Solution Focused Schools Unlimited

Teachers often mistake control for being firm and stern and when that doesn't work, they become firmer and, more stern. Frustrated, they ask for help from administrators or counselors, who often tell them to do the exact same thing they were doing before. What's a teacher to do then? Enter the solution focused approach to classroom management, where teachers share their concerns and personal feelings about wanting to teach their students WITH their students. This podcast will assist you, your teachers or administrators with a dramatically different approach that calls upon students for help in achieving a classroom where learning is possible. For more information on Solution Focused Schools Unlimited, visit https://solutionfocusedschool.com where you will find many free resources and upcoming trainings that can take you directly into solution focused land! If you are interested in more on the book, Counseling Toward Solutions, 3rd printing, you can purchase the book here: https://www.routledge.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-A-Practical-Solution-Focused-Program-for-Working/Metcalf/p/book/9780367640903 Join Linda Metcalf in her free bi-monthly SF Connection live webinars and meet school counselors and social workers from around the world who are learning the approach and using it every day.

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

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

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 takes a different approach in conceptualizing how to keep students safe in a world of uncertainties. You will learn three ways that do not cost money, do not require a change of school policy and yet, incorporate every single staff member and students into a process that anyone can learn. Listen, as I share how the solution focused mindset can engage the "scary" student and pave the way for that student to feel important to the school. Learn how to re-engage students once they return from a suspension, conjuring up strategies together with an administrator to NOT be suspended in the future. From simple words that every teacher can use to de-escalate a situation to ideas that share the responsibility of safety, this podcast is unique and offers a glimpse into finding the miracle we are all looking for. For free resources and a view of upcoming events from Solution Focused Schools Unlimited go to: https://solutionfocusedschool.com To email Linda Metcalf: lmetcalf62@gmail.com

This second installment to SF Basics will cover 3 constructs that contribute to the solution focused mindset.  The ripple effect, the ideas that resistance can be conquered through a mindset and ways to talk to frustrated teachers are just some of the ideas covered in this podcast. Whether your job is as a school counselor, administrator or teacher, in this podcast, you will hear stories that bring to life what it is like to be an educator who sees past problems and into the eyes of experts in front of you.  Website for more free resources and events:  https://solutionfocusedschool.com Professional Development inquiries:  lmetcalf62@gmail.com Routledge.com

This podcast uses the comical Tinkerbell story to illustrate how the solution focused approach can help students, parents or teachers begin to realize the magic or expertise within themselves. Three basic constructs are discussed in this podcast, and illustrated through case studies. The listener will hear practical ideas for setting the direction of the solution focused approach with reluctant students, offering another mindset to a frustrating team meeting that focuses on problem talk and finally, how to reach the most resistant students of all. Listeners are invited to join the Solution Focused Schools Unlimited where they can receive free weekly resources: https://solutionfocusedschool.com

This podcast will share how to create a Miracle Worker team, (MW)composed of teachers who learn the solution focused process and work as consultants to fellow teachers and their students together to build solutions. It is ideal for school counselors and administrators who have students constantly referred to them for misbehavior or disrespect. The MW team takes those referrals instead, talking for 20 minutes to both teacher and student, creating a "preferred future" where they both describe what each person would be doing. Since it involves both teacher and student, it is more efficient and the chances of a return referral decreases dramatically. For information on more free resources, visit https://solutionfocusedschool.com

Listen to the detailed lineup of presentations and their application to helping everyone in your school to engage with students on every level! This conference was created for school counselors, who are the leaders of SEL on their campus. It will inspire you and guide you to keep the force going in your school. 18 CEU's- register at https://solutionfocusedschool.com/conference

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.

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

Exceptions are times when things go slightly better in our lives. In schools, exceptions are always there but are often overshadowed by a problem focused mindset. This podcast explains how noticing exceptions can change a student's view of himself and create hope. Through a few case studies you will learn how to seek out exceptions from the most challenging students, showing them that they too, are exceptional. Visit my website for more free resources and training opportunities: https://solutionfocusedschool.com

The third annual virtual SF School Conference will feature Bill O'Hanlon, Elliott Connie, Pam King, Chris Iveson, Merritt Watson, David Epston and more! Review and register: https://solutionfocusedschool.com/conference/conference

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

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

Every day, in schools around the world, educators construct strategies for student problems with the purpose of helping their students to succeed. It is an admirable task that sometimes ends with frustration, when the strategies, created in isolation from the student, fail to work. Yet, by simply including the students in all of the meetings that affect them, the student has an opportunity to share what might be helpful to increase success. Whether it is a team meeting, RTI or parent conference, including students in the conversation can serve several purposes: 1. The students' voice becomes a source of information for strategies that are more likely to succeed. 2. The student and teachers engage and are focused on the same goal. 3. Relationships change between the student and teacher, resulting in different interactions. After many years of going to home campuses to meet with her private clients at school, Dr. Metcalf reports a 98% success rate for student improvements, academic and behavioral when students were with her in meetings with all of the student's teachers. This podcast with share how it is done. Get ready to alter your meetings for Fall 2021! Link for new copy of Counseling Toward Solutions: https://www.routledge.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-A-Practical-Solution-Focused-Program-for-Working/Metcalf/p/book/9780367640903

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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

The school year is coming to a close. You have worked diligently to be at your best. How do you hope the last few weeks go, so your students recall your time with them as exceptional? This podcast will simply serve to remind you of the power you have to impact others in a great way, by being at your very best. Get ready for some visual insight in this podcast, designed to commend you on your diligence and remarkable abilities. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

Something is changing around us- in a good way! This podcast shares two real life cases where students surprised their teachers and counselor. The opportunities to amplify changes are sometimes hidden, but becoming a solution focused genius who sees beyond how a student or teacher is labeled gets easier with a new lens. Hear some ideas for amplifying new actions and take to heart the idea that noticing and being curious creates change. Tune in for words to say that give you a chance to make someone’s day. Doing that...will also change yours. Join me at the Free SF Connection webinars this spring by registering at https://solutionfocusedschool.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

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! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

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/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

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/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

When people learn about the solution focused approach and begin to apply it to certain situations at schools, they still get stuck at times when situations outside of their comfort zone arrive at their door. Well, its the solution focused approach to the rescue again! No matter the dilemma, no matter the issue, (outside, of course, of basic needs, but even then...) the three steps of the solution focused process can assist you in having a productive conversation of solution building. This segment will explain how to see requests from people as best hopes. It will share a scenario about a group of educators who had learned the approach then, once the training ended, wondered how to implement it. Voila, the solution focused approach helped them with implementation, just following the three steps. If you like what you hear, visit metcalfconsulting.org for more resources. May the solution force be with you...in all that you do. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

This podcast gives a case from the forthcoming 2nd edition of Parenting Toward Solutions- a book written for parents that gives them the chance to use the solution focused approach in their parenting. Listeners will hear questions to ask to empower parents and facilitate conversations so that parents learn how to build solutions as unique as their children. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

This episode includes ideas, developed from the article by Michael White, “Saying hullo again: The incorporation of the lost relationship in the resolution of grief (1988).” A mention of a clip from Finding Neverland, a movie, provides a nice way of explaining the act of keeping loved ones close after their passing. Questions to ask students, teachers and other adults virtually or in person are included so that the listener has a guide to this new way of comforting people dealing with grief. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

This episode describes qualities that can ultimately help us work with students, clients, teachers and parents as we are challenged by the pandemic. Listen for solution focused questions throughout that can help you recognize your expertise and the expertise of those you work with. There is always an expert- we just have to focus enough to see the expert inside each of us. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

When crises occur, most people panic and reach out to others for assistance in adapting to change. This episode takes the solution focused approach and demonstrates how it can be adapted to working with anyone dealing with a critical situation. The ideas here can be used with individuals, families, groups and debriefing situations. To purchase Counseling Toward Solutions, 3rd edition, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=counseling+towards+solutions&qid=1585171174&sprefix=counseling+toward&sr=8-1 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

This episode focuses on how students can generate their own strategies for eliminating test anxiety and other challenges through the solution focused process. It also goes over typical ways schools attempt to help students succeed during test season and invites schools to carefully examine strategies that have worked before. Purchase Counseling Toward Solutions at https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1583782296&sprefix=counseling+toward++solutions&sr=8-3 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

This episode shares some information about using the solution focused approach to decrease student suspensions and misbehaviors. Steps to take are included that honor policies but add a different strategy to dealing with students of concern. Order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=counseling+towards+solutions&qid=1582646777&sprefix=counseling+towar&sr=8-1 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

Counselors and staff often see the same students and teachers and hear from the same parents. Learn two steps to follow to lessen the number of referrals and increase student and teacher competency. To purchase the book, Counseling Toward Solutions, click here:: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

This episode describes a case that led to the development of a systemic intervention that the author developed. The intervention increases the success of students, teachers and parents as they try out new strategies for success. To order the book, Counseling Toward Solutions, click below: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

Learn 3 steps to use in conversations with school clients (students, teachers and parents) to help create a preferred future of where success becomes a possibility. Getting tons of forms to use in the book, Counseling Toward Solutions! Click here to see the book: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

Using the miracle question takes time and patience. This episode explains how to use it with elementary and secondary students. For more questions and guides check out The book, Counseling Toward Solutions here: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

The solution focused approach is not about certain questions to ask or strategies to construct- its a mindset. This episode touches on how to get into that mindset by always watching out for exceptions and seeing students with a new lens. For a complete guide to the SF mindset in schools, check out the book, Counseling Toward Solutions here: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support

An introduction to thinking differently about students using a solution focused lens. Includes a true case study. For a complete overview of the solution focused approach in schools, check out the book, Counseling Toward Solutions here: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/SFSchoolsUnlimited/support