Counselor Academy
Additional professional learning sessions are added throughout the year
- If you are interested in a topic that doesn't appear in our catalog, contact us to see if we can support your interest.
School Counselor Professional Development
To register for professional learning sessions, use the link below:
Upcoming Professional Learning at Wayne RESA:
September
9/17/2024
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ONLINE
7549 Lenny Learning - Improve Student Well-Being & Boost Staff Efficiency
In this one-hour workshop, staff will learn to use tools that help students enhance well-being and develop life skills. What's covered: a one-hour virtual hands-on professional development workshop, Tools for student well-being, and iAccess to ready-to-use lesson plans and resources that will save staff 20+ hours each semester. Come and learn more about the Lenny Learning Platform and the opportunity to have access to it for one year.
October
New Counselor Academy
Registration is open for these sessions. Another awesome group to be a part of! We have many new(ish) school counselors in Wayne County: K-12 with 3 years or fewer experience or recenlty changed levels. This professional learning opportunity is open to counselors in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county.
Registration: Links in the flyer. Separate registrations for in-person and online sessions.
Dates: In-person kickoff event in September, online content and networking sessions throughout the year, and an in-person wrap-up event in May.
Times: Variable based on interaction (see flyer)
Locations: Variable based on interactions (see flyer)
Audience: K-12 school counselors with 3 or fewer years experience in a school counselor role. Open to school counselors from outside Oakland County as well!
Cost: $30 for each in-person event registration. Free for all virtual sessions.
10/3/2024
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
ONLINE
7210 Exploring the Community College Option
Area community College staff will provide school counselors with the latest enrollment information and review of the admissions process for future students. In addition, community college staff will provide school counselors with detailed information about their many continuing education and certificate programs as viable post-secondary options for students seeking a quick career path. The 1st Session in the series will feature HFC, the 2nd Session in the series will feature WCCCD, and the 3rd Session in the series will feature Schoolcraft College. This series can offer up to 3 College SCECHs, 1.0 credit hours per session.
November
11/5/2024
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Schoolcraft College MEC Center
7015 Career & Postsecondary Success with the 21st Century Workforce
Counseling staff will receive information and resources to assist them in overcoming the challenges of a 21st-century Workforce. Participants will receive handouts and other information to enable them to support their students in their future career goals. 'Please bring laptops and/or smartphones.' This session will be an all-day event, and participants will receive 6 Career SCECHs.
11/12/2024
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
ONLINE
7300 A Careers in Construction and Trades
Careers in Constructions and Professional Trades will highlight various Trade careers and apprenticeship week activities. Attendees will learn about starting places such as pre-apprenticeships, college programs, trade schools, universities, and apprenticeship options. Sessions will also highlight non-traditional roles. Two to three guests representing training institutions or unions will share their experiences and opportunities within their organization. This professional learning experience will include Career SCECHs for each session attended.
11/21/2024
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
ONLINE
7300 B Careers in Construction and Trades
Careers in Constructions and Professional Trades will highlight various Trade careers and apprenticeship week activities. Attendees will learn about starting places such as pre-apprenticeships, college programs, trade schools, universities, and apprenticeship options. Sessions will also highlight non-traditional roles. Two to three guests representing training institutions or unions will share their experiences and opportunities within their organization. This professional learning experience will offer Career SCECHs for each session attended.
December
12/10/2024
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
ONLINE
7210 Exploring the Community College Option
Area Community College staff will provide school counselors with the latest enrollment information and review of the admissions process for future students. In addition, community college staff will provide school counselors with detailed information about their many continuing education and certificate programs as viable post-secondary options for students seeking a quick career path. The 1st Session in the series will feature HFCC, the 2nd Session in the series will feature WCCCD, and the 3rd Session in the series will feature Schoolcraft College. This series can offer up to 3 College SCECHs, 1.0 credit hours per session.
12/10/2024
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
ONLINE
This session will highlight a variety of careers in Healthcare. Career and Technical Education resources will be highlighted, and attendees will learn about stackable credentials for careers. Training information will be shared at various educational levels, from CNA to Surgeon. Panel guests will share information regarding their journey and education/training opportunities. This session will award 1 Career SCECH.
January
1/9/2025
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
ONLINE
7210 Exploring the Community College Option
Area Community College staff will provide school counselors with the latest enrollment information and review of the admissions process for future students. In addition, community college staff will provide school counselors with detailed information about their many continuing education and certificate programs as viable post-secondary options for students seeking a quick career path. The 1st Session in the series will feature HFCC, the 2nd Session in the series will feature WCCCD, and the 3rd Session in the series will feature Schoolcraft College. This series can offer up to 3 College SCECHs, 1.0 credit hours per session.
1/15/2025
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Eastern Time (US & Canada)
ONLINE
7470 Taking A Gap Year: An Intentional Approach
Wayne County Counselors will receive information and resources that can assist them in working with students interested in taking a gap year after high school. The content provided will help counselors and educators help students make more intentional decisions about taking a gap year. The information focuses on exploring motivations behind taking this route after graduation and making well-informed decisions that lead to personal and professional development. This session will award 1 College SCECH.
1/24/2025
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wayne RESA Room 250 ABC 33500 Van Born Rd. Wayne, MI 48184
Counselors will learn about the various branches of the military. Each speaker will cover one specific military branch as outlined below, address enlistment, education and training, career opportunities and benefits, and conclude with a discussion and Q and A. These in-person professional learning sessions fulfill the military SCECHs required for school counselors. This professional learning session will meet in person, and each attendee will receive military SCECHs for this session. This session will have representatives from 5 branches of the Armed Forces: Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy, and National Guard.This session will award 5 Military SCECHs ( this is an in-person session)
February
2/6/2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
ONLINE
7305 Getting Started with a Career Fair
Please join us if you'd like to create your first career fair or explore strategies to revamp an established fair. Together, we'll examine techniques to connect with guests, different career fair models, and organizational tips to help ensure it's a worthwhile career exploration event. You'll leave with tools and resources to get started. This session will award Career SCECHs.
2/20/2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
ONLINE
7307 Careers in Business and Entrepreneurship
This session will highlight careers in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Real Estate. Career Technical Education resources will be highlighted, and National Entrepreneurship Week activities will be shared. Attendees will learn about stackable credentials for careers in the field. Various postsecondary options will be shared, including certificate and associate degree programs. Guest speakers will share information regarding their journey and education/training opportunities. This professional learning session will award Career SCECHs to K-12 school counselors.
March
3/6/2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
ONLINE
7309 Careers in Computer Science and Technology
In this session, we will discuss the various career opportunities in Computer Science and Technology. We will highlight CTE resources and provide pathway information to help attendees understand the differences in education and training requirements. Additionally, guest panelists will share their experiences and provide information on the opportunities available within their organizations. This professional learning session is open to school counselors in grades K-12 and will award Career SCECH.
3/18/2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Eastern Time (US & Canada)
ONLINE
7311 Supporting the Budding Social Media Influencer
Do you need help responding when your student is interested in becoming a social media influencer? Do you see this as an unrealistic career goal? Let's come together and explore this interest, student motivation, and strategies to support your students. This professional learning session will award Career SCECHs.
Join us on Tuesday, September 17th!
We understand the importance of SCECHs in maintaining your certification and advancing your professional growth. If you have difficulties obtaining credit for sessions attended, please contact our Career Readiness and Counselor Consultant at weekss@resa.net or 734-899-8492.
Thank you for your commitment to ongoing learning. Your success and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Wayne County Career Counselors Corner
Wayne RESA's Career Counselors & Postsecondary Navigator bring you up-to-date information to help assist parent's with their child's career journey. With the support of our local schools, we aim to provide resources leading to career and postsecondary success for all Wayne County students.
Check out the updated Workforce Development website!
Additional Professional Learning Opportunities
Oakland Schools Professional Learning Opportunities:
Professional Learning Opportunites in Oakland County
Christian College Fair - September 24
Please share with your students and families as appropriate:
Date: September 24, 2024
Time: 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Woodside Bible Church, Troy
Description: This college fair is the first of its kind in Metro Detroit bringing together Christian colleges and university from throughout North America.
*Student should scan the QR code to register for the event.
Any questions regarding the event can be directed to Jennifer Wilson at antonelliwilson@gmail.com.
Macomb ISD Professional Learning Opportunities:
MISD Student Support Services Symposium (S4) October 1, 2024
Target Audience: Social Workers, Counselors, Health Teachers, Mental Health Staff
The Student Support Services Symposium (M-SWELL S4) is a full-day event that brings counselors, social workers and mental health staff together at the MISD for a time of professional learning, collaboration, and connection. This event will feature a dynamic keynote speaker and a chance to visit our resource fair. All attendees will receive a copy of Dr. Joe Johnson's book.
This year's theme is pursuing your purpose and reduce risk of burn-out!
Dr. Joe Johnson will be with us for the day to present on:
You don’t find your PURPOSE. You don’t discover your PURPOSE. You UNLEASH your PURPOSE!
Pursue Your Purpose Not Your Dreams: You didn't learn this in traditional education, but you should have!
The world we live in continues to evolve. However, the way students are taught and the knowledge received from traditional education does not always evolve at the same rate. What if educators were able to increase their own understanding of what's needed to create the life and career they desire so they can better prepare students for their own future. Get ready to learn about the hidden curriculum that can take the educator and the student to their next level.
At-Risk Professionals working with youth: Education professionals taking a look at themselves!
Working with youth can be challenging, frustrating, and very disappointing to professionals who are working outside of their "Sweet Spot." Many professionals fall victim to a belief that "having a heart" for the youth is enough to create impact. This session is designed for professionals that are burnt or burning out, searching for their "Sweet Spot" within the youth career field, or ready to discover and leverage their skills and strengths for traditional or non-traditional opportunities.
Participants will get a copy of Dr. Joe’s book: Pursue your Purpose not your Dreams it Starts with You
https://www.joejohnsongroup.com/about
SCECHs Available (pending)
CollegeBoard Counselor Summer Institute Recordings Available (SCEHs Available)
Information shared on behalf of College Board
Recorded sessions from Counselor Summer Institute:
Understanding the Supreme Court Decision and Next Steps for College Admissions
Let’s Talk about College, Career, and Scholarship Opportunities
Helping Students Tell their Stories through College Application Essays
MCAN Professional Development Opportunities
Postsecondary Exploration, Match, and Fit Course Registration - Fall 2024
Sep 9, 2024 Oct 13, 2024
20 College Preparation and Selection
This course was developed for practicing professional school counselors, pre-service school counselors, and college access professionals. It focuses on the impact of college information on students' postsecondary decisions as well as the impact that poor college fit can have on academic achievement and degree completion. Participants will learn how to reduce undermatch by helping students fully understand all of their postsecondary choices, important factors to consider when comparing colleges, and how to make informed decisions regarding financial, social, and academic fit.
Did you know that Michigan College Access Network offers professional development opportunities through webinars, courses, and events. Most MCAN webinars and courses are also eligible to earn State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs). For additional information please visit the MCAN website at https://micollegeaccess.org/events-professional-development
Hatching Results Professional Learning Opportunities
2024-2025 Hatching Results Virtual Learning Events
Established in 2003 by Dr. Trish Hatch, Hatching Results teaches and empowers school counselors, administrators, and other educators to use data to improve efficiency and effectiveness, leading to improved outcomes for students.
Hatching Results has announced their 2024-2025 virtual learning events calendar, including the following offerings:
MDE LGBTGQ+ Students Project, Fall 2024 Offerings
Dear Education Colleagues on the MDE LGBTQ+ Students Project Contact List:
LGBTQ+ students are still at disproportionate risk for persistent bullying, harassment, and victimization. In response to requests from school districts across Michigan, the MDE LGBTQ+ Students Project staff created a suite of online professional development workshops to build the capacity of schools to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive culture and climate where all students can thrive. We are honored to partner with school districts and parents to make these highly requested workshops available to school staff for the 2024-25 school year.
Here is the link to the Fall 2024 Offerings List, with more about the workshops and links to register.
https://bit.ly/MDELGBTQ24Offerings
When your registration has been accepted, you will receive an email with an individualized zoom link. Spots are limited, so please note that not everyone who registers will automatically be approved. Participants who attend all two hours of the full, live workshop will be eligible to receive State Continuing Education Clock Hours—SCECHs (1.75 hours) and Social Work CEs (2 hours).
Workshop Dates and Times:
◼ Laying the Foundation: Understanding the Identities and Experiences of LGBTQ+ Students in Michigan Tuesday, September 24, 2024| 8-10 AM
◼ Stay Current: Legal and Policy Issues Pertaining to LGBTQ+ Students and School Staff Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 8-10 AM
◼ When Bias Gets in the Way: How to Recognize and Address Barriers to Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Families Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | 8-10 AM
◼ Listening to Understand: LGBTQ+ Students Discuss Their Experiences in Michigan Schools Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 8-9:30 AM
◼ Upping your Game: How Coaches and Athletic Directors Can Support the Full Participation of LGBTQ+ Student-Athletes Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 8:30-10:30 AM
◼ From the School Bus to the School Board: School-Wide Policies and Best Practices to Support LGBTQ+ Students Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | 8-10 AM
If you are interested in inquiring about district or building-specific professional development, please reach out directly to our Project Lead, Kim Phillips-Knope at Kim@rootsofchange.org. Please note that with limited funding and our grant ending soon, we have established a fee-for-service schedule to sustain the project going forward.
If you need individualized technical assistance, please email milgbtqstudentsproject@gmail.com. A relevant staff member will respond to you as soon as they are able.
Thank you for your commitment to supporting the health, wellbeing, and academic success of Michigan students.
MI Student Aid School Counselor Webinar Series
MI Student Aid is excited to announce the Mini Webinar Series for High School Counselors registration is now available! Each 45-minute mini webinar will focus on a specific topic. These topics include:
- Welcome Back & MI Student Aid Program Updates
- MiSSG Data Dive
- MiSSG System Overview & Walk through
- FAFSA & Helpful Resources
- Scholarship Month Kick Off – Michigan Achievement Scholarship & Community College Guarantee
- TIP Scholarship Overview & Best Practices
- Programs for Students from Special Populations
September 11 at 10 a.m. - Welcome Back & MI Student Aid Program Updates
September 25 at 10 a.m. - MiSSG Data Dive
October 9 at 10 a.m. - MiSSG System Overview & Walk through
October 23 at 10 a.m. - FAFSA & Helpful Resources
November 4 at 10 a.m. - Scholarship Month Kick Off – Michigan Achievement Scholarship & Community College Guarantee
November 20 at 10 a.m. - TIP Scholarship Overview & Best Practices
December 4 at 10 a.m. - Programs for Students from Special Populations
Additional Webinars
Interested in more webinars? Share our upcoming webinars with your students and families.
Michigan Achievement Scholarship Informational Sessions
Virtual Financial Aid Presentations
Tools and Resources for Students and Parents
Virtual Paying for College Presentation
Thursday Sep 26, 2024 ⋅ 8pm – 9:30pm (Eastern Time - Detroit)
Dena Greene
greened@resa.net
School/Organization name
Wayne RESA
Paying for College presentations are informational presentations for high school students and their families to learn general information regarding the financial aid process. Presentations take place March through May (aimed at juniors) and late August through September (aimed at seniors). Families are also welcome to attend any of the publicly held presentations posted on our Financial Aid Events website (oakland.edu/financialevents).
Format: Virtual
Registration link: https://apply.oakland.edu/register/?id=8bca24d7-70b4-4dba-ac67-89a594f6f4d8
Presented by : Carrie Gilchrist, Oakland University
The Exploring Post program is a 40+ year effort out of SmithGroup’s Detroit office that aims to introduce high school students to careers in architecture and engineering as they relate to building design and construction. The program focuses on a series of hands-on workshops in the SmithGroup Detroit office alongside professionals, and attendance for these workshops is free – all you need to do is sign up and show up! If you’d like to know more about the Exploring Post program, consider visiting our website https://www.smithgroup.com/smithgroup-exploring-post
Upcoming Events and Conferences
MCAN Conference
Nov 6, 2024 - Nov 7, 2024
SCECH: 11 credit(s) in General SCECHs
2024 Conference Registration is Open
Registration is open for MCAN’s 13th annual conference, Celebrating Wins & Learning from Losses. This event will take place Nov. 6-7 at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant. Conference keynote speakers and breakout sessions will explore collective efforts to improve postsecondary student success, engage adult learners, and align institutional outcomes with workforce needs. We'll discuss how to build stronger communities and greater economic prosperity for all Michiganders, through postsecondary education.
MichCDA Conference
This virtual conference aims to bring together career development professionals, educators, and practitioners from the state of Michigan and beyond to explore innovative tools, strategies, and best practices for supporting clients and job seekers in navigating today's dynamic job market.
MSCA Conference
The Michigan School Counselor Association (MSCA) Conference is excited to announce the 2024 MSCA Conference! It will be held November 18-19 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at the Kalamazoo Center! You can see more info on the newly launched conference webpage.
Shinning a Light: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September:
Suicide Statistics in Michigan
The statistics are a stark reminder of the urgent need for action:
- In 2021, 1,482 Michigan residents aged 10 and older died by suicide.
- More than half of suicide deaths among Michigan residents involved firearms, and more than a quarter involved hanging/suffocation.
- In Michigan, suicide is a leading cause of death, claiming the lives of thousands of residents every year.
- Among our youth, suicide remains a heart-wrenching and prevalent tragedy, underscoring the urgency of our prevention efforts within the school environment.
- Alarming trends indicate an increasing rate of youth suicide in our state, reinforcing the imperative for comprehensive suicide prevention initiatives within our schools.
- Behind these numbers are individuals, families, and communities grappling with the devastating impact of suicide. It is a crisis that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances.
As we embark on Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, let us unite our commitment to combat this public health crisis. Together, we break the silence surrounding mental health, foster open dialogues, and provide knowledge and resources necessary to protect and uplift the lives of our young students. In the face of this challenge, our collective efforts promise hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future for the students we serve, and healing to our fellow Michiganders.
Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Post-vention Resources
Click the link below to access a dedicated webpage filled with vital resources on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. You'll also discover valuable professional learning opportunities tailored for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Feel free to add resources to any of the sections in the area where it says "Paste any web address".
Wayne County Counseling Listserv
If you would like to be added to the Wayne County Counselor listsev, please email Stacia Weeks at weekss@resa.net.
Email: weekss@resa.net
Phone: 734-899-8492